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, making this an engaging and delicious option for all palates.
I first hosted a build-your-own board night at home for friends and family, and everyone enjoyed the creative freedom, laughter, and the variety of flavors on their plates.
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 (e.g. 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 desired
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as desired
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as desired
Instructions
- Prepare each protein:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel according to personal preference. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook grains and bases:
- Prepare jasmine rice and quinoa as directed, then fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked bases and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare fresh vegetables:
- Wash and chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and sweet potato. Arrange vegetables in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange toppings and sauces:
- Set out feta, olives, pickled onions, nuts or seeds, hummus, tzatziki, sriracha mayo, fresh herbs, and all dressings in small serving bowls.
- Set the spread:
- Place all components on a large table or counter, grouping similar items together for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Ensure each item has the appropriate serving utensils for guests.
- Invite & enjoy:
- Encourage guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding protein, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save Last weekend, my children loved choosing their favorite mix of proteins, grains, and veggies, and it was memorable watching everyone experiment and savor their creations together.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls are essential, along with small bowls for sauces and toppings. Stock up on serving utensils, tongs, and spoons for convenient self-serve.
Allergen Information
Dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, and shellfish may be present. Always verify ingredient labels and designate allergen-free areas for sensitive guests.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein. Nutrition varies depending on personal choices and bowl composition.
Save This build-your-own board is guaranteed to bring smiles and great conversations to any mealtime event.
Recipe Questions
- → What are the best protein options for interactive boards and bowls?
Popular choices include grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, and falafel. Offer a variety to suit different dietary needs.
- → Which grains and bases work well for building customizable plates?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce are versatile bases that pair with most proteins and toppings.
- → How can I make the spread suitable for vegans and gluten-free guests?
Provide plant-based proteins like tofu and falafel (check labels for gluten), and offer dairy-free cheeses and sauces.
- → What toppings add the most flavor and crunch?
Try toasted nuts or seeds, crumbled feta, pickled onions, herbs, and a selection of sauces such as sriracha mayo or lemon-tahini dressing.
- → How should I organize and present all the components?
Arrange each category—proteins, grains, vegetables, toppings, and sauces—in separate bowls or on platters for easy access and visual appeal.