Surround yourself with these Healthy Game Day Recipes and you’ll wake-up happy even if your team doesn’t win!
You can easily make an amazing party menu from the dips, finger foods, appetizers and hearty entrees that made the Top 20. Most are naturally low-carb and ALL of them call for wholesome ingredients.
These healthy recipes are perfect for football and basketball sporting events as well as the end of the year soccer party for your local team. Be sure to check out the make-ahead tips and tricks with each post.
Quickly find the healthy game day recipe you’re looking for:
Dips
When it comes to a healthy game day dips, the “dipper” makes all the difference. Luckily, there are lots of low-carb, high protein and plant-based chips and crackers at the grocery these days!
Even better choices: Sliced cucumbers, scoops made from peppers and these healthy alternatives to chips.
Simple Guacamole Dip
It’s just not a party without this versatile recipe!
Serving ideas: Spread guacamole out on a platter in the shape of a football or a field. Use sour cream or Greek yogurt to pipe the lines like Crayons and Cravings did in this Guacamole Football Recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip with Greek Yogurt
This recipe can be made a couple of days ahead of time. If you caramelize onions in a slow cooker, then the entire recipe is a breeze to make.
Greek Layer Dip with Tzatziki
This vegetarian dip is so substantial it’s almost a meal!
Serving idea: Assemble this recipe in single-serving containers, like small mason jars or cups, in a deep bowl or on a platter.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Use fresh or frozen corn depending upon availability. If you go the fresh route, microwave corn on the cob IN THE HUSK in minutes!
Mexican Street Corn in a Cup
Serving idea: This recipe can be served in cups, which has the side benefit of limiting the portions. In my experience, this dip is a HUGE hit. Of course, you can just make a big bowl of it too!
Finger Foods
These healthy game day appetizer recipes don’t require a fork and sneak vegetables into the menu in creative ways!
Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
These are a nice alternative to Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (which are amazing.) However, not everyone enjoys a spicy dish. These are melt in your mouth delicious.
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the “breading” and cauliflower in advance and use our no-mess process to quickly prepare and cook them on game day.
Easy Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Cream Cheese
Fill mushroom caps with this classic cream cheese filling. Other options include Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms and Guacamole Stuffed Mushrooms.
Spinach and Feta Muffins
This is the latest version of our MOSTLY Veggie Muffins. Check out the other variations and pick your favorite. I’m always very thankful that I have some of these to snack on at a party!
Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas
Chickpeas roasted in the oven or an air fryer until crispy are a fantastic alternative to higher-calorie nuts and are very filling! Leave the buffalo wing sauce off for no heat or make Crispy Curried Chickpeas for a different flavor altogether.
Cajun Shrimp Guacamole Bites
This fancy finger food can be made with unseasoned shrimp too. In fact, you can make this appetizer with already cooked shrimp instead.
Dinner Entrees
If your party is centered around the main meal, then heartier game day recipes are a must!
3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken {Slow Cooker}
It does not get any easier than this recipe. Toss everything in the slow cooker until game time. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve it right out of the slow cooker so it stays the proper temperature.
Create a buffet with various fixings such as flour tortillas, rice, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream and such. You can also stir in some of the ingredients before serving, such as beans or rice.
Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf Muffins
This recipe immediately comes to mind when I think of healthy game day recipes. I guess it’s the flavor profile and fun shape. Make these in a regular or mini-sized muffin tin (or even shaped liked a meatball!)
We have lots of meatloaf muffins to choose from including ones that are gourmet, meatless, made with turkey or chicken.
Why I love them: Besides the fact that they are delicious, these recipes can be prepped in advance and frozen before or after cooking.
Best Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Janes can be served on healthier buns or open-faced and even in a large lettuce leaf. Keep this recipe warm in a slow cooker!
Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
You probably wouldn’t serve Chicken Parmesan in a party setting…but you definitely can when it’s in the shape of a meatball! Serve marinara on the side for dipping!
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
Even carnivores will love this vegan chili! It’s fantastic topped with sour cream, cheese.
Munchies, Desserts and More
Round out your celebration with these crowd-pleasing munchies, desserts, and salad.
Pretzel Bites
Use whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour to make these!
Savory Popcorn
No butter needed when you coat the popcorn with olive oil and toss it with fresh herbs.
Chocolate Date Balls
I’m not saying you shouldn’t have a decadent dessert at your gathering. But, I AM suggesting that these little chocolate date balls will disappear quickly and they have absolutely NO SUGAR!
Make them up in advance!
Brownie Batter Dessert Hummus
A little fruit and a little healthy dessert hummus will definitely warm some hearts.
Chinese Napa Cabbage Salad
Last, but not least…this is a popular party salad that I promise will get rave reviews. It’s made with cabbage so it holds up well and can be made in advance.
Healthy Game Day Recipe Tips
- Make sure food stays at the proper temperature. Check out guidelines for Holiday or Party Buffets by the USDA.
- Manage various diets by making a toppings bar for things like shredded cheese and salad dressings.
- Prep as much as possible ahead of time and keep it simple!
Did your favorite healthy game day recipe make the list?! Leave a comment to add one!
Linda Brewer
I didn’t see the recipe for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili. I saw the recipe for Sloppy Joes twice. The chili sounded good and I would like to try it.
Marjory Pilley
OMG! Thanks for your note. I updated it with the correct link. I hope you get to try it. It is one of my personal favorites!