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 brought out a build‑your‑own board for a family get-together, and everyone loved crafting their own bowl combinations. The colorful ingredients turned mealtime into a joyful, interactive experience, and even picky eaters joined the fun.
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 according to preference. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook grains:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed, then fluff with a fork. Chop romaine lettuce and arrange all three in separate serving bowls.
- Prep vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Set up toppings and sauces:
- Place all toppings and sauces in small, separate bowls for easy access.
- Arrange components:
- Group each component by category on a large table or counter space for guests to access easily.
- Provide utensils:
- Set out tongs and spoons for serving each item.
- Invite guests to build:
- Guide guests to build their own bowls or plates by starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save Gathering around a big board or bowl station brings our family together, sparking creative combinations and lively conversation about everyone's favorite flavors.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and spoons are ideal for a smooth assembly process.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds (toppings), and crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Gluten may be present in falafel, sauces, and dressings, so check all labels thoroughly for gluten or potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Estimated for a typical bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein per serving.
Save This interactive meal is always a crowd-pleaser and never fails to spark great conversation, making it perfect for entertaining groups of any size.
Recipe FAQ
- → How should proteins be prepared for the boards?
Grill, bake, or sauté each protein separately—chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel—then slice or cube and serve warm or at room temperature.
- → Which grains work well as a base?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce offer diverse bases for bowls and plates. Cook grains until fluffy and serve separately.
- → What vegetarian or vegan options are available?
Marinated tofu, falafel balls, hummus, and vegan feta provide excellent plant-based choices. Add chickpeas or tempeh for more variety.
- → How can I accommodate food allergies?
Check all labels for gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, and shellfish. Offer alternatives as needed and organize boards to minimize cross-contact.
- → What sauces and dressings pair well?
Lemon-tahini dressing, olive oil with balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette add flavor variety. Offer spicy options for extra heat.
- → What wine pairs with these boards?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir elevates the meal and complements fresh flavors on the board.