7 Healthier Ideas for Your Super Bowl Snackdown
Your fridge may be stocked with kale, your pantry with quinoa — but when it’s football time, just try serving leafy greens and whole grains. No really, try it. I’m not saying you should ever, ever mess with the sacred combination of wings and beer. But you can back them up with a few tasty snacks that contain real food. Here’s a selection of recipes that are just as snackworthy as chips-n-dip, but a whole lot easier on the ol’ arteries.
Black Bean, Bacon and Feta Nachos
Fry up your own corn tortilla chips, or buy organic, non-GMO corn chips at the store. Top chips with individual scoops of a savory, bacony bean-and-cheese mix and watch them disappear. Bacon and Bean Constructed Nachos on Endless Simmer.
Grilled Pizza
Why grill brats when you can make a cheesy, smoky, crispy pizza? Start with Mario Batali’s Grilled Pizza; add some sliced organic peppers and mushrooms for fun. Cut it into finger-food sized servings. Mamma mia!
Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies have a very well-kept secret: whole grains, extra protein and less sugar. Don’t tell anyone. The recipe uses almond meal and whole wheat flour for a slightly savory, nutty flavor that is mostly overpowered by delicious chocolate. Bev’s Chocolate Chip Cookies on Eating Well.
Tequila Mango Salsa
A staple at my house. It’s sweet, spicy, savory, tequila-y and full of actual fruits and vegetables. And unlike most other Superbowl snacks, it’s colorful but not radioactive orange. Tequila Mango Salsa on Endless Simmer.
Veggie Chips
You’ll need something to go with that salsa, and greasy storebought chips are less than optimal. Instead, slice up a beet, chop up some kale, even prepare a tater from your pantry and make your own, much tastier chips. Baked Veggie Chips on Organic Authority.
Five-Spice Turkey and Lettuce Wraps
You might catch a little grief for wrapping turkey in lettuce, but the spicy, tangy crunch of these wraps will justify your choice. Based loosely on Nam Sod, a thai chopped salad, this recipe benefits from a big dash of rice vinegar, and the addition of Sriracha, hoisin and/or peanut sauce. Turkey and Lettuce Wraps on Eating Well.
Sweet Potato Oven Fries
Considering the price of sweet potatoes and the delicious, nutritious punch they pack, you’d do well to have a bunch of these on hand. They only take a few minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, meaning you can whip up another batch before anyone even starts thinking about eating Cheetos. Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream on Food52.
Want more? Try these 5 Superfood Snacks for the Super Bowl.
image: DSebourn
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