Pin Recipe A vibrant spread of customizable boards and bowls is perfect for social gatherings. Guests mix and match fresh ingredients to create their own personalized meals, making this interactive experience fun and engaging for every palate.
I first tried build-your-own boards at a potluck where everyone joined in the fun. The flexibility and variety made the meal both memorable and enjoyable for every guest.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast (400 g): Sliced and served warm or at room temperature
- 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 and fluffed
- Quinoa (4 cups): Cooked and fluffed
- Romaine lettuce (2 large heads): Chopped
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): Halved
- Cucumber (1): Sliced
- Red bell pepper (1): Sliced
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): For color and crunch
- Cooked edamame (1 cup): Lightly salted
- Roasted sweet potato cubes (1 cup): Adds sweetness
- Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Or vegan alternative
- Sliced olives (1/2 cup): For tang
- Pickled red onions (1/2 cup): Adds sharpness
- Toasted nuts or seeds (1/2 cup): Such as almonds or pumpkin seeds
- Hummus (1/2 cup): For creaminess
- Tzatziki (1/2 cup): For freshness
- Sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce (1/2 cup): For heat
- Chopped fresh herbs (1/4 cup): Parsley, cilantro, mint
- Lemon-tahini dressing: Classic creamy option
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: Simple and bright
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: Zesty and savory
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains & Bases:
- Prepare jasmine rice and quinoa according to package instructions, fluff, and arrange with chopped lettuce in separate bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and roasted sweet potatoes. Arrange in individual bowls or on a platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Place feta, olives, pickled onions, nuts/seeds, hummus, tzatziki, spicy sauce, and fresh herbs in small bowls.
- Set Up Serving Area:
- Group all components by category on a large table or counter for easy access.
- Equip Guests:
- Provide serving utensils for each item and ensure plenty of tongs and spoons.
- Build Bowls & Plates:
- Invite guests to create their own meals by starting with a base, adding proteins and vegetables, finishing with toppings, sauces, and herbs.
Pin Recipe This interactive board meal created a lively atmosphere at our last family celebration, where everyone found something they loved and shared their favorite combinations.
Required Tools
Use large serving platters and bowls to organize options, along with separate utensils for easy serving.
Allergen Information
Dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, and crustacean shellfish may be present, so verify all ingredient labels for safety.
Nutritional Information
Estimated average per bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Pin Recipe Customize your own bowl or board for a meal that pleases everyone at the table. Share and discover new flavor combinations together.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Chop and prepare vegetables right before guests arrive. Cover proteins and grains or serve chilled as needed to maintain freshness.
- → What bases work best for bowls?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce are versatile choices. Offer a mix for added variety and dietary flexibility.
- → Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes, most proteins and grains can be cooked ahead. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently just before serving.
- → What sauces and dressings pair well?
Lemon-tahini, soy-ginger vinaigrette, olive oil & balsamic, or spicy yogurt sauces enhance flavors and let guests personalize their meals.
- → How do I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Offer plant proteins, use gluten-free falafel and sauces, and provide dairy alternatives so everyone can build a suitable plate or bowl.
- → What wine pairs with these boards?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir works well, complementing the fresh ingredients and diverse flavors in each bowl.