Gluten Free Side Dishes

Navigating mealtime with dietary restrictions can be a challenge, but these gluten free side dishes are here to save the day. 

Potato Gluten-Free Side Dish Recipes

Honey Mustard Potato Salad

Honey Mustard Potato Salad is a sweet and tangy twist on a classic side dish. Tender boiled potatoes are tossed in a creamy, gluten-free honey mustard dressing, along with crunchy celery and red onion. It’s a refreshing and flavorful addition to any summer picnic or BBQ.

Ranch Potatoes

These flavorful potatoes are tossed in a gluten-free ranch seasoning and roasted until crispy. They’re the perfect gluten-free side dish to satisfy your craving for something savory and hearty.

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

This tangy, creamy potato salad boasts flavors reminiscent of sour cream and onion chips. Tender chunks of potato are tossed in a zesty dressing of sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh chives. It’s the perfect gluten-free side to complement any barbecue or picnic.

Sweet & Spicy Mexican Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection with a blend of Mexican spices, bringing a kick of heat and sweetness. Tossed in olive oil, honey, and spices before roasting, they emerge from the oven caramelized and flavorful, making a perfect gluten-free side dish.

Irish Mashed Potatoes

Also known as “Colcannon,” this traditional Irish dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with sauteed cabbage and green onions. The result is a comforting, hearty side dish that’s gluten-free and packed with flavor.

Gluten Free Soup Side Dishes

Creamy Cabbage Soup

Creamy cabbage soup that is gluten-free, keto, low-calorie, and delicious. This recipe is simple to make and easy to adapt for all tastebuds. Potatoes are included in this version, but it’s easy to leave them out to make the dish keto friendly.

Busy Day Soup

Of all the soups out there, this one lives up to its name. A hearty, warming soup that is not only gluten-free but also quick and easy to prepare. Simply use gluten-free noodles instead of regular ones. This recipe combines lean ground meat, diced tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal.

Corn Gluten Free Side Dishes

Corn Casserole

Corn Casserole is a comfort food classic made gluten-free. This side dish combines sweet corn kernels, creamed corn, and a gluten-free cornbread mix, resulting in a dish that’s sweet, savory, and satisfyingly creamy. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with a variety of mains, making it a must-have for any family meal or holiday gathering.

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Adding a new twist to a classic side, Smoked Corn on the Cob infuses sweet, juicy corn with a smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible. The cobs are gently smoked until they’re tender, giving them a robust, campfire-like taste that complements their natural sweetness. This gluten-free side dish, finished with a brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of sea salt, will undoubtedly become your new favorite way to enjoy corn.

Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

This corn, tomato, and avocado Salad is a colorful, refreshing, and incredibly tasty gluten-free side dish perfect for summer feasts. The salad brings together sweet corn kernels, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado chunks, all tossed in a light and tangy lime dressing. Bursting with fresh flavors, textures, and healthful ingredients, this salad adds a vibrant touch to any meal.

Air Fryer Polenta Truffle Fries

Air Fryer Polenta Truffle Fries is a unique, gourmet, and gluten-free side dish that will impress your guests. Crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside, these fries are made from polenta and flavored with luxurious truffle oil. Air frying gives them a delicious crunch without the need for excessive oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fries.

Gluten-Free Tortillas

Gluten-Free Tortillas are soft, flexible, and perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings. Made with a blend of gluten-free flours, these tortillas have a slightly nutty taste and a texture that rivals any wheat-based tortilla. They’re a versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of meals, from tacos to wraps.

Gluten-Free Dip Side Dish 

Smoke Queso

Smoke Queso is a creamy, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy gluten-free side dish. This dip combines the rich flavors of smoked cheeses, spicy jalapenos, and fresh tomatoes, all melted together to creamy perfection. It’s the perfect accompaniment to gluten-free tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side.

Knorr Spinach Dip

Knorr Spinach Dip is a creamy, savory, and absolutely addictive gluten-free side dish that’s perfect for any gathering. This dip combines the robust flavor of spinach with the creaminess of mayonnaise and sour cream, and a blend of Knorr’s vegetable recipe mix for a punch of flavor. It’s perfect served with gluten-free crackers or veggies for dipping.

Veggie Gluten Free Side Dishes

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy gluten-free side dish. The broccoli is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in florets that are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and full of flavor. A light sprinkle of your favorite seasonings can enhance the natural taste of the broccoli, making it a hit even with the pickiest eaters.

Easy Curry Roasted Cauliflower

Easy Curry Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy gluten-free side dish that will liven up any meal. Cauliflower florets are tossed in a blend of warming curry spices and then roasted until tender and slightly caramelized. The resulting dish is vibrant, slightly spicy, and packed with flavors that pair well with a variety of main dishes.

Balsamic Vinegar Mushrooms

Balsamic Vinegar Mushrooms are a delight for the taste buds, combining the earthy flavors of fresh mushrooms with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar. The mushrooms are sautéed until golden, then glazed in a reduction of balsamic vinegar, which caramelizes to give a sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky finish. This simple, yet elegant gluten-free side dish, adds a gourmet touch to any meal.

Sauteed Green Peas and Bacon

Sauteed Green Peas and Bacon is a simple yet flavorful gluten-free side dish that adds a hearty touch to any meal. The fresh, sweet green peas are sautéed with crispy, savory bacon, and finished with a sprinkle of black pepper for a little kick. This delightful combination of flavors and textures makes this side dish irresistibly delicious.

Chipotle Fajita Veggies

Chipotle Fajita Veggies offer a robust, smoky, and spicy twist on traditional fajita veggies. This gluten-free side dish combines bell peppers and onions, sautéed until tender-crisp and seasoned with smoky chipotle powder and zesty lime juice. It’s the perfect addition to any meal that needs a burst of color, flavor, and heat.

Crispy Parmesan Carrots

Oven-roasted until tender and golden, these gluten-free crispy parmesan carrots are a delightful side dish. The carrots are lightly coated with a mixture of parmesan cheese and spices before being roasted to perfection. The result is a flavorful, crispy exterior with a sweet, tender interior.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are cooked in an air fryer until they are crispy and golden brown. Lightly seasoned and tossed in a bit of olive oil, these sprouts make a quick, healthy, and delicious gluten-free side dish.

Sauteed Mixed Veggies

This versatile, colorful side dish can be tailored to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Lightly sautéed in olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and pepper, these veggies retain their natural flavors and crunch. Try zucchini, carrots, squash, and even green beans. 

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

A perfect side dish for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any regular day of the week. Sweet maple syrup, smoky bacon, and earthy Brussels sprouts combine in this flavorful dish. Roasted until caramelized, these sprouts are a sweet and savory gluten-free side that’s sure to please.

Crunchy Thai Salad with Peanuts & Almond

This vibrant salad is bursting with fresh flavors and crunchy textures. A mix of fresh vegetables, peanuts, and almonds is tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy dressing that makes this gluten-free salad truly irresistible.

Garlic Cauliflower Rice with Spinach

A low-carb, gluten-free side that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Cauliflower is riced and sautéed with garlic, then mixed with fresh spinach for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Miscellaneous Gluten Free Side Dishes

Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

A comforting classic made gluten-free, this mac and cheese recipe features a creamy, rich cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked gluten-free pasta. A touch of mustard adds depth to the flavors, and a crunchy gluten-free breadcrumb topping perfectly contrasts the gooey, cheesy goodness underneath.

Barbecue Baked Beans

This side dish is a smoky, sweet addition to any meal. These gluten-free baked beans are simmered in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce that’s bursting with flavor. A slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Lemony Risotto

This gluten-free risotto is creamy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible. Made with arborio rice, the dish gets its delightful tang from a generous amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. It’s a sophisticated side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.

Quinoa Salad

This light and refreshing quinoa salad is full of fresh vegetables and dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. A protein-packed, gluten-free grain, quinoa makes for a hearty and satisfying side dish.

Redneck Caviar

This flavorful dip, also known as Texas Caviar, is a mix of black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a gluten-free side that’s perfect for scooping up with gluten-free tortilla chips.

Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing

A twist on a traditional favorite, this gluten-free cornbread stuffing has all the comforting flavors of the classic dish. It’s moist and flavorful, with a blend of herbs and spices that makes it a perfect addition to any meal.

Gluten-Free Homemade Egg Noodles

These gluten-free egg noodles are surprisingly easy to make and far surpass any store-bought alternative. Tender and versatile, they can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to casseroles, adding a hearty, home-cooked touch.

Gluten-Free Grains

Eating a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or variety, especially when it comes to side dishes. There are numerous gluten-free grains available that can create diverse, delicious, and satisfying side dishes. Let’s explore some of the most popular options.

1. Quinoa

This super-grain is not just gluten-free but also incredibly nutritious. It’s high in protein, fibre, and various minerals, and it has a unique, pleasant nutty taste. Quinoa is versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it perfect for salads, pilaf, or even as a healthier substitute for rice.

2. Rice

Whether it’s white, brown, wild, or even black, all varieties of rice are naturally gluten-free. Rice is incredibly versatile, and it pairs well with just about any flavor. Fried rice, stuffed bell peppers, rice pilaf, or simply a bed of steamed rice under your favorite stir-fry are just a few of the ways to use this grain in side dishes.

3. Millet

While this gluten-free grain is lesser-known in some parts of the world, it’s a staple in many others. Millet’s light flavor allows it to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with, making it a great option for a variety of dishes. Its texture can be fluffy or creamy, depending on how you cook it, and it works well in pilafs, salads, or even as a side on its own.

4. Buckwheat

Despite its misleading name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat and is entirely gluten-free. It has a robust, earthy flavor and a hearty texture that works well in a variety of dishes. You can use it in pilafs, salads, or even make a delicious buckwheat porridge.

5. Amaranth

This ancient grain is another great gluten-free option. Its slightly nutty and earthy flavor, along with its rich nutritional profile, make it a healthy choice for any meal. Amaranth can be popped like popcorn, cooked and mixed with vegetables for a hearty salad, or even used to thicken soups and stews.

6. Sorghum

Sorghum is a versatile and nutritious grain that’s naturally gluten-free. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a texture similar to barley or wheatberries. You can use it in salads, risottos, or even in baking as a gluten-free alternative.

7. Teff

This tiny grain from Ethiopia is rich in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Teff has a mild, nutty flavor and works well in a variety of dishes. It can be used to make polenta-like dishes, blended into smoothies, or even used as a base for desserts.

8. Corn

One of the most commonly consumed grains, corn is gluten-free and incredibly versatile. You can serve it on the cob, as a warm corn salad, in a corn chowder, or even grilled for a delicious summer side dish.

Embracing a gluten-free lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing variety or flavor in your meals. With so many different gluten-free grains available, there are endless possibilities for delicious and diverse side dishes.

Gluten Free Side Dishes FAQs

What can I serve my gluten-free friend?

There are numerous options when it comes to serving food to a gluten-free friend. Gluten-free side dishes like quinoa salad, sautéed mixed veggies, garlic cauliflower rice with spinach, and Irish mashed potatoes are excellent choices. For main dishes, consider meals that naturally don’t contain gluten like grilled meats, fish, and poultry, as well as meals with gluten-free grains such as quinoa or rice.

What 9 foods are gluten-free?

Here are nine foods that are naturally gluten-free:

1. Fruits and vegetables
2. Meat and poultry
3. Fish and seafood
4. Dairy products
5. Eggs
6. Rice
7. Quinoa
8. Nuts and seeds
9. Legumes like beans and lentils.

What are common gluten-free meals?

There are many common meals that can be made gluten-free. These include dishes such as grilled chicken with quinoa salad, beef stir-fry with rice, gluten-free pasta with marinara sauce, or fish tacos with corn tortillas. Gluten-free side dishes like ranch potatoes, crispy parmesan carrots, or barbecue baked beans can accompany any of these meals.

Are potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, potatoes are naturally gluten-free. They can be a great part of a gluten-free diet as they are versatile and can be used in numerous dishes. However, it’s important to be cautious of how they’re prepared. If they are cooked with or in the same space as gluten-containing ingredients, there could be cross-contamination. Always check labels on pre-packaged potatoes, like hash browns or French fries, as these could contain gluten-containing additives.

Have questions or suggestions about these gluten-free side dishes? Leave them in the comments below.