41 Gluten-Free Dinner Ideas Full of Flavor
Gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye, is a popular ingredient in a lot of dishes. However, some folks are sensitive and even allergic to gluten. Thankfully, there are gluten-free dinner ideas to cater to all dietary needs. From steak fajitas with almond flour tortillas to shrimp fried rice, there’s a gluten-free option for everyone. Here are 41 easy gluten-free meals to put to the test.
Table of contents
1. Sweet and spicy Mongolian beef stir-fry
Category: Beef
Take your taste buds to Flavortown with this sweet and spicy Mongolian beef stir-fry recipe. The brown sugar mixed with hoisin sauce creates the ultimate gluten-free meal. Serve with your favorite rice topped with the leftover sauce.
2. Chickpea pasta with meat sauce
Category: Beef
Who says you can’t eat pasta if you’re gluten-free? Enjoy the comforting warmth with each bite of this chickpea pasta with meat sauce recipe. This easy gluten-free dinner idea will become a weekly staple in your house.
3. Beef stew
Category: Beef
Give yourself an internal warm hug with a batch of this beef stew recipe. The tender beef, rich broth or stock and hearty vegetables are a match made in heaven. Swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour to keep it a gluten-free meal.
4. Burgers with lettuce buns
Category: Beef
Every day is a good day to grill a stack of burgers. Instead of using traditional hamburger buns, swap them for lettuce wraps. Don’t forget to set up all the fixings to load up your patties. Try this juicy garlic burger recipe at your next cookout!
5. Steak fajitas
Category: Beef
Looking for crowd-pleasing gluten-free dinner ideas? Fajitas are packed with flavor and create a sizzling weeknight dinner. Serve this steak fajita recipe with almond flour tortillas and top with fresh salsa.
6. Stuffed bell peppers
Category: Beef
Bell peppers are a perfect cozy home for your choice of meat. Try this beef stuffed peppers recipe if you’re short on time and need a filling meal.
7. Beef and broccoli
Category: Beef
You don’t have to overcomplicate gluten-free dinner ideas — all you need is a few ingredients to whip up a delicious meal. Serve this beef and broccoli recipe as a main dish or paired with stir-fried noodles or rice.
8. Slow cooker pot roast
Category: Beef
Slow cooker recipes are great, especially when you’re short on time. This slow cooker pot roast recipe is full of tender meat, flavorful broth and just the right amount of warmth.
9. Sheet pan steak and veggies
Category: Beef
Sheet pan recipes are ideal for folks who are short on time and don’t want to use multiple cooking tools. Try this sheet pan steak recipe for your next family dinner.
10. Pho
Category: Beef or chicken
Pho is one of those foods that can instantly cheer you up with its warmth. The fresh herbs, ginger and spices in this pho recipe create a fragrant broth that complements the rest of the ingredients.
11. Light and refreshing chicken salad
Category: Chicken
When you’re in a pinch, this light and refreshing chicken salad recipe is the perfect option. Dress up your salad for different seasons — mix in butternut squash and cranberries during the fall or watermelon and fig for a summer salad.
12. Chicken noodle soup
Category: Chicken
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food any time of the year. For this chicken noodle soup recipe, swap out the traditional egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. Save your vegetable scraps to reuse your leftover food.
13. Tuscan chicken
Category: Chicken
Transport your taste buds to Italy with this Tuscan chicken recipe. The spinach, tomatoes, cream and seasonings create the most delicious sauce. Pair with chickpea pasta and seasonal vegetables.
14. Chicken lettuce wraps
Category: Chicken
This chicken lettuce wrap recipe is easy to make for lunch or dinner. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
15. Zucchini-wrapped chicken
Category: Chicken
Create your own enchiladas with the assistance of zucchini. This zucchini-wrapped chicken recipe is a low-calorie meal that is gluten-free and easy to make. The crispy zucchini and flavorful chicken are scrumptious.
16. White chicken chili
Category: Chicken
There’s something so satisfying about the warmth of this white chicken chili recipe. Indulge in a bowl (or two) on a rainy day to soothe your soul.
17. Chicken and black bean salad
Category: Chicken
Short on time? This chicken and black bean salad is tasty any time or day of the week — you can even dress it up with avocado and bell peppers for taco Tuesday. Cut down on prep time and use canned chicken instead.
18. Lemon garlic chicken
Category: Chicken
Lemon is one of those ingredients that adds a punch to any dish. This lemon garlic chicken recipe is gluten-free, easy to make and can be customized for all occasions. Pair with chickpea pasta or duchess potatoes for a sophisticated flair.
19. Crispy chicken thighs
Category: Chicken
Enjoy this crispy baked chicken thighs recipe for your next weeknight dinner. The perfectly crisp skin is a fan favorite. Serve with roasted potatoes and your choice of sauce.
20. Cajun gumbo
Category: Pork
While gumbo is a popular Mardi Gras food, you can make this gluten-free dinner idea year-round. Make sure to swap the all-purpose flour in this Cajun gumbo recipe for cornstarch or almond flour.
21. Herb-crusted pork tenderloin
Category: Pork
Season up your gluten-free dinner ideas with this herb-crusted pork tenderloin recipe. Serve with roasted potatoes and grilled seasonal vegetables.
Not sure how long to cook your pork tenderloin? Use our cooking time calculator to estimate how long it will take.
22. Salmon burgers
Category: Seafood
Not in the mood for pork? This quick and easy salmon burger recipe is perfect! Swap the breadcrumbs for panko or gluten-free crumbs. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.
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23. Lemon and herb salmon
Category: Seafood
Add a hint of zest to a flaky grilled salmon fillet. The herbs and lemon in this salmon recipe infuse flavor into every bite! Pair your salmon with grilled seasonal vegetables with the same lemon and herb seasoning.
24. Shrimp fried rice
Category: Seafood
In the mood for hibachi? Create your own with this easy gluten-free shrimp fried rice recipe. Drizzle spicy mayo or ginger sauce on top for extra flavor.
25. Pan-seared lemon halibut
Category: Seafood
Whip up this pan-seared lemon halibut recipe for the ultimate zesty meal — your taste buds are sure to do a little tango. Serve with grilled vegetables and extra lemon sauce.
26. Baked cod with asparagus
Category: Seafood
Looking for easy gluten-free dinner ideas? This baked cod recipe is tender and full of flavor. Squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top for a burst of citrus.
27. Garlic grilled shrimp
Category: Seafood
This garlic grilled shrimp recipe proves these two ingredients are a match made in heaven. Serve your shrimp with gluten-free pasta or a bowl of rice.
28. Mango salsa mahi mahi
Category: Seafood
Transform your kitchen into a tropical haven with this mango salsa mahi mahi recipe. Enjoy a slice of paradise with every bite. Serve over white rice topped with mango salsa.
29. Seafood paella
Category: Seafood
Add some vibrance to your gluten-free dinner ideas with this seafood paella recipe. The mouthwatering flavors will have a dance party in your mouth.
30. Coconut shrimp
Category: Seafood
While folks typically enjoy coconut shrimp as an appetizer, it’s also a flavorful and filling dinner option. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour. Serve this coconut shrimp recipe with seasonal vegetables and your favorite dipping sauce.
31. Pan-seared scallops
Category: Seafood
Pan-sear your scallops for the perfect crisp. Follow this pan-seared scallop recipe and top with a lemon butter or garlic sauce for a burst of flavor with every bite. Serve on a bed of grilled asparagus.
32. Sweet potato casserole
Category: Vegetarian
Make Thanksgiving come early with this sweet potato casserole recipe. Enjoy the balance of sweet and savory with every bite. Swap the all-purpose flour for almond or oat flour.
33. Cacio e pepe
Category: Vegetarian
Cacio e pepe is a fan favorite because of its blend of creamy cheese and pepper. Follow this cheesy and decadent cacio e pepe recipe, but swap out the spaghetti for sweet potato or brown rice noodles. Don’t forget to top your pasta with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese!
34. Spinach-stuffed mushrooms
Category: Vegetarian
The blend of spinach and cheese stuffed into mushrooms is a unique yet satisfying combination. Each bite of this spinach-stuffed mushroom recipe will melt in your mouth.
35. Cauliflower pizza
Category: Vegetarian
Pizza can be just as delicious with cauliflower crust. You can make your own cauliflower crust or buy one premade. Set up a topping bar for a fun activity for the whole family.
Not sure how much pizza you need? Check out our pizza calculator to find out!
36. Baked potato soup
Category: Vegetarian
Warm up this fall and winter season with a large helping of this baked potato soup recipe. Don’t forget to top with sour cream and green onions. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
37. Creamy mushroom risotto
Category: Vegetarian
This mushroom risotto recipe is so creamy and rich. Indulge in this savory dish any time of the year. The white wine, Parmesan cheese, onion and garlic are a delicious combination.
38. Butternut squash curry
Category: Vegetarian
Whip up this butternut squash curry recipe if you’re looking for a sweet yet spicy meal. Serve with your favorite rice topped with leftover curry sauce.
39. Mediterranean chickpea salad
Category: Vegetarian
This chickpea salad recipe with common Mediterranean ingredients and tangy dressing is a great option if you want to make a quick gluten-free meal. Roast your chickpeas in the air fryer if you want an extra crunch.
40. Cauliflower tikka masala
Category: Vegetarian
This cauliflower tikka masala recipe is a vegetarian spin on the classic Indian dish. The tomato-based sauce is full of flavor. Serve with rice and enjoy it year-round.
41. Zucchini lasagna roll-ups
Category: Vegetarian
Take your traditional lasagna to the next level with this zucchini roll-up recipe. Enjoy the same great flavors and ingredients without the pasta. Make sure to double up the ingredients for easy freezer meals.
Gluten-free dinner ideas that rise above the wheat
Now that you’re more familiar with gluten-free dinner ideas, you’re ready to get to prepping. Keep in mind that you can adjust most recipes to cater to gluten-free guidelines with easy ingredient swaps — try chickpea pasta instead of traditional pasta, or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.
Need your groceries fast? Use Instacart to shop your favorite ingredients online or through the Instacart app. You can receive your order right to your home, giving you more time to plan your meals for the week.
Course:
Recipes
Cuisine:
American
Difficulty:
Easy
41 Gluten-Free Dinner Ideas Full of Flavor
Check out these 41 gluten-free dinner ideas for inspiration for your next meal.
Ingredients
Directions
Cady Cohen
Author
Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart who empowers home cooks to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence. She has worked in digital media for over seven years covering food, health, and wellness. From handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides, Cady's work makes grocery shopping a breeze and empowers you to make informed choices about what you put on your plate.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
