Interactive Plated Meals Build (Print)
Vibrant boards and bowls with fresh proteins, grains, and toppings create a social dining experience for any group.
# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced
02 - 14 oz marinated tofu, grilled or baked, cubed
03 - 14 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 - 12 oz falafel balls, store-bought or homemade
→ Grains & Bases
05 - 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
06 - 4 cups cooked quinoa
07 - 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped
→ Fresh Vegetables
08 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cucumber, sliced
10 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
11 - 1 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1 cup cooked edamame
13 - 1 cup roasted sweet potato cubes
→ Toppings & Extras
14 - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese or vegan alternative
15 - 1/2 cup sliced olives
16 - 1/2 cup pickled red onions
17 - 1/2 cup toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds
18 - 1/2 cup hummus
19 - 1/2 cup tzatziki
20 - 1/2 cup sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce
21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or mint
→ Dressings & Sauces
22 - Lemon-tahini dressing
23 - Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
24 - Soy-ginger vinaigrette
# Directions:
01 - Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel according to preferred methods—grill, bake, or sauté as desired. Keep warm or serve at room temperature.
02 - Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed. Fluff grains with a fork and place each in separate bowls. Chop romaine lettuce and arrange in a serving bowl.
03 - Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and sweet potato. Present each vegetable in individual bowls or on a large platter.
04 - Portion all toppings and sauces into small bowls—feta cheese, olives, pickled red onions, toasted nuts or seeds, hummus, tzatziki, sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce, and chopped herbs.
05 - Place all prepared items on a large table or countertop, grouped by category for ease of access.
06 - Assign tongs, scoops, and spoons to each component for convenient self-service.
07 - Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates by starting with a base, adding proteins, layering vegetables, selecting toppings, and finishing with preferred dressings and fresh herbs.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Delightfully interactive meal experience for all ages
- Flexible options to suit dietary needs like vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free
02 -
- Always check ingredient labels for allergens and gluten to keep everyone safe.
- You can substitute and add global sauces for extra flavor variety.
03 -
- Prep ingredients ahead for quick assembly on serving day.
- Offer global sauces and different cheeses to customize for the crowd.