Save 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 hosted a build-your-own board night for friends and everyone loved mixing ingredients to make their own favorite combos. It instantly brought extra conversation and laughter to the table.
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 needed
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: As needed
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: As needed
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Prepare chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred (grill, bake, or sauté). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains and Bases:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed, then fluff with a fork. Arrange rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or a large platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Place all toppings and sauces in small bowls for serving.
- Set Up Serving Station:
- Set all components out on a large table or counter, grouping similar items together for easy access.
- Add Utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite Guests:
- Invite everyone to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base and adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, dressings, and herbs as desired.
Save Pin Kids get excited picking their favorite toppings and trying new bites, making this an ideal meal for family celebrations. We always end up discovering new favorite combos together!
Required Tools
Large serving platters, bowls, tongs, spoons, and small bowls for sauces and toppings help keep everything organized for guests.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, and crustacean shellfish in certain items. Always double-check labels and separate major allergens for sensitive guests.
Nutritional Information
For a typical bowl: 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein. Actual values vary by ingredient choices.
Save Pin This interactive meal delivers both flavor and fun, making every gathering memorable. Let guests build, share, and explore new flavor combinations every time!