30 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes That Score Big

TV-watching snacks that also pack a nutritional punch? Game on.

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Photo:

Greg DuPree

The Super Bowl is right around the corner, so naturally we're already knee-deep in making a 'game plan' for what we'll be sipping, serving, and snacking on at our own viewing party. To save your sanity come game day, we highly recommend you do the same.

And while we love spicy chicken wings, queso dip, and chili covered in Cheddar just as much as the next football fan, we don't love falling into a food coma during the halftime show (it's the best part!). Save yourself from the involuntary shuteyeā€”and heavy food hangoverā€”by donating part of your plate to one of these healthy Super Bowl recipes. From Spiced Chicken and Chickpea Soup and a Cranberry Lemon Spritz to Green Chile Enchiladas and Cheesy Broiled Sweet Potatoes, we promise they're all worth cheering for.

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Labneh With Pink Peppercorns, Coriander, and Fennel Seeds

Healthy Superbowl Recipes: Labneh With Pink Peppercorns, Coriander, and Fennel Seeds
Jennifer Causey

This classic Mediterranean appetizer is also an easy make-ahead recipe so you have less to worry about come game day. The creamy dip, made by straining whole-milk yogurt overnight, pairs great with cruditƩs or toast. Put some hummus next to it, and your guests have got themselves a little dip tasting.

02 of 30

Vegan Queso Dip

Vegan-queso-recipe
Getty Images

The velvety smooth texture of this queso comes from cashew cream, which is made from mixing cashews with water and whirling them together in a blenderā€”no cheese, milk, or cream needed. To kick your dip up a notch, add an extra chili pepper (for spice) or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast (for umami). Use it as a dip for tortilla chips or nachos on Super Bowl Sunday, or drizzle it over the green chile enchiladas on the next slide.

03 of 30

Green Chile Enchiladas

Green Chile Enchiladas Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

Is it even Super Bowl Sunday if you don't serve enchiladas? This vegetarian version packs plenty of protein, thanks to the corn tortillas, cumin-spiced vegetables, and black beans. Serve with chips and guacamole for a definite game day win.

04 of 30

Soy-Simmered Squash With Miso Hummus

soy simmered squash with miso and hummus
Greg Dupree

A high-heat sear followed by a savory simmer makes this golden-hued kabocha squash sweet and tender. Upgrade your favorite store-bought hummus with a dollop of miso. Can't find kabocha squash? No problemā€”swap it with acorn instead.

05 of 30

Miso Eggplant Dip

Miso Eggplant Dip
Caitlin Bensel

ā€‹ā€‹Sort of like baba ganoush but with all the umami flavor from miso eggplant, we turned two of our favorite dishes into one irresistible dip. Serve with fresh veggies, chips, or anything else you like to dip. We promise your guests wonā€™t be disappointed.

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Glazed Brussels Sprouts on Olive-Oil Fried Bread

glazed Brussels sprouts with fried bread
Greg Dupree

Banish Brussels sprouts' excessively pious reputation by frying them in a hot skillet until crispy. Then, let them soften in a zesty flavor bomb of pomegranate juice and balsamic vinegar before showering them with toasted hazelnuts.

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Crispy Chickpeas

bowl of crispy chickpeas
bhofack2/Getty Images

These oven-baked chickpeas are good enough to literally eat by the handful. If you want to be any fancier than that, you can use them to dress up soups, salads, and grain bowls.

08 of 30

Crispy Mushroom Reuben Sandwiches

crispy mushroom reuben sandwiches
Greg Dupree

While we won't go so far as to call these ooey-gooey melted cheese sandwiches "healthy," we can certainly confirm that they're packed with nutrient-rich mushrooms (a much healthier option than corned beef) and gut-friendly sauerkrautā€”plus they're a delicious option for vegetarian football fans.

09 of 30

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

Carrot-And-Red Lentil Soup
Greg DuPree

Great soups don't have to be doused with heavy cream to be deeply delicious and satisfying. Case in point: This simple lentil soup, which is enticingly aromatic thanks to spices and fresh ginger. The key to building rich vegetable flavor is giving the carrots and shallots enough time to release water before adding the cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Coconut milk adds both creaminess and silky body, resulting in a jewel-toned soup that tastes as vibrant as it looks.

10 of 30

Glorious Green Dip

Though this recipe for glorious green dip is a hit with classic dippers, this would be a no-brainer drizzled over roasted or grilled chicken, fish, or layered into a roasted vegetable sandwich.ƂĀ 
Victor Protasio

While dips typically get a bad rap, this nutritious iteration combines decadent flavors with healthy ingredients. You'll start by charring scallions, which adds unparalleled depth of flavor and crowd-pleasing oniony notes. These are then blended with fresh spinach, mild cannellini beans, punchy chives, and just enough mayonnaise to get that perfectly creamy texture. A squeeze of lemon juice adds some zesty brightness.

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Spiced Chicken and Chickpea Soup

Spiced Chicken Chickpea Soup
Caitlin Bensel

Chicken soup is never a bad idea, and this version kicks things up a notch thanks to coriander-turmeric seasoned chicken thighs and canned chickpeas in a broth infused with garlic, lemon, and ginger. Add some dark leafy greens to complete the soup and give the meal a nutrient boost.

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Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza

Healthy Superbowl Recipes: Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza
Johnny Miller

Mushroom pizza is made more interesting with quirky, yet easy-to-find varieties, like king oyster, enoki, and maitake. Store-bought pizza dough cuts down on prep time, and goat cheese adds a delightfully creamy tang. Finish the pizza with a drizzle of chili oil, then top with parsley right before serving.

13 of 30

Spiced Carrot Salad

Garlicky, cumin-spiced oil enhances the flavor in this recipe for Spiced Carrot Salad.
Greg DuPree

Shredded carrots get tossed with a warm oil infused with garlic and cumin and a bit of spice from crushed red pepper. Pick up a bunch of carrots with the greens still attached and use the tender leaves to add a peppery layer of flavor. Goes great with just about any protein, but give it a go with lamb meatballs.

14 of 30

Cranberry Lemon Spritz

cranberry-lemon-spritz-1219foo
Greg DuPree

It wouldn't be game day without so festive drink options, and this cranberry spritz cocktail checks all the boxes. It's fruity and refreshing without being overly sweetā€”and who knows, maybe it even matches your favorite team.

15 of 30

Carrot Soup With Candied Almonds

carrot-soup-recipe-1119din
Caitlin Bensel

This carrot soup recipe will give your guests something to remember long after the game is over. The goat cheese toast and rosemary candied almonds make for the perfect finishing touch on top of the cooked carrots.

16 of 30

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Marcus Nilsson

These sweet potato wedges are topped with two varieties of gooey cheese, creating a balanced blend of sweet and savory. Plus, they cook in under 30 minutes, and require just four ingredients. They're so good, in fact, you may want to double the recipeā€”they'll likely be gobbled up that quickly.

17 of 30

5-Minute Hummus

Healthy Superbowl Recipes: 5-Minute Hummus
Ditte Isager

Pressed for time before your guests arrive? Whip up homemade hummus in minutes with canned chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, and spices.

18 of 30

Seared Fish Tacos With Marinated Peppers

Seared Fish Tacos With Marinated Peppers

Tacos are a great game-day snack, and these fish tacos donā€™t disappoint. Each one is filled with tender, flaked fish, and a zingy roasted bell pepper salsa made with charred scallions, punchy sherry vinegar, and fragrant oregano. Finish ā€˜em off with creamy avocado slices and briny, salty feta for the ultimate meal.

19 of 30

Marshmallow Popcorn Bars

Marshmallow Popcorn Bars
John Kernick

Just because it's dessert doesn't mean it has to be super unhealthy. Try making this whole-grain sweet treat in minutes on Super Bowl Sunday with freshly popped popcorn and marshmallows.

20 of 30

Sweet and Tangy Baked Beans

Sweet & Tangy Baked Beans
Greg DuPree

While baked beans are typically reserved for backyard barbecues, theyā€™d also be a welcome addition to any Super Bowl Sunday spread. In this recipe, fiber-rich beans are joined by bacon strips, barbecue sauce, whole-grain mustard, a touch of brown sugar, and fresh pineapple chunks. Believe it or not, that unexpected ingredient balances the rich, salty bacon in this dish perfectly.

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Tomatillo Salsa

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa
Marcus Nilsson

After whipping up this healthy Super Bowl recipe, serve the zippy dip with chips, quesadillas, or tacos.

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Homemade Guacamole

Homemade Guacamole
Greg DuPree

You can never go wrong with homemade guacamole, especially if the game is on. This recipe calls for ripe avocados, salt, a shower of chopped cilantro, just the right amount of acid from a lime, and some heat from a jalapeƱo. If you donā€™t like spice, just skip the jalapeƱo.

23 of 30

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip
Victor Protasio

Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian herb-and-oil sauce that is usually served with grilled meats. Here, the bright and punchy mixture is swirled into thick Greek yogurt for a pretty presentation and fresh flavor. Serve this rich dip with sliced vegetables, crunchy lettuces, and bitter chicories to compliment the creamy notes and texture.

24 of 30

Make-Ahead Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

Make-Ahead Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
Jennifer Causey

Right before the fourth quarter, go ahead and put out a plate of these homemade peanut butter bars. Theyā€™re packed with PB, rolled oats, peanuts, and dried fruit, which makes them delicious, and just-sweet-enough to tempt kids and delight adults. If youā€™ve got any bars left over, go ahead and save them for a healthy breakfast on Monday morning.

25 of 30

Honey-Paprika Walnuts

Honey Paprika Walnuts
Greg DuPree

Sure, chips and dip are a game-day staple, but if you want to treat your guests to something a bit different, opt for a bowl of these sweet and savory nuts. The protein-packed walnuts are coated in a flavorful mixture made with honey, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne, which makes them nearly impossible to resist.

26 of 30

Artichoke Dip

Artichoke Dip Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

As far as dips go, artichoke dip is one of the most delicious options around. And while the game-day favorite is typically very heavy, we found a way to lighten it up without sacrificing any of the rich flavor. In this recipe, Greek yogurt takes the place of the standard mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream, while a little bit of olive oil adds richness. The use of marinated artichoke hearts (from a jar!) adds depth of flavor as well.

27 of 30

Tomato-Feta Dip

Tomato Feta Dip
Victor Protasio

Think of this as a dip version of that wildly popular Baked Feta Pasta that made the rounds on TikTok. Here, broiled cherry tomatoes are paired with tangy feta and a glug of half-and-half for a deluxe twist. Serve this rich dip with some warm pita or crispy crostini and lots of colorful, fresh veggies, and watch it disappear.

28 of 30

Easy Homemade Mild Salsa Recipe

Easy DIY Salsa Recipe, tomato salsa with chips
Cara Cormack

Salsa pairs well with a variety of chips and veggies as a dip, but itā€™s a perfect main course accompaniment as well, especially on game day. Serving tacos, chili, or burgers on Super Bowl Sunday? Make sure youā€™ve got some of this salsa on hand.

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Pink Hummus

Pink Hummus
Victor Protasio

This easy-to-make dip gets its bright pink hue courtesy of a small, cooked beet. The healthy veggie adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the slightly bitter tahini, and makes this dip totally Instagram-worthy.

30 of 30

Carrot-Ginger Dip

Carrot Ginger Dip
Caitlin Bensel

This bold and flavorful dip gets its bright orange color from a few large carrots, which are cooked until tender with peppery ginger, and then pureed in a blender with maple syrup to add a subtle sweetness. Garlic contributes a kick, while olive oil lends depth and smooth texture. Garnish this dip with a little pickled ginger for a pop of freshness.

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