Your health-conscious friends will thank you for these delicious vegetarian tailgate appetizers on game day.
29 Healthy Vegetarian Tailgate Appetizers for the Next Game Day
1/29
Goat Cheese Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed mushrooms are superstars in the hot appetizer category. I use baby portobello mushrooms and load them with creamy goat cheese and sweet red peppers. —Mike Bass, Alvin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 19 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
There are plenty more tailgate appetizers to try out!
2/29
Southwest Egg Rolls
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Moderately crispy with a rich and creamy filling, these semi-spicy appetizers taste like they’ve been fried. —Danielle Booth, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 50 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
3/29
Red Pepper Tapenade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip: 58 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
4/29
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
5/29
Avocado Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 82 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
6/29
Greek Veggie Tartlets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
The mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer!—Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 43 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/29
Mango Black Bean Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (1/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful salsa takes just minutes to prepare—and that’s likely how long it will last at your next event, too! Chopped mango adds bursts of sweetness to this satisfying chip dip. —Judy Heiser, Uvalde, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 70 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
8/29
9/29
Mango Avocado Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips and vegetables): 67 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
10/29
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
11/29
Tomato & Artichoke Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A healthy and refreshing appetizer, I enjoy bruschetta anytime of year. For serving guests, I like to slice the garlic instead of chopping it for both beauty and flavor infusion. This is also a simple make-ahead dish: You can mix it up, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.—Gina Bergamino, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
12/29
Fruit Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 cups salsa and 80 chips
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this fresh fruit salsa for a family baby shower. Everyone wanted the recipe. Now, someone makes this juicy snack for just about every family gathering—and I have to keep reminding everyone who introduced it! —Jessica Robinson, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons salsa with 4 chips: 134 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
13/29
Fresh Spring Rolls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to turn salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead—experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 spring rolls: 356 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/29
Four-Tomato Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
56 servings (14 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so good. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it's hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It's a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 15 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
15/29
Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty appetizers look and taste gourmet, but they're easy to make and have loads of blue cheese flavor. The phyllo shells and filling can be made in advance—just fill the cups and warm them in the oven before serving. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 76 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
16/29
Crisp Cucumber Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You'll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super fresh flavors. —Charlene Skjerven, Hoolpe, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 16 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
17/29
Roasted Eggplant Spread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup spread: 84 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/29
Asparagus with Horseradish Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great hot weather party dip. Serve asparagus on a decorative platter with lemon wedges on the side for garnish. A great flavor variation is to use chopped garlic in place of the horseradish. —Mildred Lynn Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 asparagus spears with 1 tablespoon dip: 63 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
19/29
Strawberry Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously different salsa is versatile, fresh-tasting and colorful. People are surprised to see a salsa made with strawberries, but it's excellent over grilled chicken and pork or as a dip with corn chips. —Jean Giroux, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 19 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
20/29
Mango Avocado Spring Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 spring rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
As a fan of mangoes and avocados, I love these wraps. You can substitute tortillas for rice paper wrappers, and lettuce or spinach for sprouts. —Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 spring roll: 117 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
21/29
Dill Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Be prepared—you'll likely need to make a double batch of this delightful dill dip recipe. One batch is never enough when we have a get-together! It tastes fantastic with just about any vegetable, so you can use whatever you have on hand as a dipper. —Kathy Beldorth, Three Oaks, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 123 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/29
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
23/29
Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even if you don't like mushrooms, you will have to try them again with these pretty appetizers, which taste divine. For a main dish, double the filling and use large portobellos. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
24/29
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
25/29
Slow-Cooked Salsa
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the fresh taste of homemade salsa, but as a working mother, I don't have much time to make it. So I came up with this slow-cooked version that practically makes itself! —Toni Menard, Lompoc, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 20 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
26/29
“Broccomole” Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a snack that's very much like guacamole but without the avocados, which are high in fat, try this dip. I grow and freeze broccoli, so this recipe is convenient to make. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 tablespoons: 27 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
27/29
Tangy Texas Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (1/3 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a "transplant" from Wisconsin currently living in Texas. Even after 20 years, I can't get enough of our wonderful local citrus. This is one way to work it into a main dish. The combination of tangy fruit, spicy jalapeno and distinctive cilantro is perfect over any meat, poultry or fish. We also dip into it with chips. —Lois Kildahl, McAllen, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
28/29
Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 25 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
29/29
Mediterranean Eggplant Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mediterranean food, and the flavors in this dip are so vibrant. We make our own mini sandwiches once this platter is complete. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without optional ingredients): 77 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.