Tailgating Gone Healthy

An alternative to burgers on the grill, these vegetarian open-faced portobello pizzas are a delight to make—and share. Simply grill the mushrooms and layer on your favorite toppings, and you've just taken tailgating up a notch.

To make: A Bachelor and His Grill

When you grill watermelon, it takes on a delightful smoky flavor that beautifully balances an otherwise sweet cocktail. So when you're ready to graduate to something other than beer, throw some watermelon on the grill and break out the bourbon.

To make: A Cozy Kitchen

Making the marinade at home will save time, guaranteeing these chicken wings will be ready soon after the tailgate gets going. And this recipe offers some customization, encouraging you to mix your own herbs and spices instead of relying on a standard store-bought jerk seasoning.

To make: The Meatwave

MORE: Grilled Flatbread

Thick fries are surprisingly easy on the grill, and this recipe hardly requires much tending. Just toss potato wedges in a bit of olive oil and salt, place on the grill … and wait. Ketchup and aioli strongly recommended!

To make: Family Fresh Cooking

It's always nice to have a vegetable to accompany your game day fare, and grilled asparagus couldn't be easier. We love this version for its slightly tangy balsamic syrup that's drizzled on right at the end.

To make: Savory Sweet Life

MORE: Perfect Grilled Steak

The vegetable platter is reinvigorated with this chilled roasted veggie salad. When you start your tailgating party, get the vegetables roasting. By the time they cook and cool, you'll have an inspired and refreshing seasonal salad.

To make: Lunchbox Bunch

Instead of the typical mayonnaise-laden macaroni salad that's so common at tailgates, this version relies on yogurt and low-fat sour cream while boasting heart-healthy spinach and edamame.

To make: Cooking Madly

This make-ahead salad complements grilled meat perfectly. Its simple ingredients make it quick to put together the morning before you head out the door. And the fact that it calls for yogurt instead of mayonnaise makes it a guilt-free game day choice.

To make: The Garden Grazer

MORE: Grilled Salmon Tacos

Vegetarians deserve a place at the tailgate, too. These quick quesadillas make that a cinch: Simply marinate and grill the zucchini, put together the quesadillas and lay them on the grill. Slightly smoky and delightfully cheesy, you can't go wrong.

To make: Naturally Ella

For a slightly healthier spin on more typical beef or pork meatballs, these ground turkey ones are grilled with zucchini and tomatoes on a skewer to make them perfectly portable and simple to eat … no matter how raucous your tailgate may get.

To make: Sugar-Free Mom