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, engaging, and sure to please every palate.
I first tried these build-your-own boards at a summer family get-together, and loved seeing everyone create their own plates with such excitement. The mix-and-match concept gets guests talking and sharing ideas, making every gathering feel special.
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, 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, mint
- Lemon-Tahini Dressing: to taste
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: to taste
- Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette: to taste
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:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed, fluffing with a fork. Arrange the cooked grains and chopped lettuce in separate bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash and chop or slice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, shredded carrots, edamame, and sweet potato. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble Toppings & Sauces:
- Place cheese, olives, pickled onions, nuts or seeds, hummus, tzatziki, spicy mayo, and fresh herbs in small bowls.
- Arrange for Serving:
- Set all components on a large table or counter, grouped by category for easy access.
- Provide Utensils:
- Lay out serving utensils for each bowl, and have tongs and spoons available.
- Let Guests Build:
- Invite everyone to build their own bowls or plates starting with a base, then add proteins, vegetables, toppings, finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save This setup was a huge hit at our last birthday party, with kids grabbing extra sweet potatoes and adults swapping topping recommendations. Sharing and laughter always seem to surround our board nights!
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and spoons keep everything organized and easy for guests to serve themselves.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, and sometimes gluten or shellfish. Always verify labels and set out a list with allergens for transparency.
Nutritional Information
Each bowl averages about 420 calories, with 14 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein, depending on the ingredients and toppings chosen.
Save A build-your-own board brings everyone together and simplifies entertaining, letting you relax and enjoy your guests as much as the food.
Kitchen Questions
- → What proteins can be included?
Grilled chicken breast, tofu, shrimp, and falafel offer versatile options to suit various dietary preferences.
- → Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, select tofu, falafel, and plant-based toppings or omit dairy and animal-based proteins for vegan bowls.
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Prepare ingredients just before serving, use chilled bowls for vegetables, and keep proteins warm or at room temperature.
- → What dressings and sauces work well?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, and soy-ginger vinaigrette complement the meal's fresh components.
- → Can this format accommodate guest allergies?
Yes, each item can be served separately with ingredient labels; always verify for allergens when sourcing packaged items.
- → How do I present the meal for social gatherings?
Group ingredients on platters and bowls by category, supply serving utensils, and invite guests to assemble their own plates or bowls.