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 once served these build-your-own boards at a family reunion, and it sparked hours of playful, creative meal-building as everyone customized to their taste. The format made the meal feel special and kept the conversation flowing.
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: 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: To taste
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: To taste
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel using your preferred method (grill, bake, or sauté). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare Bases:
- Cook rice and quinoa, then fluff with a fork. Place cooked grains and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash, chop, and arrange vegetables in bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces into small bowls for serving.
- Set Up for Serving:
- Lay out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for accessibility.
- Serving Utensils:
- Provide suitable utensils for each item.
- Let Guests Build:
- Invite guests to create their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save to Pinterest Everyone loved picking their favorites and mixing new flavors during our last game night. Sharing bowls and boards became a highlight of conversation and laughter.
Required Tools
Set out large platters or serving bowls for each ingredient type, plus tongs, spoons, and plenty of small bowls for sauces and toppings.
Allergen Information
This meal may contain dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, and shellfish. Always carefully check labels and offer separate alternatives when possible for sensitive guests.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein when assembled as an average bowl.
Save to Pinterest Keep the atmosphere lively by inviting everyone to share their best bowl mashup. Quick prep and endless mix-and-match options make this a guaranteed hit for gatherings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What types of proteins work best for this spread?
Assorted proteins such as grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel suit different dietary needs. Prepare each separately and keep warm or room temperature for best flavor.
- → How do I set up the boards and bowls for guests?
Arrange proteins, bases, vegetables, toppings, and sauces in individual bowls or platters. Group items by category and provide serving utensils for easy access.
- → What grains and bases can I include?
Options like jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce offer versatile bases. Each adds a unique texture and pairs well with various ingredients.
- → How do I offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Feature plant-based proteins such as grilled tofu, falafel, edamame, and allow dairy-free toppings or sauces. Ensure labels are checked for allergens.
- → What sauces and dressings work for build-your-own meals?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette offer a range of flavors. Include spicy and herby options for variety.
- → What kitchen tools are needed to serve?
Large platters, serving bowls, tongs, spoons, and small dishes for sauces organize the spread and help guests assemble their plates easily.