Written by: Nicole Pazdziorko, RDN, LDN

That fall feeling in the air means it is time for one of America’s favorite pastimes - tailgating!  To serve up delicious gameday snacks while taking a lighter approach, try serving up a shareable snack board. To show support for your favorite team build a color themed spread featuring vibrant produce with favorite gameday flavors. 

Go Big on Fresh

For a “Big Orange” Board, start by featuring fresh orange themed produce; assemble clementines, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and crinkle cut carrots on your board.   Most orange hued foods are rich in carotenoids which help to supply the body with vitamin A, keeping our immune system strong, skin healthy and aiding in vision. 

Fill in with Tailgating Favorites

After starting with a produce-rich base, fill in with more traditional tailgating fare.  Try making quick zesty loaded sweet potato bites.  Simply start with thinly sliced sweet potatoes, season and bake for 20 minutes, until crispy. Top each with a flavorful yogurt ranch dressing, your favorite hot sauce, and chopped green onion. 

Swap in More Plants

For a plant-based spin on buffalo wings try frozen Bird’s Eye crispy cauliflower tots. Each cauliflower is lightly breaded and fried but offers less fat and sodium than traditional wings.  Bake or air-fry to crispy perfection and toss with your favorite buffalo sauce. 

Add Volume to Decadent Dips

No snack board is complete without a dip as the center piece. A great way to enjoy a rich dip like queso is by adding in a nutrient rich mix-ins.  Try adding beans, tomatoes and diced bell pepper to help cut down on fat and calories per serving, and add fiber and vitamin C.

Add a little kick in your dip with Lantana sriracha carrot hummus for a brilliant orange color to add to your spread. Made with white beans, carrots, and heart-healthy oils, the dip pairs perfectly with your favorite sliced vegetables or whole-grain chips for a satisfying crunch. 

Balancing fresh, fiber-filled and nutrient-rich foods with a touch of more decadent finger foods is a strategy to prioritize wellness while fully enjoying the festivities.