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5 Best Healthy Kentucky Derby Recipes

A healthier julep? You can bet on it! Get your fancy on with a few recipes from Churchill Downs' head chef.
FACT CHECKED BY Faye Brennan
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This year's thoroughbred lineup in the Kentucky Derby is almost at the starting gate, just as COVID-19 restrictions for crowd interactions continue to loosen slightly. If you're planning a small, outdoor fête to celebrate Derby Day, could anything be more chic than a menu that's as colorful as Jockey silks, but still delicious, and healthy?

Hold on to your fascinator… We've teamed up with the Kentucky Derby, the Executive Chef for Churchill Downs Racetrack, and two popular beverage brands to bring you a Kentucky Derby menu that will see your guests racing for the spread as if you've fired off the starting pistol.

And for more, check out the 100 Easiest Recipes You Can Make.

Lipton Orange Blossom Julep

Courtesy of Lipton Tea

Whether you're watching your sugar intake or not totally sure how ready you are to pony up to bourbon, Lipton Iced Teas brought us this lighter (but equally refreshing) take on the classic mint julep recipe. Check out our recipe for the Orange Blossom Julep.

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Black-Eyed Peas & Corn Salsa

black eyed peas corn salsa
Courtesy of Kentucky Derby / Churchill Downs

These days, it can be tough to find a salsa that truly wows. As luck would have it, Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson has created an original salsa recipe with a new Southern spin that's as promising as a horse with 50-1 odds. From the colors to the flavors to the nutrition facts, this Black-Eyed Peas & Corn Salsa Recipe is a sure bet.

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Tomato & Watermelon Salad

tomato watermelon salad
Courtesy of Woodford Reserve / Kentucky Derby

If we really do eat with our eyes first, this might have you feeling ready to feast. This bright-tasting (and looking) salad is another dish that delivers so much nutritional value and is friendly to so many diets. Have at this Tomato & Watermelon Salad Recipe.

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Shrimp Succotash Salad

shrimp succotash salad
Courtesy of Kentucky Derby / Churchill Downs

We can't say enough about this summer salad that unexpectedly pairs a traditional Southern palette of beautiful vegetables with the fresh touch of shrimp. Whether you're feeding clean-eaters, a keto audience, or picky guests, this Shrimp Succotash Salad Recipe is likely to make the crowd gather around like they do when the horses round the final turn on the track.

Woodford Spire Mocktail

wordford spire mocktail
Courtesy of Kentucky Derby / Woodford Reserve

Nothing's missing from this beverage blend, as this non-alcoholic offering is Derby sponsor Woodford Reserve-ensured. Whether you're entertaining on the first Saturday in May or just game for a new beverage to sip at home anytime, this Woodford Spire Mocktail will have you off to the races with new recipe inspiration.

If the Kentucky Derby's got you feeling those Southern vibes, peruse our list of the 20 Best Southern Restaurants You Have To Visit.

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Krissy Gasbarre
Krissy is a senior news editor at Eat This, Not That!, managing morning and weekend news related to nutrition, wellness, restaurants and groceries (with a focus on beverages), and more. Read more about Krissy