Top 10 Gluten-Free Foods For a Picnic or Summer Party
May 16, 2014
Summer is here and that means it’s time to get out the picnic basket and fire up the grill. I love that I can enjoy burgers and steak on the grill, or pack a picnic lunch and enjoy my lunch at the park. Have you ever noticed that many of the foods we enjoy in the summer contain gluten? Since my daughter is gluten intolerant, I have been searching for the best gluten-free picnic foods to enjoy during the summer. While we can buy things like gluten-free pasta and bread, she doesn’t usually enjoy the taste.
Best Gluten-Free Picnic Foods
Finding the best gluten-free picnic foods doesn’t have to be difficult. There are a number of popular summer foods that are naturally free of gluten. And when you make these foods from scratch, you can better control the ingredients that you put in them. When you choose pre-packaged foods, be certain to look at the ingredients to make sure that there are no hidden sources of gluten.
- Fruit salads are very popular during the summer. Most fruits are in season which makes fresh an affordable choice. Avoid fruit salads with dip since the dip may contain gluten.
- Potato salads are a great alternative to pasta salad.
- Deviled eggs are naturally gluten-free. Make sure to use mayonnaise when making them and not salad dressing.
- Tortilla chips and salsa are the perfect potluck item to bring to picnic or cookout. Most tortilla chips are made of corn but check the packages to make sure they are completely free of gluten.
- Garden salads are a healthy choice. Avoid salad dressings as many contain hidden gluten.
- BBQ chicken is best when you want to avoid the rolls required for burgers and hot dogs. Make sure you choose a BBQ sauce that is gluten-free or make it homemade.
- Coleslaw is delicious in the summer (or any time) and should be gluten-free. Again, be certain to use real mayonnaise instead of dressing. I make ours from scratch.
- Guacamole served with corn chips or fresh vegetables for dipping is healthy and gluten-free.
- You will never go wrong in offering a platter of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and cucumbers.
- Who can resist corn on the cob dripping with melted butter? I know I can’t!
Now that you have some gluten-free suggestions, you’ll be prepared the next time you have guests who are gluten intolerant. Don’t be afraid to add in some of your family favorites as well. Just be certain they are clearly marked to show they are not gluten-free.
