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 still remember the first time I set out a build–your–own board for guests: everyone loved crafting their own bowls and the table chatter was lively and joyful as plates filled with colorful ingredients.
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
- Carrots: 1 cup, shredded
- 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 or 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, or mint
- Lemon-tahini dressing: as desired
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as desired
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as desired
Instructions
- Prepare proteins:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel according to preference. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook grains and bases:
- Prepare rice and quinoa as directed and fluff with a fork. Place cooked grains and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Chop fresh vegetables:
- Wash and cut vegetables. Arrange each in a bowl or on a platter.
- Organize toppings and sauces:
- Put all extras and sauces in small bowls.
- Set up your serving area:
- Arrange all components on a large table or counter and group by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Place serving utensils for every item.
- Invite guests to assemble:
- Let everyone build their own bowl or plate, starting with a base and layering proteins, vegetables, toppings, dressings, and herbs.
Save Our family loves gathering around the kitchen island, chatting and choosing their favorite ingredients, each plate and bowl as unique as the person who made it.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls make it easy to arrange everything, while plenty of utensils and small bowls keep toppings and sauces organized and accessible.
Allergen Information
This dish may include dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten; always verify each package if guests have allergies or special dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Each typical bowl contains about 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein, but values will vary based on individual selections.
Save This interactive meal turns every gathering into a celebration, making each guest feel at home and inspired by all the delicious choices.
Recipe FAQs
- → What proteins can be included?
Select from grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, grilled tofu, or falafel for flexible protein options.
- → How should grains and greens be prepared?
Cook jasmine rice and quinoa separately; chop romaine lettuce for a fresh base option.
- → What toppings enhance flavor and texture?
Add crumbled feta, toasted nuts, pickled onions, olives, hummus, tzatziki, and fresh herbs as varied toppings.
- → Which dressings work well?
Offer lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette for flavor diversity.
- → How can dietary preferences be accommodated?
Include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free protein and topping alternatives to suit different diets.
- → What tools are needed for serving?
Use large serving platters, small bowls for toppings and sauces, tongs, and serving utensils for easy assembly.
- → Which wines pair best with these meals?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the variety of flavors beautifully.