Cooking with Karina: DIP into Fall Football

Zucchini Hummus Dip. (Photo: Karina Arnold)

Karina Arnold is a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma who’s passionate about healthy cooking. She provides creative, healthy recipes and tips on clean eating.

“IT’S GAME DAY!” my roommate shouts at the top of her lungs. We rally and arrive at the sea of crimson tents surrounding OU’s football stadium. Tailgating, especially at a southern state school, is no joke. Tailgaters start setting up as early as four in the morning on game day. Large, OU monogramed tents cover food spreads and coolers brimming with beer and liquor. Fans fire up grills and unwrap veggie trays.

In between the shouts of “Boomer Sooner” and “Baker for Heisman!” I scan the plastic tables for something to eat. My options include wilted, sad veggies and warm, oozing Ranch or a greasy burger. Faced with this common predicament, I made a game plan involving tasty, healthy and easy dips perfect for tailgating for the next game. 

Salmon Avocado Salad. (Photo: Karina Arnold)

Not a fan of beef, I usually pass on the burgers and hotdogs, yet I’m not pretentious enough to bring my own veggie patty. Provide this Salmon Avocado Salad at your next tailgate. Easy to make and spread on crackers and pretzels, this dip pairs great with an ice-cold beverage. Salmon provides numerous benefits including vitamins B-12, iron and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, unlike beef. 

Similar to beef, Ranch dressing also raises cholesterol levels. The typical Ranch dressing nutrition label reveals high sodium levels and concentration of oils and syrups in the ingredients. Dip your veggies into this healthy Zucchini Hummus Dip. Although not usually in season in the fall, zucchini is grown year-round in some locations and is fiber-full, which will keep you satiated for the hours of football to come. 

Nut Butter Dip. (Photo: Karina Arnold)

Go nuts for your favorite team and this Nut Butter Dip! Add pumpkin spice or pumpkin puree to this recipe for a little fall flavor. Dip apples, banana slices, strawberries and graham crackers while kickin’ back a few with your buddies. 

Game day is more than watching football. Game day is a social gathering with 45,440 of your closest friends enjoying America’s favorite pastime: eating.

What are your family traditions on game day? What teams are you rooting for? Comment below! 

See more Cooking with Karina posts.