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 brought out an interactive meal board for a birthday get-together, and everyone loved mixing and matching their favorites. The relaxed, hands-on style sparked lively conversation and even inspired a few creative new flavor combos!
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, such as almonds or 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, such as parsley, cilantro, mint
- Lemon-tahini dressing: as needed
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as needed
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel as desired (grill, bake, or sauté). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains and Bases:
- Cook rice and quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork. Place rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate bowls.
- Prep Fresh Vegetables:
- Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, and sweet potato. Arrange in serving bowls or on a platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Place all cheeses, olives, pickled onions, nuts/seeds, hummus, tzatziki, spicy sauce, herbs, and dressings into small bowls.
- Set Up Board:
- Arrange all ingredients on a large table or counter, grouping items by category for easy access.
- Prep for Guests:
- Provide serving utensils for every bowl or platter.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Invite guests to build plates or bowls, choosing a base, then proteins, vegetables, desired toppings, and sauces.
Save My family loves customizing their own bowls at gatherings. Kids pile on their favorites, and grown-ups experiment with new flavor combinations, making each meal memorable and fun.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, tongs, serving utensils, and small bowls for all sauces and toppings keep everything organized and accessible.
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds. Gluten may be present in falafel and sauces, always verify labels for allergies and cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per bowl: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein. Values vary based on exact choices and amounts on each plate.
Save Wrap up your gathering with a bowl made your way, and enjoy plenty of happy, satisfied guests eager for seconds.
Recipe Guide
- → How should the proteins be prepared?
Grill, bake, or sauté proteins such as chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel based on personal preference. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- → What grains or bases work best?
Offer a variety of bases like jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce. Fluff grains and arrange separately for easy serving.
- → How can I add flavor and crunch?
Include toppings like feta cheese, pickled onions, sliced olives, toasted nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs. These extras boost texture and taste.
- → What dressings and sauces complement the spread?
Serve choices such as lemon-tahini, olive oil and balsamic, or soy-ginger vinaigrette. Set these out in small bowls for drizzle or dipping.
- → How do I accommodate dietary needs?
For vegan or gluten-free guests, focus on plant proteins, dairy alternatives, and certified gluten-free items. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → Can I prep components ahead?
Most proteins, grains, and veggies can be cooked and chopped in advance. Refrigerate and set out before serving for ease.