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

1. 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.
2. Make sure both breakfast and lunch are loaded with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. And definitely do not skip those meals.
3. 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)
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

Flatbreads, Pizzas, and Quesadillas:

Rosemary-Roasted Tomato Pesto Pizza

Mediterranean Hummus Flatbread

Kabocha Flatbread with Rosemary-Roasted Grapes and Shallots

Mushroom Onion Truffle Pesto Pizza

Farinata with Tomato, Mozzarella, and Pesto Drizzle

Sweetpotato Black Bean Quesadillas

Small Bites & Finger Foods:

Thai Peanut Chicken Satay

Salmon Cucumber Rounds

Lemon Hummus Endive Boats with Pomegranate Seeds

3-Ingredient Minty Pea Dip

Parmesan Crisps

Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)

Orange-Scented Spiced Nuts

Butternut Sage Risotto Balls with Lemon Honey Drizzle

Soups, Stews, & Chili:

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 & Cheese

Roasted Root Vegetable Pasta with Pesto

Quick & 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

Sweet Potato Salad

Chili-Lime Roasted Butternut Squash

Spinach Salad with Jicama, Black Beans, and Lime Vinaigrette

Cocktails:

Pomegranate French 75

Spicy Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas

Cran-Toddy or Cranberry-Cider Cooler

Orange French 75 Champagne Cocktail

Dessert:

Lemon Poppy Seed Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Pear Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread

Double Chocolate Muffins

Grilled Stone Fruit with Honey Lemon Yogurt Sauce

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

No-Bake Strawberry Mousse Parfait

Iced Orange-Cranberry Biscotti

Check out my Football Season & Super Bowl Pinterest page for even more recipes to enjoy this Super Bowl Sunday!

Do you have a favorite healthier and delicious Super Bowl recipe?

Share with me in the comments below!