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.
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
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.
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.