Cool off with these gluten-free summer recipes. We found the season's must-have salads, drinks, grilled mains, desserts and more.
34 Gluten-Free Recipes That Have Us Excited for Summer
1/34
Rosemary Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 357 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
2/34
Cucumbers with Dill
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 them alongside any grilled entree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 35 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
3/34
Ravishing Radish Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Showcase radishes in all their glory with a fresh, crunchy salad. Herbs and fennel take it up another notch. —Maggie Ruddy, Altoona, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 177 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/34
Maple Mocha Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband says one is just not enough of these creamy pops. They’re a breeze to make, and kids love them too. For a more grownup presentation, freeze them in pretty serving cups and add a dollop of whipped cream. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 221 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/34
Grilled Corn in Husks
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear grilled corn: 196 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/34
Pork Chops with Nectarine Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My special pork dish has so much flavor and is a snap to prepare. A sweet, fruity salsa perfectly balances the spicy rub that coats the pan-fried chops. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup salsa: 246 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit.
7/34
Watermelon Sherbet
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1/2 gallon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/34
Spinach and Beet Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a super easy salad that looks and tastes festive for the wonderful Christmas season, but is also wonderful all year round. Vinaigrette dressing coats the greens nicely. —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/34
Bella Basil Raspberry Tea
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Give iced tea a grown-up twist. Fragrant basil lends flavor and the raspberries give it a bright red color. Tou’ll love the fun fizz and make-ahead convenience! —Laurie Bock Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 281 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
10/34
Herbed Feta Dip
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests can’t get enough of this thick, zesty dip that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The feta cheese and fresh mint complement each other beautifully, creating the perfect sidekick for crunchy carrots, toasted pita chips, sliced baguettes or any other dipper you fancy.—Rebecca Ray, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 176 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
11/34
Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This ultra refreshing bowl is the best way to start a summer morning! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 325 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
12/34
Cherry Limeade Sweet Tea
Total Time
15 min
Servings
14 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet tea and cherry limeade are two of my favorite summer libations. So I decided to combine them—the result is wonderful. —Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 71 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/34
Cinnamon-Basil Ice Cream
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I started experimenting with herbal ice creams when I was teaching classes at our local college. Not only were the ice creams popular with my students, but my family loved them as well! One of our favorites is made with a variety of basil called cinnamon basil; however, unless you grow the variety yourself, it can be rather difficult to find. I decided to try to re-create the flavor, and this delicious basil ice cream recipe is the result! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 353 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 243mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
14/34
Effortless Guacamole
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s one delicious, extra-easy classic you’ll turn to again and again. “I’ve been making this recipe since I started cooking, and that was a long time ago.” DeAnn Lokvam — Tijeras, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 175 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein.
15/34
Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad," recalls Kathy Armstrong of Post Falls, Idaho. "I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too!"
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 105 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
16/34
Orange Cream Pops
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
For a lower-fat alternative to ice cream-filled pops, try this citrus novelty. The tangy orange flavor will make your taste buds tingle, while the silky smooth texture offers cool comfort. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 58 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
17/34
Coconut Cold-Brew Latte
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/34
Shrimp Cobb Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is both healthy and delicious. I often use a grill pan, but you can simply saute, too. Use any greens you like—it’s a versatile salad. — Nicholas Monfre, Hudson, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 726 calories, 59g fat (12g saturated fat), 349mg cholesterol, 1392mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 36g protein.
19/34
Moroccan Lamb Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a huge fan of both Moroccan lamb and lettuce wraps. This combination—with the creamy dressing and crunchy cucumber—makes a tasty slow-cooked dish. The wine and chili powder add even more flavor elements. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled lettuce wraps: 221 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
20/34
Cilantro-Lime Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a working mom and home cook, I strive to have fabulous flavor-packed dinners that make my family smile. Nothing is more awesome than a slow-cooker recipe that makes it seem as though you've been cooking in the kitchen all day! —Mari Smith, Ashburn, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 253 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
21/34
Nicoise Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This garden-fresh salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Add some crusty bread and you have a mouthwatering meal.
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 613 calories, 49g fat (8g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
22/34
Easy Tomato Avocado Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 173 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
23/34
Blackberry Buttercream
Total Time
10 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Juicy blackberry buttercream frosting has a stunning color and sophisticated flavor. This frosting works especially well on rich, decadent chocolate cake. —Jocelyn Delk Adams, GrandBaby-Cakes.com
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 165 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
24/34
Pickled Carrots
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother is the only other person I've known to make this recipe. In fact, when I take it to a potluck or picnic, no one has ever heard of pickled carrots. But once they try them, they are hooked. —Robin Koble, Fairview, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 30 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
25/34
Grilled Tuna Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love serving this tuna spinach salad! Tuna steaks are delicious and quick to cook, and although they’re pretty inexpensive, they always seem a little more elegant than canned tuna. You can find them at most meat and seafood counters. Try this salad with fresh bread and tall glasses of lemonade. —De'Lawrence Reed, Durham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 2 cups salad with 3 ounces cooked tuna equals 290 calories, 12 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 51 mg cholesterol, 380 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 31 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
26/34
Roasted Asparagus With Thyme
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is good-for-you spring-time side dish is so easy to prepare, yet the simply seasoned spears look appealing enough to serve guests or take to carry-in dinner.
-Sharon Leno
Keansburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
7 asparagus spears: 55 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
27/34
Rosemary Strawberry Daiquiri
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This strawberry daiquiri recipe is a standout with its herbal twist! I used to teach herb classes at our local technical college and everyone enjoyed my segment on herbal cocktails like this one. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 251 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein.
28/34
Greek Feta Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Feta cheese takes this chicken and potatoes dinner over the top with a bit of tangy saltiness. Serve with a side salad tossed with pepperoncinis, black olives and reduced-fat balsamic vinaigrette. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 316 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
29/34
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t consume gluten, so I’ve transformed my favorite recipes to fit my diet. I came up with these cakelike cookies, and no one ever guesses they’re gluten free. —Becki DiMercurio, Martinez, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 82 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/34
Mango Sorbet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love the sunny color and fruity flavor of this light dessert. If you can't find mangoes, substitute fresh peaches. To peal peaches, drop them into boiling water for a few seconds. Then you can easily slip the skins right off.
—Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 184 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.
31/34
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can't get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor in this recipe. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 142 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
32/34
Spicy Pork Tenderloin Salad
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend served this curry-flavored salad at a luncheon, and I tweaked it to fit our tastes. Since it's a meal in one, it's perfect for weeknights, and the presentation makes it ideal for entertaining.
—Pat Sellon of Monticello, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
33/34
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 176 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
34/34
Peppy Peach Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Garden-fresh salsas are one of my favorite condiments. So when I saw a recipe for peach salsa in the newspaper, I couldn't think of anything that sounded better. —Jennifer Abbott, Moraga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 30 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.