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 tried build-your-own boards at a lively family get-together. Everyone loved picking favorite ingredients and coming up with creative flavor combos. It quickly became our go-to for easy entertaining and happy gatherings.
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:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference by grilling, baking, or sautéing chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set the Spread:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access. Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite Guests:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save Our family loves making build-your-own bowls for weekend gatherings. Kids and adults alike have fun pairing unexpected flavors, and we always end up discovering new favorites together.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (feta, tzatziki), Eggs (mayonnaise), Soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds (toppings), gluten may be present in falafel, sauces, and dressings, crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Always check labels for possible allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (typical bowl): Calories 420, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 22 g
Save This interactive meal is guaranteed to spark smiles and conversation. Try new combinations every time for a fresh experience that never gets old.
Recipe Guide
- → How can I make this suitable for vegans?
Omit animal-based proteins and dairy, offering plant options like marinated tofu, chickpeas, and vegan cheeses.
- → What protein choices work best for build-your-own bowls?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, falafel, and tempeh offer delicious variety; mix and match to suit guests' preferences.
- → How do I keep ingredients organized for serving?
Use separate bowls or platters for each category and provide serving utensils, making it easy for guests to select what they like.
- → Which dressings pair well with these ingredients?
Lemon-tahini, balsamic vinaigrette, and soy-ginger work well with grains, proteins, and vegetables, creating flavorful combinations.
- → What grains or bases are recommended?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce offer tasty bases for building bowls or plates.
- → How do I accommodate gluten-free guests?
Select certified gluten-free falafel and sauces, verifying all product labels for safe ingredients and cross-contamination.