If you missed my introduction to gluten-free eating in which I shared how to eat gluten free for breakfast, consider this my second installment covering all-things gluten-free lunch.
I wanted to create a gluten-free breakfast, lunch and dinner menu because I have plenty of friends who are gluten free and I never know what to prepare them when I’m hosting. I figured the best solution was to do some research and then share what I found here so I can come back as a reference and pick a dish depending on what type of meal I’m serving.
Today we’re looking at how to eat gluten free for lunch, because if you’re like me, all I ever want for lunch is a big sandwich – something gluten-free dieters typically can’t have. But the good news is, there are so many delicious gluten-free options that are easy to throw together for lunch that there’s no reason to come up short on ideas. Here are just a few of my favorite newly-discovered gluten-free dishes.
Protein Packed Pita Pocket – This recipe is from Angela from Oh She Glows, and features homemade hummus stuffed into a gluten-free wrap (or bread) with lots of veggies. This lunch looks light and incredibly filling at the same time, which I love. Be sure to check out the other recipes on Angela’s site as she has an entire series dedicated to gluten-free lunch.
BBQ Chicken Tacos with Avocado Slaw – This gluten-free recipe comes from Brandi, our very own managing editor. She cooked this dish up for my husband and I on a recent weekday evening along with some white wine sangria. Our review? These tacos are absolutely delicious. It’s hard to believe they pack in so much vibrant flavor but remain completely gluten free.
Quinoa Pasta with Creamy Pesto and Tomatoes – If you thought pasta was off limits in a gluten-free diet, think again. This quinoa pasta calls for a simple yet flavorful pesto sauce with bright notes from heirloom tomatoes and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This dish would make the perfect weekday lunch or light dinner.
Gluten-Free Lunch Waffles with Apples and Prosciutto – This creative dish comes from Joy the Baker, one of my very favorite food bloggers. Joy relies on polenta and gruyere cheese to keep these waffles gluten free and delicious, and tops them with a flavorful and healthy combination of green apples, prosciutto and spinach.
Toasted Quinoa, Chicken, Corn and Avocado Salad – Break out of that quinoa rut with this Mexican-inspired dish that combines seasoned chicken, fresh corn and creamy avocado. Forgo the vinaigrette and add a spoonful of salsa for a true fiesta-style lunch.
Feeling inspired? Be sure to come back soon for my third installment of gluten-free eating where we’ll round up the tastiest dinner dishes around.
Photo via Joy the Baker
Also Read:
Sending Your Gluten-Free Kid Back to School
6 Must-Have Gluten Free Resources