As the temperatures rise and the sun shines bright, it’s time to refresh our palates with some delicious and nutritious salads. And, if you’re one of the many individuals who have to follow a gluten-free diet, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with 20 refreshing gluten-free salad recipes that are perfect for summer.
From classic combinations like quinoa and avocado to more unique pairings such as roasted beet and goat cheese, our list has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fruity or hearty and savory, these salads are sure to hit the spot on a hot summer day.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best gluten-free salad recipes that are perfect for summer. From Mediterranean-inspired dishes to Asian-style noodle salads, we’ll explore it all. So, grab a glass of iced tea and get ready to dive into the world of gluten-free salads!
Quinoa and Avocado Gluten Free Salad
A refreshing and healthy salad that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the creaminess of avocado, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa (gluten-free)
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced avocado, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking quinoa)
Mediterranean Chickpea Gluten Free Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of a gluten-free base, perfect for a quick and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Kale and Cranberry Gluten Free Salad
Fresh and flavorful, this salad combines the nutty taste of kale with the sweetness of cranberries, all in a gluten-free package. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale with your hands for about 2 minutes to soften the leaves.
2. Add the cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese (if using) to the bowl.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Greek Gluten Free Salad with Lemon Dressing
Experience the flavors of Greece in this refreshing salad, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish. The combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese is elevated by the tangy and citrusy lemon dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (gluten-free)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil for the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with Kalamata olives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Gluten Free Salad
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Gluten-Free Salad Recipe
A sweet and tangy salad perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (gluten-free)
– 4 cups mixed greens (gluten-free)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let beets cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Add mixed greens, roasted beets, and crumbled goat cheese to the bowl. Toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes (roasting time)
Asian Cucumber and Sesame Gluten Free Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the nutty taste of sesame, perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. Add sesame seeds and stir until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Add sliced cucumbers and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spinach and Strawberry Gluten Free Salad
A refreshing twist on a classic salad, this spinach and strawberry combination is perfect for a light and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (gluten-free)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves and sliced strawberries.
2. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required – simply assemble and serve.
Southwest Black Bean and Corn Gluten Free Salad
This flavorful salad combines the rich taste of black beans with the sweetness of corn, all wrapped up in a gluten-free package. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn kernels, and red bell pepper.
2. Sprinkle cilantro over the top and toss gently.
3. Drizzle lime juice and olive oil over the salad and toss again.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Caprese Gluten Free Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Celebrate the flavors of Italy with this simple and elegant salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. A drizzle of rich balsamic glaze adds a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 3 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Balsamic glaze (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Arrange tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Sprinkle torn basil leaves over the salad.
4. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, with balsamic glaze drizzled on top (see below).
Balsamic Glaze Recipe:
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until glaze has thickened and reduced slightly.
Lentil and Feta Gluten Free Salad
This refreshing salad combines the earthy flavor of lentils with the tanginess of feta cheese, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch. With its nutty undertones and crunchy texture, this salad is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None, as this salad is prepared using cooked lentils.
Broccoli and Bacon Gluten Free Salad
This refreshing salad combines the crisp sweetness of broccoli with the smoky savory flavor of bacon, all on a bed of fluffy quinoa. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted broccoli, crumbled bacon, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Walnut Gluten Free Salad with Maple Dressing
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this crisp and refreshing salad, featuring tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of maple sweetness. This gluten-free masterpiece is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup Maple Syrup Dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Maple Syrup Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, and chopped walnuts.
2. If using goat cheese, crumble it over the salad.
3. Drizzle Maple Syrup Dressing over the top and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Taco Gluten Free Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
A refreshing twist on traditional tacos, this salad combines the flavors of Mexico with the convenience of a gluten-free dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cooked black beans, warmed
– 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast, warmed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Gluten-free taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, chicken breast, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with gluten-free taco seasoning to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Gluten Free Salad
This hearty salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of kale, all wrapped up in a refreshing gluten-free package. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 bunch of curly kale, stems removed and discarded
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork several times and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the kale and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked kale, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
5. Top with crumbled goat cheese, if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Pear and Blue Cheese Gluten Free Salad
A sweet and savory combination of juicy pears, tangy blue cheese, and crisp greens makes this salad a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), sliced into wedges
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (gluten-free)
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens.
2. Arrange pear slices on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the pears.
4. If using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the salad.
5. Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Zucchini Noodle Gluten Free Salad with Pesto
Elevate your salad game with this simple and delicious recipe that combines the creaminess of pesto with the nutty flavor of zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made or store-bought pesto
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your spiralizer or use a vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles.
2. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using).
3. Drizzle the pesto over the top of the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tomato Basil Gluten Free Salad with Olive Oil
This simple yet flavorful salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option. With the sweetness of tomatoes, the brightness of basil, and the richness of olive oil, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and chopped basil.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato-basil mixture and toss gently to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Carrot and Raisin Gluten Free Salad
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of carrots and raisins with a hint of tanginess from the dressing, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup golden raisins
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots and raisins.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep only)
Avocado and Mango Gluten Free Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet juiciness of mango, all on a bed of crisp mixed greens. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 4 cups mixed greens (gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced avocado, and diced mango.
2. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
Cauliflower and Chickpea Gluten Free Salad
This refreshing salad combines the subtle sweetness of roasted cauliflower with the nutty flavor of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is free from gluten and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, tahini, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and dressing. Toss to coat.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing gluten-free salad recipes! From Mediterranean Chickpea to Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese, and even Taco Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, there’s something for everyone. Quinoa and Avocado, Kale and Cranberry, and Spinach and Strawberry are just a few of the 20 delicious salads that will keep you cool and satisfied all season long. With ingredients like quinoa, avocado, and roasted sweet potatoes, these recipes offer a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy your favorite summer flavors. Try them out and stay gluten-free this summer!
