Save A vibrant spread of customizable boards and bowls, perfect for social gatherings. Guests mix and match fresh ingredients to create their own personalized meals—fun, engaging, and sure to please every palate.
I first introduced build–your–own boards at a family reunion, and it quickly became everyone’s favorite way to eat together. Each person enjoyed crafting their own bowl to match their cravings, and even the picky eaters participated with excitement!
Ingredients
- Grilled Chicken Breast: 400 g, sliced
- Marinated Tofu: 400 g, grilled or baked, cubed
- Cooked Shrimp: 400 g, peeled and deveined
- Falafel Balls: 350 g, store-bought or homemade
- Jasmine Rice: 4 cups, cooked
- Quinoa: 4 cups, cooked
- Romaine Lettuce: 2 large heads, chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
- Cucumber: 1, sliced
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, sliced
- Shredded Carrots: 1 cup
- Cooked Edamame: 1 cup
- Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes: 1 cup
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: 1 cup (or vegan alternative)
- Sliced Olives: 1/2 cup
- Pickled Red Onions: 1/2 cup
- Toasted Nuts or Seeds: 1/2 cup (e.g., almonds, pumpkin seeds)
- Hummus: 1/2 cup
- Tzatziki: 1/2 cup
- Sriracha Mayo or Spicy Yogurt Sauce: 1/2 cup
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Lemon-Tahini Dressing: as needed
- Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: as needed
- Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette: as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble Toppings & Sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set Up Serving Area:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide Utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite Guests:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save We love making these interactive meals during holidays, where grandparents and kids work together mixing their favorite combinations. It always sparks laughter and creative choices!
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten (in falafel/sauces). Check all labels for allergens and cross-contamination, especially for guests with sensitivities. Crustacean shellfish present in shrimp.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving for a typical bowl: 420 calories, 14g fat, 48g carbohydrates, 22g protein.
Save Set out everything buffet-style, and your guests can build their own masterpieces in minutes. This meal turns dinner into a lively event every time!
Recipe FAQs
- → What proteins can be included?
Options include grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, or falafel. Choose according to preference or dietary needs.
- → How do I set up the serving area?
Arrange ingredients in separate bowls or platters, grouping by category. Place utensils nearby and let guests assemble their own plates.
- → What grains work best for the base?
Cooked jasmine rice, quinoa, or chopped romaine lettuce are great base options for building custom bowls or plates.
- → Can this accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, offer plant proteins and gluten-free items, and label common allergens. Omit animal-based items for vegan guests if needed.
- → What sauces and dressings can I use?
Provide lemon-tahini dressing, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, or soy-ginger vinaigrette. Add other global sauces for variety.
- → What fresh toppings make it more exciting?
Add chopped fresh herbs, toasted nuts, pickled onions, olives, or spicy yogurt sauce to enhance flavor and texture.