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, engaging and sure to please every palate.
I first hosted a build-your-own bowl night last summer and it quickly became everyone&s favorite way to share a meal together. Watching friends and family create their plates was both fun and inspiring.
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
- Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup, chopped (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Lemon-tahini dressing: as needed
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as needed
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as needed
Instructions
- Prep Proteins:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare Grains & Bases:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble Toppings & Sauces:
- Arrange toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set Out Components:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Add Utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite & Enjoy:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save After the meal, we love sharing stories about our favorite bowl combinations. It creates such a fun atmosphere and brings out everyone&s creativity.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons are essential for this spread.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains: dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, and shellfish. Always verify ingredient labels for allergies and potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Each typical bowl provides about 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein.
Save Add a few extra herbs for freshness, and don&t forget your favorite wine pairing to complement the board. Enjoy building and sharing together.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh during gatherings?
Chop vegetables and proteins just before serving, and cover with clean towels or plastic wrap until guests arrive.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Cook grains, proteins, and roast vegetables beforehand. Store them separately, and reheat if needed before assembling.
- → What protein options work for vegetarians or vegans?
Offer marinated tofu, falafel balls, chickpeas, and tempeh as hearty plant-based proteins for guests.
- → How do I cater to gluten-free diets?
Choose certified gluten-free grains, sauces, and falafel. Always check packaging to prevent cross-contamination.
- → What dressings pair best with these boards and bowls?
Try lemon-tahini, olive oil and balsamic, or soy-ginger vinaigrette for varied flavor profiles to bring the meal together.
- → What wine pairs well with the spread?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir are versatile picks for the vibrant mix of ingredients and flavors.