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, making it fun, engaging, and sure to please every palate.
Whenever I host friends or family, build-your-own boards and bowls are always a hit. Watching everyone create their favorite combinations sparks conversation and laughter—it's as fun to make as it is to eat.
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 (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 needed
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as needed
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as needed
Instructions
- Prep Proteins:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Grains & Bases:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Vegetable Prep:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble Extras:
- Place toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set the Table:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Serving Arrangement:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- 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 We recently served this at a family birthday and watched grandparents, parents, and kids eagerly building their ideal bowls—it sparked fun food creativity for everyone.
Required Tools
Use large serving platters and bowls, plus small dishes for sauces and toppings. Have tongs and spoons handy for easy portioning.
Allergen Information
This spread may contain dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, gluten, and shellfish. Label items carefully and assist guests with allergies in making safe choices.
Nutritional Information
Each typical bowl offers about 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein. Values will vary based on selections.
Save Set up a beautiful station and let guests have fun creating and sharing. It makes any gathering memorable and easy to clean up.
Recipe FAQ
- → What proteins can be included for variety?
Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel are all excellent choices. Include plant proteins for vegetarian options.
- → How do I accommodate guests with dietary restrictions?
Offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free protein bases and toppings. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → What grains work well for build-your-own bowls?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce are tasty bases. Feel free to add other grains like brown rice or farro.
- → Which vegetables and toppings should be prepared?
Prepare fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, and extras like feta, olives, pickled onions, seeds, and herbs.
- → How can I serve sauces efficiently?
Arrange sauces like lemon-tahini, balsamic vinaigrette, and soy-ginger vinaigrette in small bowls for easy access.
- → What tools are helpful for serving?
Use large platters and bowls for main components and small bowls for sauces and toppings. Have plenty of serving utensils available.