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    Home » Recipes

    30+ Vegetarian Tailgating Recipes for Football Season

    Modified: Aug 19, 2022 by Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD · This post may contain affiliate links
    Graphic showing tailgating recipes.

    Check out this collection of 30+ vegetarian tailgating recipes featuring everything from BBQ jackfruit sliders to creamy vegan pasta salads. Whether you're looking for a classic tailgating recipe made meatless or you want to keep on the lighter side, you're sure to find something for your next veg-friendly game day party!

    Graphic showing tailgating recipes.

    Football season is officially upon us, which means that it's time for tailgating food. As much as I love watching football, I have to admit that one of my favorite parts about football season is the food.

    Game day food is seriously the ultimate comfort food! This roundup has something for everyone, whether you're vegetarian or just want to cater to vegetarians and vegans attending your party.

    This roundup of some of the best vegetarian tailgating recipes includes appetizers, sides, main dishes, and a few desserts. From healthy to indulgent, there's sure to be something for everyone. 

    Dips and Salsas

    Everybody knows that chips and dip are one of the best parts of gameday food! Choose from homemade hummus, cheesy dips, and salsas.

    1
    Frito scooping chili cream cheese dip from a white baking dish.
    Baked Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip
    This 3-ingredient dip is a game day classic in my family. All you need is cream cheese, a can of vegetarian chili, and shredded cheddar cheese to make this dip.
    get the recipe
    2
    recipesfromapantry.com
    Easy Beet Hummus
    This showstopping beet hummus is a fun and colorful twist on storebought hummus.
    get the recipe
    3
    Large scoop of pimento cheese being lifted out of a white bowl
    Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
    This pimento cheese is creamy, spicy and has a kick from jalapeños! It's ready in just 10 minutes and perfect on sandwiches or with crackers and veggies.
    get the recipe
    4
    www.servedfromscratch.com
    Avocado Corn Salsa
    This corn salsa is fresh, flavorful, and super quick to make.
    get the recipe
    5
    healthysimpleyum.com
    Salsa de Molcajete
    Skip the storebought salsa and impress your guests with homemade salsa featuring roasted tomatoes, chilies and garlic.
    Check out this recipe
    6
    foodmeanderings.com
    Baked Artichoke & Cilantro Pizza Dip
    This baked artichoke dip uses just 5 ingredients and is a great alternative to spinach artichoke dip.
    get the recipe
    7
    Close up of two tortilla chips sitting in artichoke dip
    Kale Artichoke Dip
    If you're tired of spinach artichoke dip, try this version that's made with kale instead. Kale adds extra texture and depth to this cheesy, delicious dip.
    Check out this recipe
    8
    www.rhubarbarians.com
    Quick Strawberry Pico de Gallo
    For a sweet and savory option, try this 5-ingredient lightly spicy and sweet strawberry salsa.
    get the recipe
    9
    Side view of onion dip in bowl with three potato chips
    Vegan French Onion Dip
    French onion dip is a classic potato chip dip. This vegan version has all of the same sweet, savory onion flavors, just without the dairy!
    get the recipe
    10
    Overhead view of white bowl filled with rosemary white bean dip next to crackers and baby bell peppers.
    White Bean Dip with Rosemary
    This white bean dip is bursting with bright lemon and rosemary flavor. It's the perfect party appetizer because it takes just 5 minutes to make and uses less than 10 ingredients!
    get the recipe

    Finger Foods and Appetizers

    These utensil-optional appetizers are great grab-and-go options.

    11
    www.theflavorbender.com
    Baked Vegan Mushroom Fries with Vegan Aioli
    These mushroom fries have a crispy outside and "meaty" inside and are served with a homemade vegan aioli.
    get the recipe
    12
    savoryspin.com
    Easy Vegetarian Meatballs Recipe
    These veggie meatballs are a great way to pack in some vegetables at the tailgate without sacrificing flavor.
    get the recipe
    13
    www.veggieinspired.com
    Quick and Easy Vegan Pesto Pizza Bites
    These kid-approved pizza bites are bite-sized and made with just 4 ingredients!
    Check out this recipe
    14
    www.vnutritionandwellness.com
    Buffalo Quinoa Balls
    Buffalo sauce is a tailgating requirement, so why not try it with these quinoa balls? These meatless veggie balls are a great vegan option.
    get the recipe
    15
    Orange and yellow air fryer cauliflower wings stacked on each other.
    Cauliflower Wings (Air Fryer or Baked)
    Cauliflower wings are synonymous with tailgating and party food! This recipe has 3 different flavor combinations and can be made in the air fryer or oven.
    get the recipe
    16
    Glass cake stand topped with puff pastry bites.
    Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
    These bite-sized puff pastry appetizers are filled with goat cheese, spinach, and mushrooms. They are a great vegetarian option for entertaining and are beyond delicious!
    get the recipe

    Main Dishes

    If you're planning to serve a main dish alongside finger foods and appetizers, check out one of these sandwich, pizza, or chili recipes!

    17
    Vegetarian Meatball Subs
    These meatless vegetarian meatball subs can be made using homemade "meatballs" or storebought. They're also easy to make vegan by using your favorite dairy-free cheese.
    get the recipe
    18
    www.threeolivesbranch.com
    Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza
    Enjoy the flavor of buffalo chicken wings in the form of a vegetarian pizza with spicy buffalo flavor and a ranch crust.
    get the recipe
    19
    Side view of jackfruit sandwich on white tray with green and white bowl in the background.
    BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches
    This BBQ jackfruit "pulled pork" has a meaty texture but is 100% vegan!
    get the recipe
    20
    Vegetarian lentil sloppy joes on a burger bun.
    Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
    Just like the sloppy joes from childhood, but with fiber and plant-based protein packed lentils.
    get the recipe
    21
    www.veggieinspired.com
    Vegan Southwest Roll Ups
    These veggie roll-ups are packed with nutritious ingredients and a Southwest ranch dressing. They're a great finger-food option for tailgaters on the go.
    Check out this recipe
    22
    Close up of mushroom philly cheeset.eak with provolone cheese
    Vegetarian Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions
    This vegetarian mushroom Philly "cheesesteak" is made with sauteed mushrooms and peppers and topped with caramelized onions.
    get the recipe
    23
    Veggie burger on a bun on a pink plate surrounded by a blue striped cloth.
    Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers
    As delicious as meatless Beyond and Impossible burgers are, sometimes a veggie-packed patty does the trick. These burgers are made with mashed sweet potato, black beans, and smoky seasonings.
    get the recipe
    24
    www.yummymummykitchen.com
    Slow Cooker Vegan Chili with Quinoa and Butternut Squash
    This slow cooker chili is a great fuss-free option because it keeps warm in the crockpot while you enjoy the game.
    get the recipe
    25
    Overhead view of bowl of chili with cheese and a lime.
    Vegetarian Three Bean Chili
    This 3 bean chili is packed with hearty protein and fiber. It's made on the stovetop but can be kept warm in a slow cooker.
    Check out this recipe

    Sides and Salads

    Pair these lighter pasta salads and green salads with the main course or serve them up potluck style.

    26
    Orange chipotle pasta salad in a blue bowl.
    Creamy Chipotle Cashew Pasta Salad (Vegan)
    This dairy-free twist on creamy pasta salads is absolutely jam-packed with smoky, spicy flavor thanks to a vegan queso sauce.
    get the recipe
    27
    Close up of pasta salad.
    Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad
    Vegan ranch dressing is the star of the show in this simple but satisfying pasta salad that's made with coconut bacon (vegan!), cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and fresh herbs.
    get the recipe
    28
    Overhead view of large glass bowl filled with pasta salad
    Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
    This fresh pasta salad is tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and crisp, crunchy veggies.
    get the recipe
    29
    www.veggiessavetheday.com
    Watermelon Blueberry Salad without Honey
    While the summer heat is still in the air, cool down with this simple but refreshing watermelon blueberry salad.
    get the recipe
    30
    Herby potato salad in a white bowl.
    Herby Potato Salad (No Mayo)
    You could always go with a classic mayo-based potato salad, but why not shake things up with this herby, zesty, and flavorful potato salad?
    get the recipe
    31
    Close up of orange-brown baked beans with a sprig of rosemary on top in a white bowl
    Instant Pot Vegan Baked Beans
    Baked beans are a classic side with hot dogs and burgers. Making them in the Instant Pot is a great option if you're short on time or want to save money by cooking the beans from dry.
    get the recipe

    Desserts

    With all the savory food bound to be available at the tailgate, don't forget to balance it out with a little bit of sweetness!

    32
    shortgirltallorder.com
    Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies
    These soft and chewy vegan peanut butter cookies are a crowd-pleasing sugar cookie that is made in just one bowl.
    get the recipe
    33
    Two brookies stacked on top of each other on a blue cloth.
    Peanut Butter Brookies (Cookie Brownies!)
    Brookies bring the best of two worlds together by combining brownies and peanut butter cookies into one rich, fudgy dessert.
    get the recipe
    34
    Strawberry energy ball with bite taken out of it in a pink bowl.
    No Bake Strawberry Almond Energy Balls
    These strawberry energy bites are a great no-bake option. They are made with just a handful of ingredients and come together in 10 minutes!
    get the recipe
    « Vegetarian Black Bean Quinoa Casserole (Dump and Bake!)
    Red Lentil Stew »

    Comments

    1. Molly Kumar says

      June 05, 2019 at 10:45 am

      Such a delicious roundup of vegetarian tailgating recipes!!! I'm always looking to try something new and these would fit in our party menu easily.

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        June 05, 2019 at 5:58 pm

        Thanks, Molly! Football season is fast approaching!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Cassidy!

    I'm a registered dietitian, cookbook author, and decade-long vegetarian! I use my nutrition background to bring you balanced, nourishing, and comforting vegetarian recipes that are great for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

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