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.
I first discovered build-your-own boards & bowls at a family party, and it instantly became our favorite way to entertain. Everyone loves the freedom to mix flavors and get creative—it breaks the ice and makes any get-together 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
- Edamame: 1 cup, cooked
- 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
- Prepare proteins:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook grains & bases:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep veggies:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Set out toppings & sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Arrange components for serving:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Let guests assemble:
- 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 lively meal style sparked so many wonderful memories for our family. Kids and adults loved picking their favorites, and we ended up sharing stories while exploring new flavors together.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls make arranging ingredients simple. Use tongs and spoons for easy sharing, and offer small bowls for sauces and toppings.
Allergen Information
Contains: dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, and possible gluten—always check labels for allergens and cross-contamination, especially for shrimp-sensitive guests.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (typical bowl): Calories: 420, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 22 g.
Save Let each guest build their dream bowl, and watch the conversation and smiles flow. This meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes hosting feel effortless!
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Prep vegetables and proteins just before serving and store chilled until guests arrive. Arrange on platters and bowls for optimal freshness.
- → What bases work best for customizable bowls?
Try jasmine rice, quinoa, or chopped romaine lettuce as flavorful bases that suit a variety of dietary needs and tastes.
- → Are there vegan and gluten-free options?
Yes, offer plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas, and ensure gluten-free falafel and sauces are available for guests.
- → Which dressings pair well with these meals?
Try lemon-tahini, olive oil with balsamic, or soy-ginger vinaigrette for versatile and flavorful options.
- → How do I organize the serving setup?
Group items by category—bases, proteins, vegetables, toppings—using serving platters and bowls for easy access and mixing.
- → What wine pairs well with these meals?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the fresh, varied flavors of the board or bowl creations.