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.
The first time I hosted an interactive plated meal with build-your-own boards, it turned into an instant hit. Everyone loved building their own bowl and sharing tips on the tastiest combinations.
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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: to taste
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: to taste
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: to taste
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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.
- Prepare 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.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Setup:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Serving:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Build Your Own:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save This format made family dinners more interactive and brought everyone together&especially when kids get a say in building their own plates.
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Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons.
Allergen Information
This spread contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten (in some falafel or sauces), and shellfish. Always check ingredient labels and ensure cross-contamination is managed for your guests.
Nutritional Information
Each build-your-own bowl averages 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein per serving.
Save 
This meal style turns dinner into a creative event for everyone&enjoy the variety and fun with each custom bite.
Kitchen Guide
- → What proteins can be included?
Grilled chicken, marinated tofu, shrimp, and falafel make excellent options for varied preferences.
- → How should grains be prepared?
Use cooked jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce as bases. Prepare grains ahead and fluff before serving.
- → How do you organize toppings and extras?
Arrange toppings like feta, olives, hummus, nuts, herbs, and sauces in small bowls grouped by category for easy access.
- → What dietary accommodations are provided?
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options can be prepared by selecting suitable proteins and double-checking ingredients.
- → What serving tools are needed?
Provide large platters, bowls, small containers for sauces, and serving utensils such as tongs and spoons.
- → How do guests build their own plates or bowls?
Invite each person to start with a base, then select proteins, veggies, and toppings, finishing with dressings or herbs.
