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 set up a build-your-own board for a housewarming party, and everyone loved customizing their bowls! Kids and adults alike enjoyed picking favorites and discovering new combinations. Now, it's my go-to for potlucks and relaxed gatherings.
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
- Jasmine rice: 4 cups, cooked
- Quinoa: 4 cups, cooked
- 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:
- Grill, bake, or saute chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as preferred. Keep warm or serve at room temperature.
- Cook the Grains and Bases:
- Cook rice and quinoa; fluff with a fork. Chop lettuce. Place each into separate serving bowls.
- Prep Fresh Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all fresh veggies. Arrange each in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Set Up Toppings & Sauces:
- Place toppings and sauces in small bowls for easy access.
- Arrange the Bar:
- Set all components out on a large table or counter, grouping by category.
- Provide Utensils:
- Set serving utensils with each item.
- Build & Enjoy:
- Invite everyone to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, then proteins, veggies, toppings, and sauces.
Save Last summer, my family gathered in the backyard, passing bowls of grains and proteins, helping the kids discover new favorite toppings. It started plenty of laughter and inspired us to get more creative with leftovers.
Required Tools
Gather large platters, bowls for toppings and sauces, plus serving utensils to keep things easy and accessible. Tongs and spoons help guests build bowls with less mess.
Allergen Information
Dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, and crustacean shellfish may be present. Always check package details or labels to help guests avoid allergens.
Nutritional Information
Most bowls provide about 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbs, and 22 g protein per serving, making them balanced and satisfying options.
Save Enjoy how easy and fun this meal is—everyone leaves satisfied and you get more time with your guests!