Summertime eats seem to have a recurring theme: Between hamburgers, hot dogs, and allll of the pasta salads, most foods you find at a barbecue aren’t exactly gluten-free-friendly. But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck picking at the fruit and veggie tray all summer long.
Take these gluten-free sides, apps, and desserts to your next party instead. Your gluten-eating friends won’t notice the difference… they’ll be too busy digging in, and you’ll have plenty to nosh on, too.
Grab your favorite box of GF noodles — these days, you can find one at almost any grocery store, but health food stores likely have the most options. Load it up with fresh corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty chili-lime sauce for a light (and mayo-free) pasta salad.
Get yourself a cornbread that’s gluten-free and vegan. This easy skillet recipe sneaks in nutrient-dense ingredients like zucchini and white chia seeds. It’s not your grandma’s cornbread — aka not a hint of flour or butter — but it sure is tasty.
Sure, potatoes are already gluten-free, but not all premade salads can say the same. Beyond the base, this side has fun additions like prosciutto, celery, and yellow bell pepper, and a dressing that mixes protein-rich Greek yogurt with light mayo.
These fish sticks may be breaded, but they’re gluten-free thanks to a cornmeal-based crumb called Glutino. And since you’ve got corn tortillas (make sure these are 100 percent corn), fresh lime juice, and coleslaw, you won’t feel like you’re missing anything. P.S. Don’t be alarmed by all the spices in the ingredient list. Use what you have and what you like.
Is there anything more summer-themed than an ice cream cake? All three “nice” creams in this vegan and gluten-free cake have a banana base, while the “dough” is made with oats, dates, and almonds. It definitely takes some effort, but it’s the perfect summer dessert with some extra nutrition from the fruits and nuts.
Don’t think we forgot about quinoa. The nutrient-rich whole grain is a staple for many people switching to the GF life, and it works great in this light but filling side dish. Mix quinoa with green beans, sliced almonds, and lemon juice. Then shake it all up. You are good to go for that meal prep.
Break out the grill, grab your skewers, and let’s go. These kabobs ditch the tortillas and turn your fave Mexican-inspired dish into a handheld meal. String on peppers, onion, and marinated chicken — they’ll get soaked in a mix of lime juice, olive oil, and gluten-free soy sauce.
This crunchy salad will find a nice home next to the macaroni salad at your next barbecue. It combines two nutrient-dense foods — broccoli and apple, of course — plus carrots, walnuts, raisins, and onion. It sounds like a weird mix, but the sweet, crunchy, and tart flavors work well together.
Any time a dessert can be made with just three ingredients, we’re on board. Swap out your boxed popsicles for these frozen bananas covered in dark chocolate and drizzled with PB — they make for a fun project for kids and kids at heart (that’s you).
