Lighter Fare for Your Football Party

Are you ready for some football? This coming Sunday marks the biggest game of the year and one of the biggest eating days too. Between the pregame snacks, halftime bites, and “just one more” handful of something crunchy, it’s easy to overdo it without even realizing it. The good news: you don’t have to choose between party food and feeling good. Recent research continues to show that eating more fruits and vegetables is linked with better heart and metabolic health and a lower risk of chronic disease, making produce-packed options a smart win for game day.

You can serve delicious, crowd-pleasing food without breaking the calorie bank. Score a touchdown with these lightened-up alternatives made with fresh fruits and vegetables and packed with nutrients and flavor.

Our Dole Top Swaps

Instead of buffalo chicken wings, make our Buffalo Bites with Chicken & Pineapple. Served in romaine lettuce leaves, these tasty bites provide the buffalo flavor your guests will love with a sweet surprise from fresh pineapple. Each lettuce cup is just 70 calories and offers a good source of vitamins A, C and K.

Instead of beef chili, make our Tropical Turkey Chili. We can’t get enough of this warm and hearty meal. With familiar flavors of cumin and chili powder, your guests will never believe this soup is packed with spinach and cauliflower too.

Instead of spinach artichoke dip, make our Spinach-Avocado Hummus. This creamy dip has no cream at all! Serve this flavorful spread with sliced veggies or whole grain chips.

Instead of nachos, make our Slow Cooker “Cheesy” Chicken Chili Nachos. This crowd-friendly dish layers slow-cooked chicken, beans, and tomatoes all simmered with savory seasonings and served over crispy tortilla chips with a cheesy finish. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting and it hits all the right game-day notes without feeling overly heavy.

Instead of deep-fried spring rolls, make our Thai Spring Rolls. These colorful rolls wrap crunchy shredded veggies and bold Thai-inspired slaw in soft rice paper for a fresh, flavorful bite that’s perfect for game day. Ready in about 30 minutes, they offer bright textures and vibrant taste without the heaviness of frying and come with a dipping sauce that ties it all together for a snack your guests will rave about.

Don’t think of it as replacing your favorites, think of it as elevating the classics in fresh and exciting ways that will delight you and your guests, and have them remembering the food more than the game.

Published February 1st, 2026