Are you looking for delicious and easy-to-make gluten-free recipes to add some variety to your meals? If so, you’re in luck! As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of gluten-free cooking, but with these 20 simple and tasty recipes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a menu that’s both healthy and enjoyable.
From classic breakfast options like banana pancakes and oatmeal muffins, to quick and easy lunches like veggie stir-fries and quinoa salads, our collection has something for everyone. And don’t worry – these recipes are all gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and easy-to-make gluten-free recipes out there, from sweet treats like chocolate chip cookies to savory dishes like pasta primavera and grilled chicken. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
So go ahead, dive in, and get ready to indulge in some of the tastiest gluten-free meals around!
Gluten Free Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a stack of fluffy, flavorful pancakes made with ripe bananas and gluten-free goodness!
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Pour in milk and melted butter or coconut oil. Stir until batter is smooth.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on batch size)
Easy Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
This refreshing quinoa salad is a perfect side dish or light lunch, packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. The tangy lemon dressing brings everything together in harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
One-Pot Gluten Free Pasta Primavera
Experience the flavors of spring with this vibrant one-pot pasta dish, loaded with sautéed vegetables and a hint of lemon. This gluten-free recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb gluten-free pasta (such as rice-based or quinoa-based)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed spring vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, snap peas)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pot, tossing to combine with the vegetable mixture.
6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Simple Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic favorite with a nutty twist! These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying the subtle flavor of almond flour.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, sugar, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Quick Gluten Free Veggie Stir Fry
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious way to get your daily dose of vegetables in no time! This gluten-free stir fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup snow peas, sliced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (gluten-free)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas; cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Sweet Potato with Chickpeas and Tahini
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with the nutty flavor of tahini, creamy chickpeas, and a hint of cumin. A perfect vegan comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced.
5. In a bowl, mix together the chickpeas, tahini, and cumin.
6. Once the sweet potatoes are done, slice them in half lengthwise and top each half with the chickpea-tahini mixture.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Gluten Free Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
Start your day off right with this creamy and satisfying breakfast recipe that combines the health benefits of avocados, eggs, and whole grain bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of gluten-free bread (such as rice-based or corn-based)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large eggs
– Water for poaching
Instructions:
1. Toast the gluten-free bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Poach the eggs by cracking them into a pot of simmering water. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and place on top of the avocado toast.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Easy Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken
Transform your meal routine with this nutritious and flavorful recipe that combines the best of both worlds – grilled chicken and cauliflower rice!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Rinse cauliflower and remove leaves and stem. Pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower “rice” and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
5. Slice grilled chicken into strips. Serve on top of cauliflower rice with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gluten Free Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Transform summer’s bounty into a flavorful and healthy dish with this easy recipe. Whip up a batch of gluten-free zucchini noodles paired with a vibrant pesto sauce, perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pesto Recipe:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. Spiralize zucchinis into noodles and place on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
4. In a bowl, combine pesto and cooked zucchini noodles. Toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
Enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the tender goodness of salmon with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 2 lemons, sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow squash, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on one half of the baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with lemon zest, and place a lemon slice on top of each fillet.
5. On the other half of the baking sheet, arrange the zucchini, bell pepper, and squash slices in a single layer.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Gluten Free Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins
Start your day off right with these moist and flavorful gluten-free oatmeal breakfast muffins, perfect for a quick morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oats
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Gently fold in mixed berries (and nuts if using).
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Chickpea and Spinach Curry
This flavorful and nutritious curry is a great way to add some plant-based goodness to your meal routine. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying dish ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the spinach has wilted.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gluten Free Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
A creamy and delicious treat that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, this gluten-free smoothie combines the richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of banana.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (make sure it’s gluten-free)
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the banana, peanut butter, almond milk, honey, and salt.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness or consistency as desired. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker smoothie.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Quick Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Add some excitement to your meal routine with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the best of turkey, quinoa, and bell peppers. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and healthy dish ready to serve.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine turkey, quinoa, black beans, onion, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the tops.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Gluten Free Coconut Flour Waffles
Start your day with a delicious and healthy breakfast using this simple recipe for Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Waffles. Made with coconut flour, eggs, and natural sweeteners, these waffles are not only gluten-free but also paleo-friendly.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional toppings: fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat the waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine coconut flour, eggs, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add salt and mix well.
4. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes (depending on the number of waffles you make)
Simple Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs
Roast chicken is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe elevates the dish with the addition of garlic and herbs, creating a mouthwatering main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Gluten Free Mushroom and Spinach Frittata
A flavorful and nutritious breakfast option that’s perfect for a quick morning meal or brunch. This gluten-free frittata is packed with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour egg mixture over mushroom and spinach mixture in the skillet.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the egg mixture.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the frittata is set.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Lentil Soup with Gluten Free Bread
Savor the simplicity of this comforting lentil soup recipe, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying a warm, nutritious bowl in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Gluten-free bread crumbs or croutons, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine lentils, broth, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and thyme.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with gluten-free bread crumbs or croutons if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. This recipe combines the flavors of sweet apples and cinnamon with creamy oats, making it a perfect breakfast for those with gluten intolerance.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 apple, diced (Granny Smith or any other variety)
– Chopped walnuts or pecans for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the diced apple to the mixture and stir gently.
3. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate overnight for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours.
4. In the morning, give the oats a good stir and add your preferred toppings, such as chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey.
Cooking Time: Overnight (4-8 hours)
Quick and Easy Gluten Free Pizza with Cauliflower Crust
Transform your pizza game with this game-changing recipe that replaces traditional crust with cauliflower! This gluten-free masterpiece is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stress-free weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese (gluten-free)
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. In a bowl, combine the cauliflower “rice” with gluten-free flour blend, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Press the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to form a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Spread pizza sauce over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious gluten-free recipes perfect for beginners! From sweet treats like banana pancakes and almond flour chocolate chip cookies to savory dishes like quinoa salad, pasta primavera, and stir-fry, these easy-to-make recipes are sure to please. You’ll also find breakfast options like oatmeal muffins and avocado toast with poached eggs, as well as international-inspired meals like chickpea curry and lentil soup. And don’t forget the desserts – coconut flour waffles and apple cinnamon overnight oats are just a few of the tasty treats you can make. Get started today!