63 Gluten-Free Recipes for Picky Eaters (for Kids & Adults)

Eating gluten-free has never been easier! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a mandate in 2013 that foods on the market must be labeled as gluten-free to help those enduring Celiac disease or gluten intolerance to shop at grocery stores confidently.

Today, we will answer these questions:

What is gluten?
Why do people eat a gluten-free diet?
How do I make any recipe gluten-free?
Are fruits and vegetables gluten-free?

Gluten-free picky eaters do not have to suffer with minimal meal options because they cannot eat gluten-laden products for whatever reason. There are still many recipes out there that are nutritious, delicious, and affordable to make at home for your special diet.

Jump to:

What Is Gluten?
Why Do People Eat a Gluten-Free Diet?
How Do I Make Any Recipe Gluten-Free?
Are Fruits and Vegetables Gluten-Free?
1. 10-Minute Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas
2. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
3. Gluten-Free Sticky Garlic Noodles
4. Gluten-Free Tater Tot Casserole
5. Gluten-Free Baked Parmesan Chicken
6. Copycat Panda Express Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
7. Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole
8. Gluten-Free One-Pot No-Drain Mac and Cheese
9. Barbecue Chicken Gluten-Free Grilled Pizza
10. Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf
11. Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Gnocchi
12. Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Baked Ziti
13. Gluten-Free Club Sandwich
14. Gluten-Free Pretzel Chicken With Honey Mustard
15. Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie
16. Easy Greek Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos
17. Dr. Pepper Ten Popcorn
18. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
19. Gluten-Free Ground Turkey Fried Rice
20. Gluten-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip With Breadcrumbs
21. Gluten-Free Meatballs
22. Gluten-Free Sweet Chili Wings
23. Copycat Bonefish Grill Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp
24. Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp
25. Huevos Rancheros Hashbrowns Casserole
26. Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegetarian Tacos
27. Salted Caramel Granola
28. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
29. Gluten-Free Cranberry Chocolate Muffins
30. Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Pancakes
31. Chipotle Mango Salsa With Vegan Tortilla Chips
32. Gluten-Free Sticky Asian Ribs
33. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries With Orange Zest Icing Dipping
34. Lemon Basil Salmon
35. Gluten-Free Reuben Sandwiches With Thousand Island Dressing
36. Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata
37. Gluten-Free Pad Thai
38. Gluten-Free Southwest Pasta Salad
39. Gluten-Free Apple Muffins
40. Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas
41. 15-Minute Cranberry Sauce
42. Instant Pot Gluten-Free French Dip Sandwiches
43. Gluten-Free Pudding
44. Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix
45. Chicken Posole
46. Instant Pot Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin
47. Green Chile White Bean Chicken Chili
48. Gluten-Free Lasagna Casserole
49. Gluten-Free Korean Ground Turkey and Rice Bowl
50. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
51. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Bruschetta Chicken Skillet
52. Gluten-Free Pasta With White Wine Sauce
53. Gluten-Free Teriyaki Grilled Pineapple Burgers
54. Red Wine Marinated Steak with Baked Garlic and Herb Fries
55. Gluten-Free Pulled Pork With Green Chile Slaw
56. Gluten-Free Stir Fry
57. Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy
58. Gluten-Free Biscuits
59. Gluten-Free SunButter Honey Granola Bars
60. Gluten-Free Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
61. Gluten-Free Pasta Salad With Pumpkin Seed Pesto
62. Gluten-Free Stuffing With Green Chile
63. Gluten-Free Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Gluten-Free Recipes for Picky Eaters
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What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a type of protein that comes from wheat-based products such as barley, rye, durum, emmer, semolina, farro, and others. Some foods that you would not even expect contain gluten, such as soups, rolled or quick oats, bread, food coloring, pasta, sauces, salad dressings, and cereals.

While you can make gluten-free food alternatives, there are also products on the market to purchase gluten-free ingredients to make it easier to prepare meals. Cutting out gluten from sauces, soups, roux, and salad dressings means being sure you do not use wheat-based flour to thicken them.

Why Do People Eat a Gluten-Free Diet?

People eat a gluten-free diet for multiple reasons. They may have Celiac disease, a non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. People may have personal diet preferences and see that they feel better consuming gluten-free products versus mainstream foods. On a more serious note, a gluten-free diet is necessary if you have a wheat allergy.

Celiac Disease

Most individuals consume a gluten-free diet because not doing so can cause serious medical problems if they have what’s called Celiac disease. It is a condition where the person cannot properly digest foods that contain gluten. While it only affects 1% of people worldwide, only about 30% of people experiencing the condition receive a proper medical diagnosis.

If someone with a gluten intolerance eats food containing the substance, then the corresponding immune response results in their small intestine being attacked. Villous atrophy begins to form in the small intestine, which is indicative of Celiac disease.

Maybe you know someone in your family, whether your sibling, one of your parents, or any of your children, that may have received a Celiac disease diagnosis. This means that you are 10% likely to develop the same condition later in life.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

Some people can experience gluten intolerance without having Celiac disease. This means that any foods containing gluten can make them feel different symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Hence, switching to a gluten-free diet can ease these symptoms while helping them feel more energized.

Diet Preferences

People who have not been formally diagnosed with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease may decide to try a gluten-free diet to see how they feel. If the person is repeatedly experiencing any of the symptoms described above that could relate to gluten intolerance, they may benefit from switching to gluten-free alternatives.

Wheat Allergy

About 1 in 100 children contract a wheat allergy during their youth. Many grow out of the allergy by the time they are age 12. However, some continue to endure wheat allergy for the remainder of their lives, whereas a gluten-free diet is necessary for their health and safety.

How Do I Make Any Recipe Gluten-Free?

Making any recipe gluten-free is as simple as swapping out gluten-laden ingredients with suitable alternatives.

Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives

All-purpose flour contains up to 11% gluten because it is manufactured from a wheat’s endosperm. Hence, choosing an alternative flour without gluten content will instantly turn your baked goods into gluten-free delights.

Some examples of gluten-free flour alternatives include:

Almond
Amaranth
Arrowroot
Chickpea
Corn
Sorghum
Tapioca

Gluten-Free Beer Alternatives

Beer-battered shrimp or salmon sounds delicious, but there’s just one problem. The spiked beverage contains gluten because of wheat and barley.

Find a gluten-free beer brand that you love. This glutenless beer variety is created from sorghum or brown rice.

Other gluten-free beer alternatives that mimic the original taste and aesthetic of the iconic beverage include:

Ginger beer
Hard cider
Hard seltzer
Mead

Are Fruits and Vegetables Gluten-Free?

Yes, fruits and vegetables are gluten-free because they do not contain wheat-based products. You can make a deliciously healthy meal with gluten-free alternatives for pasta, oats, and other products while incorporating any of your favorite fruits and vegetables for a pop of flavor and health benefits.

If the fruit or vegetable is fresh or frozen without other additives, then they are gluten-free even if they do not say it on the packaging. Watch out for processed produce products that could contain gluten-laden ingredients.

For example, if you are purchasing battered okra from the frozen section, you have to check the ingredients list to be sure there are no wheat-based ingredients in the bread. Some frozen or pre-cut fruits may be coated in a syrup or candy-based solution, which could contain gluten-laden ingredients.

Hence, it’s best to purchase the fruit or vegetable by itself from the fresh produce or frozen department and then add your desired gluten-free ingredients to be on the safe side.

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: the gluten-free recipes! Here are 63 gluten-free recipes for the pickiest eaters of any age. From chicken dishes to savory beef delights and sweet treats as a snack or dessert, there is something delicious for all gluten-free dieters on this list.

1. 10-Minute Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas

Juicy 10-Minute Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas in a glass casserole.

Try this Mexican-inspired dish filled with moist chicken, melted cheese, and veggies and herbs of your choice.

2. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings

Delicious Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings in a white bowl.

Dumplings are so warm and cozy with all your daily servings of veggies in one meal!

3. Gluten-Free Sticky Garlic Noodles

Flavorful Gluten-Free Sticky Garlic Noodles in a white bowl.

The fresh basil and crunch of the green onions tie in the flavorful umami of the soy sauce noodles.

4. Gluten-Free Tater Tot Casserole

Crispy Gluten-Free Tater Tots in a white casserole.

Choose from beef or turkey for the meat component. Don’t forget to make this homemade gluten-free cream mushroom soup to tie it all together.

5. Gluten-Free Baked Parmesan Chicken

Tasty Gluten-Free Baked Parmesan Chicken on a white tray.

Chicken and cheese taste great together, especially when it’s baked parmesan chicken!

6. Copycat Panda Express Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Juicy Copycat Panda Express Gluten-Free Orange Chicken on a white tray.

Do you love Panda Express orange chicken but don’t love the priciness? We cracked the code so you can make a gluten-free alternative home that’s healthier, tastier, and more budget-friendly.

7. Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole

Crunchy Gluten-Free Tuna in a white casserole.

Tuna, vegetables, and pasta is a meal made in heaven. If you are tired of tuna salad, give this warm tuna dish a try!

8. Gluten-Free One-Pot No-Drain Mac and Cheese

Flavorful Gluten-Free One-Pot No-Drain Mac and Cheese in two white bowls.

Mac and cheese lovers assemble! Now there’s a gluten-free alternative to your favorite comfort food, and it’s a delicious one-pot meal to boot.

9. Barbecue Chicken Gluten-Free Grilled Pizza

Tasty Barbecue Chicken Gluten-Free Grilled Pizza on a blue plate.

Zesty barbecue and moist chicken on a pizza? Yes, please! Don’t forget the red onions for a pop of color and flavor.

10. Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf

Mouth-watering Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf on a wooden cutting board.

With a side of mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, this gluten-free turkey meatloaf will be a hit at the dinner table.

11. Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Gnocchi

Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Gnocchi in a white bowl.

Save this recipe for gluten-free, vegan pumpkin gnocchi for a brisk autumn day! The freshness of the sage sauce compliments the hearty, starchy goodness of the potatoes.

12. Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Baked Ziti

Juicy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Baked Ziti in a white casserole scooped by a wooden spoon.

Here’s the answer to your pasta and cheese craving without dealing with the gluten’s effects. This makes a great make-and-freeze meal, so you can pop it into the oven when you get the craving for it.

13. Gluten-Free Club Sandwich

A pile of healthy Gluten-Free Club Sandwiches on a table.

Sandwiches are a versatile lunch idea that you can customize how you desire. The nuttiness of the Swiss cheese, the saltiness of the bacon, and the sumptuous notes of the Black Forest ham will leave you wanting seconds.

14. Gluten-Free Pretzel Chicken With Honey Mustard

Crispy Gluten-Free Pretzel Chicken With Honey Mustard with salad on a white plate.

The pretzels’ saltiness and honey mustard’s zestiness pair well with the chicken.

15. Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie

Flavorful Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie in a small orange bowl with a spoon.

This gluten-free chicken pot pie recipe will have you thinking about your grandmother’s cooking.

16. Easy Greek Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos

Tasty Easy Greek Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos on white plates.

Whether you’re vegetarian or not, these Greek vegetarian chickpea tacos will pack a flavorful punch.

17. Dr. Pepper Ten Popcorn

Crunchy Dr. Pepper Ten Popcorn in a white bowl.

Sure, you’ve drank soda while munching on popcorn at the movie theaters, but mixing it in one dish is another adventure!

18. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala in two white bowls.

Take a trip to India without booking a flight by making this gluten-free Instant Pot chicken tikka masala.

19. Gluten-Free Ground Turkey Fried Rice

Scrumptious Gluten-Free Ground Turkey Fried Rice in a white bowl.

Fried rice is a delicious Asian dish. Add ground turkey is a nice twist on a classic.

20. Gluten-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip With Breadcrumbs

Crispy Gluten-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip With Breadcrumbs in a white casserole.

Put cheese on any vegetable, and kids and adults will eat it right up!

21. Gluten-Free Meatballs

Flavorful Gluten-Free Meatballs with mashed potatoes and broccoli on a gray plate.

These gluten-free meatballs can go into a spaghetti recipe or a sub or serve as a main dish with a vegetable and starch!

22. Gluten-Free Sweet Chili Wings

Juicy Gluten-Free Sweet Chili Wings on a table.

Gluten-free sweet chili wings bring spiciness and sweetness to the table for a satisfying punch of flavor.

23. Copycat Bonefish Grill Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy Copycat Bonefish Grill Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp on a white plate.

What’s not to love about breaded seafood with a spicy sauce?

24. Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp

Crunchy Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimps on a blue plate.

When you’re making the Bang Bang shrimp, make a batch of these coconut shrimp for a seafood fiesta!

25. Huevos Rancheros Hashbrowns Casserole

Mouth-watering Huevos Rancheros Hashbrown on a white plate.

The egg and hash browns in this gluten-free Huevos Rancheros hashbrowns casserole complete a breakfast or brunch experience!

26. Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegetarian Tacos

Healthy Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegetarian Taco held by hand.

The subtle sweetness of the sweet potato and the earthiness of the black beans tie together this vegetarian taco recipe.

27. Salted Caramel Granola

Crunchy Salted Caramel Granola in a white bowl.

Salted caramel granola is a nice sweet treat for any time of the day. Eat the granola by itself, treat it like cereal, or mix it in yogurt!

28. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Healthy Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats in a glass jar with a spoon.

Pumpkin Pie overnight oats are delicious during the autumn season, but they can be a year-round breakfast or snack!

29. Gluten-Free Cranberry Chocolate Muffins

Delicious Gluten-Free Cranberry Chocolate Muffin on a small red plate.

The tartness of cranberries and sweet chocolate completes these gluten-free cranberry chocolate muffins. Use dark chocolate as a substitute to boost your antioxidant intake.

30. Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Pancakes

A pile of Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Pancakes on a blue plate.

Bananas and blueberries are beautifully delicious together, especially in a breakfast recipe.

31. Chipotle Mango Salsa With Vegan Tortilla Chips

Healthy Chipotle Mango Salsa in a small white bowl.

Chipotle mango salsa requires only a few ingredients: diced red onions, diced mangoes, and gluten-free chipotle pepper in Adobo sauce.

32. Gluten-Free Sticky Asian Ribs

Juicy Gluten-Free Sticky Asian Ribs on a wooden cutting board.

Notes of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil will tie in the quintessential Asian flavors.

33. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries With Orange Zest Icing Dipping

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries in a metal bucket With Orange Zest Icing Dipping on a table.

Crispy baked sweet potato fries with a side of orange zest icing dip is a twist on a classic.

34. Lemon Basil Salmon

A piece of Lemon Basil Salmon on a black plate.

Lemon basil salmon is an earthy and citrusy fish dish.

35. Gluten-Free Reuben Sandwiches With Thousand Island Dressing

Crunchy Gluten-Free Reuben Sandwiches With Thousand Island Dressing on a wooden cutting board.

Gluten-free Reuben sandwiches are a meaty and zesty delight in between two bread slices. Don’t worry: the rye bread is gluten-free!

36. Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata

Delicious Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata on a white plate with a fork.

Take a trip to Italy without boarding a plane. This gluten-free chicken piccata is moist, briny, and tart, thanks to the lemon juice and capers.

37. Gluten-Free Pad Thai

Healthy Gluten-Free Pad Thai in two gray bowls.

Asian takeout just became take-in! The fish sauce, crunchy peanuts, and natural peanut butter mixed with fresh vegetables and gluten-free rice sticks will satisfy your umami taste buds.

38. Gluten-Free Southwest Pasta Salad

Scrumptious Gluten-Free Southwest Pasta Salad in a bowl.

The different flavor profiles of the vegetables with the avocado dressing will tame the pickiest eater! Avocados have 67% monounsaturated fat, a healthier alternative to other fats in gluten-laden foods. Plus, avocado compliments the flavors of tomatoes, black beans, and cilantro.

39. Gluten-Free Apple Muffins

Mouth-watering Gluten-Free Apple Muffins with cinnamons sticks on a table.

Put those apples sitting in the fruit basket to good use! Using a combination of your favorite fresh apple, and applesauce will create a more moist muffin.

40. Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas

Flavorful Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas on a table.

Carnitas are flavorful and sweet thanks to the brown sugar and range of simple Mexican spices. Use boneless ribs or a pork shoulder for the best results.

41. 15-Minute Cranberry Sauce

Mouth-watering 15-Minute Cranberry Sauce in a white bowl.

This 15-minute cranberry sauce recipe is a tart and refreshing side dish to complete any meal! Save this recipe for when you make Easter or Thanksgiving dinner.