Healthier and Delicious Super Bowl Recipes
Get in the game with healthier and delicious Super Bowl recipes and healthy eating tips!
“Defense! Defense!”
That’s what you need to be cheering this weekend as you get ready to attend a Super Bowl party. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest food day for Americans (Thanksgiving is #1). Given that just a month ago many of you have likely made some New Year’s resolutions to eat eat better and exercise more, it seems pretty crazy to undo all that hard work in just one afternoon.
But all those small changes you’ve made over the past month don’t have to go down the drain. You will be faced with tempting foods, many that are more indulgent than your usual day to day fare, but if you go in prepared you can enjoy game day and wake up Monday morning with no regrets.
Your Playbook for a Healthy Super Bowl Sunday
- Get in at least 30 minutes of sweat-inducing cardio before the Big Game. Go for a power walk, run, bike ride, or move your body on the elliptical – whatever you enjoy most.
- Make sure both breakfast and lunch are loaded with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. And definitely do not skip those meals.
- Prepare a healthy dish or two for the game to ensure you’ll have at least one better-for-you option to fall back on. (See the healthier and delicious super bowl recipes below)
- Have a snack before you head out to avoid overeating when you arrive. The best snack is one that has some protein and/or healthy fat to keep you satiated.
- Check out what food is being offered before filling your plate. This way you can plan your plate to have a balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables.
- Drink wisely. It’s okay to enjoy your drink of choice in moderation, but be sure to have lots of water throughout the night to stay hydrated and prevent you from confusing thirst for hunger.
- Enjoy yourself. I am a true believer that all foods fit in moderation and special events and parties are an appropriate time to be a little more indulgent than usual. Just be sure to choose what is really special and not something you would have any other day.
Back to tip number three above, what are some healthier options you can make or bring with you? Here are 45+ of them to try!
Healthier and Delicious Super Bowl Recipes
This Rosemary-Roasted Tomato Pesto Pizza is made on a whole wheat crust and topped with a nut-free kale pesto lightened up with ricotta cheese, rosemary-roasted tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese. A delicious and healthier way to enjoy pizza night at home. Whole wheat flatbreads topped with the flavors of the Mediterranean make fun finger-food for a party or a quick and easy dinner at home. This vegetarian and vegan-friendly flatbread pairs pureed squash with roasted grapes and shallots for a sweet and savory appetizer the whole family will love! Mushroom Onion Pesto Pizza is made on a whole wheat crust and topped with a nut-free kale pesto, mushrooms and onions sautéed with thyme, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a bit of parmesan. Finished off with a drizzle of truffle oil, this is one gourmet homemade pizza! A chickpea flour crust is topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto in this easy, gluten-free, and vegetarian twist on the traditional Italian farinata. Creamy sweet potato puree and garlicky black beans and spinach make a sweet and savory filling for gluten-free, vegetarian quesadillas. Top with salsa and guacamole. Thai chicken satay with peanut sauce marries the heat of sriracha with the coolness of coconut milk and cilantro. Served as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Wow your guests with this elegant, yet easy appetizer that pairs slightly bitter endive with zesty lemon hummus and sweet pomegranate seeds. Pretty, flavorful, nutritious and delicious. This bright and refreshing dip is quick and easy to make, requires only three ingredients, and can be used in a variety of ways. These quick and easy parmesan crisps make for a sophisticated hors d'oeuvres at a cocktail party or a delicious accompaniment to a soup or salad. With only two ingredients and less than 15 minutes from start to finish, there's no reason not to make these for your next gathering! This lighter version of a classic Mexican street food is made with low-fat plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise to save on calories without sacrificing flavor. Serve as an appetizer with corn chips or as a side dish for your next Taco Tuesday. Sweet and Spicy Orange-Scented Nuts are a delicious homemade holiday gift, addition to a cocktail party spread, or anytime snack. These savory brown rice balls are crisp on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside. Filled with butternut squash, fresh sage, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, they are an indulgent side dish or hors d'oeuvre not to be missed! This gluten-free and dairy-free Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili is filled with protein- and fiber-rich beans, vitamin C-rich vegetables, and antioxidant-rich herbs and spices. It will warm you up and nourish you throughout the cold days of winter. Butternut squash soup is made even creamier by roasting it with sweet potatoes in this vegan and gluten-free version that's sweetened with maple syrup and seasoned with warming winter spices. Warm up this fall and winter with a bowl of tomato white bean soup topped off with a dollop of kale pesto. Serve with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping. Satisfy your cravings for an umami-rich meal with this gluten-free and vegetarian thick and creamy pureed mushroom soup - no cream added! Substitute non-dairy milk to make it vegan. Warm up with a bowl of hearty vegetable lentil chili that's brimming with flavor and nutrition. Enjoy topped with shredded cheese or mashed avocado. Black beans, corn, and crunchy tortilla strips give this Corn Tortilla Soup a variety of flavors and textures, not to mention the addition of fiber and protein. Warm up with a warm and satisfying bowl of hearty beef and vegetable stew full of nutrients and umami flavor! Indulge your family with a dinnertime favorite of mac 'n cheese that's extra gooey and better for your waistline! Sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnip, and cauliflower are roasted and tossed with whole wheat pasta and kale pesto in this hearty and nutritious one-bowl meal. A perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the fall season. Sweet roasted red peppers and savory sun-dried tomatoes are the base of this creamy sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Ricotta cheese and chickpeas add a boost of calcium, protein, and fiber, making this a satiating meal that's quick and easy for those busy weeknights. Hearty winter root vegetables go from side dish to main dish in this seasonal salad. Pomegranate seeds add a burst of color and flavor, plus nutrition. Top with sliced chicken breast or a sprinkling of goat cheese for some added protein. Grilled avocados are stuffed with a light and fresh mixture of corn, black beans, and tomatoes in this elegant yet simple appetizer. This Citrus Fennel Salad is full of bright colors and flavors and packed with nutrition. Crunchy fennel, sweet and tangy Cara Cara oranges, creamy avocado, and peppery arugula are tossed with a light Champagne-lemon vinaigrette. Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and beets are tossed with a salty sweet glaze and roasted in the oven until caramelized. A delicious side dish to be paired with fish, beef, or chicken. Brighten up the flavor of cauliflower with rosemary, red pepper flakes, raisins and red wine vinegar. Corn and black beans join quinoa in a light gluten-free and vegan-friendly salad that's great as a side dish or for lunch on it's own. Lighten up classic potato salad with roasted sweet potato salad tossed with cilantro, scallions, and a honey lime vinaigrette. Roasted butternut squash is paired with zesty lime, bright and flavorful cilantro, and a bit of kick from chili powder. A delicious side dish that's also a great source of beta-carotene! Crisp spinach, crunchy jicama, juicy tomatoes and tender black beans are tossed with a smoky lime vinaigrette in this quick and easy side salad. Celebrate the holiday season and ring in the New Year with a bright and festive Pomegranate French 75 cocktail with less added sugar. Spicy Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas are the perfect complement for Taco Tuesdays or any Mexican-themed party during the spring and summer, or any time of year! Sweet cider simmered with tart cranberries, biting ginger, and aromatic allspice makes a delicious base for two cranberry cider cocktail recipes - a Cran-Toddy and Cranberry Cider Cooler. A classic sparkling cocktail with a twist. Perfect for brunch, happy hour, or any celebration that makes you sparkle!Flatbreads, Pizzas, and Quesadillas
Rosemary-Roasted Tomato Pesto Pizza
Mediterranean Hummus Flatbread
Kabocha Flatbread with Rosemary Roasted Grapes & Shallots
Mushroom Onion Pesto Pizza with Truffle Oil
Farinata with Tomato, Mozzarella, and Pesto Drizzle
Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas
Small Bites & Finger Food
Thai Peanut Chicken Satay
Lemon Hummus Endive Boats with Pomegranate Seeds
3-Ingredient Minty Pea Dip
Parmesan Crisps
Esquites {Mexican Street Corn Salad}
Sweet and Spicy Orange-Scented Nuts
Butternut Sage Risotto Balls with Lemon Honey Drizzle
Soups, Stews, & Chilis
Three Bean Vegetarian Chili
Roasted Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
Tomato White Bean Soup with Kale Pesto
Creamy Pureed Mushroom Soup
Hearty Vegetable Lentil Chili
Corn Tortilla Soup with Black Beans
Hearty Beef & Vegetable Stew
Pasta Dishes
Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese
Fall Roasted Root Vegetable Pasta with Pesto
Quick and Easy Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Pasta
Salads & Side Dishes
Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Pomegranate Ginger Dressing
Grilled Avocados Stuffed with Corn & Black Bean Salsa
Citrus Fennel Salad with Champagne-Lemon Vinaigrette
Miso-Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Root Veggies
Rosemary-Roasted Cauliflower with Raisins
Corn & Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
Chili-Lime Roasted Butternut Squash
Spinach Salad with Jicama, Black Beans, and Lime Vinaigrette
Cocktails
Pomegranate French 75
Spicy Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas
Cran-Toddy & Cranberry Cider Cooler
Orange French 75 Champagne Cocktail
Dessert
Lemon Poppy Seed Thumbprint Cookies
Soft and chewy lemon poppy seed cookies are dolloped with zesty lemon curd and a simple glaze for the perfect springtime treat.
Chocolate Pear Bread
This rich chocolate quick bread studded with sweet pears is easy to make, moist, and delicious. Plus it’s a good source of fiber and calcium.
Cranberry Orange Bread
This whole-grain Cranberry Orange Bread will keep you healthy all winter long thanks to antioxidant-rich cranberries and vitamin C-rich oranges.
Whole Grain Double Chocolate Muffins
Delicious whole grain muffins with a double dose of chocolate that taste sinful but aren’t!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
These rich and creamy chocolate peanut butter truffles are made with natural peanut butter, nonfat Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and dark chocolate. A decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth, whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or not!
Check out my Football Season & Super Bowl Pinterest page for even more recipes to enjoy this Super Bowl Sunday!
Such great tips from your fellow RDN friends! Your dishes all look so tasty but I’m especially loving the veggie & bean quinoa bites- yum!
Thanks Sonali! Those bites are really fun little hors d’ourves and also great to make ahead and freeze for those days when you just can’t get lunch done in time for the kids (or yourself)!
Love the idea of arranging fruit in the team colors. Great tips to eat a little healthier while still enjoying yummy food!
Thanks Elizabeth! I thought that was a great idea too!
I’ll have one of each 🙂
hahaa…too many good things to choose from!
That hummus flatbread looks so good! Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Kaleigh! Hope you enjoy!
I had no idea Super Bowl Sunday is the 2nd biggest food day, wow! Luckily we are armed with these healthy recipes, thanks for sharing, Jessica! 🙂
It’s pretty crazy! Just goes to show how much we eat all in the name of football! Thanks so much for checking out my recipes!
I had no idea Super Bowl Sunday was such a big food holiday! I love those ideas you listed, and the roundup is full of recipes I need to add to my list!
It’s so crazy, right? Especially after everyone makes resolutions for the New Year! Hope you get a chance to try some of the recipes, Melanie!
What a great assortment of healthy recipes, Jessica! I think the chicken satay will be coming with me to my Super Bowl party 🙂
Thanks Jodi! Hope you enjoy it! Have fun.