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 tried build-your-own boards at a friend's gathering where each guest enjoyed crafting bowls from a wide array of fresh ingredients (it made for lively conversation and ensured every palate was happy).
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
- Edamame: 1 cup, cooked
- Roasted sweet potato cubes: 1 cup
- Crumbled feta cheese (or vegan alternative): 1 cup
- Sliced olives: 1/2 cup
- Pickled red onions: 1/2 cup
- Toasted nuts or seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds): 1/2 cup
- Hummus: 1/2 cup
- Tzatziki: 1/2 cup
- Sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce: 1/2 cup
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint): 1/4 cup
- 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.
- Prepare Bases:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange Toppings and 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 Our family loves these interactive meals (the kids especially enjoy designing their own plates and taste-testing different combos) and it's become a go-to for gatherings.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls are essential, along with tongs, spoons, and small bowls for sauces and toppings (this makes setup easy and ensures guests can build with ease).
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (feta, tzatziki), Eggs (mayonnaise), Soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), Nuts/Seeds (toppings), Crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Always check all labels for gluten and other allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per typical bowl: Calories 420, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 22 g (these numbers vary by individual choices).
Save Let everyone get creative and enjoy the meal together (these boards always bring extra excitement to the table).
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare proteins for build-your-own bowls?
Grill, bake, or sauté protein options such as chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel. Serve warm or at room temperature for easy assembly.
- → What grains or bases work best for customizable boards?
Cooked jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce offer a variety of textures. Arrange in separate bowls for guests to choose their base.
- → How can I adapt this for vegetarian or vegan guests?
Omit animal-based proteins and dairy. Include plant proteins like tofu, falafel, chickpeas, and choose vegan cheese options for more inclusivity.
- → What toppings and sauces add flavor?
Offer crumbled feta, olives, pickled onions, toasted nuts, hummus, sriracha mayo, fresh herbs, and a mix of sauces such as lemon-tahini or soy-ginger vinaigrette.
- → How do I present boards and bowls for a crowd?
Arrange all components in separate bowls or platters, grouped by category, and provide utensils for easy serving. Let guests build their own combinations.
- → Are there wine pairings for this style?
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the variety of fresh and savory flavors on the board.