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 tried interactive plated meals at a family reunion, and it instantly became a favorite way for everyone to share food and conversation. The build-your-own concept brings people together and keeps the meal lively and adaptable.
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, 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 desired
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as desired
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as desired
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 and 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.
- Organize toppings and sauces:
- Assemble toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set up board or spread:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite & build:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Save Our family loves these build-your-own meals on weekends, especially when everyone gets creative with their combinations. Cleanup is easy, and there's always something for everyone.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs, and spoons are essential for an organized and varied spread.
Allergen Information
This meal may contain dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, gluten, and shellfish. Always check all ingredients and labels to protect guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each bowl provides an estimated 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein, though nutritional values will vary by ingredients chosen.
Save Enjoy the interactive experience of meal building—it's a fresh, delicious way to entertain. Customize to suit all tastes for truly memorable gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make this meal vegetarian or vegan?
Use plant proteins like tofu, falafel, and chickpeas. Swap dairy for vegan cheese and sauces to suit all guests.
- → What are the best grains to use for the base?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, or chopped lettuce work well. Feel free to substitute brown rice or couscous for variety.
- → Which proteins pair best with these ingredient spreads?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, falafel, and tofu are popular choices, offering both meat and plant options for flexible meals.
- → How do I prevent cross-contamination for allergies?
Keep each ingredient in separate bowls with dedicated serving utensils and clearly label allergens for guests' safety.
- → Can I prepare any ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, most proteins, grains, and roasted veggies can be made in advance and kept chilled or reheated before serving.
- → What sauces work well for customizing bowls?
Lemon-tahini, soy-ginger vinaigrette, and spicy yogurt sauce complement most toppings and bases. Offer several for variety.