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, engaging and sure to please every palate.
When I first tried serving build your own boards at a weekend get-together, our friends loved the fun variety and everyone left satisfied. It quickly became our go-to menu for parties because people enjoy making a plate that fits their taste.
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
- Cooked jasmine rice: 4 cups
- Cooked quinoa: 4 cups
- 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
- 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:
- Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred (grill, bake, or sauté). Keep warm or let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Grains & Bases:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa. Fluff with a fork and place in serving bowls. Chop lettuce and add to a separate bowl.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in small bowls or on a platter.
- Organize Toppings & Sauces:
- Set out toppings and sauces in small bowls for easy serving.
- Set Up Serving Area:
- Group ingredients by category on a table or counter for guests to easily build their meals.
- Provide Utensils:
- Place serving utensils near each item.
- Invite Guests:
- Let everyone create their bowls or plates, using bases, proteins, vegetables, toppings, and dressings.
Save My kids love getting creative with their bowls, often competing to see who can make the most colorful plate. Serving this way on holidays always sparks laughter and delicious results.
Prep & Serving Tools
Large platters, small bowls, serving utensils, tongs, and spoons make it easy for each guest to access ingredients and assemble their meals smoothly.
Allergy Guide
Dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, seeds, gluten, and shellfish may be present. Always check packaging and keep allergen-free alternatives on hand for guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Highlights
A typical bowl provides around 420 calories, with a balanced blend of plant and animal proteins, fiber, healthy fats, and varied micronutrients.
Save This spread brings people together, offering something for every taste in a beautiful and interactive way.
Recipe FAQ
- → What proteins can be included?
Popular choices are grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, and falafel balls. Mix and match based on preference or dietary needs.
- → How can I accommodate different dietary restrictions?
Offer both plant-based and animal proteins, use certified gluten-free components, and provide vegan alternatives for dairy and sauces.
- → What grains or bases work best?
Cooked jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce are versatile options for bowls and boards.
- → Which toppings add extra flavor?
Try feta cheese, olives, pickled onions, toasted nuts, hummus, tzatziki, spicy yogurt sauce, and fresh herbs for extra texture and taste.
- → Can sauces be served on the side?
Yes, set dressings like lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette in small bowls so guests can customize.
- → What makes this format ideal for entertaining?
Guests can design their own plates, making meals interactive, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone at the table.