These gluten-free picnic recipes are easy to make ahead, best eaten at room temperature and don’t mind being packed up.
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.
Is there any better way to spend a beautiful day than to set out a blanket, open up a basket-full of food, and pour a crisp glass of lemonade while soaking in the sun?
A sunny day is the perfect excuse to pack up a picnic basket and enjoy the great outdoors while we can, 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 recipes that are easy to make ahead, are best eaten at room temperature and don’t mind being packed up.
From dips to salads and wraps and a little something sweet for dessert, these gluten-free picnic recipes are made for sharing outdoors with friends and family. Just add your favorite summer drink and head out!
Mediterranean Roasted Red Pepper Dip (Muhammara)
Serve this smoky red pepper dip alongside your favorite gluten-free chips for dipping and you have a simple make-ahead appetizer for any picnic you may be heading to.
Strawberry Salsa
If salsa is more your style try this fresh strawberry salsa. This sweet and savory fruit salsa made of strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe is a wonderfully refreshing twist on an old party favorite.
French Potato Salad
If there’s one thing that doesn’t go well with the outdoors, it’s mayo. Heat and mayo just don’t mix; but with this mayo-free French potato salad you won’t have to worry about it sitting out at room temperature.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
What’s a summer picnic or potluck without a pasta salad? This gluten-free pasta salad is filled with warm weather favorites like tomatoes, basil and garlic for lots of fresh flavor that can stand up to the heat.
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.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This Mediterranean chickpea salad is perfect for picnics since it’s easy to make ahead of time and keeps well at room temperature (no wilting lettuce to worry about).
Cauliflower Tabbouleh
With few ingredients, no cooking and relatively little prep time this gluten-free cauliflower tabbouleh filled with tomatoes and fresh herbs is an easy addition to any outdoor meal.
Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Every picnic needs a good slaw and this Asian inspired slaw with orange sesame dressing is a crunchy and fresh addition to any outdoor meal (no mayo involved).
Thai Vegetable Coconut Wraps
Filled with crunchy vegetables and served with a cashew dipping sauce, these Thai vegetable wraps made with gluten-free coconut wraps make an easy and delicious no-cook meal that’s both pretty and portable.
Collard Green Wraps
Or try these naturally gluten-free vegan collard wraps, packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy dairy-free basil pesto that are perfect for picnics.
Watermelon Berry Salad
It wouldn’t be a picnic without watermelon and this watermelon fruit salad is bursting with bold berry flavor!
Spicy Watermelon Salad
If you prefer your watermelon on the savory side then try this spicy watermelon salad that pairs cooling crisp slices of watermelon with spicy chili peppers and salty olives.
Best Gluten-Free Brownies
Every picnic needs a few good sweets to finish the meal and these chewy gluten-free brownies with their crinkly tops are always a crowd-pleaser.
Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cake
This gluten-free cake features a lemon and olive oil flavored cake batter, studded with cherries, for an everyday kind of dessert that’s easy to make and pack up.
Flourless Trail Mix Cookies
These easy and chewy flourless gluten-free trail mix cookies are chock-full of everyday favorites like nuts, fruit and chocolate.
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! 🙂