10 winning snacks for the big game

Food

10 winning snacks for the big game

Impress your game-day guests with healthy snacks that taste great and score big in the nutritional end zone.
Everyone expects to feast on chicken wings, pizza, and chips and dip, but you can elevate your party this year with a well-balanced lineup of healthy snacks and appetizers. Consider these 10 ideas for your game-day spread that are certain to leave your 49er or Chiefs fans smiling even if their team falls short on the gridiron:

Quinoa salad cups

Score a touchdown with these bite-sized treats that feature cooked quinoa with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, black beans and a zesty lime dressing, all mixed into small tortilla cups or lettuce wraps. This a great gluten-free option that also provides a balance of protein, fiber and essential nutrients. Get the dressing recipe here.

Guacamole and veggies

Sure to be a fan-favorite, this twist on chips and dip includes creamy guacamole and colorful veggie dippers such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices and bell pepper strips. Not only will you benefit from heart-healthy fats, but you’ll also get a nutritional boost. Get the recipe here.

Air-popped popcorn

Popcorn is one of those classic snacks that is part of many game-day party lineups. Instead of seasoning with butter, opt for air-popped popcorn that’s sprinkled with nutritional yeast, a pinch of sea salt and a dash of your favorite spice such as cinnamon or paprika. Popcorn is packed with fiber and that will keep partygoers noshing throughout the game.

Mini Caprese skewers

For a twist on a popular classic, create mini Caprese skewers by alternating cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls and basil leaves on toothpicks. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor without excess calories. Plus, the combination provides a healthy punch of calcium and antioxidants.

Enjoying this story? It’s free to republish. Learn more.

Turkey chili

Warm up the party with this heart-healthy chili, prepared with lean turkey instead of beef. Add a variety of beans for essential nutrients such as folate, iron and fiber. Serve it as a dip or on its own. Get the recipe here.

Shrimp with sugar-free cocktail sauce

Sack the sugar-loaded store-bought cocktail sauce and whip up your own flavorful sauce with a twist. When paired with shrimp, you’ve got a low-calorie, high-flavor option. Find the recipe here.

Buffalo cauliflower bites

For the perfect alternative to buffalo wings, try battered and baked cauliflower bites. They’re low in calories and packed with vitamin C and fiber. Get the recipe here.

Baked sweet potato skins

Instead of loaded baked potatoes, serve sweet potato skins, baked and topped with avocado. This twist on potato skins adds fiber, vitamins and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat to your diet. Find the recipe here.

Fruit skewers with yogurt dip

No snack spread is complete without something to satisfy the sweet tooth. Thread colorful fruits such as berries, pineapple chunks and melon onto skewers for a visually appealing treat. Pair them with a light and creamy yogurt dip for added protein and a hint of sweetness. Get the recipe here.

Lighter buffalo chicken dip

Partygoers tend to gravitate to game-day classics such as buffalo chicken dip, which can be loaded with calories and unhealthy fat. For a healthier version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Find the recipe here.

Tags
Sign me up for email updates

Sign up below to receive email updates from MyCarolinaLife.com.

Live Better. Learn More.

Sign up for our e-newsletter.