Get ready to transform your game day spread from greasy to glorious! These Healthy March Madness Party Snacks are the ultimate MVP of appetizers - packed with vibrant colors, incredible nutrition, and flavors that will have your guests cheering louder than the basketball crowd. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing platter that proves healthy eating can be just as exciting as the tournament itself!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 cup carrot sticks
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1 cup bell pepper strips
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole grain crackers
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or potential contaminants.
- Cut carrots into uniform sticks approximately 4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick, ensuring consistent size for easy dipping.
- Slice cucumbers into similar-sized strips, maintaining a crisp and clean cut to complement the carrot sticks.
- Remove seeds from bell peppers and slice into thin, manageable strips that are easy to pick up and dip.
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Transfer store-bought or homemade hummus into a serving bowl, creating a smooth surface for easy dipping.
- Arrange vegetable sticks and cherry tomatoes attractively around the hummus bowl on a large serving platter.
- Place whole grain crackers in a separate section of the platter to provide a crunchy alternative to vegetables.
- Chill the platter in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to ensure vegetables remain crisp and refreshing.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing guests to create their own healthy snack combinations during March Madness.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep Perfection: Use a sharp knife and cutting board to ensure uniform, professional-looking vegetable cuts that make your platter Instagram-worthy.
- Hummus Hack: For extra flavor, consider swirling a bit of olive oil or sprinkle of paprika on top of your hummus to elevate its presentation.
- Temperature Matters: Chilling the platter briefly helps keep vegetables crisp and refreshing, making your snacks more appealing.
- Variety is Key: Mix different colored bell peppers to add visual interest and provide a range of nutrients.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep all components up to 4 hours in advance, storing vegetables in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg