I love when the sun is shining and I am planning a day out with the family. I’m always on the lookout for delicious but easy gluten free summer picnic food ideas that transport easily and can be eaten cold.
The warm weather is here and it’s time to bring your meals outside. Yes, this is when you need ideas for Gluten Free Picnic Food! You’ll find over 20 recipes for an afternoon at the park, a backyard barbecue, and more with everything you need for a lovely lunch or delicious dinner in the fresh air!
But do not fret because I have here 21 healthy gluten-free and dairy-free picnic recipes everyone will love and put in your picnic basket!
See more picnic food ideas.
Contents
21. Watermelon Salad – Best Gluten Free Picnic Recipe!
Here’s what you need to prepare a delightful and refreshing salad:
Watermelon: Take a large watermelon and use one-fourth of it. Cut it into cubes, ensuring to remove any black seeds.
Onion: Red or white, it’s up to you. I usually go for red for that extra zing. Chop it nice and fine.
Goat Cheese: Opt for goat’s milk feta cheese for an exquisite blend of tangy and creamy textures, which pairs excellently with the sweet watermelon.
Cucumber: It’s essential to include cucumber in your salad for that classic crunch. Peel it and cut into circular slices.
Cherry Tomatoes: Trust me, tomatoes and watermelon together are surprisingly awesome. Just rinse and halve them.
Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a fresh twist, unlike regular lettuce.
Olives (both Green and Black): They add this cool sourness that balances out the sweet watermelon. Make sure they’re pitted.
For the Dressing: Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Za’atar, Sumac, and Salt: This dressing ties everything together. The za’atar and sumac add this unique floral and tangy vibe that’s totally Middle Eastern.
Enjoy the creation of this unique and flavorful dish!
20. Crunchy Thai Vegetable Gluten-free Coconut Wraps – Quick to Make Gluten Free Recipe
So you’ve gotta try these Thai-style veggie wraps with a killer cashew dipping sauce. Perfect for when you want something light and no-fuss, especially with a bunch of raw veggies.
They’re super easy and quick, like under 30 minutes quick.
Super fresh and crunchy. And the dipping sauce? It’s this Thai-inspired, sweet and spicy cashew thing with ginger and lime juice – so good. I love using coconut wraps for these. They add a nice nutty, sweet touch and are great for anyone on a gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, or vegan diet.
19. Gluten Free Fried Chicken – Picnic Finger Food Recipe
So, get this: I’ve stumbled upon this epic gluten-free fried chicken recipe that’s seriously next-level comfort food. The first time I tried it, with its super crispy outside and juicy inside (all thanks to tapioca starch), I was hooked! And guess what? I’m totally going to spill the beans on how to make it.
You won’t believe it, but I got the lowdown from Ari, the boss over at Proposition Chicken in San Francisco. He actually shared his secret recipe for gluten-free fried chicken!
Just looking at a picture of this chicken gets me drooling!
Now, let’s talk frying oil – super important. You gotta pick one with a high smoking point, so it stays clear and doesn’t start smoking too soon. I’m all about using avocado or canola oil for frying this up. Just a heads up for the canola oil folks: make sure it’s certified gluten-free.
18. Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad – Gluten-free Picnic Food
Have you tried making this orzo pesto salad yet?
This salad is a breeze to whip up, seriously, under 30 minutes. I usually prep a batch on Sundays for quick meals throughout the week.
So, it starts with al dente orzo mixed with homemade pesto – so fresh! Then I toss in sun-dried tomatoes, a bit of blanched broccolini, and peas. It’s not just great for picnics or beach days, but it stays fresh even if it sits out for a bit.
And orzo, it looks like rice but it’s pasta. You can find gluten-free versions nowadays, which is awesome. Cooking it is just like regular pasta.
17. Almond Flour Brownies – Gluten Free Picnic Appetizers
Crafted with almond flour for a gluten-free delight, these brownies boast sumptuous melted chocolate, offering a deep and luxurious taste, complemented by irresistibly chewy edges. You can also opt for a dairy-free version with ease.
16. Gluten-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip
What pairs well with this dip? The options are limitless! My personal preferences lean towards crackers and a toasted baguette.
Vegetables also make a great match for this dip if that suits your taste. At times, I enjoy dipping tortilla chips into my spinach creation.
Recently, I savored Schar’s Entertainment Crackers and Schar’s Table Crackers alongside my homemade gluten-free spinach and artichoke dip.
15. Simple and Savory Chickpea Salad
This effortless and appetizing chickpea salad is ideal for a convenient lunch or a light dinner. The recipe combines chickpeas with crunchy celery, fresh onion, tangy lemon juice, and a blend of straightforward spices.
Quick to prepare and no-fuss, it’s perfect as a make-ahead option for salads and sandwiches, offering a deliciously wholesome meal in just minutes.
14. Smashed Chickpea Salad and Sandwich Filling
This adaptable and delicious chickpea spread, perfect for salads and sandwiches, combines garbanzo beans with a rich blend of vegan mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, crisp red onions, crunchy celery, vibrant bell peppers, and a selection of flavorful spices.
13. Coronation Chicken Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad is an iconic dish that was served at the coronation luncheon in 1953 for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth ll.
12. Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad | THM S, Low Carb
California Salad is often our contribution to family cook-outs and celebrations in the summer.
You can easily make it the night before, too.
11. Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (4-Ingredient)
10. Lentil Salad
On a hot sunny day we really enjoy cold lunches. In the summer months we often don’t have a hot meal all day. Roasts and stir fries make way for a lot of raw fresh veg and salads.
9. Refreshing Gluten-Free Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs
Imagine those warm summer days spent at the beach or outdoors, leading to cravings for a cool, comforting dish. That’s where my homemade gluten-free potato salad comes in, a favorite request from my Fearless Dining family. While this recipe is herb-free, I enjoy adding a touch of parsley or thyme for extra flavor. For more herb ideas, check out my guide on growing 9 Fresh Herbs Indoors. It’s a game-changer to just pick the herbs you need without a trip to the store!
8. Healthy Vegan Waldorf Salad Recipe
With Labor Day coming up, the end of summer grilling season is near. Being the last gasp of summer, Labor Day weekend might be your last chance to throw an awesome BBQ party with all the amazing late summer foods.
If you are looking for some inspiration for your Labor Day (vegan) menu, here is a side dish your family would definitely enjoy. This healthy vegan Waldorf salad would surely be a highlight of your Labor Day menu. No one would guess how healthy it is, as it tastes forbiddingly good! Plus it is completely vegan, too!
7. Vegan Coleslaw with Luxurious Cashew Mayo
This recipe transforms the classic coleslaw into a healthier delight, featuring a luscious Vegan Cashew Mayo. This coleslaw is a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures, ensuring each bite is a satisfying experience.
The vibrant mix of purple cabbage and carrots not only makes this dish visually stunning but also plays a fascinating role in how we perceive taste. The bright colors of the ingredients enhance the overall flavor experience, as our brains often associate specific colors with certain tastes. For instance, the color red can evoke expectations of sweetness. This vegan coleslaw is a testament to how we enjoy food not just with our taste buds, but with our eyes as well.
6. Hummus Pasta Salad [Gluten-Free, Vegan, No Mayo]
I don’t know how you feel, but to me, hummus is like the answer for ALL the things.
Hungry? Eat some hummus.
Bored? Eat some hummus.
Sad? Eat some hummus.
Having a party? Serve and eat some hummus.
See! Hummus is the perfect solution.
So, why not take that gloriousness that is hummus and add it to the fabulousness that is pasta, throw in some veggies and voila…you have created the magicalness that is HUMMUS PASTA SALAD!
5. Avocado Black Bean Corn Salad
Considering adding something effortless yet scrumptious to your summer menu? Look no further than the Avocado Black Bean Corn Salad! This dish is not just a delight to the taste buds; it’s also refreshingly light yet satisfyingly filling.
What makes this salad even more appealing is its nutritional value. It’s brimming with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and an array of vitamins and minerals, making it a beneficial choice for your health.
Versatile in serving, this salad fits perfectly as a side dish or as a standalone light meal any day or time. It’s also an ideal addition to potlucks, barbecues, and picnics, where it often becomes the star attraction and vanishes quickly!
For serving, you have a plethora of options. Pair it with tortilla chips, pita bread, crackers, or rice. Or, for a truly delightful combination, try it with my favorite Skillet Corn Bread Recipe. The possibilities are truly endless, ensuring this salad will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
4. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (Vegan + GF)
That’s fantastic to hear about the success of your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad at the potluck! It’s always a special accomplishment when a dish, especially a vegan one, is thoroughly enjoyed by a diverse group of people, including non-vegans. It’s great that your salad was such a hit that it sparked interest in the recipe.
Sharing it with a wider audience sounds like a wonderful idea, especially since it seems perfect for various social gatherings like barbecues, potlucks, or picnics. It’s always nice to have a go-to dish that’s not only delicious but also appeals to a range of dietary preferences.
Looking forward to seeing your recipe gain more popularity!
3. Italian Pasta Salad – Gluten Free & Dairy Free
With food allergies, you can’t just run to the store and get the box pasta salad. You can however, make it from scratch very easily.
Let me tell you something, the box pasta salad has got NOTHING on this homemade gluten free and dairy free Italian pasta salad!
I don’t even miss the regular pasta. That’s how good this is!
2. Customizable Rainbow Cucumber Sushi
This creative twist on sushi uses cucumber instead of rice for a low-carb delight, but feel free to add a bit of rice or even shredded tofu for protein. Accompanied by a creamy avocado dip, this dish is satisfying and versatile. For more dip ideas, explore the options in my summer rice paper rolls recipe, including peanut & ginger sauce and a mango & chili dip.
1. Trail Mix Salad – A Unique Vegan & Gluten Free Picnic Dish
For a unique cold salad, try this Trail Mix Salad. Ideal for summer BBQs, it combines the elements of traditional trail mix – dried fruits and nuts – with chopped veggies and brown rice, minus the chocolate chips.
Dressed in a homemade mustard & lemon vinaigrette, it stays fresh in the fridge for a week, making it a convenient lunch or snack option. It’s even great for a light dinner while enjoying your favorite shows like The Walking Dead.
20+ Best Healthy and Easy Gluten Free And Dairy Free Picnic Recipes
Pack a picnic without worries! 21 healthy, gluten free, and dairy free recipes perfect for your outdoor dining pleasure.
Ingredients
- Simple and Savory Chickpea Salad
- Smashed Chickpea Salad and Sandwich Filling
- Coronation Chicken Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Instructions
- Choose any Healthy Gluten Free And Dairy Free Picnic Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Healthy Gluten Free And Dairy Free Picnic Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.