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 love serving build-your-own boards and bowls at gatherings because everyone gets exactly what they want. The colorful arrangement and variety always spark conversation and create a festive atmosphere.
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
- 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:
- Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel by grilling, baking, or sautéing according to your preference. Keep warm or serve at room temperature.
- Prepare Grains and Greens:
- Cook rice and quinoa as directed. Fluff with a fork. Chop the romaine lettuce and arrange all bases in serving bowls.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Place them into individual bowls or on a platter for serving.
- Arrange Toppings and Sauces:
- Set out all toppings and sauces in small bowls for easy access.
- Set Up Serving Area:
- Display all meal components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for convenience.
- Provide Utensils:
- Place serving utensils by each ingredient.
- Serve:
- Invite guests to create their own bowl or plate, starting with the base, and then adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, dressings, and herbs.
Save Our family loves customizing their bowls together, especially when little ones pick out favorite toppings. It's a great way to get everyone involved and try new flavors as a group.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons are essential for smooth assembly.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and shellfish. Gluten may be present in falafel, sauces, and dressings, so read all ingredient labels and consider certified alternatives for sensitive guests.
Nutritional Information
Each typical bowl offers about 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein, making it a balanced option for varied diets.
Save Interactive plated meals are truly a show-stopping centerpiece for gatherings. Guests leave happy and full, plus you spend more time enjoying the party!
Recipe Guide
- → How do I arrange the boards and bowls for guests?
Place bases, proteins, vegetables, toppings, and sauces in separate bowls or platters grouped for easy access. Add utensils for serving.
- → Can I offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
Yes, use plant-based proteins, dairy alternatives, and certified gluten-free falafels or dressings to meet diverse dietary needs.
- → What proteins work well for this format?
Grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, and falafel offer choices for varied tastes and dietary requirements.
- → Which dressings and sauces can I provide?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette complement most bowl combinations. Add global sauces for variety.
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Prep proteins and grains just before serving. Keep sauces chilled and vegetables crisp in covered bowls until guests arrive.
- → What wine pairs well with this spread?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the fresh flavors and varied ingredients.