Do you have to avoid gluten for health reasons? Gluten-free diets are challenging – this post is here to help.
There are some easy ways to prep gluten-free meals. Avoid gluten-laden sauces and stick to basic ingredients. These dinner recipes can be made in under half an hour. Better yet, most only require pantry staples (I bet your family won’t even know they are gluten-free!)
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is not bad for you, but it can cause issues for some people. According to The Mayo Clinic, gluten is the glue that holds food together and helps it maintain its shape. It has a glue-like property that gives bread its chewy texture and is often found in cakes, crackers, and pastries.
A gluten-free diet includes all naturally gluten-free foods, like fruits, dairy, beans, vegetables, grains, and meat. You can also eat processed gluten-free foods like cereals, breads, and desserts.
Gluten-free Dinner Recipes
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Instant Pot sesame chicken, from Seasonal Cravings, is a quick and easy weeknight meal made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. To go gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for tamari instead. Your family will love this delicious sauce!
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
These crispy tostadas from Cook What You Love are topped with stewed chicken, refried beans, lettuce, onions, and toppings. It’s a perfect weeknight meal. Make a double batch of chicken so you can use it for leftovers. Add it to salads, grain bowls, or even pizza.
Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry
The sheet pan is an innovative cooking method you’ve got to try. This sheet pan meal from Seasonal Cravings is effortless; just throw the chicken and vegetables on the pan and toss them with the sauce. If you want extra caramelization on your chicken, give it a few minutes under the broiler before serving.
Classic Baked Chicken
This recipe from Simply Recipes only requires four ingredients and is foolproof. It is simple enough for a Monday night but can be fancied up for company. It makes great leftovers and can be packed up for school and work lunches.
Add whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand for a side dish. This is a classic recipe that you can use over and over.
Greek Lemon Chicken
This Greek lemon chicken recipe from Dinner at the Zoo is chicken breast marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. This quick and easy dinner option is perfect for regular meals yet also elegant enough for entertaining.
Spanish Chicken and Rice
Bursting with flavor, juicy, hearty, and comforting, this Spanish chicken and rice from Lavender and Macarons make a delicious one-pot recipe for the whole family. Perfect for a weeknight or Sunday dinner.
Blackened Chicken Tenders
Moist, pan-fried chicken tenders from Bless This Mess are coated in flavorful seasoning and then pan-fried until blackened on all sides. The blackened chicken tenders are crisp and crunchy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside.
Pesto Chicken Risotto
This pesto chicken risotto from Through the Fibro Fog is a tasty comfort food dish full of flavor! Shredded chicken is combined with green vegetables and pesto for an easy dinner that comes together in your skillet.
Gluten-free Stuffed Peppers
These easy gluten-free stuffed peppers from Dish by Dish are filled with a flavorful mixture of fluffy quinoa, minced beef, and sautéed veggies. A colorful and vibrant meal that’s filling and tasty, these baked stuffed peppers are dairy-free, too.
Thai Basil Noodle Bowls
If you like spring rolls, you will love this Thai noodle bowl from A Couple Cooks. It has crisp veggies, tender noodles, fresh herbs, and crunchy crushed peanuts. Add chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Skip the take-out!
Keto Taco Casserole With Ground Beef
If you prefer a casserole, you will love this one with Mexican-flavored beef and lots of gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The layer of sour cream makes it rich and dreamy. This recipe from Low Carb No Carb can also be used as a dip at your next gathering.
Easy Hamburger Soup
Sometimes we crave comforting food, like soups and stews, especially in the colder months. Soups are great for using up leftover vegetables you may have in your crisper.
This hamburger soup from Seasonal Cravings is made with ground beef, onions, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and spices. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, so plan to make a double batch.
Gluten-free Meatloaf
This recipe uses gluten-free oatmeal, shredded onion, and zucchini to keep it extra moist. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a green salad.
Air Fryer Salmon
The air fryer makes for a crisp exterior and moist, tender, flaky salmon every time. This delicious meal from Primavera Kitchen can be on the table in less than 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Serve it with a green vegetable and some buttered noodles, and you are good to go.
Cobb Salad With Cilantro Lime Marinated Shrimp
This hearty salad from Razzle Dazzle Life is always a good option, especially when you are short on time. Marinating the shrimp in a cilantro lime marinade makes the shrimp so flavorful.
If your family is picky about their salads, put each ingredient in separate bowls and let them make their own salad creations.
Pasta Fresca
Gluten-free pasta has come a long way, and there are many delicious options at the grocery store now. This simple dish from Iowa Girl Eats is made with gluten-free penne pasta, red onions, spinach, tomatoes, and plenty of cheese and garlic. Sometimes the simple dishes are the best! Serve with crusty gluten-free bread.
Ramen With Roasted Tomatoes
The roasted tomatoes in this ramen noodles recipe bring such a fantastic umami flavor to this dish. This delicious meal from Lane and Grey Fare is gluten and nut free and can easily be vegan by making a few minor substitutions.
Easy Enchilada Soup
This vegan enchilada soup from Easy Chick Peasy uses red enchilada sauce to pack tons of flavor into a short cooking time. Between the bold flavors and creamy-yet-hearty texture, this vegan soup will quickly become one of your favorite one-pot recipes.
Philly Cheesesteak Beef Skillet
This keto Philly cheesesteak style beef skillet from Officially Gluten Free is a delicious mix between Sloppy Joe’s and Philly cheesesteak. It’s an easy, inexpensive, family-friendly meal you can throw together in less than 30 minutes.
Chicken Adobo
Chicken adobo is a favorite tangy, salty, sweet Filipino recipe because it’s easy and delicious! It is made even easier by Boulder Locavore with the slow cooker. Only a few minutes to set it up, and your favorite comfort food is ready in four hands-off hours.
Lentil Dahl
Simple and delicious lentil dah from Nourish Plate is made with just a few pantry ingredients. This vegan dish is healthy, cheap, and very satisfying. Red lentils are cooked with fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk until a creamy and thick texture is reached.
Vegan Thai Green Curry
This vegan Thai green curry from Vegan Huggs is a fragrant and flavorful one-pan dish that is crammed with wholesome vegetables and tofu simmered in a rich and creamy green sauce. With a mix of mildly spicy, savory, tangy, and umami flavors, this dish will make your senses reel in delight.
Try putting a few of these easy gluten-free dinner recipes into your weeknight rotation. The cook will be pleased with how quickly they come together, and your family will think they are delicious. Be sure to make enough to enjoy leftovers the next day.
This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geek and has been republished with permission by Mama Say What?!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock /golubovystock
