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 hosted a build-your-own board night for friends and everyone loved creating their own unique plates. It brought lots of laughter and creativity 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:
- Grill, bake or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred. Keep warm or serve at room temperature.
- Prepare grains and bases:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed. Fluff with a fork. Arrange rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare vegetables:
- Wash, chop, and arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and sweet potato cubes in bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange toppings and sauces:
- Place cheese, olives, pickled onions, nuts or seeds, hummus, tzatziki, sauces, and herbs in small bowls.
- Set up serving station:
- Group all components by category on a large table or counter for easy access.
- Provide serving utensils:
- Place utensils with each ingredient for simple self-serve assembly.
- Invite guests to assemble:
- Let guests build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, then adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and fresh herbs.
Save Our whole family enjoys customizing their plates, especially the kids who get to choose all their favorite ingredients.
Required Tools
Use large serving platters and bowls, small bowls for sauces and toppings, and offer plenty of tongs and spoons for easy sharing.
Allergen Information
Dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, and shellfish may be present depending on selected proteins and toppings. Always verify all ingredient labels before serving.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Save Enjoy the conversation and creativity as everyone builds a plate to suit their taste. Clean up is simple and leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.
Common Questions
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh for guests?
Use chilled bowls for cold items and warming dishes for proteins. Prep vegetables just before serving for peak freshness.
- → What are the best bases for bowls?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce offer a variety of flavors and textures suitable for most tastes and diets.
- → How can I offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Include plant-based proteins like tofu and falafel, use certified gluten-free grains and sauces, and provide dairy-free toppings.
- → What dressings complement these meals?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette are excellent choices to enhance flavor profiles.
- → How should components be arranged for a gathering?
Group items by category on the table, using large platters and small bowls for easy access and appealing presentation.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Proteins and grains can be cooked in advance; store separately and warm before serving. Prep veggies just before assembly.