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 summer party, and it immediately became our favorite way to entertain. The kids love choosing from colorful bowls, and adults appreciate the variety on offer.
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:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel according to preference. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare grains & bases:
- Cook rice and quinoa as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked grains and chopped romaine lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble toppings & sauces:
- Place toppings and sauces in small bowls for serving.
- Set up:
- Arrange all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy self-serve access.
- Add utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Serve:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save Build-your-own boards bring everyone together, sparking excitement as each person creates their dream bowl. It's now a tradition at gatherings from holidays to weeknight dinners.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds (toppings), gluten may be present (falafel, sauces, dressings), and crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Always verify ingredient labels for guest allergies.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Save Let everyone get creative with their bowls and boards, and enjoy the lively, customizable meal together. The possibilities are endless and the atmosphere is always festive!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What proteins can be used for boards and bowls?
Selective options include chicken, shrimp, tofu, and falafel. Mix grilled, baked, or cooked varieties for flexibility.
- → How to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Provide plant-based proteins, vegan cheese, and gluten-free versions of falafel and sauces. Verify labels for allergens.
- → How are vegetables arranged for the spread?
Chop and place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and roasted sweet potato cubes in bowls or platters.
- → What bases work best for build-your-own meals?
Offer jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce as customizable foundations for each plate or bowl.
- → What kinds of dressings or sauces enhance flavor?
Popular choices include lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette. Add hummus or spicy yogurt for variety.
- → Which tools are essential for serving?
Use large platters, separate bowls for sauces/toppings, and serving utensils to maximize access and convenience.