Save to Pinterest 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 building my own interactive meal board for a family reunion, and everyone loved choosing exactly what they wanted. It made dining together both fun and memorable, and even picky eaters found something to enjoy.
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
- Edamame: 1 cup, cooked
- 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 desired
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as desired
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as desired
Instructions
- Prepare proteins:
- Cook chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare bases:
- Cook rice and quinoa, and fluff with a fork. Place 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.
- Set up toppings & sauces:
- Assemble all toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Arrange:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouped by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Place serving utensils with each item.
- Invite & build:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates with desired bases, proteins, vegetables, toppings, dressings, and herbs.
Save to Pinterest My family always looks forward to meal boards because everyone gets creative piling their bowls in different ways. It's a great way to connect at your next gathering.
Required Tools
Gather large serving platters, bowls, tongs, spoons, and smaller bowls for sauces and toppings to make setup smooth and organized.
Allergen Information
Dairy (feta, tzatziki), eggs (mayonnaise), soy (tofu, edamame, soy sauce), nuts/seeds (toppings), gluten in falafel or sauces, and shellfish (shrimp) may be present, check all ingredients and labels for restriction needs.
Nutritional Information
Each typical bowl provides approximately 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein. Adjust based on selections.
Save to Pinterest Let guests create their perfect plate, and don't forget to save any leftovers for easy meal prep the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What proteins can I offer for custom boards?
Try options like grilled chicken, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, and falafel balls for variety.
- → Which grains work best as bases?
Cooked jasmine rice, quinoa, or chopped romaine lettuce are excellent foundations for building bowls or plates.
- → Can these boards be made vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace animal-based proteins with plant proteins and ensure toppings and sauces are gluten-free.
- → What toppings and dressings add flavor?
Include feta or vegan cheese, olives, pickled onions, nuts, hummus, tzatziki, and a variety of dressings like lemon-tahini.
- → How do I set up for a large group?
Arrange ingredients by category on serving platters and small bowls for easy access. Use utensils for each item.
- → What wine pairs well with these meals?
Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement vibrant flavors and textures.