Healthy Tailgate Food Ideas
Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
| 1 min read
It’s officially tailgating season, which means weekends filled with team spirit, lawn chairs and the aroma of food grilling in the lot. Tailgates are as much about food and fun as they are about the big game, but planning a dish that satisfies a hungry crowd can feel overwhelming. Chips, hot dogs and burgers often dominate the spread, but those classics usually lack a nutritious edge.
Wow your crew with fan favorites while adding in a little extra balance with these recipes:
Buffalo chicken dip is a fan favorite at any tailgate—creamy, spicy and difficult to stop eating. This lighter version, made with cottage cheese and lesscream cheese, keeps the flavor but dials back the heaviness. It also packs in more protein, making you feel satisfied with less. Serve with celery sticks, whole-grain crackers alongside the tortilla chips to mix in more wholesome dippers.
No tailgate is complete without wings. Deep-fried versions can leave everyone feeling sluggish before the first quarter even starts. Baking wings in the oven creates a similar crispy skin without the extra grease.
Baguette topped with sweet, caramelized onions and crisp apple slices offer a refreshing break from heavier fare. This dish strikes the balance of sweet, savory and crunchy.
