Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Healthy Meals 50 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes That Score Big Football-watching food that also packs a nutritional punch? Game on. By Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 30, 2024 Close Photo: Greg DuPree Devising a game plan for your Super Bowl party? You can't miss with traditional fare like rich mac and cheese, creamy dips, and hearty chili, but you also don't want guests to succumb to a food coma before halftime. Consider reserving space on your menu for a few healthy Super Bowl recipes. We combed our collection for Super Bowl-worthy recipes to nourish and energize your guests instead of weighing them down. Don't worry, they're not all tofu and carrots (but maybe a few are). We offer rich dips, Tex-Mex favorites, pizza, and even sweets and a cocktail on the lighter side that, we promise, are all worth trying at least once. 01 of 50 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 crudités or toast. Put some hummus next to it for guests to conduct a little dip-tasting competition. get the recipe 02 of 50 Vegan Queso Dip Getty Images The velvety smooth texture of this queso comes from cashew cream, which is made from whirling cashews and water in a blender—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). This dip double-teams as a topping drizzled on nachos, tacos, or chili fries. get the recipe 03 of 50 Green Chile Enchiladas Caitlin Bensel Is it even Super Bowl Sunday without enchiladas? This vegetarian version packs plenty of protein thanks to corn tortillas, cumin-spiced vegetables, and black beans. Serve with chips and guacamole for game-day victory. get the recipe 04 of 50 Carrot-Ginger Dip Caitlin Bensel This bold and flavorful dip gets its bright orange color from carrots cooked with peppery ginger and then pureed with maple syrup for 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. get the recipe 05 of 50 Soy-Simmered Squash With Miso Hummus and Togarashi Greg Dupree A high-heat sear followed by a savory simmer makes this golden-hued kabocha squash sweet and tender. Can't find kabocha squash? No problem—swap it with acorn instead. Serve with your favorite store-bought hummus upgraded with a dollop of miso. get the recipe 06 of 50 Miso Eggplant Dip Caitlin Bensel ​​Think of baba ganoush with the flavor of miso eggplant, and you have an idea of how this irresistible dip tastes. Serve with fresh veggies, chips, or anything else you like to dip. We promise your guests won’t be disappointed. get the recipe 07 of 50 Glazed Brussels Sprouts on Olive Oil Fried Bread Greg Dupree This Super Bowl recipe banishes Brussels sprouts' pious reputation. In it, they're fried in a hot skillet until crispy. Next, they're softened in a zesty flavor bomb of pomegranate juice and balsamic vinegar and then served atop toasted ciabatta bread smeared with ricotta. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and parsley for a final flourish. get the recipe 08 of 50 Crispy Chickpeas bhofack2/Getty Images If you're looking for super-easy as well as healthy, this snack is for you: just two ingredients (plus salt and pepper) and 20 minutes in the oven. For optimum crispiness, allow plenty of time pregame for the chickpeas to dry out before roasting, and preheat the pan along with the oven. Get the recipe 09 of 50 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 healthier option than corned beef) and gut-friendly sauerkraut. Plus, they're a delicious option for vegetarian football fans. get the recipe 10 of 50 Pink Hummus Victor Protasio This easy-to-make, Instagram-worthy dip gets its bright pink hue courtesy of a small, cooked beet that adds a subtle sweetness to balance the slightly bitter tahini. If cooking beets doesn't fit into your pregame routine. buy a package of pre-cooked ones and whip this up in a jiff. get the recipe 11 of 50 Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Greg DuPree This rich, comforting vegan soup is a delicious way to warm up a Super Bowl crowd. Packed with carrots, scallions, and lentils, the star is its creamy coconut milk base spiked with cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Serve in a slow cooker with mugs for guests to sip throughout the game. get the recipe 12 of 50 Glorious Green Dip Victor Protasio While dips typically get a bad nutritional rap, this one combines decadent flavors with healthy ingredients like scallions, fresh spinach, and cannellini beans. Add some punchy chives, just enough mayonnaise for a creamy texture, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a perfectly nourishing dunk. get the recipe 13 of 50 Spiced Chicken and Chickpea Soup Caitlin Bensel Chicken soup is never a bad idea for a winter party menu. This version kicks things up a notch thanks to coriander and turmeric seasoned chicken thighs and canned chickpeas in a broth infused with garlic, lemon, and ginger. Add dark leafy greens for a nutrient boost, and you have a hearty, comforting dish to warm your guests' bodies and souls. get the recipe 14 of 50 Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza Johnny Miller Here's a pizza you're unlikely to find on any delivery menu. Store-bought pizza dough cuts down on prep time, and goat cheese adds a delightfully creamy tang. Finish with a drizzle of chili oil, top with parsley, and serve to impressed guests. get the recipe 15 of 50 Spiced Carrot Salad Greg DuPree Instead of a mayo-laden slaw, try this bright, colorful version spiked with garlic, cumin, and a bit of heat from crushed red pepper. Serve with BBQ sliders, fried chicken, or give it a go with lamb meatballs. get the recipe 16 of 50 Cranberry Lemon Spritz Greg DuPree It wouldn't be game day without some festive cocktail options, and this vodka-spiked cranberry spritz checks all the boxes. It's fruity and refreshing without being overly sweet and delivers some vitamin C to boot. Bonus points if this is your team's color. get the recipe 17 of 50 Easy Homemade Mild Salsa Recipe Cara Cormack This salsa pairs well with chips and veggies as a dip, but don't overlook it as a zippy condiment for a host of game-day dishes. If you're serving tacos, chili, or burgers on Super Bowl Sunday, make sure you have plenty of this salsa on hand. get the recipe 18 of 50 Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes Marcus Nilsson These nutrient-rich sweet potato wedges topped with two types of cheese perfectly balance sweet and savory. The recipe requires just four ingredients and 30 minutes in the oven and is easily upscaled to accommodate your Super Bowl party crowd. get the recipe 19 of 50 Five Minute Hummus Ditte Isager No matter how complicated your pregame prep is, you can find time to whip up this homemade hummus. In just minutes, you have a dip or spread that tastes better than store-bought, and is free of additives and preservatives, Get the recipe 20 of 50 Seared Fish Tacos With Marinated Peppers Tacos are classic game-day fare, but these elevated fish tacos are Super Bowl-worthy. Filled with tender, flaked fish and a zingy roasted bell pepper salsa, they're finished with creamy avocado slices and briny, salty feta for the ultimate party meal. get the recipe 21 of 50 Chimichurri Yogurt Dip Victor Protasio Chimichurri—a classic Argentinian herb-and-oil sauce—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 lettuce, and bitter chicories to compliment its creamy notes and texture. get the recipe 22 of 50 Marshmallow Popcorn Bars John Kernick A Super Bowl snack doesn't have to be bad for you. Instead of serving candy or chips, try making this whole-grain sweet treat in minutes with freshly popped popcorn and marshmallows. get the recipe 23 of 50 Homemade Guacamole Greg DuPree You can never go wrong with homemade guac, especially on game day. This easy, 10-minute 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 jalapeño. Dip in! get the recipe 24 of 50 Sweet and Tangy Baked Beans Greg DuPree While typically reserved for backyard barbecues, baked beans are also a welcome addition to any Super Bowl spread. This recipe merges fiber-rich beans with bacon, barbecue sauce, whole-grain mustard, and a touch of brown sugar. A surprise ingredient, fresh pineapple chunks, perfectly balances this dish's rich, salty elements. get the recipe 25 of 50 Tomatillo Salsa Marcus Nilsson Sure, you can buy a jar, but it only takes 10 minutes to whip up this homemade salsa that tastes fresher and is better for you. Serve as a zippy dip with chips or quesadillas, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or burgers. get the recipe 26 of 50 Make-Ahead Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars Jennifer Causey Right before the fourth quarter, bring out a plate of these homemade peanut butter bars and watch them disappear. Packed with PB, rolled oats, peanuts, and dried fruit, they're just sweet enough to tempt kids and delight adults. If you have leftovers (a big "if"), treat yourself on Monday morning to this as a breakfast on-the-go. get the recipe 27 of 50 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 pair with tangy feta and a glug of half-and-half for a deluxe twist. Serve this rich dip with warm pita, crispy crostini, and lots of colorful, fresh veggies. get the recipe 28 of 50 Honey Paprika Walnuts Greg DuPree Sure, pretzels and chips are game-day go-tos, but you can treat your guests to something sweet, salty, savory, and nutritious. Make sure to have enough on hand, because these protein-packed walnuts are coated in a flavorful mixture that makes them nearly impossible to resist. get the recipe 29 of 50 Artichoke Dip Caitlin Bensel As far as dips go, artichoke is one of the most delicious options around, and we found a way to lighten it up without sacrificing its rich flavor. This recipe subs Greek yogurt for mayo, cream cheese, and sour cream. Add a bit of olive oil for richness. The use of store-bought marinated artichoke hearts plus just four more ingredients cuts prep time down to 15 minutes! get the recipe 30 of 50 Nutty Superfood Breakfast Bites Grace Elkus Sure, it has "breakfast" in its name, but this recipe is great any time of day, especially game time. Loaded with good-for-you nuts, seeds, and quinoa, you can customize them with whatever you have on hand. To lighten your party-prep load, make these protein-packed bars up to one week ahead and store them at room temp until ready to serve. get the Recipe 31 of 50 Roasted Eggplant With Miso and Sesame Seeds Antonis Achilleos Yes, eggplant is an unlikely addition to a Super Bowl spread, but hear us out. First, you can prep these rounds ahead of time and give them a quick broil just before serving. Next, their sweet-savory-spicy miso coating is a flavor everyone will love. And lastly, they're low in calories, dairy-free, and a delicious way to eat your vegetables! get the Recipe 32 of 50 Salt and Vinegar Roasted Potatoes Victor Protasio French fries and loaded baked potatoes are delicious game-day options, but this recipe lightens up your menu without sacrificing flavor. A finish of flaky salt and cider vinegar gives these a salt-and-vinegar vibe that rivals any bag of chips. get the Recipe 33 of 50 Spaghetti Squash Parmesan Greg DuPree Make this hearty vegetarian main the star of your halftime show! Each football-shaped "bowl" is stuffed ith spaghetti squash strands mixed with three cheeses, zesty marinara, and fresh herbs, and then topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. get the Recipe 34 of 50 Buffalo Cauliflower With Yogurt Ranch This popular Super Bowl recipe merges a favorite spicy chicken wings flavor with a nutritious vegetable and a cooling, creamy dressing. The result is a crave-able, popcorn-like snack or side that's fun and not bad for you! get the Recipe 35 of 50 Make-Ahead Holiday Salad Greg DuPree Love the idea of a salad for Super Bowl Sunday but don't have time for the last-minute prep? Consider this recipe that you can put together the day before. Its hearty greens—kale leaves and Brussels sprout shreds—stand up to its honey-mustard vinaigrette overnight. On game day, just add croutons and chopped hazelnuts, and enjoy guilt-free! get the Recipe 36 of 50 Dark Chocolate Coconut Tartlets Jennifer Causey Guests will never suspect these sweet treats are healthy-ish. That's shredded coconut forming the crust of these mini tartlets, which are filled with protein-rich sunflower seed butter (or your favorite nut butter) blended with melted dark chocolate. Make them the day before and store them at room temp until game time. get the Recipe 37 of 50 Brussels Sprouts Salad Heami Lee This hearty, crunchy, make-ahead salad could qualify as a party host's most valuable side dish. You can prep the vegetables—thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and radicchio—and assemble the rest up to two days in advance. Then, add Parmesan shavings and a honey-mustard vinaigrette just before the coin toss. get the Recipe 38 of 50 Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Antonis Achilleos These delectable little numbers are finger-friendly, loaded with good-for-you carrots and oats, and taste just like the classic eponymous dessert. Allow plenty of time to chill the dough (at least an hour), which makes it easier to shape into cookies. get the Recipe 39 of 50 Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes Con Poulos The Super Bowl and chili go together like salt and pepper, and a slow cooker is a busy cook's best friend, so this recipe wins on so many levels. It's a meatless version that lightens things up and packs nutrients via fresh bell peppers and onions, chunks of sweet potato, and black and kidney beans. Just load the slow cooker, set, and forget (until game time, that is). get the Recipe 40 of 50 Fancy Tomato Sandwiches Greg DuPree This not-so-ordinary sandwich is called "fancy" for good reason: a salted chive butter spread, a nutty alpine cheese, a tangle of peppery arugula, and crunchy fried onions, to name a few. Assemble it on long baguettes and slice so every guest gets one. get the Recipe 41 of 50 Chickpea and Mint Crostini Mikkel Vang This no-cook recipe is a sophisticated addition to your Super Bowl spread yet comes together in almost no time. Just combine chickpeas with juicy pomegranate seeds and chopped mint, and you have a bright, fresh topper for guests to pile on toasted baguette slices. get the Recipe 42 of 50 Easy Stovetop Shrimp Boil Greg DuPree This recipe is an outdoor-party-host go-to in summer, but there's no reason you can't pull this off in February, too. With just 35 minutes and one big pot, you can serve up this veggie-packed, protein-rich dish that's perfect for a casual crowd. get the Recipe 43 of 50 French Ham and Cheese Sandwich Danny Kim This quick sandwich recipe takes an ordinary sandwich on a trip to Paris. Its Frenchy features—a baguette, Dijon, Gruyere, and a buttery cornichon-and-mustard spread—come together in just 10 minutes, yet elevate a simple lunch staple to championship status. get the recipe 44 of 50 Grilled Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas Alex Farnum Quesadillas are always a crowd-pleaser, and these are packed with protein and nutrients for an added advantage. If grilling is a non-starter, cook these on the stove or on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. get the recipe 45 of 50 Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup Jennifer Causey This make-ahead recipe delivers the fresh taste of tacos without the carby tortillas and messiness. It's a chunky soup that's also slow-cooker friendly, packed with veggies, and customizable with everyone's favorite taco fixings. get the recipe 46 of 50 Turkey and Rice Meatballs Caitlin Bensel Meaty, rich, and satisfying meatballs are regular players on a Super Bowl spread. This two-ingredient, make-ahead recipe lightens them up by swapping ground beef with ground turkey and breadcrumbs with long-grain rice. Add salt and pepper, bake on an oil-brushed sheet, and you have tasty, low-fat, gluten-free orbs to serve as sliders or with toothpicks and dipping sauce. get the recipe 47 of 50 Corn Salad With Feta and Walnuts Christopher Baker Guests will love digging into this salad. Use whatever corn you'd like—fresh, frozen, cooked, or raw—as the base for this simple recipe. If you make it a day or two ahead, add the walnuts and feta just before serving. get the recipe 48 of 50 Turkey Pumpkin Chili Caitlin Bensel A one-pot chili is a game-day host's most valuable recipe, and this one turns toward the lighter side. Lean ground turkey takes center stage, supported by high-fiber cannellini beans and nutrient-rich pumpkin puree. Serve with the usual accompaniments for guests to top their own. get the recipe 49 of 50 Summer Nachos Greg DuPree If nachos are a must-have on your party menu, try this lighter, meat-free version. Despite its "summer" qualifier, it features vegetables—zucchini, corn, and red cabbage—available any time of year. Yes, it has Cheddar cheese but, instead of sour cream, it's topped with an avocado-yogurt topping that delivers healthy fats and probiotics. get the recipe 50 of 50 Kale Flatbread Bites Victor Protasio As far as pizzas go, this flatbread version is healthier than your typical takeout. Yes, there's mozzarella, and a mustard-sour cream mixture replaces the usual tomato-based pizza sauce. But this one is topped with kale, a darling of the superfood set that rarely makes its way onto a Super Bowl menu. Get the Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit