No big game is complete without a tailgate party and the delicious food that comes with it. Just because you’re vegetarian or vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Keep reading to discover some delicious vegan and vegetarian tailgating recipes that are simple to transport and don’t require refrigeration.

Kale Chips

The leafy green vegetable kale, is as versatile as it is healthy. One easy way to prepare kale that suits both vegetarian and vegan diets is to make kale chips. Simply place washed and cut-up kale in a baking dish, and drizzle with coconut oil and unrefined sea salt. Bake until the snack is nice and crispy.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a traditional tailgating recipe, and you can easily adapt it for vegetarian and vegan eaters. Boil cut-up red potatoes and allow them to cool. Then, chop a few handfuls of red onions, and add red pepper chunks, minced garlic, unrefined sea salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.

Tahini Dip and Veggies

Tahini is the result of ground sesame seeds. This dipping sauce has a delightfully nutty flavor, creamy texture and only takes a couple minutes to whip up. Make your own by combining tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice and a dash of unrefined sea salt. For a spicy kick, add finely minced garlic. Serve this with sliced veggies and chunks such as cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and carrots.

Hummus and Pita Bread

Who doesn’t love hummus? You can make it yourself by pureeing chick peas in your blender. Add a dash of unrefined sea salt and any seasonings you enjoy, such as minced garlic or onions. Serve it with pita bread wedges.

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Quinoa and Black Beans

For a variation on the same old beans and rice, try cooked quinoa mixed with black beans. Drizzle with a healthy, high-quality oil such as extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil or even flaxseed oil — which Mayo Clinic assures has just 130 calories in one tablespoon. Add your favorite spices and seasonings, such as rosemary, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic and onions, unrefined salt and black pepper. This is substantial enough to serve as a main dish, but also great as a side.

Trail Mix

Trail mix is an ideal on-the-go snack you can enjoy at the tailgating lot or while traveling to and from the event. Combine your favorite raw nuts like almonds, pecans, cashews, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts and walnuts. Add raw seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Mix in some raisins, dried cranberries, coconut chunks and cacao pieces. The result should be yummy, satisfying and healthy!

Fruit Salad

Round out your vegetarian tailgating recipes with seasonal fruit, which makes a great side dish or dessert. Combine whichever fresh fruits are available to you, such as apple chunks, red grapes, berries and pineapple. To keep this fruit from turning brown and soft before you serve it. The Washington Post says to drizzle fresh lemon juice over it. Lemon juice’s acids break down the enzymes that cause food to go bad so quickly. To make this a more substantial dish, however, add your favorite raw nuts or seeds.

After enjoying a bountiful and healthy array of vegetarian tailgating recipes, you’ll have plenty of energy to cheer your team to victory. Go ahead and indulge in your nutritious feast.

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