20 Healthier Game Day Recipes

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I haven’t watched a football game yet this season (go Sooners?!). I know that game day season is here because I’ve caught glimpses of helmets flashing on TVs and heard whoops in my neighborhood. While I’m clearly not the biggest football fan in town, I love any excuse to slow down and catch up with friends—especially when good food and drinks are involved. Sign me up.

Game day food is notoriously heavy, greasy and meaty, so I rounded up my top twenty healthy, crowd-pleasing, seasonally-appropriate recipes for you. You’ll find everything from appetizers to salads, main dishes and a couple of desserts. Since serving a crowd often requires attention to special diets, I should mention that they’re all vegetarian and many are gluten free and vegan as well (I’ve made notes on those below).

1) Peanut Dipping Sauce

Easily gluten free and vegan (see recipe notes)

This peanut sauce is totally addictive and light-years better for you than the creamy store-bought alternatives.

2) Blue Corn Nachos with Homemade Guacamole

Gluten free

Because nachos covered in veggies are healthier than nachos not covered in veggies?

3) Homemade Salsa Verde

Gluten free and vegan

Warning: Once you go homemade, you can’t go back.

4) Vegan Chipotle Carrot Queso

Gluten free and vegan

I never thought I could get behind dairy-free “queso,” but this one is creamy, spicy and totally delicious.

5) Green Goddess Hummus

Gluten free and vegan

Here’s my favorite hummus recipe. I used classic green goddess herbs in here, but feel free to change them up or omit them for a super creamy traditional hummus.

6) Spiced Apple Margaritas

Easily gluten free and vegan (see recipe notes)

Apples plus slightly oak-y reposado tequila equals fall margarita perfection.

7) Lebanese Lemon-Parsley Bean Salad

Gluten free and vegan

This bean salad is full of bright flavor. I hear that kids like it, too!

8) Mayo-Free Potato Salad

Gluten free and vegan

This potato salad takes advantage of the starchy potato cooking water that you normally just pour off. Blend it up with fresh herbs and olive oil for a super creamy, cream-less potato salad dressing.

9) Quinoa Broccoli Slaw with Honey-Mustard Dressing

Gluten free

Here you have a very hearty broccoli salad that would make a gluten-free vegetarian very happy to find at a potluck.

10) Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad with a Zippy Lemon Dressing

Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)

Unexpected and so good.

11) Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw

Gluten free

This crisp and crunchy slaw is light and full of flavor. It once received a standing ovation at a Thanksgiving potluck, so I hope it receives the same fanfare at your watch party.

12) Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Gluten free and vegan (see recipe notes)

Tacos! These have been getting two thumbs’ up from carnivorous husbands.

13) Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili with Avocado

Gluten free and vegan

Spicy chipotle balances out the sweetness in this hearty meatless chili. It’s vegan and gluten free for all to enjoy.

14) Spinach Artichoke Enchiladas

Vegetarian

Spinach, artichoke, black beans and my favorite homemade enchilada sauce combine to create some seriously irresistible enchiladas.

15) The Easiest Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Vegetarian

You can whip up this dough in a food processor and it is ready to go right away (no waiting time whatsoever!). Add toppings of your choice or check out these pizza recipes for inspiration.

16) Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

Gluten free and vegan

This soup is a vegetarian cross between tortilla soup and posole soup. So good.

17) Balsamic Roasted Broccoli and Red Pepper Grilled Cheese

Vegetarian

My friend Alissa hosted a grilled cheese-themed watch party (all baked in the oven at once, with toppings of our choosing) last year and it was awesome.

18) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Avocado-Pepita Dip

Gluten free and easily vegan

Tacos featuring some of my favorite flavors. If you haven’t yet tasted black beans, roasted sweet potatoes and avocado in one bite, it’s time!

19) Simple Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)

Bring this crisp and vanilla ice cream for a guaranteed hit.

20) Maple Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies!

Gluten free

Cookies! These little treats are made with oat flour (which is super easy to make from old-fashioned oats), so your gluten-free friends can enjoy them.

More resources you might appreciate: 13 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 16 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!