Tailgate parties are a fantastic way to celebrate and connect with friends and family while supporting your favorite sports team. The tradition of food at football games isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about connection. Growing up, Sundays weren’t just about football. They were about family. We’d gather in the living room, proudly wearing team jerseys or colors, and snack our way through the entire game. Sure, touchdowns were exciting, but the real highlight was the food and the memories made around it.
However, traditional tailgate menus often feature less nutritious options like chips, hot dogs, cupcakes, and fried chicken. While these foods can be enjoyed in moderation, many people are looking for healthier alternatives to bring to the party. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and healthy tailgate-friendly foods that are sure to hit the spot and keep you and your friends fueled throughout the big game.
This article provides a variety of healthy and tasty recipes and ideas.
Dips and Appetizers
Dips and appetizers are essential for any tailgate party. These recipes offer healthier ways to enjoy classic game-day snacks.
7-Layer Gameday Dip
This classic dip can be made healthier by piling on fresh chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and scallions. Instead of chips, use bell peppers to sneak in extra veggies.
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Roasted Garlic Guacamole
A good source of fiber, this garlicky guac will help you feel full. Consider adding beans to boost the amount of fiber. It has a texture similar to hummus and is perfect for dipping chips, pita, or veggies. To prevent browning, make the guacamole just before serving, or place the avocado pits in the guacamole until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons): 53 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Shave off unnecessary fat and calories by using lighter ingredients in this game-day must-have. Serve this tasty dip with gluten-free crackers to make it a gluten-free recipe.
Football Shaped Cheese Dip
This easy appetizer is cheesy and delicious! Mix 2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt with 24 oz. of shredded cheddar cheese and almonds. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Take bread loaf and cut football oval shape in center using a serrated knife. Remove dip from refrigerator and scoop into center of bread loaf. Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped bacon (we used bacon bits) on top of dip. Garnish with green onions. Cut four strips of white cheese and add as football thread.
Bean Salsa
Alter your sister's recipe by adding a finely chopped jalapeno pepper for a little heat. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving.
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Nutritional Information (per 1/4 cup, calculated without chips): 52 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Beetroot Hummus
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per 1/4 cup): 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Main Dishes
For a more substantial meal, these healthy main dish options are sure to satisfy.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
For a healthy main dish, customize these burrito bowls with a variety of good-for-you toppings.
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Turkey Tostadas
Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork.
Nutritional Information (per 1 tostada): 269 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
You can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time!
Nutritional Information (per 2 tacos): 282 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
White Chicken Chili
Chili is a staple at tailgates, especially during colder weather. This white chicken chili recipe is made with a base of chicken broth.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Casseroles are a fan favorite. Plus, they’re hearty enough to satisfy a hungry crowd. Pack with healthy ingredients like brown rice, ground turkey, spinach, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and cheese. It’s simple to make and requires just one pot. You can also make it in a CrockPot if preferred.
Nutritional Information (per 1 cup): 285 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These buffalo chicken meatballs make a tasty dinner, lunch, or tailgate finger food. To make them easier to handle at the tailgate, simply make them a bit smaller and stick in some toothpicks or skewers. They’re also loaded with veggies like diced carrots, onions, and celery. They’re also gluten-free and paleo, making them a suitable option for those following these diets.
Sides and Salads
Add some freshness and nutrition to your tailgate with these side dishes and salads.
Garlic and Herb-Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
Packed with vitamins A and C, you can feel good about having fries with that.
Berry Coleslaw
Give ordinary coleslaw a "berry" tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per 3/4 cup): 122 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
Corn and Barley Salad
A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers.
Nutritional Information (per 2/3 cup): 156 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
Garden Salad
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings.
Nutritional Information (per 1 serving): 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
Bacon Lima Bean Side Dish
Bacon, tomatoes, and lima beans combine for a nutrient-packed side dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to turkey.
Nutritional Information (per 2/3 cup): 230 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
Mediterranean Chickpea and Farro Salad
Unlike typical game-day pasta salads, this hearty dish is made with farro, a whole grain that’s a good source of fiber and minerals like iron and potassium. It’s bursting with flavor from olives, onion, parsley, and feta and is high in plant-based protein thanks to the chickpeas.
Asparagus with Lemon-Tarragon Vinaigrette
I love asparagus, and I love it even more when drizzled with my light, lemony vinaigrette dressing with a touch of tarragon. It's perfect as a side for fresh spring meals.
Nutritional Information (per 1 serving): 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Edamame
Edamame are young soybeans in their pods. While I love to get them with my sushi when I go out, they are also so easy to make at home.
Nutritional Information (per 1 serving): 52 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Finger Foods
At a tailgate, finger foods are a must. People like to have the option to grab a quick bite while they’re socializing. Plus, because finger foods tend to be small, they’re often easy to make in large batches.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs have it all. They’re savory, creamy, packed with protein, and are oh-so-satisfying. This deviled egg recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo, which adds more protein and a tangy twist to the recipe without changing the characteristic creamy texture. The addition of mustard and paprika gives the dish a powerful punch of flavor, which will help them stand out amongst other tailgate food options.
Salad Pinwheels
Salads can be hard to eat when socializing at a tailgate party. Conveniently, you can shrink your salad into bite-sized portions by creating pinwheels. Simply stuff wraps with salad ingredients of choice, roll them up, slice them, and secure them with a toothpick so they stay together.
Turkey Sandwich Kabobs
The irresistible combination of turkey, cheese, pickles, and crunchy veggies make these turkey sandwich kabobs an ideal choice for a tailgate party. You can make them in large batches. Feel free to change up the types of veggies or leave out the cheese to accommodate different taste preferences or dietary restrictions. The fresh vegetables are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the turkey and cheese are good sources of protein and fat. Combined, this makes for a balanced tailgate choice.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish that can work well at tailgate parties. The mushrooms make a great finger food option for game day since they’re bite-sized and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Try out these healthy and tasty tailgate-friendly stuffed mushroom recipes at your next tailgate party: Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms, Quinoa-stuffed mushrooms, Herb-stuffed mushrooms.
Veggie Kabobs
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help.
Nutritional Information (per 1 kabob): 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Grilled Skewers
Skewers, also known as kabobs, are a perfect choice for a tailgate party. They’re versatile, easy to make, and are sure to please a crowd with different taste preferences. If there’s a grill available at your tailgate party, you can prep them at home in large batches and grill them when you’re ready to eat. Try out these delicious skewer combinations for your next tailgate party: Coconut and pineapple shrimp skewers, Grilled chicken skewers with veggies, Marinated tofu veggie skewers.
Sweet Treats
If you’ve been tasked with making dessert for a tailgate party but want to make something a bit more nutritious, you’re in luck! There are plenty of delicious, healthy desserts and sweet snacks that are tailgate party-friendly.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Gotta have something sweet, right?
Grain-Free Sweet Potato Avocado Brownie Bites
Because they’re made with sweet potato, avocado, eggs, coconut flour, and walnuts, they’re much higher in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals compared with traditional brownie bites. They’re significantly lower in sugar, too.
Homemade Twix Bars
This homemade Twix bar recipe only requires a handful of ingredients like almond butter, dates, coconut flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Plus, it takes just 30 minutes to make. The result is a crunchy, chocolatey, chewy bar that’s paleo and vegan-friendly. Compared with traditional Twix bars, these bars are also much lower in sugar.
Ice Pops
If you’re looking for a tailgate-friendly dessert that will help partygoers beat the heat, try making a batch of ice pops. Ice pops are ideal for tailgates in warmer weather and can be made with or without alcohol, allowing everyone to enjoy them. All you need is ice pop molds and a few simple ingredients.
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