Pin 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 this build-your-own board idea for a summer backyard party, and everyone loved creating their own plates, discovering new flavor combinations, and connecting over the food.
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: 1 cup, cubed
- 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 (such as almonds or pumpkin seeds)
- Hummus: 1/2 cup
- Tzatziki: 1/2 cup
- Sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce: 1/2 cup
- Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup, chopped (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Lemon-tahini dressing: as needed
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as needed
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as needed
Instructions
- Prepare proteins:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred. Keep items warm or at room temperature for serving.
- Prepare grains and bases:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked grains and chopped romaine lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep fresh vegetables:
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter for easy access.
- Combine toppings and sauces:
- Place all toppings and sauces in small bowls for guests to choose from.
- Set up the meal station:
- Group all components by category on a large table or counter. Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Serve:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, then proteins, vegetables, toppings, and dressings/herbs.
Pin We love gathering around the table with friends and family, watching everyone invent their own delicious combinations and sharing conversation as they build their plates.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons make it easy for everyone to help themselves and mix & match ingredients.
Allergen Information
This meal can contain dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, gluten, and shellfish. Review ingredient labels carefully for cross-contamination risks and guest-specific allergies.
Nutritional Information
Typical bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein. Nutrition will vary depending on choices and serving sizes.
Pin Encourage everyone to try a new ingredient combo today, and watch your next get-together become instantly memorable!
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep proteins warm during serving?
Cover cooked proteins with foil or serve in insulated dishes to maintain temperature for guests choosing their plates.
- → Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?
Most components, such as grains and vegetables, can be prepped up to a day in advance and stored in airtight containers.
- → What bases work best for build‑your‑own boards?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce offer excellent variety, suitable for both hot and cold meal combinations.
- → How do I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Offer plant-based proteins, gluten-free options, and dairy alternatives. Label bowls clearly and check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → What sauces pair well with these spreads?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette bring bright flavors. Include spicy or creamy options for variety.
- → Tips for arranging a visually appealing table?
Group foods by category in separate colorful bowls or platters, use small garnishes, and provide ample space for assembly.