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.
The first time I hosted a build-your-own board night, it turned into one of the most memorable dinner parties because everyone got to create exactly what they wanted. It's a stress-free way to entertain with delicious results every time.
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:
- 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.
- Assemble Toppings & Sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set Up Board:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Serving:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Build & 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 My kids love building rainbow bowls and it's become a favorite way to serve dinner when extended family visits. Everyone finds something they like, and the table buzzes with conversation and creativity.
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), gluten may be present in falafel and sauces, crustacean shellfish (shrimp). Always check all labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Save Encourage guests to try unexpected combinations and keep extra herbs for a fresh finishing touch.
Recipe Help
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Prepare and chill components in advance, then arrange just before serving. Use ice packs for perishable items.
- → Can I include other protein options?
Absolutely. Try adding grilled salmon, chickpeas, tempeh, or your favorite alternatives for more variety.
- → Which grains pair well with these boards?
Beyond rice and quinoa, offer couscous, bulgur, or wild rice to give guests more texture and flavor choices.
- → What dressings work best for variety?
Lemon-tahini, balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrettes provide balance. Add salsa or chimichurri for global flair.
- → How can I make this meal suitable for dietary restrictions?
Include vegan proteins, gluten-free grains, and dairy-free cheese. Label bowls to highlight allergens for guests.
- → Are there wine recommendations for this type of meal?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir pair well with the variety of flavors and ingredients offered.