You’ll love these veggie-packed and versatile gluten free side dishes for parties, potlucks, casual dinners, and the holidays! They’re easy to make, nutritious, and deliciously flavorful.
I’ve included a wide variety of options to help you find a dish for every occasion, no matter the season. Whether you’re looking for a summer BBQ potluck dish or a gluten free side for a fancy dinner party, I’ve got you covered.
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Gluten Free Side Dishes You’ll Love
To me, side dishes are just as important as the main dish when serving a meal. They can truly enhance whatever you’re serving. And at potluck-style gatherings, they can definitely be the star of the show!
I also firmly believe that veggie-packed side dishes are the most delicious. Not only do vegetables add nutrients, but they also add tons of flavor and texture!
From roasted vegetables to no-cook salads to crispy potatoes and more, there’s something below for everyone to enjoy. Plus, most of these recipes require minimal prep time, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
You might also love these easy gluten free meals or these gluten free breakfast ideas!
Crispy Roasted Mini Potatoes
These are the BEST roasted baby potatoes! They’re crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
You can make the basic paprika version (simple and delicious), or get extra fancy with the garlic parmesan variation. The choice is yours!
The prep time is minimal, too, and then all you have to do is let them roast in the oven. Easy peasy!
Oven Roasted Zucchini & Squash
Zucchini and squash are a delicious pairing, and I love how roasting them in the oven really brings out their flavor. It really doesn’t require much effort at all, either!
Keep it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or try other variations (included in the recipe) like lemon goat cheese or garlic parmesan.
Baked Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These cheesy and comforting baked portobellos can be made full-sized, or with baby bellas for a smaller, bite-sized dish!
They’re stuffed with goodness like feta, spinach, artichokes, white beans, and sun-dried tomatoes, then baked to golden perfection. These are so satisfying and flavorful, they could easily be a vegetarian main dish as well!
Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
If you’re looking for a gluten free side dish that doesn’t require any cooking, this one is always a hit! It’s crunchy and lightly sweet, with a tangy Greek yogurt dressing that’s easy to throw together.
This is delicious for any time of year, but it’s especially perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. It’s easily portable, it’s served cold (so there’s no need to worry about heating it up), and you can make it ahead of time!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
If you think you’re not a fan of brussels sprouts, you need to try this salad!
The base is comprised of shaved brussels sprouts, and it’s packed with fall-inspired deliciousness like chopped apples, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and shaved parmesan.
The whole thing is dressed in simple yet delicious lemon mustard dressing. Quick and easy!
Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Say hello to one of my all-time favorite side dishes ever: cranberry quinoa salad! In fact, we served this gluten free dish at our wedding, and it was a hit. 🙂
It’s vegan and simple to make, with fluffy quinoa pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. So yummy and easy to prep ahead of time!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Looking for a perfect gluten free side dish for grilled meat or burgers? These easy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a must-make! (They’re an especially perfect side dish for burgers).
You only need a few ingredients to make these, and they’re a less greasy alternative to deep-fried fries.
They’re deliciously seasoned with cumin for the perfect amount of spice. Enjoy on their own, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. I love them with salsa, ketchup or this creamy honey mustard sauce!
Roasted Buttercup Squash with Goat Cheese
The combination of sweet and savory in this dish is incredible, with salty goat cheese, tangy pomegranate seeds, and naturally sweet roasted buttercup squash.
Not only does it look gorgeous on your dinner table, but it’s surprisingly simple as well. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but also fancy enough for your holiday spread!
Pumpkin Quinoa Salad
Got some extra canned pumpkin puree to use up? That’s your sign to make this easy quinoa side dish! It’s super nutritious, thanks to the pumpkin, asparagus, and bok choy, and it’s packed with flavor.
If you aren’t vegan, sprinkle some feta cheese on top for an extra boost of flavor and protein. Yum!
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Vegetables
This roasted veggie dish is super versatile because you can swap out the different veggies for whatever you have in your vegetable drawer. These are coated in a simple maple cinnamon seasoning, and roasted to savory-sweet perfection.
I love using carrots, brussels sprouts, potatoes, butternut squash, and turnips, but you can use basically any hearty vegetable.
Apple Cabbage White Bean Slaw
If you don’t feel like cooking but still want a fresh and flavorful side dish to serve, this is a perfect choice! It’s a crunchy slaw with apples, white beans, and red cabbage, tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
It’s just as delicious served at a summer BBQ as it is served alongside a pork roast during the fall or winter. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make – doesn’t get better than that!
Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons
This kale caesar salad is delicious on its own, but it’s elevated even further with crispy gluten free chickpea croutons. This salad also happens to be vegan – even the dressing!
Don’t be intimidated if you’re never made a homemade caesar salad before – this comes together in just 30 minutes, and most of that time is just letting the chickpeas roast.
Heirloom Tomato & Peach Caprese Salad
I love cooking with seasonal produce, and this sweet and savory peach caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes is absolutely perfect for summertime!
All you have to do to prepare it is slice up some produce and fresh mozzarella cheese, then whisk together a quick balsamic vinaigrette.
It’s bright, fresh, and so delicious.
Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Holiday side dishes don’t have to be super heavy or loaded with sugar to be yummy. These lightened-up mashed sweet potatoes are super fluffy and perfectly spiced for a healthier, crave-worthy gluten free side.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, and you only need a handful of ingredients.
Lemony Spinach Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad does not have to be boring, I promise. This one is packed with kidney beans, bright lemon, fresh herbs, spinach, and salty feta cheese for tons of flavor and nutrients.
It’s really versatile (pairs well with lots of different main dishes) and you can easily prep it ahead if needed.
Sauteed Garlic Lemon String Beans
This super quick and easy vegetable side dish takes just 15 minutes to make, and you only need four ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
Lemon and garlic add tons of flavor, and the string beans are sautéed until just softened, but still lightly crisp. It’s a perfect quick weeknight dish, but also works as a perfect holiday side.
Garlic & Herb Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are so simple to make and so flavorful, especially when tossed with garlic and herb seasonings. Plus, this veggie side dish goes well with practically any main dish.
Feel free to switch up the veggies depending on what you have on hand (and based on seasonality).
Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw
You won’t believe that this deliciously creamy slaw doesn’t have any mayo! Instead, it’s tossed in a tangy chipotle Greek yogurt sauce (which is just as tasty).
Jalapeños give it a kick of spice, and the cabbage makes it nice and crunchy. It’s perfect for serving over fish tacos, but also makes a wonderful side dish for BBQs and grilling (burgers, grilled chicken, etc.).
“Cheesy” Mushroom Quinoa (Vegan)
Quinoa is a fluffy and versatile gluten-free grain, and this particular quinoa recipe is wonderfully creamy (without any dairy).
It’s packed with greens, tender mushrooms, white beans, and nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” flavor. It’s so satisfying and comforting, without feeling heavy.
I hope this list has proven how gluten free side dishes can be just as delicious as side dishes with gluten! I hope you get a chance to try some of these recipes. Enjoy. 🙂
