Pin 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.
This interactive meal became a favorite at our last family reunion: everyone enjoyed building their own bowls, sharing recipe ideas, and discovering new flavor combinations together.
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 sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel according to preference. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook grains:
- Cook jasmine rice and quinoa as directed. Fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare vegetables:
- Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and roasted sweet potato cubes. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Organize toppings:
- Place crumbled feta, olives, pickled red onions, toasted nuts or seeds, hummus, tzatziki, sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce, and fresh herbs into small bowls.
- Set up serving area:
- Arrange all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Place serving utensils for each item to make building bowls easy and sanitary.
- Invite guests:
- Guests build their own bowls or plates: start with a base, add proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finish with dressings and herbs.
Pin 
Our kids loved customizing their meals heap high with favorite toppings. It was heartwarming to watch guests explore new tastes and chat around the table, making unforgettable memories.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and spoons help keep everything organized and easy to access.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds (toppings). Gluten may be present in falafel, sauces, and dressings: check all labels for gluten or cross-contamination. Crustacean shellfish (shrimp) is included. Always verify all ingredient labels for guests' allergies.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per typical bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein. Actual totals vary by chosen combinations.
Pin Enjoy more gatherings with stress-free serving: this build-your-own meal solution keeps everyone happy and well-fed. Let creativity shine with every bowl!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Chop and arrange vegetables just before serving, and keep proteins covered to retain warmth or chill if necessary.
- → What grains work best for bowls?
Jasmine rice and quinoa both hold up well and provide neutral bases. Customize with greens like romaine for a lighter option.
- → Can I offer vegan and gluten-free choices?
Absolutely. Include plant proteins, dairy-free toppings, and ensure sauces are certified gluten-free for dietary flexibility.
- → What are some topping suggestions?
Try feta, vegan cheese, nuts, seeds, olives, pickled onions, hummus, and fresh herbs to add texture and flavor.
- → How do I organize the serving setup?
Group proteins, grains, vegetables, toppings, and sauces in separate bowls or platters. Use utensils for each category to streamline serving.
- → Which sauces pair well with these boards?
Lemon-tahini, sriracha mayo, tzatziki, soy-ginger vinaigrette, and classic olive oil with balsamic each suit different tastes.