Football tailgates aren’t traditionally pillars of health. Of course, all those cheesesteaks and burgers can take a break once in a while. Let’s give a little room for healthy tailgating food that’s still incredibly delicious!
Put creative spins on all your favorite tailgate food ideas for a healthier approach. (Your stomach will thank you!)
How do you eat healthy at a tailgate?
Eating healthy at a tailgate isn’t easy! First, you’ll have so much food around you and second is the beer! Try to balance what you eat and drink while tailgating for your own health and comfort. Go for whole foods when possible and try lighter beers or seltzers. Try a little bit of everything rather than huge portions.
You can also graze throughout the event rather than plowing through all the courses all at once.
What are some healthy tailgate foods?
Salads, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, and non-processed foods are all healthy choices at a tailgate. Consider limiting heavy carbs, too, or going roll-free. You can enjoy most things in moderation while balancing with healthy whole foods.
Planning a Healthy Tailgate Menu
With a little advanced planning, you can come up with a healthy tailgating menu ahead of the big game!
- Food Safety – Consider the food preferences, allergies, and aversions of those in your party. Avoid any major allergens and try to create a menu boasting a variety of flavors and textures.
- Ease of Prep – Lean on cold tailgating food for easy, no-heat options or use your tailgating grill to reheat anything you make and bring from home.
- Get Organized – Remember to bring utensils if needed for salads and such. Also plan for a way to transport leftovers home, such as zip-seal bags or containers.
Also, invite your friends to join the healthy tailgate potluck style!
Healthy Tailgating Food
Football parties usually involve lots of beer and hearty, flavorful, filling food. But, healthy tailgating food isn't off the table! Consider these delicious and healthy tailgate food ideas.
Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer is the best way to get your chicken tenders super crunchy, juicy and delicious! Quick, easy and perfect for tailgating the healthy way! No greasy fryer needed.
Simply make ahead and reheat on your tailgate grill!
Easy Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
These wings are much healthier than frying and they still turn out crispy and delicious! Make ahead at home and reheat on the grill for a little extra crispy action.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Grab your slow cooker, it's time for a hot and spicy meal! Gluten-free, paleo slow cooker buffalo chicken that will warm you right up and has secret creamy ingredients to help you handle the spice!
Guacamole without Onions (Video)
Love guacamole but hate onions? Don’t worry, this recipe has you covered. This guacamole is perfect for your next party or potluck!
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Hearty and healthy chili chock full of beans and 2 different kinds of meat. The slow cooker makes this comfort food almost effortless!
Salmon Sliders with Garlic Lemon Aioli
These Grilled Salmon Sliders are the perfect game day, weeknight dinner, or summertime snack! Made with fresh salmon grilled to perfection on mini brioche buns and topped with fresh greens and creamy lemon garlic aioli.
Pesto Turkey Sandwich
This Pesto Turkey Sandwich is a delicious and easy tailgating food! Pesto is spread over a baguette, then topped with turkey, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick
Everything seems to taste better when on a stick and this teriyaki chicken recipe does not disappoint. Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick is low-carb & low-fat and so easy to eat at your tailgate party.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken
Prosciutto and Melon
Prosciutto and melon is a classic antipasto, and with good reason. The combination of savory and salty cured Italian ham together with a sweet juicy cantaloupe complement each other so well, it’s a match made in heaven.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a delicious and easy alternative to taco night while still enjoying all your favorite flavors. This simple weeknight dinner will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Guacamole Skins
Mini Caprese Skewers (Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Appetizers) HOLD the Vinegar!
These mini caprese skewers are a win-win for tailgating parties! Everyone loves them, and you'll feel great about serving them!
Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are the perfect party appetizer! This no-bake appetizer can easily be made in 25 minutes! The combination of tomato and basil along with creamy mozzarella and cheesy tortellini is a perfect bite.
Buffalo Chicken Poppers
Crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a spicy kick from jalapenos make these buffalo chicken poppers a perfect pick for game day.
Classic Broccoli Salad - Cinnamon & Sage Co.
Classic Broccoli Salad is a quick and easy dish made with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, red onions, and a tangy dressing. This is tossed together in a large bowl and served cold as a side dish or appetizer at your next gathering.
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket is the batch of crowd-pleasing cocktail sausages. It is one of the ideal appetizers for any event. Everyone loves these little bites.
Chunky Garden Fresh Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes
This chunky garden fresh salsa recipe uses all fresh ingredients and is perfect on top of tacos, burritos, and tortilla chips!
Instant Pot Chili Con Carne
This comforting dish is ideal for cold winter days when you just want to snuggle up on the couch and relax. This Mexican dish is also super nutritious and well-balanced.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp are so easy to make and healthier than the traditional deep fried version, thanks to the air fryer. It’s the perfect game day appetizer!
Crockpot Buffalo Turkey Meatballs (Gluten Free, Whole30)
Enjoy the best of both worlds as meatballs and buffalo sauce collide. Crockpot buffalo turkey meatballs satisfy that tailgate craving with a healthy kick.
Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Apple Coleslaw
Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce over juicy pulled chicken breasts paired with a creamy and sweet apple, cabbage slaw makes these Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders an addicting little sandwich.
Baked mini potato with dill sour cream
Football Veggie Tray
Take the typical veggie to game day ready by serving up this football shaped veggie tray! Complete with broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, bell pepper and more, it’s healthy and a fast tailgating snack you can make in advance and take on the go!
Fruit Pizza
Fruit Pizza – This gorgeous fruit pizza is made with a soft sugar cookie crust then topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting and your choice of fresh fruit!
Healthy Tailgate Snacks
Besides the healthy tailgating food entrees and appetizers, you can also nail down a few low cal snacks. Here are a few suggestions:
- Veggie Tray
- Charcuterie Board / Cheese & Meat Platter
- Fresh Fruit Tray
- Beef Jerky or Homemade Venison Jerky
- Fresh Mozzarella and Homegrown Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic
Our website features affiliate links to products that we personally believe in. If you make a purchase from a link on our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. (View full affiliate disclaimer at the end of the page.)
Tailgating the Healthy Way
Offering a few healthy tailgate appetizers or entrees here and there may help your football season figure. It’s an easy enough menu swap to rotate burgers, cheesesteaks, and big, hearty entrees every so often to include lighter fare.
By the way, if you are still craving a hearty, filling starter after reading this post, we totally get it. You might also enjoy our egg, bacon, sausage, and ham Triple Crown Breakfast Stromboli!
What are your favorite ingredients to incorporate into healthy tailgating food?
Let’s chat about it in the comments below!