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 hosted a build-your-own board night last month, and everyone enjoyed picking their favorite combinations. Even the pickiest eaters found something they loved!
Ingredients
- Proteins: 400 g grilled chicken breast (sliced), 400 g marinated tofu (grilled or baked, cubed), 400 g cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined), 350 g falafel balls (store-bought or homemade)
- Grains Bases: 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, 4 cups cooked quinoa, 2 large heads romaine lettuce (chopped)
- Fresh Vegetables: 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cucumber (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup cooked edamame, 1 cup roasted sweet potato cubes
- Toppings Extras: 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan alternative), 1/2 cup sliced olives, 1/2 cup pickled red onions, 1/2 cup toasted nuts or seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds), 1/2 cup hummus, 1/2 cup tzatziki, 1/2 cup sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Dressings Sauces: Lemon-tahini dressing, Olive oil & balsamic vinegar, Soy-ginger vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred (grill, bake, or sauté). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains:
- Prepare jasmine rice and quinoa, fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked grains and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and sweet potato. Arrange in bowls or on a platter.
- Add Toppings and Sauces:
- Place all toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set Up:
- Arrange all components on a large table, grouped by category for easy serving.
- Serving:
- Provide utensils for each item and invite guests to build their own bowls or plates—start with bases, then add proteins, vegetables, toppings, dressings, and herbs.
Save Our whole family loves gathering around the table and creating their own bowls. It always sparks laughter and creative combinations!
Required Tools
Large serving platters, bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces, tongs, and spoons make setup easy and accessible for everyone.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds (toppings), and crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Always verify ingredient labels for guest allergies.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per bowl: Calories 420, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 22 g.
Save This hands-on meal is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy every guest. Let creativity flow and enjoy the delicious variety!
Recipe Guide
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh during serving?
Prepare all components just before guests arrive and use chilled platters or bowls to maintain freshness throughout serving.
- → Can I prep components in advance?
You can chop vegetables, cook grains, and grill proteins ahead of time. Store each separately until ready to serve.
- → What are good vegetarian and vegan alternatives?
Include marinated tofu, falafel, roasted chickpeas, and vegan cheeses. Offer dairy-free dressings for more variety.
- → How can I add global flavors?
Incorporate dressings like salsa, peanut sauce, or chimichurri. Mix herbs and spices to match various world cuisines.
- → What dietary considerations should I keep in mind?
Label all ingredients for allergies. Choose gluten-free falafel and sauces, dairy-free options, and offer both plant and animal proteins.
- → What's a good wine pairing for this meal?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the variety of flavors offered in customizable bowls and boards.