Disclosure: I received free samples of Cabot Cheese mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe challenge sponsored by Cabot Creamery and am eligible to win prizes. I was not additionally compensated for my time. 

It’s seven days before Super Bowl Sunday and I’m thinking about making substitutions. No, not players, food. Today I’m calling a time out with my team; the team that’s seeking to serve healthier food options on game day.  I’m a believer in small change. You’ll never be named MVP, throwing a party without some of the coveted Super Bowl comfort foods,  even if they aren’t sports dietitian approved.  That said, if someone served up some heathier options (in addition to just salsa and baby carrots), wouldn’t you be glad they did?

I’m not predicting healthier food options will start beating out the wings, nachos, delivered pizza or desserts anytime soon, but they never will if we don’t start offering them. So are you ready to receive my Super Bowl Food Challenge? Yes, I am playing with a deflated football, not because I condone it, but this puppy puncture  is one of the risks of playing football with labrador retreivers. (By the way, did you notice any retrievers on the Patriot’s sidelines?) Anyway,  today I’m using it as symbol of my Super Bowl strategy: take advantage of deflated calories. Make it your game plan, by joining my team and embracing my Super Bowl Food Challenge:  Throw a Super Bowl party with some of the customary foods, but match each traditional dish with one healthy option.  And just to get  you started, I’m sharing this Mediterranean inspired cheese board. No matter how you do it, you will always score with a cheese platter! They ‘re ideal for the casual mix, mingle, and grab a snack approach to entertaining. They’re easy on the hostess, who doesn’t always know dietary restrictions and doesn’t always have time to cook. I suggest starting with Cabot cheddar, a protein rich snack that’s naturally lactose free. My board also includes other nutrient rich foods that pair exceptionally well with  Cabot Alpine cheddar including:  smoked salmon, tzatziki, crackers, and fresh pears.  This recipe is so easy and can be modified to any number of football/food fans.

Before I close, I do want to mention that Cabot is more than just yummy cheese that is always a satisfying choice for a cheese board. Here’s a fact you should  know:  Cabot is a coopertative of 1200 family farms located throughtout New England and New York. Also, 100% of Cabot’s  profits go back to the farmer. That’s as American as the Super Bowl!

Let me know your game plan in the comments sections below, and  be sure to check out the links at the bottom of this post for more inspiration for this ultimate match-up!

The Ultimate Match-Up: Super Bowl Food Challenge

Mediterranean cheese board the ultimate super bowl food.

• Author: Diane Boyd

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

•  6 oz. Cabot Alpine Cheddar, sliced into 1/4 inch rectangles
• assorted crackers with seeds/herbs or hearty whole grain artisan breads, sliced
• 4 oz. smoked salmon, cut into bit sized pieces
• 2 pears, sliced
• 12 oz. baby zucchini, sliced lengthwise into quarters
• store bought tzatziki sauce (or make your own with recipe below)

• for the tzatziki sauce
  • 1/2 pint nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 English cuccumber, peeled
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 Tablespoon champagne vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

Instructions

for the tzatziki sauce

1.Grate cuccumber and place into a seive that is set on top of another bowl. Refrigerate and allow to drain for 3-4 hours.

2. Squeeze liquid from cuccumber. Add Greek yogurt to a small bowl and combine with cuccumber. Add lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil , garlic and dill. Stir to combine.

Use immediately or refrigerate. Can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time.

to assemble cheese board

Casually arrange all ingredients on a board, platter or cake plate.