Pack-and-Go Gluten-Free Picnic Recipes

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!