Pin it 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 at a family reunion, and they have become my favorite way to host a crowd—everyone enjoys choosing their favorites, and it's always a beautiful, colorful display.
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
- Cooked edamame: 1 cup
- Roasted sweet potato cubes: 1 cup
- Feta cheese (or vegan alternative): 1 cup, crumbled
- 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:
- Cook or grill chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred. Slice or cube as appropriate and keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare grains:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa. Fluff with a fork, and place rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare vegetables:
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter for easy selection.
- Arrange toppings and sauces:
- Put toppings and sauces into small serving bowls for guests.
- Set up your serving station:
- Group all components (proteins, grains, veggies, toppings, sauces) by category on a table or countertop for accessibility.
- Provide utensils:
- Ensure each item has serving utensils for convenience.
- Let guests build:
- Invite guests to assemble their own bowls or plates, starting with a base and adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and dressings as desired.
Pin it When we set out this spread for a birthday dinner, everyone, from kids to grandparents, found something to enjoy—and there were great conversations around the table as bowls came together.
Required Tools
You'll need large serving platters and bowls, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and serving spoons to make the meal assembly smooth for your guests.
Allergen Information
This meal contains potential allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, and shellfish. Always check specific product labels to ensure safety for every guest.
Nutritional Information
Estimated nutrition for a typical bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Pin it This interactive meal is great for making everyone feel included and happily fed. Clean-up is easy, and leftovers store well for next-day lunches.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What proteins can be included?
Offer grilled chicken, marinated tofu, falafel, and shrimp. Add chickpeas or tempeh for more plant-based options.
- → How do I arrange ingredients for serving?
Place bases, proteins, vegetables, toppings, and sauces in separate bowls or platters for guests to customize easily.
- → What dietary needs can be accommodated?
Provide vegan and gluten-free options by choosing suitable proteins, sauces, and checking ingredient labels.
- → Which dressings and sauces work best?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette pair well with various bowl and board combinations.
- → What kitchen tools are required?
Use large platters, small bowls for toppings and sauces, serving utensils, and tongs for easy guest access.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
Yes, most proteins, grains, and chopped vegetables can be prepped in advance and arranged before guests arrive.