Healthy Tailgating Snacks? Game On.

Healthy Tailgating Snacks? Game On. - Food & Nutrition Magazine
Photo by Anne Mauney

Looking for a healthy appetizer that’s also sure to please a crowd? Try this spin on classic seven-layer dip that uses protein-packed plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo. Your tailgating buddies will never know the difference! Or sneak some veggies into your tailgate with this simple and flavorful hummus-guacamole hybrid. A big handful of fresh baby spinach amps up the dip’s nutrient content without compromising flavor. Eat up!


Healthier Seven Layer Dip

Recipe developed by Anne Mauney, RD

Ingredients
3 medium-sized ripe avocados
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 package taco seasoning mix
2 cans (9 oz. each) bean dip
1 bunch green onions, chopped (optional)
3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 cans (3 ½ oz. each) pitted ripe sliced olives, drained
1 package (8 oz.) grated 2% sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Peel, pit and mash avocados in a bowl with lemon juice, salt and pepper (or put in blender). If you’re in a hurry and don’t have any ripe avocados, you can also substitute 2 containers of mildly seasoned guacamole dip from the refrigerated section at the grocery store.
  2. In another bowl, combine yogurt and taco seasoning mix.
  3. To assemble:
    • Spread bean dip/refried beans on a LARGE shallow serving platter.
    • Spread avocado mixture over bean dip.
    • Spread yogurt-taco mixture over the avocado mixture.
    • Sprinkle with the chopped green onions, then the tomatoes, and finally the olives.
    • Cover with the grated cheddar cheese.
  4. Serve chilled with your choice of corn chips.

Spinach & Avocado Cannellini Bean Hummus

Recipe developed by Anne Mauney, RD

Ingredients
1 ½ cups (one can) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
Half a large ripe avocado
Juice from 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Toss it all in a food processor and whirl away!
Anne Mauney
Anne Mauney, MPH, RD, specializes in helping others to develop happier, healthier relationships with food. She believe that healthy eating should be delicious and fun... not restrictive, time consuming or stressful. Anne blogs at www.fannetasticfood.com.