Tailgate with a Plant Forward Twist!
Winston-Salem, NC — November 7, 2025
Today, the dining hall was transformed into a lively basketball-themed tailgate—but with a sustainable twist. In a spirited collaboration between the campus registered dietitian and sustainability coordinator, students and staff were treated to a lineup of classic tailgate favorites reimagined as vegan delights.
The event showcased four creative, plant-forward dishes:
- Beyond Sausage Pigs in a Blanket
- Vegan Seven Layer Dip
- BBQ Jackfruit Sliders with Vegan Coleslaw
- Fried Buffalo Artichokes
Guests were invited to sample each dish and vote for their favorite by placing a stick in the corresponding cup. The clear crowd favorite? The BBQ Jackfruit Sliders, which are already a staple at the dining hall’s vegan station.
This event not only celebrated the excitement of basketball season but also highlighted the ease and flavor of sustainable eating. By swapping traditional ingredients for plant-based alternatives, the dining team encouraged guests to rethink their comfort food cravings in a more environmentally friendly way.
How can you give your favorite comfort foods a plant-forward makeover? Whether it’s using jackfruit for pulled pork, cauliflower for wings, or cashew cream for mac and cheese, the possibilities are as endless as they are delicious.