Save to Pinterest 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 discovered build–your–own meals while hosting a family reunion. Setting out all the vibrant ingredients in bowls and platters truly brought everyone together. Watching guests create their own perfect board or bowl made dinner interactive and joyful for all ages.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast (400 g): Sliced, seasoned to taste.
- Marinated tofu (400 g): Grilled or baked, cubed, well seasoned.
- Cooked shrimp (400 g): Peeled, deveined, and chilled or warm.
- Falafel balls (350 g): Store-bought or homemade, prepared as small balls.
- Jasmine rice (4 cups): Cooked and fluffed.
- Quinoa (4 cups): Cooked, cooled, and fluffed.
- Romaine lettuce (2 heads): Chopped fresh.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): Halved.
- Cucumber (1): Sliced thin.
- Red bell pepper (1): Sliced.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Washed and packed.
- Cooked edamame (1 cup): Shelled and cooled.
- Roasted sweet potato cubes (1 cup): Cooked until tender.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Or vegan alternative.
- Sliced olives (1/2 cup): Any variety, drained.
- Pickled red onions (1/2 cup): Ready to serve.
- Toasted nuts or seeds (1/2 cup): Almonds, pumpkin seeds, or similar.
- Hummus (1/2 cup): Store-bought or homemade.
- Tzatziki (1/2 cup): Store-bought or homemade.
- Sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce (1/2 cup): Prepared and chilled.
- Chopped fresh herbs (1/4 cup): Parsley, cilantro, mint, finely chopped.
- Lemon-tahini dressing: Prepared and chilled.
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: Served in small bowls.
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: Prepared and ready to serve.
Instructions
- Prepare proteins:
- Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel according to preference (grill, bake, or saute). Keep warm or cool to room temperature.
- Prepare bases:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed, fluff with a fork, and arrange rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in serving bowls.
- Handle fresh vegetables:
- Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and sweet potatoes. Arrange each in individual bowls or a large platter.
- Set up toppings and sauces:
- Assemble feta, olives, pickled onions, nuts/seeds, hummus, tzatziki, spicy sauce, and herbs into small serving bowls.
- Arrange the spread:
- Place all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Set out utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item (tongs and spoons as needed).
- Invite guests:
- Let guests build their own bowls or plates by mixing bases, proteins, vegetables, toppings, and dressings.
Save to Pinterest Everyone in our family gets so excited seeing all the bowls lined up during holidays. The kids love picking their own toppings, and grandparents add extra herbs or cheese. It's always a hit that gets everyone talking and sharing.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons for easy guest access.
Allergen Information
This meal contains dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds, and possibly gluten (falafel, sauces). Be sure to check all labels for cross-contamination, especially with shrimp or other shellfish.
Nutritional Information
Each typical bowl provides approximately 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein, depending on selected components.
Save to Pinterest This build-your-own board is the ultimate way to feed a crowd. Let everyone create their own colorful, tasty plate and enjoy the party!
Recipe FAQs
- → What protein options can be included?
Offer grilled chicken, marinated tofu, shrimp, and falafel. Add plant-based proteins for variety.
- → How do I set up the serving area?
Arrange ingredients in separate bowls by category. Group proteins, grains, vegetables, and toppings together for easy assembly.
- → What dressings and sauces work best?
Serve lemon-tahini, soy-ginger vinaigrette, sriracha mayo, and olive oil balsamic for different flavor profiles.
- → Can this be made vegan or gluten-free?
Skip animal proteins and dairy for vegan preferences; choose gluten-free falafel and sauces for gluten-free options.
- → What tools should I prepare?
Use large serving platters, small bowls for toppings and sauces, serving utensils, tongs, and spoons for convenience.
- → Are there suggested wine pairings?
Pair with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir to complement fresh, vibrant flavors.