Nothing complements a sunny day better than a picnic with friends and family. But what if you or someone in your gathering has a dietary condition or gluten intolerance, no worries! We have the perfect inspiration, easy to make recipes and recipe ideas to help you prepare the yummiest gluten free picnic food everyone will enjoy.
Gluten Free Picnic Food: A Guide to Wholesome Outdoor Eating
Looking for just the right gluten free picnic food ideas? They are not as complicated as it might seem. In fact, many delicious picnic recipes can easily be made gluten, dairy and even grain-free.
Our favorite go to options includes all kinds of salads. We love a simple yet tasty pasta salad. When using a gluten free pasta, our favorite go-to brands are Italian Jovial gluten free pasta that comes in fun shapes and all sizes. Bionaturae a parent company to Jovial, also makes great gluten free pastas. And before there were any truly great pastas, Tinkyada also has many great pasta shapes perfect for the pasta salad recipe in this post.
Pasta salads are great because you can prep or prepare them the day before. They are delightful in taste as they are healthy. Think, fresh heirloom tomatoes, Greek olives, salty capers, a sprinkling of red chili pepper flakes and mild sheep or goat feta. Dress your pasta salad with a simple champagne vinaigrette or a white balsamic dressing. Garnish with slivers of fresh herbs. You’ll have a stellar picnic meal that’s easy to put together and allows everyone to enjoy it’s fresh flavors. Our basic Italian Pasta Salad also is great to add cut up grilled shrimp or diced herbed chicken.
For finger food, I love bringing a homemade hummus or store-bought along to complement a crunchy crudité bowl. Prepare vegetable sticks, colorful radishes, sugar snaps and or kohlrabi. Grab your favorite crunchy tortilla chips, crackers or cauliflower sticks all are great to dip into your hummus. Choose a grain-free bread option or gluten free bread to make sandwiches with all your favorite fillings. We have loads of ideas and brands we like in our Sandwich 2.0 post. If you’re feeling to have a try at making your own bread, which we spent summers perfecting using our friend and masterful gluten free bread baker, Aran Goyoga’s sour dough gluten free bread recipe! It’s a pretty fun adventure to make gluten free bread!
Salads, sandwiches, veggies, fresh fruit, snacks and treats are the ideal gluten free picnic food for packing into your picnic basket! We provide plenty of options for picnic food that satisfies everyones’ taste buds and dietary preferences. Every one eats! It’s the Ohana spirit I talk about in my Damn Good Gluten Free lifestyle cookbook.
Gluten Free Picnic Food: Creating an Unforgettable Experience
Picnics are about enjoying the outdoors, relaxing, and sharing food. And gluten free picnic food doesn’t have to be any different. With a little planning, you can create a full spread that everyone will love.
For dessert, why not make some gluten-free cookies or the nutty chocolatey goodness in a Hello Dolly Bar! These can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature, so they’re ready to go when you are.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of cold drinks, even make a batch of chilled homemade non-alchoholic version of our lavender lemonade! Coconut water is a great way to hydrate when spending lots of time in the sun. Dehydration is no fun, nor are bugs like ticks or mosquitos. Check around and make sure you’ve set up your picnic in a spot that’s clean and without many pesky bugs, bees or ants. I always like to bring along a small emergency kit with mosquito/tick deet free repellent, band aids, and itch cream.
Gluten Free Picnic Food: More Than Just a Meal
A picnic is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Choosing gluten free recipes for your family and or friends ensures that everyone feels included and can partake in the joy of outdoor dining without worry.
Whether you’re setting up in your backyard or heading to a park or beach, make sure to pack everything you need for your picnic; the food, the blanket, chairs, napkins, utensils, plates, bowls, knives. And for your food: gluten free bread for sandwiches, if you are making them there vs. at home, room temperature or a cooler for snacks or salads. Your gluten free picnic food can be as simple, tasty or as extravagant as you like. Just keep having fun and leave the stress behind.
Remember, picnics are about being together and having fun. No need to stress over the details. Simple finger food, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of gluten free and dairy free treat options will make everyone happy.
Top 5 FAQs for Gluten Free Picnic Food:
What are some easy gluten free picnic recipes?
Pasta Salad or a cauliflower “mock potato” salad, finger food like cut up veggies blanched or raw, and gluten free or grain free wraps or bread sandwiches are some simple and tasty options.
Can I find ready-made gluten free picnic food?
Yes, many grocery stores now offer pre-packaged gluten free and grain free grab and go options that are perfect for picnics.
How can I keep gluten free bread fresh for a picnic?
Store it at room temperature in an airtight container, or you can make sandwiches just before heading out. Wrap or put your sandwich in a sustainable container or Stasher bags
Is dairy free food necessary for a gluten free picnic?
Not necessarily, but it’s a good option if you want to cater to various dietary needs. Check with your friends or family members to see if it is a dietary condition and to make sure they either bring their own options or have an option for them to choose.
Here are a few favorite picnic recipes we love!
- Chicken Tenders were our kids favorite picnic food besides Pizza! These are great served room temperature. Another yummy finger food options are our Veggie Spring rolls! Cole Slaw is another great picnic food salad option. Treats? We love our Hippy cookies for their crispy chocolate goodness! These are wonderful to make a batch, store the batter in the fridge and bake them fresh day of or the night before.
Here at Curry Girls Kitchen, we are passionate about promoting healthy living and providing helpful tips, courses, cooking classes and supportive coaching programs helping you or your loved ones maintain a delicious gluten-free life. We also have the best gluten free “how to road map” cookbook, Damn Good Gluten Free. To learn more about our healthy living resources and get delicious gluten-free recipes, make sure to sign up for our Curry Girls Kitchen community newsletter
Feel free to explore our resources to gain more insight into gluten-free picnic foods and living a gluten-free lifestyle!