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, engaging, and sure to please every palate.
I first created a build-your-own board for a family get-together and everyone enjoyed mixing ingredients to their taste. It was a great way to let kids and adults have fun with their plates while keeping everything fresh and exciting.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 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).
- Grains & Bases: Cooked jasmine rice (4 cups), cooked quinoa (4 cups), chopped romaine lettuce (2 large heads).
- Fresh Vegetables: 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).
- Toppings & Extras: Crumbled feta cheese or vegan alternative (1 cup), 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).
- Dressings & Sauces: Lemon-tahini dressing, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, soy-ginger vinaigrette.
Instructions
- Prepare proteins
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred, then keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook & arrange bases
- Prepare rice and quinoa as directed. Fluff with a fork and arrange rice, quinoa, and lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep vegetables
- Wash and chop all vegetables, then arrange each in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble toppings and sauces
- Place all toppings and sauces in small bowls for easy serving.
- Set up the spread
- Place all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils
- Arrange serving utensils for each dish for convenient self-service.
- Invite guests
- Encourage guests to build their own bowls or plates by starting with a base and adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, then dressings and herbs.
Save Sitting around the table, my family enjoyed selecting different flavors, and even the pickiest eaters found a combination they loved. It sparked conversation and laughter as everyone shared their unique bowl creations.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and spoons make setup easy and organized.
Allergen Information
This meal may contain dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, and shellfish, so always verify all labels if serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
A typical bowl provides around 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein, depending on choices.
Save Serve with wine or sparkling water for a festive touch. Let everyone express their creativity with every plate.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What proteins can I offer for personalized boards?
Provide options like grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, and falafel balls for variety and flexibility.
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh during a gathering?
Prep proteins and grains ahead, serve at room temperature, and use chilled bowls for vegetables and toppings.
- → Which bases work best for building bowls?
Offer cooked jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce for guests to choose from as foundations for their bowls.
- → How can I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Include plant-based proteins, certified gluten-free options, and alternative dairy-free toppings for all preferences.
- → What dressings and sauces complement the spread?
Provide lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, and soy-ginger vinaigrette to add flavor to each dish.
- → Which tools are needed for assembling boards and bowls?
Large platters, serving utensils, small bowls, tongs, and spoons help organize ingredients for easy access.