LABOR DAY TAILGATE: HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS EATS

Score Big with Flavor this Football Season

Football is as much about watching the game as it is about the fun foods at the tailgate or the house party. But who says you have to compromise your health to while enjoying food at the festivities? With a few smart choices, you can savor game-day favorites without derailing your wellness goals. Here’s how you can elevate your football watch party with healthier alternatives: turkey meatballs, Hawaiian pulled pork sliders, and high protein dill pickle ranch dip.

Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds ground turkey

- 2 eggs

- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat skillet: preheat to medium high heat.

2. Mix all ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, chopped onion, and Italian breadcrumbs. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them directly in the preheated skillet.

4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Make the sauce: in a mason jar or small bowl, combine barbecue, tomato sauce, and sriracha. Mix well

6. Add meatballs to a slow-cooker: a slow-cooker or crockpot, add seared meatballs and sauce. Cook on high for 1-2 hours or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

7. Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Ingredients:

- 1 red bell pepper, sliced

- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 package Hawaiian rolls

- 1 pound pulled pork (pre-cooked from Sam’s - Member's Mark brand)

- 1/2 cup Lawry’s teriyaki sauce

- Everything But The Bagel seasoning, to taste

- 9 slices of mozzarella cheese

For the topping sauce:

• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp Everything But The Bagel seasoning

• 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

Instructions:

1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Prepare Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the red bell pepper, yellow onion, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Heat Pulled Pork: Head pulled pork according to directions on the label. Then add to the skillet with produce with teriyaki sauce and everything but the bagel seasoning.

4. Assemble Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of pulled pork mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.

5. Create the glaze: teriyaki sauce, Dijon mustard, everything but the bagel seasoning, and coconut aminos or soy sauce.

6. Serve: Place the tops of the rolls on and serve warm.

Cottage Cheese Dill Pickle Ranch Dip

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cottage cheese

- 1/2 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt

- 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped

- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

Instructions:

1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor, mix together the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.

2. Add Pickles and Dill: Stir in the chopped dill pickles and fresh dill.

3. Season: Add the ranch seasoning packet and mix until evenly distributed.

4. Chill: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Serve: Enjoy with fresh veggies, whole-grain crackers, or as a spread.

So, whether you’re tailgating in the parking lot or cheering from your living room, these wholesome snacks will keep you on track through the football season and beyond. Cheers to great games, great company, and great food that’s good for you!