Pin 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 offered build-your-own boards at a family gathering, and it quickly became our favorite way to let everyone join in meal prep. People loved crafting their own plates, discovering surprising flavor combos, and returning for seconds.
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: to taste
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: to taste
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as desired. Keep warm or serve at room temperature.
- Cook Bases:
- Prepare rice and quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set chopped lettuce in a bowl.
- Arrange Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all fresh vegetables, then place each in its own bowl or group on a platter.
- Set Toppings & Sauces:
- Place all toppings and sauces in small bowls for easy access.
- Assemble the Spread:
- Group each category on a large table or counter for convenient serving.
- Serving:
- Provide serving utensils for all items and invite guests to build bowls or plates, adding chosen bases, proteins, vegetables, toppings, dressings, and herbs.
Pin Watching our family laugh while creating their own dinner plates made this interactive meal a memorable touch at our last birthday celebration. Even picky eaters felt empowered to choose what they liked most.
Required Tools
Large serving platters, small bowls for sauces, serving utensils, tongs, and spoons will keep everything organized for build-your-own boards.
Allergen Information
This meal may contain dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, gluten, and shellfish, depending on chosen ingredients. Always check product packages for guest allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Typical bowl (per serving): 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein. Nutrition will vary with ingredient choices.
Pin Serve with fresh herbs and bright sauces for a lively table. This interactive meal turns any ordinary dinner into a fun, memorable occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh throughout a gathering?
Keep proteins and grains warm or room temperature, and chill vegetables and sauces until serving. Use covered bowls and platters for easy serving and freshness.
- → What are some gluten-free options?
Choose certified gluten-free falafel, dressings, and grains like quinoa and rice. Verify sauce ingredients and labels for gluten content.
- → Can I make this meal vegan?
Omit animal-based proteins and dairy. Offer plant options such as marinated tofu, falafel, and extra vegetables. Use vegan sauces and cheese alternatives.
- → What dressing pairs best with different bases?
Lemon-tahini and soy-ginger vinaigrette suit grains, while olive oil & balsamic go well with romaine. Let guests experiment with combinations.
- → How do I prepare toppings and extras for serving?
Arrange toppings like feta, nuts, and pickled onions in small bowls. Set out serving utensils so guests can easily personalize their bowls or plates.
- → What beverage pairs well with this meal?
Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the vibrant mix of ingredients and global flavors.