Pin It 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 organized a build-your-own board party for my family and it quickly became everyone's favorite way to eat together. Watching everyone create combinations made the meal lively and memorable.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 400 g grilled chicken breast, sliced; 400 g marinated tofu, grilled or baked, cubed; 400 g cooked shrimp, peeled and 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 (e.g., 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, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains & Bases:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set Up Meal Station:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Add Serving Utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite and Build:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Pin It My kids love helping arrange all the colorful veggies and toppings. The build-your-own approach always sparks laughter and creativity at our table.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (feta, tzatziki), Eggs (mayonnaise), Soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), Nuts/Seeds (toppings), crustacean shellfish (shrimp), gluten may be present in falafel, sauces, and dressings; always verify ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 22 g (estimated per typical bowl).
Pin It This interactive meal brings everyone together and guarantees no one leaves the table hungry. Just enjoy the conversations and creative combinations.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh for serving boards?
Prep ingredients on the day of the event. Cover and chill proteins and vegetables until serving, setting them out close to mealtime.
- → What bases work best for bowls and boards?
Cooked grains like rice and quinoa, plus chopped fresh greens such as romaine lettuce, serve as excellent bases.
- → Can I offer vegan and gluten-free options?
Yes, include plant proteins like tofu and falafel, vegan cheeses, and check for gluten-free falafel and sauces among your ingredients.
- → How do I organize the serving area for guests?
Group items by category (proteins, grains, veggies, toppings, dressings) with separate utensils for easy mixing and matching.
- → What sauces and dressings suit these boards and bowls?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, and soy-ginger vinaigrette are versatile choices for mixing flavors.
- → What wine pairs nicely with the menu?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the varied flavors and ingredients on the boards and bowls.