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 served this platter-style board at a family get-together last summer, watching everyone dive in and build colorful bowls to suit their tastes. The mix-and-match approach never fails to spark conversation and makes every guest feel included.
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
- Jasmine Rice: 4 cups, cooked
- Quinoa: 4 cups, cooked
- 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 (or vegan alternative): 1 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: 1/2 cup
- Chopped Fresh Herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint): 1/4 cup
- Lemon-Tahini Dressing
- Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
- Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prep Proteins:
- Prepare all protein options by grilling, baking, or sautéing chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains & Bases:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed, fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked grains and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble Toppings:
- Place toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set Up:
- Set all ingredients out on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide Utensils:
- Ensure serving utensils are at each item.
- Invite to Build:
- Let guests build their own bowls or plates: start with a base, add proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finish with dressings and herbs.
Save My niece loved picking extra roasted sweet potatoes, while my dad loaded up on feta and herbs. Sharing favorite combos around the table turned dinner into a cheerful highlight of the evening.
Required Tools
Use large serving platters and bowls for organizing all proteins, grains, and veggies. Place small bowls and utensils beside each category for easy serving.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten (in falafel/sauces), and shellfish. Always verify each ingredient and swap as needed for dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Per typical bowl: 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbs, 22 g protein. Nutrition varies by ingredients chosen.
Save This build-your-own setup turns any dinner into a festive, memorable event and makes every guest feel like part of the celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I offer vegan options?
Swap animal proteins and dairy for extra plant-based choices like tempeh, chickpeas, and vegan cheese alternatives.
- → What is the best way to serve sauces?
Arrange dressings and sauces in small bowls with spoons so guests can drizzle or dip as desired.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Ensure falafel and sauces are certified gluten-free, and always verify all packaged ingredients for gluten content.
- → Which dressings pair well with the bowls?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil with balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette are popular choices for a range of flavors.
- → What wine pairs with these meals?
Try crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir to complement the fresh flavors of bases and toppings.
- → How do I keep proteins warm for serving?
Use warming trays or cover cooked proteins loosely with foil to retain heat without drying out.