Tailgate Alternatives- 3 Healthy Food Items

AFS Education

Sometimes, it can be really difficult to come up with some ways to keep people entertained as they peruse around the buffet of football themed wings, cheese balls, crackers, chips and dips, baked goods, etc. There are some staple foods, but how do we make them healthy and enjoyable for guests? Give these next couple recipes a try!

 Cauliflower Bites

INGREDIENTS

·       6 cups of fresh cauliflower florets

·       2 teaspoons garlic powder

·       a pinch of salt

·       a pinch of pepper

·       ¾ cup Frank’s RedHot hot sauce (or hot sauce of your liking)

DIRECTIONS

1.    Preheat oven to 450. Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil, or olive oil. Set aside.

2.    Mix the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce in a small bowl.

3.    Add the cauliflower into a large gallon-sized bag, pour the buffalo sauce into the bag. Shake until the cauliflower florets are fully coated. Spread on a baking sheet.

4.    Bake for 20 minutes

5.    Enjoy!

Cucumber, Radish and Onion Salad

INGREDIENTS

·       1/2 of a red onion

·       1/2 of a cucumber

·       5 radishes

·       1/2 tsp salt

·       1/2 tsp pepper

·       1/2 tsp cumin powder

·       1 tsp of lemon juice

·       2 tbsp Thai chili sauce (optional)

·       1 tsp ground coriander

DIRECTIONS

1.    Dice the onions, cucumber and radishes finely, similar to the size of salsa

2.    Bring all the dressing ingredients together in a salsa bowl

3.    Mix in the veggies well and let it marinate for a few minutes. If you want, you can let it marinate overnight in the fridge. In the morning, it will taste just as great.

4.    If you leave it in the fridge overnight, allow it to warm up to room temperature before serving.

The last portion of this tailgate party really puts a focus on the main dish: PROTEIN.

Teriyaki Chicken

INGREDIENTS

·       2lbs chicken breast

·       2 cloves minced garlic

·       ½ cup chopped white onion

·       2 tbsp. freshly grated ginger

·       ½ cup Tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos

·       ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

·       Juice of 1 lime

·       1 tbsp. lime zest

·       1/4 cup honey

·       2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

·       2 tbsp arrowroot starch (mixed at the end)

DIRECTIONS

1.    Place the chicken in your slow cooker.

2.    Whisk together the remaining ingredients (not the arrowroot) in a small bowl.

3.    Pour marinade over chicken.

4.    Cook on low for 4-6 hours

5.    Add arrowroot and water, and mix into sauce. Let thicken.

6.    Shred chicken with a fork.

7.    Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or in a salad. Garnish with optional cilantro and green onion.

And there you have it! We bet your guests won’t even notice the difference; that is, until they’re at home and don’t feel loaded down with heavy, fried foods!