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.
At our last family get-together, these build-your-own bowls were a smash hit, with everyone excited to create their own plates and discover new flavor combinations. I loved seeing kids and adults getting creative, mixing sauces and toppings to suit their own preferences.
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 (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 all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook grains and 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.
- Set out toppings:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Organize spread:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite guests to build:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save It was wonderful to see our kids eager to try new vegetables and sauces, even the pickiest eaters found favorites! Sharing this interactive meal brought everyone together around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your bowls with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir for a festive touch. Add extra fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.
Customization Ideas
Add roasted vegetables, different cheeses, or global sauces like salsa, chimichurri, or peanut sauce to keep things exciting for repeat gatherings.
Required Tools
Set out large serving platters, bowls, tongs, and plenty of small bowls for sauces and toppings so everyone can easily build their meal.
Save This bright, flexible spread guarantees easy entertaining—let your creativity shine with endless flavor combinations.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Prepare proteins and grains just before guests arrive, keep chilled vegetables in the fridge, and cover toppings to maintain freshness until serving.
- → What grains work best for customizable bowls?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped romaine are ideal bases. Offer a variety for guests to choose their preferred texture and flavor.
- → Can all components be made ahead?
Most proteins and grains can be cooked in advance and gently reheated. Chopped veggies and toppings are best prepped fresh or stored airtight.
- → How can I make this meal vegan or gluten-free?
Swap animal proteins for tofu or legumes, opt for vegan cheeses, and confirm falafel and sauces are certified gluten-free.
- → What dressings complement these boards and bowls?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette offer fresh options suited to a variety of flavor profiles.
- → How should I arrange the components for easy serving?
Group bases, proteins, vegetables, and toppings separately in serving dishes for convenient, self-serve assembly.