40 Healthy Game Day Recipes
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Looking for delicious, crave-worthy ideas for your game day menu? These incredibly tasty and healthy game day recipes are a lighter take on classic Super Bowl foods! These dips, snacks, bite-sized treats, and entrees for a crowd are sure to impress your friends and family!
Super Bowl party menus can often be a land of temptation – who can resist mozzarella sticks, 7 layer dip and fries?
I’m all for those foods in moderation, but I also want to be able to enjoy all of my favorite game day treats, totally guilt-free.
This game day menu has all of your favorite Super Bowl dishes, but they are all completely made over to be much healthier than the original versions. They still taste amazing though, so you won’t notice the difference!
How To Plan Your Game Day Menu
Food is one of the best things about Super Bowl Sunday! And this selection of amazing snacks, appetizers, and meals for a crowd are definitely going to be a hit with your family and friends. Here are my tips for planning out your game day menu, to make the day as easy and stress-free as possible!
- Prep The Night Before: There is nothing worse than feeling like you’re crunched for time the morning of a big party or gathering. I like doing as much as possible ahead of time so that on the day of, all I have to do is pop a few things in the oven and cook any hot items on the stove. But as far as prep goes — here is what I like to do the night before: chop all veggies for all items – salads, entrees, etc and store them in the fridge; bake all desserts; and pre-cook any items like pasta or pizza dough.
- Plan for Lots of Finger Foods: Snacking throughout the super bowl is one of the best parts about game day! Finger foods are a win-win – they’re super easy to prep, and also easy to serve. You can even forgo entrees for the most part and make the entire menu finger-food-friendly.
- Plan Communal Meals: If you’re doing to add some entrees, plan meals that can be served family style, so people can just take as much as they like without you having to do anything in the kitchen!
- Get Organized! Depending on how many people you’re serving, I like to get all of my plates/cups/drinks/silverware etc. ready and organized a day or two before game day.
How To Make Healthy Game Day Recipes
Making traditional Super Bowl Party recipes healthier is actually really easy to do with just a few simple swaps! No matter the recipe, here are my tips for lightening up those game day classics:
- Use Less Butter and Oil: In most recipes, you can get away with cutting the amount of butter or oil in half and still getting great flavor. Cutting out the butter/oil reduces the total fat and calories in the dish.
- Swap in Some Whole Grains: Replace any refined white grains with whole grains! Switch out white bread for whole wheat or sprouted wheat bread, white tortillas for corn or whole wheat, white rice for brown rice or quinoa, etc. This will increase the fiber and nutritional value of the dish!
- Reduce the Sugar: In all baked goods, you can likely cut the amount of sugar down by 1/2 or 1/4 and still get a really sweet treat!
- Add in Some Veggies: Certain veggies like baby spinach or cauliflower virtually melt into most dishes so that you can’t taste them. Add them to stews, casseroles, tacos, or even dips!
Healthy Game Day Recipes: Appetizers and Dips
This selection of appetizers and dips are super easy to make, are rich in flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Mushroom Toast
When you sink your teeth into this mushroom toast, you’ll know you’ve found your next favorite lunch, breakfast, or snack combination! Soft tofu, roasted garlic, mushrooms, onion, and baby spinach are sautéed with spices, then topped with parmesan cheese on a whole wheat baguette toast.
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Mashed Potato Fritters with Kale and Onions
These mashed potato fritters are perfect to use up things in the fridge. I also love that they fit as a snack, appetizer, or meal.
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Healthy Guacamole Recipe
This easy, homemade healthy guacamole recipe is packed with flavor and is so simple to make! Serve it as a topping on tacos, nachos, and enchiladas, spread it on sandwiches or toast, or enjoy it as a dip. Ready in just 15 minutes, this low calorie guac also just happens to be vegan and gluten free friendly too!
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Creamy Vegan Garlic Aioli (Dairy-Free, Egg-Free!)
My creamy vegan garlic aioli is a game-changer for any plant-based sandwich—trust me, it takes it to a whole new level! With just five basic ingredients, this aioli tastes just like the perfect garlicky mayo but is both dairy-free and egg-free, ideal for anyone looking for a vegan swap for regular aioli. It’s my absolute favorite sauce, dip, or spread for everything from veggies and French fries to veggie burgers and beyond!
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Healthy Kale Dip with Cream Cheese and Smoky Onion
This healthy kale dip made with smoky onion and cheese is packed full of flavor. It's a lightened up sharing dip, perfect for pot lucks, BBQ's and parties!
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7 Layer Taco Dip
This healthy, seven layer taco dip is a party table's best friend! Lightened up from the traditional bean dip recipes but with all of the same great flavor, you'll love how this bean dip tastes with chips, veggies or even on its own. Ready in just 20 minutes and family-friendly too!
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Easy Salads for Game Day
If you want a salad for your Super Bowl spread, try one of these refreshing recipes below. They’re all served in a “chopped salad” style, so they’re easy to serve and combine with a variety of other foods on your plate!
Easy Grape Salad
This refreshing recipe for grape salad brings sweet and savory together to create the perfect side dish! The sweet red grapes are well-balanced with the addition of jalapeno peppers, creamy avocado, and soft cotija cheese. It's vegetarian, gluten-free, and ready in just 20 minutes!
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Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad
This quick, easy tomato avocado cucumber salad is a delicious blend of colorful, fresh veggies that will brighten up your dinner table. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and the perfect healthy side dish for a picnic, summer gatherings, potlucks with friends, or a quick weeknight dinner any time of the year! Plus, you'll only need 10 minutes of prep time to make it!
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Simple and Fast Lentil and Feta Salad
This simple and quick Lentil and Feta Salad is made with cucumbers, juicy grape tomatoes, red onion, corn, and bell pepper for a high protein, nutrient-packed salad hearty enough to make a meal!
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Spinach And Arugula Salad
This salad is bright, light, and peppery – the perfect summer salad! Pair it with any entree for an easy and healthy dinner.
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Healthy Super Bowl Recipes: Bite-Sized Snacks
It wouldn’t be a super bowl party without a bunch of snacks! From air fryer sweet potato fries and chips, to healthier mozzarella sticks, and lightened up nachos – these recipes are decadent and drool-worthy bites that everyone will love!
Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries
These Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries are spicy, crispy, and bake up to a perfect golden brown. Easy and quick they're a healthy alternative to traditional fries!
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Baked Courgette Chips With Parmesan
Crispy and cheesy oven baked courgette chips are a healthy alternative to fries or potato chips.
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a fast and delicious way to make one of America’s favorite snacks! This recipe is so easy and full of delicious flavor. There’s nothing like that gooey melty cheese and that perfect cheese pull. It makes a great cheesy snack or appetizer, and is perfect for happy hour or a game day party too!
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Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli
Air Fryer Ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta are dipped in breadcrumbs then air-fried until crispy. Enjoy with a spinach marinara sauce for a healthy, satisfying, and easy weeknight meal or party appetizer!
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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Spicy, crispy, air fryer buffalo cauliflower is paired with creamy ranch dressing and celery sticks. It's a simple appetizer or snack that's perfect for game day!
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Loaded Veggie Nachos
Making loaded veggie nachos has never been easier! Layers of chips, melty cheeses, and the best toppings come together to make the perfect side dish or main dish. These nachos are easily customizable making them great for the whole family. Enjoy them for cinco de mayo, game day, or movie nights – this no meat nacho recipe is delicious any time of year!
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Healthy Game Day Recipes: Delicious Entrees for Feeding A Crowd
What’s a super bowl party without burgers, pizza, mac and cheese, and chili? We’ve also included some classic crowd favorites like lasagna, tacos and chilaquiles if you want to mix things up a bit! These healthy game day recipes will make you forget they’re actually good for you!
The Best Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
This is the BEST Instant Pot vegetarian chili ever! It’s incredibly rich and hearty, super smoky and slightly spicy. Made with three types of beans, packed with veggies, it's family-friendly, ready in 30 minutes, and will satisfy both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike!
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Spicy Black Bean Burgers
Spicy black bean burgers are protein packed and perfect for summer cookouts, barbecues and easy family dinners! Great for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who follows a plant-based diet.
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Lentil Patties with Creamy Feta Sauce
These lentil patties are made from tiny, quick cooking beluga lentils. Sweet potato is the sneaky ingredient that beefs up these patties and gives them a slightly sweet flavor. Spices like cumin, sumac, and oregano take you straight to the Mediterranean. It's finished with a creamy feta sauce!
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Black Bean Quinoa Burgers
These vegetarian black bean quinoa burgers are easy and quick to make, so they are perfect for a healthy and affordable weeknight meal. Your whole family will be impressed by how tasty and hearty the burgers are! The best part? They're ready in under 30 minutes and can easily be made gluten-free and vegan, too!
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Healthy Mac and Cheese
Healthy Mac and Cheese is the comfort food you have been craving! It’s so creamy and decadent, and is filled with whole wheat macaroni, veggies, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It's lower in calories and fat than your typical mac and cheese recipe, but still super satisfying and absolutely delicious!
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Veggie Supreme Pizza
This veggie supreme pizza is as easy as it gets! Made with gooey mozzarella, fresh basil, and tasty vegetables like green bell pepper, roma tomatoes, and kalamata olives, this savory pizza will instantly become your new favorite recipe. The best part? In just 30 minutes, you can have the most delicious pizza to serve as an appetizer or for hosting pizza night!
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BBQ Flatbread (Black Bean Pizza)
This healthy, flavorful BBQ Flatbread pizza with corn, black beans and red peppers is easy to make at home and is low in calories. Loaded with fresh veggies, this black bean pizza recipe is a fun twist on traditional pizza and keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days!
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Mushroom Flatbread Pizza Recipe
A crispy whole wheat crust is topped with melty mozzarella and fresh pesto to create this mushroom flatbread pizza that makes for a family friendly meal any day of the week! It's a truly authentic artisan flatbread pizza, that rivals anything you'd order in a restaurant!
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Gooey Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese with French Onions is the ultimate gooey cheesy indulgent sandwich with a healthy twist. Packed with flavor and done in minutes, it's comfort food at its best!
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Sourdough Grilled Cheese
This irresistibly delicious sourdough grilled cheese is ready in just 10 minutes. Melted brie, thinly sliced apple, and honey are layered between two slices of sourdough, then grilled until golden. This is guaranteed to be the best sourdough sandwich you'll ever eat!
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Mexican Bean Soup
This delicious, comforting Mexican Bean Soup topped with avocado and tortilla chips is full of authentic Mexican flavors. Easy, healthy, and versatile, this soup can be made vegan and is naturally gluten free!
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Hearty Healthy Vegetable Lasagna (Easy Recipe!)
My super satisfying, healthy vegetable lasagna is a lightened-up version of the beloved classic Italian recipe. Made with layers of whole wheat noodles, a mixture of gooey cheese, fresh herbs, and packed with veggies, this low-calorie veggie lasagna is ideal for anyone looking for a hearty, one-dish meal that tastes just like the traditional version. I guarantee this recipe will soon become a favorite among your family and friends!
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Chilaquiles Rojos
If you love Mexican food, then you’re going to adore chilaquiles rojos! This classic Mexican dish is filled with black beans, peppers, tomatoes, and spices with layers of corn tortilla smothered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a vegetarian-friendly Mexican casserole the whole family will love!
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Vegan Black Bean Tacos
These healthy and delicious vegan black bean tacos are great for an easy weeknight meal. Packed with beans, veggies, spices, and toppings of your choice, they’re full of flavor, ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for the whole family!
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Game Day Desserts
These healthy desserts are sweet heavenly confections. From brownies, to cookies to pies and more, we’ve got you covered! They’re so good, you won’t believe they’re actually healthy too!
Cherry Pie With Frozen Cherries
This cherry pie with frozen cherries is an absolute delight, made with sweet cherries, lemon zest, and almond extract. Bite into the most delicious cherry mixture paired with a buttery flaky pie crust – guaranteed to be the hit of any party, picnic, or holiday event. The perfect dessert to make year round, whether it's cherry season or not!
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Secretly Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sinking your teeth into one of these healthy chocolate chip cookies is so satisfying and delicious. With only 100 calories per cookie, they are sweet, chewy, and the perfect dessert for all occasions!
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Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
These super easy Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies require only 6 simple ingredients. They're low-carb, sugar-free, gluten free, and a total treat!
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Gluten Free Brownies
These gluten free brownies are fudgy, rich, and full of chocolate flavor! They are easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep time. You might be surprised by the secret ingredient, which gives these brownies the best texture ever. And the best part? These healthy flourless brownies can be made dairy-free or vegan!
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Vegan Carrot Cake With Vegan Frosting
This is the best healthy vegan carrot cake recipe you’ll ever make! This dairy-free, lightened-up carrot cake is soft, moist, and beautifully sweet. There’s plenty of cinnamon, allspice, and walnuts in every bite, and it’s topped with a rich vegan cream cheese frosting!
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Vegan Lemon Tart (Creamy, Rich, Gluten-Free!)
My vegan lemon tart is made with a nutty crust and tangy lemon curd filling. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys a rich, creamy, citrusy dessert that's completely plant-based. Sweetened with maple syrup and dates, this tart is dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free to accommodate many dietary preferences. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that everyone will love whether served at a special occasion or just for an everyday treat!
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Cheesecake Bites (Healthy + Easy!)
You’ll want to savor every taste of these rich Cheesecake Bites! They are velvety smooth, creamy, and the best decadent dessert for all occasions.
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Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (Healthy Recipe!)
You don't have to sacrifice great flavor when you make lightened-up baked goods! This healthy chocolate chip banana bread recipe is super moist and tastes delicious. It's kid-friendly, gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan too!
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Healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bliss Balls
My healthy, easy no bake peanut butter bliss balls are loaded with creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy these as an on-the-go breakfast, wholesome snack, or healthy dessert alternative! They’re also dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar, making them ideal for a variety of dietary preferences.
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Mexican Fruit Salad
Mexican Fruit Salad: a simple but delicious salad with cubed melon, mango, papaya, pineapple, lime juice, and a hint of spice. Truly an unexpected and unique take on the traditional fruit salad recipe. This Mexican salad is great for a summer picnic, an outdoor bbq, for holidays like Cinco de Mayo, or really any time of year!
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Can’t Control The Game Day Menu?
Because all of us won’t be hosting our own super bowl parties, you may not have control over what’s available to eat at any game day gathering you attend! So while you’re watching the game, keep these 5 tips in mind:
1. Eat Mindfully: Don’t graze at the buffet table at every commercial break. Take one small plate of food and stick to it. Try to fill up 2/3 of it with healthier/nutritious options, leaving 1/3 for indulgences. If you want a bit of everything, take a small (golf ball-sized) portions of each item – think small bites. Also, sit as far away from the buffet as possible so you’re not tempted after you’re done with your plate!
2. Try to stay away from the fried stuff: And if you have to, just take one chicken wing or one mozzarella stick for an indulgent taste.
3. Remember that drinks have calories too! 1 glass of beer has 100 calories, as does 1 glass of wine. Mixed drinks have way more calories and sugar, so stick to beer and wine if you can!
4. Work out on game day: The players are working hard, why shouldn’t you too? I like going for a run in the morning before I head out for the day – it energizes me and gives you a bit of wiggle room if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet.
5. Don’t overdo the sweet treats: Again, if you want a bit of everything, take literally 1 bite of each dessert – about 1-2 Tbsp worth. Or, if you’re feeling really healthy – go for some fruit salad instead!
Looking For More Healthy Game Day Recipes?
Try some of these fun and festive recipes!
- Air Fryer Pickle Chips from The Creative Bite
- Healthy Coleslaw from Downshiftology
- Vegetarian Appetizers
- Low Calorie Desserts
- Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids attending your super bowl party!
Hope these tips are helpful to you, and if you’re throwing your own super bowl party – try some of these recipes! You and your guests will love them!
I appreciate your tips to prepare for game day and these delicious looking healthier options for snacking.
Yes they definitely are!! Hope you love these recipes when you try them Andrea!
I was just starting to think about my game day menu, so this is good timing. Love that they’re healthier too.
Awesome!! I’m sure you and your family will love these recipes Lisa!
So many great game day recipes here!!! Adding a few of these to my menu this year!!
Thanks Jessie!! Enjoy!
What a yummy looking selection of game day foods. Like the look of the cheesecake bites!
Thanks Beth!! Those cheesecake bites are one of my favs – can’t wait for you to try them!
I love that these are healthy, because I often will mindlessly eat everything while watching! Thanks for the roundup, I am going to be sure to make some of these soon 🙂
Haha yes I’m the same way!! Thanks Cathleen – I can’t wait to hear how these recipes turn out for you!
You have such a gorgeous baby!!!! I’m glad you have a great support system, it helps so much. I remember my mother-in-law constantly making sure I was eating, since I would only think about baby she made sure to think of me too.
Awww thank you so much Jesse!! And yes – I don’t know what I would do without my support system! It’s funny I’m having the same experience with eating/showering/basic necessities for myself – I need to be reminded to do it otherwise it doesn’t happen!
Aww Anjali I love the pic of Layla! I’m so impressed that even while just being a new mom, you are still posting amazing and healthy recipes and tips! You are seriously Super Mom now lol! Can’t wait to read and see more of Layla! I hope you and your family are doing well also cherishing every moment with Layla! <3 you!
Awww thanks Eisha!! Your support means a lot 🙂 I still feel like I’m in newborn lala land for the most part! hehe. We are doing great — definitely trying to soak in every minute!
I hope you and Layla are doing well! She’s such a cutie pie! And I love all of your tips – will definitely have to keep in mind when I’m watching the game. Thanks!
Thanks Parita!! Glad the tips are helpful 🙂 Hope you have fun on game-day!
thanks for all the recipes….but the center of attraction is layla..OMG she looks super cute in her attire..she is sure a bundle of joy for you guys :-))….i am glad your dad is helping you out with baby and house hold stuff…..take care and enjoy the motherhood…
Awww thank you so much Jyo! Yes that photo was from our newborn photo shoot that we did a couple days ago 🙂
We had a great super bowl party with plenty of food – I would say that the majority of it was pretty healthy. Come see what you think:
https://sistersplayinghouse.blogspot.com/2012/02/superbowl-party-food-rundown.html
Glad to hear it! Sounds like you guys had quite a spread!
Veggie burger and the Super Bowl… can’t wait to serve these to my carnivorous buddies.
haha!! if you really do end up serving your carnivorous friends these burgers, I’d love to know what they thought! You might want to start with the chili recipe to ease them into it 🙂
It all looks so good.
Thanks!
I am going to try the arugula and corn salad for our Superbowl party. My mom and dad always host and it’s usually is a giant carb-fest. I think this salad will add a nice healthy choice. Thanks
Haha I totally hear you on the carb fest. Most super bowl parties are! 🙂 Hope the salad adds a nice light touch to your menu!