Healthy + Fresh Game Day Recipes

When you think of food for for a watching a sports game or any other gathering this time of year, you might think of all things gut-bustingly hearty: chicken wings, sausage, beer-cheese sauce, the works. The tricky part comes when you want to serve something quick, light and full of flavor. The obvious choices would be hummus or some sort of dip, but here are some recipes for innovative and healthy(ish) game day recipes.

Tequila Shrimp Cocktails

Serves 6-8

You’ll need:
– ¾ pound large shrimp, cooked
– 4 limes: 2 juiced, 2 cut into wedges
– 3 avocados, diced
– Quick-Pickled Onions (see below)
– 1 bunch cilantro, torn
– Tequila Cocktail Sauce (see below)

Pour lime juice over the shrimp. Divide avocado into glasses, top each glass with shrimp, a lime wedge, onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of sauce.

Quick-Pickled Onions
You’ll need:
– 1 red onion, sliced
– 1 tsp. sugar
– ½ tsp. sea salt
– ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
– ¼ cup water

1. In a pot combine the sugar, salt, apple cider vinegar and water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling remove it from the heat and add the onions.
2. Cool the pickles to room temperature before storing in the fridge. They will be ready to use within a few hours.

Tequila Cocktail Sauce
You’ll need:
– 1 cup good quality mayo
– 3 tbsp. ketchup
– 1 tbsp. mango puree (optional, but nice)
– Juice of ½ lemon
– 1 shot tequila
– 1 tbsp. sriracha
– Few dashes tabasco
– Few dashes Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Combine everything together in a dish. Chill until you’re ready to use.

Parmesan Thyme Grilled Corn

• 6 ears of corn, husked
  ½ cup butter, melted
  3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  ½ tsp. lemon pepper
  ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  sprigs of fresh thyme (or dried)
  In a bowl, combine the butter, garlic and lemon pepper. Set aside.

Place the husked corn on the grill directly. Grill on high for 2 mins on each side, or until the corn is golden brown. Remove from the grill and place each piece of corn on a square of non-stick foil. Brush on a generous amount of the butter mixture. Place sprigs of thyme all over the corn and sprinkle with a generous amount of parmesan cheese. Loosely wrap the foil around the corn. Place back on the grill for about 2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.

DIY Taco Bar

For an anything-goes, easy-to-host (and easy-on-the-wallet) meal, serve up a make-your-own taco bar with all the fixings. Most of the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, and it’s a great way to accommodate dietary restrictions and picky eaters.

Here, check out some ideas for what to include—choose whatever you’d like:
—The meat: grilled + chopped chicken, fish, ground beef or pork (carne asada). Or, try this recipe for Baja-Style Fish Tacos.
—The wrap: Taco shells or tortillas. Pro tip: corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free!
—The fixings: Put out various toppings and side dishes, like salsa or pico de gallo, black or refried beans, jalapeños, queso fresco, shredded lettuce, sour cream, cilantro, radishes, hot sauce + lime wedges.
—The sides: Don’t forget the chips and guac! We love this Chipotle Chive Guacamole recipe from L.A.-based food blogger Gaby Dalkin