53 Gluten-Free Picnic Food Ideas

Watermelon and Spinach Salad

Summer’s the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You’d never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

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Lettuce-Wrap Burgers

A lettuce-wrap burger offers all the best parts of a burger—a juicy patty, crisp toppings and a delicious sauce—without the bun.

Air-Fryer Potato Chips

These crispy air-fryer potato chips require just four ingredients, and one of them is optional. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade chips anytime!

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette

We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

Gluten-free peanut butter blossoms put a chocolate twist on creamy butter treats!

Roasted Radishes

Radishes aren’t just for salads anymore. This abundant springtime veggie makes a colorful side to any meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Easy Seafood Salad

Using just a few ingredients, this seafood salad puts the shrimp and crab front and center. Unlike some seafood recipes, this one is approachable for any homecook.

Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread

In my quest to find an edible gluten free bread, this recipe emerged. It’s moist and has no cardboard texture! —Doris Kinney, Merrimack, New Hampshire

Watermelon Mint Salad

Five simple ingredients shine in this cool, crunchy, refreshing watermelon mint salad, which takes mere minutes to toss together.

Cool Beans Salad

This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin

Love picnic salads? Here’s how to make a gluten-free pasta salad.

Deli Turkey Lettuce Wraps

I used to make these during my training days when I worked at a restaurant in Hawaii. They're low fat, low carb, high protein, quick and delicious—a great choice before or after a workout. —Duncan Omarzu, Astoria, New York

Quinoa, Fresh Fig & Honey-Balsamic Parfaits

This quinoa yogurt parfait is special to me because of its wholesome ingredients. Quinoa is gluten-free, which is good for those who have food allergies, like my daughter. And I love fresh ripe figs when they are in season. Enjoy this for breakfast or dessert. —Dawn Hutchins, St. Johns, Florida

Pickled Beet Salad

Vibrant in both color and taste, this pickled beet salad is a sweet and zesty dish that gives beets their much-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Easy Chicken Pesto Stuffed Peppers

On busy weeknights, I neither want to spend more than 30 minutes preparing dinner nor do I want to wash a towering pile of dishes. This recipe delivers on both counts without having to sacrifice on flavor! —Olivia Cruz, Greenville, South Carolina

Pico de Gallo

This pico de gallo recipe creates a fresh, bright salsa filled with chunky tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cilantro. The secret behind how to make pico de gallo is preparing it about an hour before dinner so the flavors can meld and come together.

Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts

Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Garden Tomato Salad

For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio

Raisin Peanut Butter Balls

These healthy peanut butter balls are easy to put together and convenient to have on hand for after school. They'll stop tummies from growling until dinnertime. Sugar substitute can be used in place of sugar. —Lorna Gunter, Kemmerer, Wyoming

Nicoise Salad

Looking for a simple salad recipe for lunch or dinner? Nicoise salad is the way to go, and it is pretty easy to make at home.

Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Baja Pork Tacos

This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas

Hard-Boiled Eggs

In the kitchen, it’s important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Old Bay Crispy Kale Chips

Here in East Hampton, NY, harvest time means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York

Summertime Tomato Salad

My crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Rosemary Walnuts

My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina

Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp

Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California

Cucumbers with Dill

Sprinkling cucumber slices with salt and letting them stand in a colander draws out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber dill salad alongside any grilled entree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Black Bean & Corn Quinoa

Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies

I converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York

Cherry Tomato Salad

In this cherry tomato salad, juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes are dressed lightly with a little oil, vinegar and herbs and given their moment to shine.

Avocado Quesadillas

Avocados give quesadillas some nutritional value and, fortunately, my son likes them. Thinly slice the avocado, and add chicken or beef for extra protein. —Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts

Edamame Corn Carrot Salad

I came up with this easy salad while brainstorming light, protein-filled recipes. My vegetarian and vegan friends are especially big fans. —Maiah Miller, Monterey, California

Pressure-Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers

These pressure-cooker stuffed peppers get a southwestern twist! The filling also makes a delicious meat loaf that we like cold as a sandwich with cheddar cheese, mayo and salsa. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Honey-Dijon Chicken Salad

This delightful main-dish salad has an easy sauce/dressing that lends a sweet-tangy flavor to the mix. You can add or take away vegetables to suit your taste. —Janelle Hensley, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges

We all know almost everything is improved with bacon, and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisonsin

Easy Tomato Avocado Salad

I came up with this recipe one day when avocados were on sale at the market. It’s a nice change from a lettuce salad, plus it’s quick to make. —Pamela Raybon, Edna, Texas

Grilled Corn Hummus Tostadas

This recipe is a combo of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, giving it a unique taste. Avocado and hummus may sound like a weird mix, but they really go together well. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa

Lemony Chickpeas

These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

These healthy peanut butter cookies are a great baking project to do with kids. You can make and shape the dough ahead of time so that you can bake a few cookies whenever you want.

Grilled Broccoli

I started using this recipe in 1987, when I began cooking light, and it's been a favorite side dish ever since. With its lemon and Parmesan flavors, it once took second place in a cooking contest. —Alice Nulle, Woodstock, Illinois

Roasted Beet Salad

Brighten up your table with this easy roasted beet salad, featuring sweet beets, tangy goat cheese and a zesty orange vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or light meal, it’s fresh, flavorful and ready to impress.

Smoky Cauliflower

The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. —Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon

Gluten-Free Fig Cookies

These special cookies definitely don’t taste gluten-free. For added appeal, soak the figs overnight in a mixture of port and pomegranate juice. —Twinkle30, Tasteofhome.com community

Spinach and Beet Salad

Tender, sweet and earthy, this spinach and beet salad is an unexpected salad to serve for a holiday gathering. The striking colors and rich flavors make it a pretty and tasty addition too.

Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine

Garlic-Herb Fried Patty Pan Squash

The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Tarragon Asparagus Salad

I love asparagus, and I love it even more when drizzled with my light, lemony vinaigrette dressing with a touch of tarragon. It's perfect as a side for fresh spring meals. —Linda Lace, Winter Park, Florida

Gluten-Free Almond Cookies

My friend loved these gluten-free almond cookies so much, she had to ask for the recipe! Quick and easy, they taste as good as the decadent treats I make using puff pastry and almond paste. Everyone loves them! —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Quinoa with Peas and Onion

Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Chipotle Lime Avocado Salad

I use my music to promote a healthy lifestyle, like eating your veggies. This bright salad is loaded with avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes and a little heat factor. —DJ Cavem, Denver, Colorado

Air-Fryer Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce

Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan, where I grew up. I try to incorporate the tastes of my home country when cooking for my American-born daughters. With these air-fryer fritters, I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. —Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania

Orange-Pistachio Quinoa Salad

Add this fresh and healthy quinoa recipe to your holiday spread. Its citrusy, nutty taste is simply delicious. —Jean Greenfield, San Anselmo, California