Pin It A vibrant spread of customizable boards & bowls, perfect for social gatherings. Guests mix & match fresh ingredients to create their own personalized meals—fun, engaging, & sure to please every palate.
At our last get-together, I set up a build-your-own bowl station & everyone raved about how fun it was to make their own creations. There was lots of laughter & experimentation with flavors!
Ingredients
- Proteins: 400 g grilled chicken breast (sliced), 400 g marinated tofu (grilled or baked, cubed), 400 g cooked shrimp (peeled & deveined), 350 g falafel balls (store-bought or homemade)
- Grains & Bases: 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, 4 cups cooked quinoa, 2 large heads romaine lettuce (chopped)
- Fresh Vegetables: 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cucumber (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup cooked edamame, 1 cup roasted sweet potato cubes
- Toppings & Extras: 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan alternative), 1/2 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, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Dressings & Sauces: lemon-tahini dressing, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, soy-ginger vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, & falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Bases:
- Cook grains as directed & fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, & chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep Fresh Vegetables:
- Wash & chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Assemble toppings & sauces in small bowls.
- Set Up Station:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide Utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Build & Enjoy:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, & finishing with dressings & herbs.
Pin It These boards are always a hit in our family, especially with kids who love choosing & assembling their own meals. Everyone finds something delicious to enjoy together.
Required Tools
Large serving platters & bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces & toppings, tongs & spoons for easy serving.
Allergen Information
Contains: dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds (toppings), gluten (falafel, sauces, dressings). Check labels for gluten/cross-contamination & crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Verify all ingredients for guest allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (estimated for a typical bowl): Calories 420, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 22 g.
Pin It Bring everyone together with a meal that is fun, easy, & lets each guest create exactly what they love. Perfect for celebrations or casual evenings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I offer vegetarian and gluten-free options?
Include plant-based proteins like tofu, falafel, or chickpeas, and certified gluten-free grains or sauces to cater to dietary needs.
- → What sauces pair well with customizable boards?
Lemon-tahini, sriracha mayo, tzatziki, and global choices such as chimichurri or peanut sauce provide variation.
- → Can boards and bowls be prepped ahead?
Chop vegetables and prepare grains in advance, keeping proteins warm or at room temperature for serving ease.
- → What wine works best with these meals?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir pairs well and complements a variety of ingredient combinations.
- → How do I arrange the spread for guests?
Group items by category—grains, proteins, veggies, toppings—on platters and bowls, then provide utensils for self-serve ease.
- → Are there ways to add global flavors?
Incorporate international sauces or cheeses such as salsa, feta, or chimichurri to diversify the flavor profile.