Gluten-Free Picnic Recipes for Labor Day Weekend

My newest picnic fave- quinoa salad with pears and pecans.

 

Labor Day is almost upon us. Summer's last bash. To inspire you to dine al fresco I've gathered my favorite gluten-free  picnic recipes, salads, and pot luck supper ideas- in one handy reference. Take advantage of the warm weather and get out of the kitchen. Spread a blanket under a tree or tote a basket to the beach.

Life is short.

We need more picnics.

Gorgeous ripe plums. Nature's candy, baby.

Fire roasted green chiles are fabulous for enchiladas.

May I suggest...
Baguettes with Greek Olive Tapenade is a romantic, portable snack.

Roasted Yellow Tomato Salsa Roasting brings out the sweetness of grape and cherry tomatoes.

Quinoa Salad with Yellow Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Mint is always devoured at family gatherings.

Snappy Crunchy Coleslaw- with no mayo is perfect with grilled fare.

Peanut Coleslaw with lime and cilantro made with coconut milk for a dairy-free mayo-free slaw.

Easy Guacamole with Lime makes a perfect topping to tacos, burgers and sandwiches.

Joey's Kicked Up Rockin' Guac is pure party food. Serve with lots of corn chips. Or try my Roasted Red Pepper Hummus- so tasty.

Jalapeño & Lime Hummus Slightly spicy and fresh. Serve with raw veggies.

Hummus Tahini with Spiced Oil The classic hummus tahini. Yummy on a burger.

Greenwiches Let your kids/guests imagine their own combos and roll their own.

Smoky grilled vegetables bring so much flavor to this gluten-free pasta salad.

 

Flip the same ole, same ole  pasta salad. Try this delightful Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad recipe, a new summer favorite around here, along with this Lemon Infused Pasta Salad with Asparagus.

And this wonderful Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad pleases celiacs and vegans alike.

Cool As A Cucumber Salad is a favorite family side dish. A refreshing counterpoint to spicy dishes.

Lime Quinoa Salad with Mint is such an easy make-ahead salad- with hints of mint and lime that resemble the carefree days of cous cous.

Horseradish Spiked Potato Salad- Yes to spicy vegan goodness.

Quinoa Salad with Yellow Grape Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Basil and Mint is another picnic favorite- fresh and light.

Snappy Crunchy Cole Slaw- no mayo is fresh vegan fare with no eggs in sight.

For vegans and raw food lovers try this groovy almond-based salad that is very not-tuna.

For another crowd pleasing vegan salad, try this lovely Heirloom Potato Salad.

Two Potato Salad- with sweet potatoes is my absolute favorite potato salad (and lower on the glycemic index if you favor the sweet potatoes and use fewer gold potatoes).

Spinach and Quinoa Salad A favorite combo around here- fluffy quinoa and baby spinach leaves studded with sweet tomatoes.


Calabasitas- zucchini and roasted corn is a New Mexican tradition. Make it sprinkled with feta or goat cheese, or keep it dairy-free. Both ways are delicious.

This amazingly good Zucchini Gratin can be made ahead of time and baked before you need it.

Grilled Vegetable Stack with Lemon Hummus - vegan and dairy-free, and GF. It's a triple win.

Grilled Mediterranean Fish- in packets If you're grilling this weekend, try making these Mediterranean inspired packets. Easy to make-ahead- just keep the packets on ice until you grill them.

Quinoa Mushroom Pilaf can be made ahead and served room temperature.

Agave Lime Salmon I like to grill this recipe in foil packets.

And try this easy, make ahead quiche style Gluten-Free Pasta Frittata with Kale.

My mayo-free potato salad will score points with vegans.

Champagne Vinegar Red Potato Salad My tried and true simple stand-by that always surprises and disarms guests- especially when they think that a good potato salad must have mayo and eggs. Nope.

Pesto Zucchini Tomato Gratin is a fab make-ahead dish you can serve at room temperature.

New Mexican Stew with Ground Turkey and Green Chiles is easy, hearty backyard picnic food- and a slow cooker won't heat up the kitchen.

Artichoke and Jalapeno Savory Pie For those of you looking for a crustless quiche to eat at room temperature- this is elegant and tasty picnic food.

Italian Pasta Frittata with Goat Cheese, Portobello, Olives and Sun-dried Tomatoes is an easy portable brunch.


Lighten up your usual enchiladas with these Turkey and Sweet Potato Enchiladas.

Gluten-free zucchini bread. Tender and moist with just a touch of cinnamon.

Amazingly good Zucchini Bread. No one will know it's gluten-free.

My new Whole Grain Olive Bread is killer. For those who enjoy whole grain flavor and rich, heavenly bread. Not the spongy white stuff.

Pumpkin Corn Muffins This cornmeal and pumpkin combo creates moist, delicious muffins.

Peach Muffins with Almond Flour Easy to pack. A taste of summer.

Millet Buckwheat Wraps are a tender and delicious alternative to bread.

Focaccia with Garlic and Tomato Serve with a wedge of Parmesan and some fruity olive oil.

Skillet Cornbread with Green Chiles There's never a scrap of this cornbread left when I bring it to a gathering.

Big Banana Muffins make a tasty alternative to rolls or bread.

My newest, freshest, bestest Blueberry Muffins. And Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.

Sweet and decadent raspberry coconut-almond bars. A family favorite.

These Raspberry Coconut-Almond Bars elevate any backyard picnic to fabulous. Trust me.

Dark Chocolate Brownies Every picnic deserves chocolate. Right?

Peach Coffee Cake with crumble topping makes a perfect late summer dessert. Any time of day.

Apple and Pear Crisp need an easy, quick dessert? Make a crisp to take along.

Zucchini Quinoa Cake anyone?

Almost Sausalito Cookie Bars Oh yeah. For Pepperidge Farm fans.

Orange Creme Cupcakes- fresh and citrusy sweet cakes.

Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies The best gluten-free chocolate chip cookie yet.

Not just good. Super good. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Classic. Make ice cream sandwiches with these beauties.

Peach Cobbler Make a big batch and serve with vanilla coconut milk ice cream.

A pan of these Raspberry Coconut-Almond Cookie Bars are a perfect end to an al fresco feast.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble with a lovely and light topping made with quinoa flakes is a summer classic made post modern.

This Peanut Butter Ice Cream (dairy-free) is rich and creamy.



Life is short- enjoy every cracker.

Gluten-free multigrain crackers.

xox