Discover the world of delicious gluten-free cooking with these 20 easy and beginner-friendly recipes! Going gluten-free can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can whip up a storm in your kitchen and enjoy a variety of mouth-watering dishes that just happen to be gluten-free.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast inspiration, a quick lunch fix, or a satisfying dinner solution, we’ve got you covered. From classic comfort foods to international flavors and sweet treats, our collection of recipes is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore 20 delicious gluten-free recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Gluten Free Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. These gluten-free banana pancakes are the perfect treat for a special occasion or just a regular morning.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
– Butter or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add mashed bananas, egg, and almond milk to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
3. Melt coconut oil and add it to the mixture. Whisk well.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Using 1/4 cup measuring cups, scoop batter onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Easy Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
A refreshing and healthy quinoa salad recipe that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This easy-to-make dish is packed with nutritious ingredients and a tangy lemon dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top of the salad and serve.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking time for quinoa)
One-Pot Gluten Free Pasta Primavera
Savor the flavors of spring with this easy and delicious one-pot pasta dish, featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound gluten-free pasta (such as rice-based or quinoa-based)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed spring vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until they start to tenderize, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in parsley, basil, white wine (if using), and vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pot; stir to combine with the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Simple Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies are a delicious treat for anyone looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies. Made with almond flour, dark chocolate chips, and a touch of vanilla, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
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 and coconut sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Quick Gluten Free Veggie Stir Fry
Savor the flavors of Asia with this rapid-fire veggie stir fry, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive 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 minutes.
3. Add the bell pepper and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
4. Stir in the broccoli, snow peas, and ginger; cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Sweet Potato with Chickpeas and Tahini
This flavorful side dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the creamy richness of tahini and the nutty taste of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika or cumin for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
3. Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chickpeas and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted (about 5 minutes).
6. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini and 1/2 tsp salt.
7. Once sweet potatoes are done, remove from oven and top with chickpea mixture and tahini sauce. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Gluten Free Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
This recipe combines the creamy richness of avocado with the tender simplicity of poached eggs, all on a bed of crispy gluten-free toast.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices gluten-free bread (such as rice flour or almond flour)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added spice
Instructions:
1. Toast the gluten-free bread until lightly browned.
2. Melt a tablespoon of butter on each slice.
3. Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toast.
4. Poach the eggs by cracking them into a pot of simmering water and cooking for 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set.
5. Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and drain off excess water.
6. Place the poached eggs on top of the avocado toast.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Coconut Flour Waffles
Start your day with a delicious and healthy breakfast using coconut flour waffles. This recipe is perfect for those who are gluten-free or looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
– Flavorings of your choice (e.g., vanilla extract, cinnamon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut flour, eggs, almond milk, and salt until smooth.
3. Add melted coconut oil and flavorings (if using) and mix well.
4. Pour about 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. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron with cooking spray as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies (Gluten Free)
A stress-free and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time! This recipe combines juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and savory seasonings all on one sheet pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large yellow squash, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp gluten-free paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, toss chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, squash, garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Simple Gluten Free Pizza with Cauliflower Crust
Transform traditional pizza into a healthier, gluten-free delight using cauliflower crust! This recipe yields a crispy and flavorful base topped with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., mozzarella, pepperoni, bell peppers, olives)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cauliflower “rice,” olive oil, garlic, and salt. Microwave for 4-5 minutes, stirring every minute, until soft and fragrant.
5. Transfer the mixture to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Wrap tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
6. On a lightly floured surface (use gluten-free flour), shape the cauliflower mixture into a circle or rectangle.
7. Place the crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread tomato sauce evenly, and add your desired toppings.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Lentil Soup with Gluten Free Bread
This comforting lentil soup is a perfect meal for a chilly evening, packed with protein and fiber from red lentils and nutritious vegetables. Serve it with a side of freshly baked gluten-free bread for a satisfying and healthy treat.
Ingredients:
For the soup:
– 1 cup dried red lentils
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the gluten-free bread:
– 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup tapioca flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little oil until tender.
2. Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flours, cornstarch, tapioca flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then shape into a loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quick Gluten Free Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast bar that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free)
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, and honey. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in chocolate chips, coconut, salt, and vanilla extract.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: 9-12 breakfast bars
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian recipe that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the nuttiness of quinoa and the richness of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, and olive oil.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling them as full as possible.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Gluten Free Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
A delicious and healthy twist on traditional pasta, this recipe uses zucchinis as a base for a flavorful pesto sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into long noodle-like strips.
3. Place the zucchini noodles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchinis are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
6. Toss the cooked zucchini noodles with pesto sauce and season with salt to taste.
7. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
A flavorful and moist salmon dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe requires only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon, then sprinkle the lemon juice, parsley, and dill evenly among the fillets.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins
Brighten up your morning with these moist and flavorful gluten-free blueberry muffins, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Simple Chickpea and Spinach Curry
This Indian-inspired curry recipe is a flavorful and nutritious meal option that can be prepared quickly and easily. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and healthy dish ready to go.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chickpeas and spinach leaves to the pan. Stir well to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the spinach has wilted and the flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Bowl Gluten Free Brownies
A classic dessert just got a whole lot easier with this one-bowl recipe! Say goodbye to messy mixing bowls and hello to rich, fudgy brownies.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks of gluten-free butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing the pan
– 1 cup of sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, whisking until just combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick Gluten Free Taco Lettuce Wraps
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional tacos, these gluten-free wraps are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch on-the-go. Made with crisp lettuce leaves and packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and veggies, this recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of iceberg lettuce
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of gluten-free taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet and cook until the veggies are softened.
4. Add the garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Warm a head of lettuce leaves by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the wraps by spooning the beef mixture onto a lettuce leaf, followed by shredded cheese and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Nuts
Transform ordinary apples into a sweet and aromatic treat, perfect for a cozy evening or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (any variety, but firmer ones like Granny Smith work best)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Core the apples, leaving the skin intact.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Stuff each apple with the sugar-cinnamon mixture, dividing it evenly among the apples.
5. Top each apple with chopped nuts and dot with butter.
6. Place the apples in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious gluten-free recipes perfect for beginners! From sweet treats like Gluten Free Banana Pancakes and Simple Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies to savory dishes like One-Pot Gluten Free Pasta Primavera and Quick Gluten Free Veggie Stir Fry. Enjoy easy-to-make meals like Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies, Simple Gluten Free Pizza with Cauliflower Crust, and Lentil Soup with Gluten-Free Bread. Plus, indulgent treats like Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins and One-Bowl Gluten Free Brownies. Whether you’re a gluten-free newbie or just looking for new recipe ideas, this collection has something for everyone!