Big Bites for the Big Game

    Big Bites for the Big Game

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA

    Get ready for the much-anticipated excitement of The Big Game, a day filled with food and fun! Elevate your game day experience by opting for snacks that are not only delicious but also easy to handle and perfect for sharing.

    Consider setting up “make your own” food stations with a variety of enjoyable and nutritious ingredients.

    Score a touchdown with your guests with these useful tips for satisfying your football fans without compromising your diet:

    1. Nutritious Nibbles: Keep your “team” satisfied with healthy snacks like nuts, cheese, dried fruits, raw veggies with a light ranch dressing, and popcorn.
    2. Fresh Dips: Kick off the festivities with Greek yogurt for healthier dips, alongside options like hummus, salsa, and bean dip.
    3. Half Time Heat: Turn up the heat at halftime! Preheat your oven and whip up warm and hearty snacks by melting cheese over crackers, veggies, or hot sandwiches.
    4. Leaner Chili: Chili is a game day classic. Opt for the leanest beef or turkey and use more beans than meat to create a higher fiber, lower fat meal.
    5. Chicken Magic: Say goodbye to boring hamburgers and hotdogs. Chicken is the most popular meat, and for good reason! It serves as the base for delectable bites like avocado quesadillas, paninis, and chicken tacos.

    By incorporating these tips, you’ll make The Big Game not only a thrilling sports event but also a celebration of delicious, health-conscious choices. Enjoy the game and the tasty treats!

    Chimichurri Yogurt Dip

    chobani yogurt dip

    Prep: 15 minutes

    Makes: about 6 servings

    Ingredients:

    • 3 small cloves garlic, minced
    • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 cup fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 ¾ cups plain Chobani® whole-milk Greek yogurt

    Directions:

    1. Place garlic and salt in a small bowl, using the back of a spoon, mash into a paste. Stir in oregano, cilantro, oil, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Remove 2 tablespoons and set aside.
    2. To the remaining herb and garlic paste gently stir in the Greek yogurt, careful not to fully mix, you want to see the streaks. Now gently stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of chimichurri.
    3. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with raw veggies or your favorite chips.

    Make Ahead

    Chimichurri can be made up to 1 day in advance; cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to yogurt.