Tailgate parties are common social events, and are most frequently connected with sports and concerts. These parties typically occur in parking lots outside stadiums, arenas and concert venues. Food and drinks are important parts of tailgate parties -- nachos, barbecued meats such as hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and alcoholic are standard fare. However, healthier options are available for your tailgate parties.
Crudites
Crudites, or freshly-cut, raw vegetables and fruits, are flavorful tailgate snacks that are low in calories and fats. These foods provide an abundance of nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A and calcium. Choose fruits and vegetables that do not require heating, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, oranges, apples, kiwi and grapes. Pack these vegetables in a cooler filled with ice to prevent spoiling. Sprinkle lemon juice on fruit slices to prevent them from turning brown before your tailgate party.
Pita Chips and Hummus
Hummus is a Mediterranean dip made with pureed chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin and tahini, or sesame seed paste. This dip is a lean source of protein and fiber, and lacks the saturated fats found in typical tailgate party dips. Blend fresh spinach leaves, dill or chili paste into your hummus to add flavor. Serve it with whole wheat pita bread cut into wedges.
Black Bean Quesadillas
Black bean quesadillas are finger foods you can prepare before a tailgate party and pack in a cooler to prevent spoilage. They provide fiber, zinc, calcium and protein. Cover half of a whole-grain tortilla with low-fat Mexican-style cheese. Add a layer of drained, canned black beans and spoon salsa over the beans. Sprinkle another layer of cheese over the salsa and fold over the empty half of the tortilla. Corn, chopped cilantro, sliced mushrooms and spinach leaves add variety to these quesadillas. Prepare these snacks by heating them on a charcoal grill for one to two minutes on each side, or until the cheese melts.
Cajun Chicken Breast Skewers
Chicken is a staple of tailgate parties. However, tailgaters often choose fried chicken legs and thighs, which are loaded with artery-clogging saturated fats. Instead, opt for white-meat chicken breasts, which are leaner than dark-meat chicken. Prepare a spice mixture of black pepper, ground cayenne pepper, minced garlic and ground cumin by placing these ingredients in a large freezer bag and shaking until blended. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, place them in the freezer bag and shake to coat with the spice mixture. Load the coated chicken pieces on bamboo skewers and barbecue until cooked through.
References
- "The Tailgating Cookbook"; Robert Sloan; 2005
- "Very Vegetarian"; Jannequin Bennett; 2001
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