Best Healthy Tailgate Menu Ideas for Football Season | Ferguson Farms

Best Healthy Tailgate Menu Ideas for Football Season

Tailgating and football go hand-in-hand, but while classic tailgate foods are often heavy and indulgent, there’s no reason why you can’t offer healthier, crowd-pleasing alternatives. If you want to impress your guests with delicious and nutritious options at your next tailgate, grass-fed meats from Ferguson Farms provide the perfect balance of flavor and health benefits. Whether you're grilling up burgers, brats, or chicken kabobs, you can create a healthy and satisfying menu that will have everyone cheering.

In this blog, we’ll share the best healthy tailgate menu ideas for football season. These recipes are not only packed with flavor but also feature nutrient-rich, pasture-raised, and grass-fed meats from Ferguson Farms. And to make tailgating easier, our Tailgate Box offers a curated selection of the best meats for your game-day grilling.

For more tips on grilling for your tailgate, be sure to check out our 5 Tailgate Grilling Tips for a Winning Game Day.

1. Grilled Bison Burgers: A Lean and Flavorful Alternative

Burgers are a classic tailgate staple, but if you're looking for a leaner, healthier option, bison burgers are the way to go. Bison meat is naturally leaner than beef, yet still full of flavor and nutrients. It’s lower in fat and calories while being higher in protein, making it an excellent choice for those who want to indulge without overloading on unhealthy fats.

Why Bison?

• Leaner than beef: Bison meat has fewer calories and less fat than traditional beef.
• Rich in nutrients: Bison is packed with protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a more nutrient-dense option.

Try our Grilled Bison Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Smoky Chipotle Mayo for a game-day hit. These burgers are full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for your healthy tailgate menu.

Pro Tip: Use Ferguson Farms’ Ground Bison for maximum flavor and health benefits.

2. Greek Chicken Kabobs: A Fresh and Healthy Tailgate Favorite

Looking for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired dish for your tailgate? Greek Chicken Kabobs are a great option that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, these kabobs are packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. Served with a side of grilled veggies or a refreshing cucumber salad, they make a perfect, nutritious addition to your tailgate spread.

Health Benefits

• High in protein: Chicken breast is lean, high in protein, and low in fat, making it a great option for a healthy tailgate menu.
• Full of flavor: The Mediterranean-style marinade adds bright, fresh flavors without needing heavy sauces or dressings.

Try our recipe for Greek Chicken Kabobs, made with Ferguson Farms' pasture-raised chicken breast, for a healthy option that won’t sacrifice flavor.

3. Grass-Fed Smash Burgers: A Healthier Burger Option

Who says burgers can’t be healthy? When made with grass-fed beef, smash burgers become a healthier, more nutrient-dense option. Grass-fed beef is leaner than grain-fed beef, yet still provides a rich flavor and tender texture. It's packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.

Why Grass-Fed Beef?

• Higher in nutrients: Grass-fed beef contains more antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3s compared to grain-fed beef.
• Lower in fat: Grass-fed beef is naturally leaner, making it a better option for health-conscious tailgaters.

For a healthier burger experience, try our Homemade Smash Burgers using Ferguson Farms’ grass-fed ground beef. These burgers are thin, crispy, and full of flavor—perfect for feeding a crowd without the guilt.

4. Wisconsin Beer Brats: A Healthier Take on a Tailgate Classic

Bratwurst is a tailgate classic, but by choosing grass-fed brats, you can enjoy this fan-favorite dish in a healthier way. Grass-fed brats are leaner and contain more beneficial nutrients like CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Why Grass-Fed Brats?

• Less fat, more flavor: Grass-fed brats are lower in fat but have a rich, savory flavor that makes them perfect for grilling.
• Healthier fats: These brats contain more omega-3s and CLA, which have been linked to reduced inflammation and better heart health.

For a healthier version of this tailgate favorite, check out our recipe for Wisconsin Beer Brats, made with Ferguson Farms' grass-fed brats. You’ll love the rich flavors and healthier ingredients.

5. Beer Can Chicken: Tender, Juicy, and Nutrient-Rich

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both healthy and delicious, Beer Can Chicken is a great choice. Made with pasture-raised chicken and infused with moisture from the beer, this dish delivers tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin. Plus, by using pasture-raised chicken from Ferguson Farms, you’ll enjoy meat that’s free from antibiotics, hormones, and additives.

Why Pasture-Raised Chicken?

• Nutrient-rich: Pasture-raised chickens are higher in omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals compared to conventionally raised chickens.
• Healthier fats: Pasture-raised chickens have healthier fat profiles, making them a better option for your tailgate menu.

Follow our Beer Can Chicken recipe to create a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to use Ferguson Farms’ pasture-raised whole chicken for the best results.

Why Choose Grass-Fed Meats for Your Tailgate Menu?

One of the best ways to make your tailgate menu both healthy and delicious is by choosing grass-fed meats. Grass-fed beef, bison, and chicken offer more nutrients and fewer unhealthy fats than their grain-fed counterparts, making them a smarter choice for health-conscious football fans.

Health Benefits of Grass-Fed Meats:

• Higher in Omega-3s: Grass-fed meats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
• More Antioxidants: Grass-fed beef contains more vitamins A and E, which help protect against oxidative stress.
• Free from Hormones and Antibiotics: All of Ferguson Farms’ grass-fed meats are raised without hormones, antibiotics, or additives.

Order Your Tailgate Box for Game Day

Looking to simplify your tailgate preparations while still offering top-quality, healthy meats? The Tailgate Box from Ferguson Farms is the perfect solution. This box is filled with a variety of grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, including hot dogs, bratwurst, and steaks, ensuring that you have everything you need to grill up a winning game-day meal.

Our Tailgate Box includes:

• Grass-fed hot dogs
• Bison bratwurst
• Grass-fed ground beef
• Premium steaks

Make sure to stock up and be ready for football season with a Tailgate Box delivered right to your door.

Conclusion: Tailgate with Health in Mind

Healthy tailgating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. With these grass-fed meat options from Ferguson Farms, you can create a delicious, nutritious tailgate menu that everyone will love. Whether you're serving up Bison Burgers, grilling Greek Chicken Kabobs, or preparing a whole Beer Can Chicken, these dishes will ensure that your next tailgate is both healthy and delicious.

For more grilling tips and healthy recipes, visit our Ultimate Grass-Fed Tailgate Experience and stock up on all your tailgate essentials from Ferguson Farms.