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 introduced build-your-own boards at family gatherings. Everyone loved mixing and matching their favorite toppings, and it quickly became our go-to party meal—no one feels left out!
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
- 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, 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, mint
- Lemon-tahini dressing: as needed
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as needed
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as needed
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Assemble Toppings & Sauces:
- Place all toppings and sauces in small bowls for serving.
- Arrange Components:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Set Up Serving:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Build & Enjoy:
- 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 extended family loves this mealtime. Even picky eaters find something delicious, and kids have fun making their own plates. It's now a birthday tradition for us!
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, seeds, and shellfish. Gluten may be present, always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Save Invite everyone to the table, watch creativity flourish, and enjoy a deliciously social meal together.
Recipe Questions
- → What types of proteins can I offer?
Include grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, and falafel to provide a variety that suits different preferences and diets.
- → How do I keep everything organized for guests?
Group ingredients by category on platters and bowls, provide separate serving utensils, and set out toppings and sauces in small dishes for easy access.
- → Which bases work well for boards and bowls?
Offer options like jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce so everyone can create a personalized base for their plate or bowl.
- → Are there tips for accommodating guests with allergies?
Check all labels for common allergens, clearly mark items with dairy, soy, nuts, or gluten, and offer alternative proteins and toppings when needed.
- → What sauces pair well with the board?
Popular choices include lemon-tahini dressing, olive oil with balsamic, soy-ginger vinaigrette, hummus, tzatziki, and spicy yogurt sauce.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, proteins, grains, and chopped vegetables can be made in advance. Store separately and assemble ingredients just before serving.