15 healthy gluten-free and grain-free recipes that are picnic proof.
Grab your picnic basket and blanket, because it’s that time of year again; time to head outdoors and enjoy those beautiful sunshine-filled days of summer while we can.
A sunny day is the perfect excuse to pack up a picnic basket and enjoy the great outdoors, because before you know it we’ll be picking out pumpkins, and putting on socks and sweaters while we plan our holiday menus.
Whether you’re headed down to the park, or spending a day at the beach you want your food to survive the trip which is why I’ve rounded-up some of my favorite gluten-free picnic-friendly recipes that are easy to make ahead, best eaten at room temperature and don’t mind being packed up.
From dips and crackers to salads and wraps and a little something sweet for dessert, these healthy gluten-free and grain-free recipes are practical and portable for your next picnic adventure. Just add your favorite summer sips and head out!
Appetizers
Artichoke Green Olive Tapenade
Lighter and brighter than traditional tapenade but no less versatile or delicious, this artichoke and green olive tapenade is terrific spread on just about anything you can think of.
Pesto Kale Seed Crackers
These crispy homemade crackers are like a cross between a kale chip and a seed cracker.
Gluten-Free Olive Thyme Mini Muffins
Bite-sized with a tender crumb these savory mini olive and thyme muffins are just made for picnics.
Salads
Cauliflower Tabbouleh
With few ingredients, no cooking and relatively little prep time this cauliflower tabbouleh is an easy and delicious addition to any outdoor meal.
Heirloom Tomatoes with Basil Parsley Oil
A touch of homemade basil parsley oil elevates even the ripest bunch of heirloom tomatoes to a brand new level. All you need are a few good handfuls of fresh basil, some parsley and a nice, fruity extra virgin oil.
Middle Eastern Chopped Tomato Cucumber Salad on Whipped Tahini
This refreshing chopped salad is filled with crunch and color and can stand being dressed ahead of time.
Watermelon Salad with Chili and Mint
Triangles of watermelon are topped with tiny black olives, a handful of fresh mint and finely sliced red chili pepper, for an easy summer salad with a kick that takes only minutes to achieve but gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Mains
Raw Falafel Wraps with Parsley Tahini Sauce
These raw and paleo falafel wraps are my idea of fast, fresh portable food. All it takes is a bit of prep work, which can mostly be done ahead of time, and they’re ready to pack in a lunchbox or take on a picnic.
Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad
This gluten-free pesto pasta salad is an easy addition to bring along to a picnic, the beach, or a backyard barbecue since it won’t spoil if it sits out for a bit.
Thai Vegetable Coconut Wraps
These pretty and portable vegetable coconut wraps are filled with shreds of zucchini, carrot, red cabbage, cilantro and green onions for plenty of freshness and crunch.
Zucchini Noodles with Caper Olive Sauce and Fresh Tomatoes
Zucchini noodles are topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and a tangy caper olive sauce in this fresh and quick no-cook dish that’s easy to pack up and bring along.
Desserts
Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Buckle
This gluten-free buckle features a lemon and olive oil flavored cake batter, studded with ripe cherries, for an everyday kind of dessert that’s easy to make and enjoy all summer long.
Flourless Trail Mix Cookies
These easy and chewy flourless gluten-free and paleo trail mix cookies are chock-full of everyday favorites like nuts, fruit and chocolate.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Macadamia Skillet Cookie
What I love about a skillet cookie is that it’s quick, it’s easy and it’s meant to be shared.
Cashew Coconut Date Rolls
These easy to make and pack cashew coconut date rolls make for an energizing outdoor snack.
Happy Picnicking!

Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Dorothy says
Orzo is not gluten free. It is made with semolina flour.
Sylvie says
Correct, but there are now gluten-free options available made from chickpeas! I link to one in the recipe if you'd like to check it out.
Catherine says
Dear Sylvie, I'm ready to pack a picnic basket and head off to the beach right now! So many delicious ideas. xo, Catherine
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
Feeling inspired to go on a picnic now! So many fancy and beautiful picnic options!
allie says
I love all these delicious and healthy choices, Sylvia. The Mediterranean style nachos look wonderful!
marye says
What a great selection! They all look so yummy!
Kristen says
What a great round-up! We are spending our days at the pool and all these are perfect for picnics there!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
So many beautiful and flavorful options for summer! I want to try them all! 🙂