Pin It A vibrant spread of customizable boards & bowls, perfect for social gatherings. Guests mix & match fresh ingredients to create their own personalized meals: fun, engaging, & sure to please every palate.
I first tried building a meal board for my family’s weekend get-together. Everyone loved mixing & matching their bowls, from kids piling on extra toppings to grandparents choosing the classic flavors.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast: 400 g, sliced
- Marinated tofu: 400 g, grilled or baked, cubed
- Cooked shrimp: 400 g, peeled & 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
- 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, & falafel. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains:
- Cook rice & quinoa as directed. Fluff with a fork. Arrange rice, quinoa, & lettuce each in separate bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash & chop all vegetables. Put each in bowls or on a platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Place toppings & sauces in small bowls for easy access.
- Set Up Meal Board:
- Place all components on a large table or counter. Group by category for convenience.
- Add Utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for every item.
- Invite Guests:
- Let guests build their own bowls or plates: start with a base, add proteins, veggies, toppings, & dressings.
Pin It This style of meal always sparks conversation & brings everyone together around the table. Sharing a build-your-own board has become a birthday tradition at our house, with each person inventing their own combination.
Required Tools
Large serving platters & bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces & toppings, tongs & spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, & crustacean shellfish. Always verify all ingredient labels for safety, especially for guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per typical bowl: 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Pin It Let everyone get creative: this interactive meal always brings smiles. Make-ahead prep keeps entertaining easy & stress-free.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep proteins warm for serving?
Cover cooked proteins with foil or lids and keep in low-heat ovens or warming trays until meal time.
- → What grains work best for this format?
Jasmine rice and quinoa provide great bases, but brown rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice are also excellent choices.
- → How can I accommodate vegan and gluten-free guests?
Offer plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas and select certified gluten-free sauces and falafel. Always check labels.
- → What sauces and dressings pair well?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & vinegar, and soy-ginger vinaigrette add brightness. Try salsa or chimichurri for variety.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, proteins, grains, and roasted vegetables can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble fresh before serving.
- → What drinks pair well with these meals?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc, light Pinot Noir, sparkling water, and citrusy mocktails complement these flavors nicely.