Give your tailgate party appetizers a healthy makeover by adding flavor, protein, good-for-you fats, and crunch to everything from cheesy nachos and quesadillas to hummus and pizza. The all-star ingredient in my 7 winning tailgate recipes is peanuts, and you won’t believe how versatile they can be.
I created this post for PLANTERS and was compensated for my work. All opinions are my own.
1. A Big Pot of Chili
Serve up a big pot of chili on game day and set out a topping bar with cilantro, shredded low-fat cheese, plain Greek yogurt, and chopped PLANTERS Sea Salt & Vinegar Peanuts. Chili is synonymous with big flavors, so those sea salt/vinegar peanuts are guaranteed to add even more pop.
Why peanuts? Well, for starters, one ounce boasts 7 grams of satisfying protein. And a handful also brings nutrients like manganese (important for bone health) and vitamin E to the table.
2. Nachos
Top baked tortilla chips with black beans and low-fat shredded cheese. Heat in the oven until the cheese is gooey and melted, and then garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, PLANTERS Chipotle Peanuts, guacamole, salsa, lime, and plain Greek yogurt.
3. Quesadillas
Give quesadillas a vegetarian twist with peanuts and pinto beans. Fill whole wheat flour tortillas with low-fat shredded cheese, pinto beans, corn kernels, and chopped PLANTERS Chili Lime Peanuts. Serve with salsa and guacamole on the side.
4.Hummus with Vegetables
Stir chopped PLANTERS Smoked Peanuts into your favorite hummus for crunch, extra protein power, and an unexpected flavor twist. Serve with your favorite vegetables: baby carrots, celery sticks, bell peppers, English cucumber, and cauliflower.
5. Trail Mix
Turn trail mix from traditional to terrific. No need to add chocolate chips to your trail mix. Instead, use PLANTERS Cocoa Peanuts to add a hint of that chocolate flavor you love. In addition to the peanuts, use whole grain cereal, whole wheat pretzels, and your favorite dried or freeze dried fruit including raisins, cranberries, apricots, bananas, or strawberries. {An alternative to cocoa peanuts dry roasted.}
6. Thai Pita Pizza
Make my Thai pizzas by topping whole wheat pitas with sautéed bell pepper, green onion, shredded roasted chicken, cottage cheese, and low-fat mozzarella. When done, top with a mixture of broccoli slaw, Thai peanut sauce, basil, and chopped PLANTERS Lightly Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts. Use sandwich-size pitas when serving as an appetizer.
7. No Bake Date Balls
Take your favorite no-bake date ball recipe and use chopped PLANTERS Honey Roasted Peanuts as the nut of choice. Use dates, ½ cup chopped peanuts, and shredded unsweetened coconut.
What’s on your game-day menu?
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