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 served build your own boards and bowls at a weekend get together, and guests loved mixing flavors and colors. Everyone enjoyed the freedom to create plates suited to their own tastes.
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 desired
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as desired
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as desired
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Cook each protein according to preference. Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel. Keep warm or serve at room temperature.
- Prepare Bases:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed, fluff with a fork. Chop romaine lettuce and place all bases in separate bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all fresh vegetables. Arrange separately in bowls or on a platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Place toppings and sauces in small bowls for easy access.
- Set Up Spread:
- Lay out all meal components on a large table or counter, grouping by category.
- Provide Utensils:
- Set out serving utensils for all items.
- Serve:
- Invite guests to build bowls or plates, starting with a base and layering proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save to Pinterest Kids especially like assembling and experimenting with flavors, and these spreads always spark fun conversation and creativity around the table.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls are essential, along with small bowls for sauces and toppings. Have plenty of tongs and spoons for easy serving.
Allergen Information
Check ingredient labels for dairy, eggs, soy, nuts or gluten. Shrimp is a shellfish allergen, and gluten may be present in falafel or some sauces.
Nutritional Information
Each typical bowl has about 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates and 22 g protein, though values vary by choices and toppings.
Save to Pinterest A build your own board transforms any meal into a social experience in just over 50 minutes, and leftovers make for easy next day lunches.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh for assembling?
Prep and chop vegetables shortly before serving; keep proteins warm or at room temp. Use separate bowls to maintain freshness.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Proteins, grains, and sauces may be made in advance and refrigerated. Assemble veggies and toppings right before guests arrive.
- → What bases work best besides rice or quinoa?
Try chopped lettuce, grains like farro, or cauliflower rice. Offer a few choices so guests can personalize their meal.
- → How can I cater to diverse diets?
Provide plant-based proteins, gluten-free options, and dairy-free sauces. Clearly label items to help guests select safely.
- → What sauces complement this spread?
Lemon-tahini, soy-ginger vinaigrette, tzatziki, hummus, or spicy yogurt sauce add extra flavor and variety.
- → What drinks pair well with these meals?
Serve crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light reds such as Pinot Noir for a refreshing complement.