Football season is in full swing, and if you’re a fan, you’re probably doing some serious tailgating, either at home or at a game. But tailgating doesn’t have to be all about the chicken wings, brats and burgers! In fact, there are plenty of meatless options that are excellent pre-game snacks. So whether you’re a vegetarian, just looking to curb your meat addiction or trying to add some variety into the tailgating fare, here are three awesome vegetarian recipes that everyone will love:
Caprese salad skewers
Ingredients:
- Grape or cherry tomatoes
- Mini fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Toothpicks or plastic party picks
These are so easy and quick to make! First, cut your tomatoes in half width-wise so they will have a flat surface to sit on. Skewer a tomato, flat side down, followed by a basil leaf and a mini mozzarella ball. Set each skewer on a sheet or serving plate with wax paper. When you’re done, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top of them, et voilà!
Vegan potato salad
Ingredients (for 10 to 12 servings)
- 12 medium potatoes
- 1 cup eggless mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Every American party needs a good potato salad, and this one happens to be both vegan and delicious! Cut the potatoes in cubes before boiling them – the smaller the cubes, the quicker they will be done. Drain them and let them cool before mixing them with all of the other ingredients in a bowl. Season with paprika, salt and pepper, and refrigerate until tailgating time!
Easy celebration chili
Ingredients (for eight servings):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, chopped
- 16-ounce can of black beans
- 16-ounce can of pinto beans
- 16-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (for thickening)
- Chili powder to taste
- Salt to taste
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, you can whip up this quick and easy vegan chili in no time. Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil in a large pot until the onions become soft – about five minutes. Add the peppers to the mix and saute for a few more minutes. Then mix in the tomatoes, black beans, chia seeds and chili powder, simmering it for 30 minutes. Salt to taste and serve with vegan sour cream and cheese.
