Save to Pinterest 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 and bowls during a summer gathering. Everyone loved mixing their favorite ingredients, and it became an instant hit for family celebrations.
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 (such as 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:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare grains and 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 station:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Let guests build:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save to Pinterest These boards make our family get-togethers extra memorable. Kids and adults alike enjoy the creativity, and everyone leaves happy and full!
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and spoons are needed to set up the interactive meal station.
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (feta, tzatziki), Eggs (mayonnaise), Soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), Nuts/Seeds (toppings). Gluten may be present in falafel, sauces, and dressings—check all labels for gluten or cross-contamination. Crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Always verify ingredient labels for guest allergies.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (typical bowl): Calories: 420, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 22 g.
Save to Pinterest Bring extra napkins—everyone loves sampling and mixing! These interactive bowls promise a lively meal with minimal fuss.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you keep ingredients fresh on the board?
Prep ingredients just prior to serving. Store chilled components separately, and cover bowls until guests arrive. Opt for sturdy greens and vegetables to hold up well.
- → What protein options work well together?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, and falafel all offer different flavors and textures, providing a balanced selection for mixed dietary preferences.
- → Are there vegan or gluten-free choices?
Include marinated tofu, chickpeas, quinoa, vegetables, and plant-based cheeses. Ensure falafel and sauces are gluten-free by confirming labels.
- → How do you serve dressings and sauces?
Arrange dressings like lemon-tahini and soy-ginger in small bowls. Offer spoons or ladles so guests can drizzle or dip as desired.
- → What tools are essential for setup?
Use large platters, small bowls for toppings, serving utensils, tongs, and spoons to make assembly easy and accessible for every guest.
- → How can you add variety to the boards?
Rotate ingredients seasonally, offer different cheeses, or incorporate international sauces like salsa, chimichurri, or peanut sauce for interest.