Healthy Game Day Appetizers You've Never Tried

Game day appetizers like these will surprise your guests with nutritious options that are packed with flavor, nutrients, and low in calories, leaving you feeling energized and ready to cheer on your team!

Chicken Salad Kabobs

Impress your guests with low calorie game day appetizers for both kids and adults!

-Yields – 16 kabobs

Ingredients

• 1 standard bag of green grapes
• 4 large cucumbers
• 2 large chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
• Honey mustard or other dressing for dipping
• 16 or more Kabob skewers

Method

• Toss chicken in salt & pepper. Warm frying pan on high on the stove. Lower heat to medium-low temperature and add oil. Toss in chicken; flipping when chicken is half way cooked through or more. Cook until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165F. Let chicken cool.
  • Alternative method – grill whole chicken breast until internal temp of 165F. Cut into 1 inch cubes once cooled.
• Wash grapes and de-stem
• Wash cucumbers and cut into slices
• Thread a slice of cucumber, cooked chicken cube, and a grape onto skewer. Repeat this then finish with one more slice of cucumber and chicken.
• Serve with favorite dressing for dipping– my personal favorite is honey mustard!

Nutrition, Per Kabob, Without Dressing

• Calories: 47
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Inspired by Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

Easy Husker Caviar

A die-hard Husker fan’s version of ‘cowboy caviar’, a classic bean and corn salsa! Low in cost and labor, high in fiber, and high in popularity!

-Serves approximately 15 people

Ingredients

• 3 large fresh tomatoes, diced
• 2 15 oz can of black beans, low sodium, drained
• 2 15 oz can of yellow corn, low sodium, drained
  • (to truly make this like a diehard Husker fan, use fresh corn!)
• 1 4 oz can of diced jalapeno
• 1 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
• 5 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Optional:

• 1-2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • Don’t mix in unless you plan on using all of the salsa in 1 day. If you’re expecting leftovers and want to keep them, leave the avocado off to the side for people to add if they like as they do spoil quickly and could ruin your chances of having leftovers. Sprinkle with lime juice to prevent browning while left out for guests to add.

Method

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Serve with tortilla chips

Nutrition Facts for Salsa Only

• Calories: 67
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Inspired by Allrecipes

Husker Helmets

A sweet treat that is heart-healthy and easy to grab!

Ingredients

• Fresh raspberries, washed and rinsed
• Dark chocolate chips

Method

• For each raspberry, insert 1 chocolate chip inside. Repeat this for each raspberry until you have enough!

Nutrition, Per Helmet

• Calories: 15
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 1g
• Protein: 0g

Recipe by author

Other Healthy Game Day Appetizers:

Low Calorie Popcorn –

Either pop it yourself at home or buy it in the store (my favorite brands are Skinny Pop, Smart Food, and Boom Chicka Pop). To make at home: use coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil and add just a dash of salt (bonus – add fun herbs & spices like dill, garlic powder, or paprika for a kick!)

Fresh Fruit/Veggie Tray –

Buying the fruits and veggies fresh from the produce aisle give the best flavor and is far cheaper than buying a pre-made tray. Pair veggies with a ranch dressing made from yogurt. Pair fruit with a homemade dip of plain Greek yogurt, vanilla, and a pinch of your favorite zero-calorie sweetener for a low-calorie, creamy treat that has a kick of protein!

Meat & Cheese Board –

Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? The best thing about charcuterie boards is that they are 100% customizable! Simply stroll through the meat and cheese section at your local grocery store and pick out your favorites. I recommend buying small amounts of 3 different kinds of both meats and cheeses. Then, add whole grain crackers, grapes, your favorite jam, carrots, and hummus for a variety of healthy game day appetizers!

Ready for more? Read week 3's post, "Go Big Red Foods!"