Pin 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.
The first time I set up a build—your—own board for friends, everyone lit up with excitement at the variety of choices. It became an instant hit with guests mixing and matching to their heart's content, sparking laughter and conversations around the table.
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)
- Cooked jasmine rice: 4 cups
- Cooked quinoa: 4 cups
- 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:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred. Keep them warm or at room temperature.
- Cook grains and greens:
- Prepare jasmine rice and quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork. Chop romaine lettuce. Arrange each base in separate serving bowls.
- Prep vegetables:
- Wash and chop all fresh veggies. Place in individual bowls or arrange neatly on a platter.
- Arrange toppings and sauces:
- Set out crumbled feta, olives, pickled onions, nuts, hummus, tzatziki, spicy sauce, and fresh herbs in small bowls. Include dressings.
- Set up serving station:
- Organize all components on a large table or counter, grouped by category for easy self-service.
- Provide utensils:
- Make sure each item has its own serving utensils, such as spoons or tongs.
- Let guests build their meals:
- Invite everyone to choose their base, add proteins and veggies, layer on toppings, and finish with sauces and herbs.
Pin Our whole family looks forward to assembling their own creations at parties—makes each meal a celebration and a fun memory to share together.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, plus tongs and spoons make setup easy and organized.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, and crustacean shellfish. Gluten may be present in falafel, sauces, and dressings—always verify labels for any guest dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein—nutrients vary depending on ingredient selection.
Pin This meal doubles as a centerpiece for lively gatherings and a simple weeknight feast, letting everyone build their dream bowl. Enjoy countless flavor combos!
Recipe Q&A
- → What proteins can I offer for build-your-own bowls?
Offer grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, and falafel balls to cater to different preferences and dietary needs.
- → Can I make this meal vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely. Include plant-based proteins and ensure sauces and falafel are gluten-free. Offer dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegans.
- → What grains or bases work best?
Cooked jasmine rice, quinoa, or chopped romaine lettuce work perfectly as bases for these customizable bowls and plates.
- → Which toppings and dressings should be included?
Use crumbled feta, olives, pickled onions, seeds, hummus, tahini dressing, and global sauces like soy-ginger vinaigrette.
- → How do I set up an interactive board meal?
Arrange all meats, grains, veggies, toppings, and sauces separately on platters or in bowls, providing utensils for easy serving.
- → What wines pair well with these meals?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the fresh and varied ingredients beautifully.