11 Gluten-Free Recipes Perfect for Summer

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Even if we’re in the midst of social distancing, we can’t deny that warmer weather has finally arrived and, with that, perhaps a desire to gravitate towards healthy and lighter foods. These gluten-free recipes for spring and summer all perfectly fit the bill.

May is Celiac Disease Awareness month, and with researchers estimating that 18 million Americans suffer from wheat or gluten sensitivities, going grain- or gluten-free is prevalent in our society. To learn more about going gluten-free, check out our comprehensive gluten-free guide.

Whether you are adhering to a gluten-free diet for health reasons or just because you’re interested in lighter eating, we’ve rounded up some healthful and nutritious recipes—both sweet and savory, and all gluten-free to boot—which will add interest to your spring menu planning.

1. Crustless Quiche

Quiches, which are composed of eggs plus some combination of cheese, vegetables, and meat, can make a great meal any time of day. Eggs are full of satiating protein and it’s always important to add more veggies to our diets. However, quiches can be a no-no for those with gluten sensitivities, mainly due to a flour crust. But, if you cut out the crust, you can enjoy all of the other benefits of quiches. Try this Crustless Quiche recipe, which is chock-full of nutritious, fibrous vegetables and turkey bacon.

2. Wild Blueberry Oat Scones

Fruit-laden scones can be a wonderful snack or brunch treat, especially warmed up and smeared with salted butter and homemade jam. These scones are made with antioxidant-rich wild blueberries. The batter is made of gluten-free flour and gluten-free oats, both of which have gotten more popular and are readily available in grocery stores and markets. The oats give the scones an almost nutty texture and extra filling fiber, and a simple glaze of powdered sugar and almond milk elevates this Wild Blueberry Oat Scones recipe to special occasion-worthy.

3. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Corn Salsa

Corn-based tortillas are a wonderful way to enjoy Mexican delights, as long as the tortillas are 100 percent corn—made without any wheat flour (cross-contamination can sometimes be an issue, so check your labels). Our Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Corn Salsa recipe features a quick spice rub for the shrimp, and folds them into corn tortillas charred on the grill, with juicy, fresh, homemade salsa. This dinner is colorful, nutritious, and full of vibrant flavor.

4. Pea Risotto

If you’re craving carbohydrates and want something special, arborio rice (the rice used for risotto) is naturally gluten-free. Many people are turned off by risotto because it can be a little labor intensive, but it’s all about keeping an eye on the rice and stirring attentively so it doesn’t get dried out. Our Pea Risotto recipe is a cinch to make without any cream, and is packed with delicate spring peas, which will add a lightness to the savory rice.

5. Grain-Free Cauliflower Fried Rice

If you’re trying to avoid grains altogether, and searching for a grain-like substitute, cauliflower rice is a healthful and delicious way to tap into a carbohydrate craving, especially if you love the flavors of fried rice. This Asian-inspired dish is composed of many vegetables, including riced cauliflower, broccoli, and peppers. Then it is mixed with crispy bacon and an egg, and finally seasoned with coconut aminos and a touch of umami fish sauce, which bring the dish together. Get our Grain-Free Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.

6. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple and Bell Peppers

Pork tenderloin is a lighter meat, which is great for spring and summer grilling sessions. Our Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is quickly marinated in an Asian-style mixture. (A word to the wise: Check the label of your soy sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free; if not, consider using coconut or liquid aminos as a substitute when you come across recipes calling for soy sauce.) The juicy pork is paired with grilled sweet pineapples, crunchy red peppers, and scallions, and finished with freshly squeezed lime juice, all contributing to a flavorful, simple weeknight grilled dinner.

7. Sauteed Zucchini

Vegetables are fabulous for bulking up on essential vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. With zucchini season just around the corner, a large dish of sauteed delicate zucchini with shaved parmesan is healthful and savory. If zucchini isn’t your thing, feel free to swap out for another spring favorite vegetable, such as asparagus. Get our Sauteed Zucchini recipe.

8. Blackened Pan Seared Salmon

Salmon is a flavorful and satisfying protein that’s perfect for spring and summertime meals. This Blackened Pan Seared Salmon recipe gets a homemade rub of pepper, paprika, and dried herbs and is sauteed quickly in a pan for an optimal char. It works well with a homemade tartar sauce and other spring vegetables, such as asparagus, snap peas, or a simple salad.

9. Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower

This Lebanese-inspired chicken entree packs a serious punch. The dish is loaded with fresh herbs, spices, roasted cauliflower, charred lemons, juicy cucumber, rich olives, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a homemade garlicky yogurt sauce to bring it all together. It goes without saying to skip the naan, but you won’t miss it with this hearty and savory Middle Eastern bowl. Get the Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower recipe.

10. Strawberry Coconut Whipped Cream Trifle

Spring is the perfect time for feasting on fresh fruit, especially juicy strawberries. Here’s a stunning trifle recipe, which uses almond and coconut flour to replace cake flour. Unsweetened coconut cream is then whipped up to create a luscious dairy-free layer, which is spooned between moist gluten-free cake and fresh strawberries. Get the Strawberry Coconut Whipped Cream Trifle recipe.

11. Lightened Up Lemon Pudding Cake

Tart, citrusy lemon is a perfect flavor profile to add to desserts in the warmer weather. This Lightened Up Lemon Pudding Cake recipe features gluten-free ingredients and even has dairy-free substitutions. It’s light and airy, akin to pudding but without making an actual pudding, and it’s full of flavor. Try this light, vibrant dessert at your next socially distanced picnic.