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Not only do the main meals need to be gluten-free, but the side dishes must also complement the menu. Gluten is the main allergic substance in wheat, which is difficult for many people to digest. So a gluten-free dish mainly has oats, barley, rice, or other main source of carbs.
But what options do we have for gluten-free side dishes? Some of the best Gluten-free and dairy-free side dishes are Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers, Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Dip, Rainbow Veggie Skewers, Vegan Creamy Mashed Cauliflower, Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Tahini Sauce, and 24 other exciting side dishes. They are dairy-free and gluten-free so you can safely enjoy them without having digestive distress. Besides, you can also look at these Gluten-free and Dairy-free Breakfasts, Gluten-Free Potlucks or Gluten-Free Desserts.
Salads
Roasted Beetroot and Quinoa Salad
A nice, cold salad can also be a wonderful side with almost any entree. Roasted beetroot and quinoa is a gluten-free, dairy-free, and nutritious salad.
Beetroot is rich in iron and vitamin b12, which enhance Red cell production. Quinoa is a protein-rich food and keeps you full, hence aiding in weight loss.
This salad requires minimal ingredients and a simple roasting method. Children usually love this violet-colored vegetable in the form of salad.
Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Quinoa has practically revolutionized meal plans. It is a simple and easy-to-cook food and completely gluten-free. So if you are avoiding the allergens and plan to lose weight, this lemon herb and quinoa salad is the best.
You can keep it simple, but adding a handful of chickpeas will not only boost its nutritional content but will make it more fulfilling.
The trick is to prepare quinoa in vegetable broth instead of regular water to make it more flavorful. Add more veggies and corn to the salad if you like. Serve with any gravy entree.
Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta is a lovely comfort food. It is cooked with a lot of healthy vegetables. To keep it gluten and dairy-free, it requires cooking in a walnut-based pesto sauce.
This pesto salad gets a great flavor with green peas and cherry tomatoes. For me, it is a balanced meal that children and adults love equally. Since it is vegan, I recommend adding shredded tofu and dairy-free cheese to make it creamy and cheesy.
Vegan Pesto Salad is summer-friendly to take to parties and picnics. It gets ready within 15 to 20 minutes.
Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad
This Vegan salad is as cool as the cucumber itself. When in abundance, I always incorporate the delicious cool cucumber in my everyday meals and salads. Onions boost the overall feel of the salad with its bold flavor.
The dressing of this salad includes tangy apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. To keep it dairy-free, the recipe requires using dairy-free coconut yogurt.
Maple syrup adds its sweetness and balances the flavors to balance all the spice and tanginess. Add dill, basil, and oregano to this salad to load it with herby freshness.
Moroccan Spiced Lentil Salad
An economical yet healthy source of protein in lentils, so they are usually incorporated into salads and gluten-free side dishes. Along with flavorful spices and some toasted almonds, this salad gets a crunchy texture and flavor burst.
It is a Moroccan-style recipe, which leaves you energized and tastes delicious. Having a healthy salad in the refrigerator means snacking on only healthy foods without adding much to the caloric load.
Since it is an allergen-free food, you can conveniently serve it at parties so that everyone enjoys a delicious healthy side dish. It goes best with meat gravies and barbecues.
Mexican Black Bean Salad with Corn and Avocado
Black beans are a rich source of essential amino acids, so they are considered equal to beef or meat. Hence it is a source of complete protein for vegans. This Mexican salad is healthy, nutritious yet low-cal.
Along with corn and avocado, you can also add tofu to it. You don’t need any special ingredients to prepare this salad. Just a few simple ones are already available in your pantry and you are good to go.
If you are using canned beans, no cooking is required, but I recommend boiling the beans at home for a fresh taste.
Stuffed Sides
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Talk about a hearty, healthy plant-based recipe that is gluten-free too! Quinoa stuffed bell peppers is a high protein yet low cal side dish, loaded with non-dairy cheese or tofu.
Quinoa is completely gluten-free, so it is safe to consume when you are on an allergen-free diet. Serve them with your meat steaks, gravies, or other main meals.
You can stuff peppers with almost anything, so if you are a non-vegetarian, try stuffing them with beef, cheese, or mac and cheese.
Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
A vegan or gluten-free diet never means a boring old, tasteless meal. If you love the recipe for stuffed portobello mushrooms, here is a vegan version.
The portobello mushroom is loaded with spiced chickpeas and vegetables. You can top it up with tofu or vegan cheese to mimic the real recipe. Usually, they are not served with any sauce, but a drizzle of sweet sesame sauce enhances the flavor.
This gluten-free, dairy-free meal is best served with any vegetable gravy. It is finger food, so you can also take these on camping trips, road trips, or outdoor picnics.
Vegan Loaded Baked Potato Skins
Need a gluten-free appetizer? Vegan baked potato skin is easy to make. It is customizable. Load up those potato skins with veggies of your choice, corn, mushrooms, olives, or whatever you like. Top up with vegan cheese or tofu and bake!
It is one of those kinds of side dishes that disappear immediately from the table. Why are they the best? They are gluten-free, dairy-free, nutritious, and wholesome. Try packing these in the lunch boxes and see the magic.
Since they are everyone’s favorite, it is a great side dish for a potluck dinner or a festive occasion. Prepare some dips to go with this side for a flavor burst.
Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa
Whenever it is the season of large, fresh, and red tomatoes, I stock them up to make this amazing side. Since I need to go gluten-free most days, this recipe helps to boost up the entire menu.
I usually use chickpeas, spinach, and quinoa to load the tomatoes, but you can add the ingredients as per your liking.
This is the best side to enjoy this summer fruit and go healthy at the same time. It doesn’t refrigerate well, so just make a fresh batch each time.
Stir-Fry Sides
Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
If you love the Chinese concept of fried rice, cauliflower rice will not fail to impress you. Being a vegetable-based side dish, it is low in calories, gluten-fairy, and dairy-free.
You can load the rice with veggies to make them nutritious and wholesome.
The cauliflower rice is neutral in flavor, so it blends with any gravy to make a complete meal. It is rich in fiber and keeps you feeling full for a longer time.
You can also prepare the cauliflower rice ahead of time and prepare it within 5 minutes just before serving. It goes well with grilled veggie skewers for kabobs.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Being gluten-free not only means boring old biscuits or simple vegetarian meals. Have you tried homemade or commercially available zucchini noodles? You just need 3 more ingredients to turn them into a delightful, low-cal, gluten-free, dairy-free pasta side dish!
The benefit of zucchini noodles is that it does not cause any bloating or sugar rush which usually occurs with regular pasta. Serve this easy side dish with grilled or baked chicken filets.
Since noodles are children’s favorite, the zoodles make a great side dish at children ‘s parties, along with nuggets, potato wedges, and strawberry banana smoothie, or Peach Smoothie.
Sauteed Kale with Garlic
People who do not like spinach, kale, or broccoli; try this amazing Spicy Sauteed Kale with garlic and you will fall in love with your greens. Not only is this side dairy and gluten-free but it is highly nutritious.
Kale is loaded with calcium, Vitamin B12, and antioxidants. The recipe involves simple ingredients and minimal cooking, so you can pull it off last minute, just before your guests arrive. Serve it with gluten-free spaghetti or quinoa rice.
Garlic Sauteed Green Beans
I may not like my green veggies as much, but green beans are another scene. Saute them with some crisp bits of garlic to create an amazing, flavorful side dish.
It might look like a basic recipe but sometimes becomes a lifesaver when you immediately need to create a side dish.
It is a versatile one because it goes with the entrees of almost all cuisines. Try serving it with crispy-fried fish or a comforting pot of lasagne!
Tofu Pad Thai
Let me tell you a food fact, 80% of the vegan dishes are gluten and dairy-free. This vegan pad Thai recipe includes rice noodles, tofu, and a load of veggies and is flavored by an easy-peasy sauce recipe.
The best part is that it can be made ahead of time, and gets ready within 15 minutes when you need to serve it.
To keep it a low-cal meal, I even air fry the tofu cubes before adding them to the salad. Since the sauce has some hot elements like sriracha sauce, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peppers, maple syrup is added to balance the flavors.
Roasted Sides
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Just a few basic ingredients, and you create this exciting, Gluten-free side dish. Although you may not like Brussels sprouts as they are, roasting them with garlic enhances their aroma and texture.
Use some herbs and spices such as black pepper, salt, or paprika powder to make them a bit spicy. Lemon juice is optional, but it introduces a tang which greatly improves the taste.
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts make a great side dish to compliment pasta, rice, and chicken casseroles or turkey steaks.
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Tahini Sauce
Asparagus might be a slightly bland vegetable but gets yummy with dips, such as a tangy Lemon Tahini Sauce. To keep it low-cal and oil-free, roast them in the oven instead of frying.
I usually like to season the asparagus sticks with soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. You can use commercially available tahini sauce, but I recommend making it fresh.
You can also serve this gluten-free, dairy-free side as an evening snack. It is low in calories but a rich source of protein.
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Some foods are traditionally associated with holidays, especially pumpkins and butternut squash.
For this Thanksgiving dinner, consider preparing this lovely Maple Roasted Butternut Squash. Not only is it gluten and dairy-free, but it also gives a sweet mellow flavor with maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt.
For me, it is my easy-peasy autumn recipe which turns out to be caramelized on the outside yet soft on the inside. It is a flavorful, healthy, and nutritious side to serve with mashed eggplant or cauliflower rice.
Spicy Roasted Broccoli
Hosting a party and still no side dish to serve? Simply roast a few florets of broccoli in olive oil and season them with salt and red chili flakes. Roasting brings out the natural flavors of most vegetables and is an easy cooking method.
You can serve this gluten-free, dairy-free side dish with any rice entree to complete your menu. If your kids have not adored broccoli before, try this recipe to feed them their greens.
I like them a bit on the spicier sides, but you can adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
Admit it or not, we all love potatoes in all their forms. So when it is about making gluten-free, dairy-free side dishes, baby potatoes come in handy.
Roasting the potatoes along with some olive oil, fresh herbs, and chopped garlic not only makes them tender but also infuses them with flavor and aroma.
Potatoes can be served with almost any entree, but since it is a good source of carbs, they go best with protein-based entrees.
Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Dip
Fries can become a healthy everyday snack if you bake them instead of deep frying them. Regular potatoes do well, but you can make sweet potato fries with garlic butter.
Not only is sweet potato gluten-free but also a rich source of fiber; it makes a tasty yet low-cal snack. It is also a rich source of Vitamin A, which is a great antioxidant.
The best thing about this gluten-free side dish is that you can make them in an air-fryer too. Serve them with an extra healthy and nutritious avocado dip.
Baked Sides
Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
It is known that sweet potatoes are healthier than regular ones, as they are a rich source of fiber. Sweet potato wedges are a great and low-cal alternative to regular wedges, especially fried ones.
So if you are craving some restaurant-style wedges but want to keep a check on the calories, try baking these sweet potato wedges.
This side dish is completely gluten and dairy-free. It ends up so crispy, light, and delicious that the side may end up sooner than the main meal.
The sweet potato wedges become a great afternoon snack or a picnic menu. You can also use an air fryer to keep it low-cal.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
If you are not into raw vegetables or fresh vegetable salad, try glazing them with this amazing dressing. Balsamic vinegar mixed with honey and garlic butter makes a heavenly glaze for the carrots.
It is incredibly simple to prepare them as a side of any meal. The recipe is rather simple but turns out to be delicious.
Serve them with a delightful main entree of Herb Roasted Chicken Breast. It makes a beautiful presentation on the table set for the holiday or Christmas dinner.
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings and unfried? Without oil? Might sound astonishing but it is very easy when you have a cauliflower. They are a bit spicy, but you can keep things down as per your taste. They are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
To make them oil-free, you can either bake them or prepare them in your air-fryer. Thus it becomes a healthy and vegan alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, fired wings, and tender pops. It is also an ideal snack item for lunch boxes.
Serve these cauliflower buffalo wings hummus or tahini sauce with dairy-free alternatives.
Baked Eggplant Fries
As I started experimenting with various vegetables, my concept of fries was revolutionized. After all, lots of veggies can be turned into a healthy and mouth-watering snack.
This healthy eggplant baked fries recipe is a perfect gluten-free side.
What makes them delicious and tantalizing is the herbs and seasonings we use to marinate them. Just be sure to use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to keep it free from allergens.
They are perfect as they are but do try serving them with a mild garlicky dip for some extra flavor.
Grilled Sides
Rainbow Veggie Skewers
A gluten-free side dish that requires minimal cooking is a great addition to the menu. Rainbow veggie skewers are an easy and fun dish even children can prepare.
Although you can customize the veggies according to your choice, it is ideally made with lots of cherry tomatoes, colored bell peppers, zucchini, potatoes, and onions.
The cooking time is only 6 to 7 minutes, so your side gets ready in 15 to 20 minutes. Ideal to serve if you are short of time.
Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Making gluten-free snacks is so easy when you have a lot of seasonal vegetables with you. Not only does it make a colorful meal, but it is flavorful and nutritious.
These Vegetable Kabobs get a flavor boost with the spicy chimichurri sauce. Its fresh green color and refreshing flav give an overall fresh feel on a hot summer day. It is a great side for an outdoor party, summer picnics, or potluck dinners
Serve these Grilled kebabs with barbecue, grilled chicken steaks, or meat chops.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Talk about a gluten-free meal and corn immediately pops up as an idea. Corn is a gluten-free source of carbs.
Grilled corn is almost everyone’s favorite snack, so why not spice it up with some chili lime butter, for a healthy and spicy side? This goes well with barbecue, rice meals, or sandwiches.
Use almond butter if you want to keep things completely vegan and dairy-free. The taste may be nutty, but it is still a tasty and healthy choice as a snack or side dish.
Dips & Sauces
Avocado Guacamole with Homemade Tortilla Chips
Until recently, I was not very familiar with Guacamole, but then I tried it at a friend’s place. Since then, he has become my new best friend.
Whenever I want something quick and easy, Guacamole pops up in my mind. It is loaded with energy-boosting nutrients and makes an awesome pair with some homemade tortilla chips.
You can stuff the mashed avocados with whatever you like. Red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or any veggies along with lime juice, salt, and pepper enhance the texture and flavor of this side. It pairs well with sandwiches, wraps, pita bread, or dinner rolls.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Keto, Vegan, Dairy-free, and Gluten-free, the titles may intimidate you but not this recipe. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower is a simple side and requires only 4 basic ingredients.
As per your preference, you can keep this side dish slightly chunky, or perfectly smooth. Extra herbs and flavorings can make the cauliflower pop, but it’s not essential.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower is a great gluten-free and dairy-free alternative to regular mashed potatoes. You can serve it with pasta or rice meals, or with a gravied main meal.
30 Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Side Dishes for Every Meal
Ingredients
- Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Dip
- Rainbow Veggie Skewers
- Vegan Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Tahini Sauce
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
- Zucchini Noodles Zoodles with Garlic and Olive Oil
- Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
- Spicy Sauteed Kale with Garlic
- Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
- Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Roasted Beetroot and Quinoa Salad
- Balsamic Glazed Carrots
- Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Garlic Sauteed Green Beans
- Vegan Loaded Baked Potato Skins
- Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries
- Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
- Spicy Roasted Broccoli
- Vegan Guacamole with Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa
- Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad
- Grilled Vegetable Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce
- Oven-Roasted Baby Potatoes with Fresh Herbs
- Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Moroccan Spiced Lentil Salad
- Vegan Pad Thai with Tofu
- Mexican Black Bean Salad with Corn and Avocado
Instructions
- Select a recipe from any of these gluten free and daiy-free sides.
- Gather all the ingredients and make sure the ingredients are fresh.
- Start making the recipe as instructed.
- hope you’ve made the gluten-free, dairy-free side in 30 minutes.
