Easy gluten-free dinners for summer

If you are looking to enjoy delicious gluten-free dinners that come together in 20 minutes or less? Whether you’re managing celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or simply exploring a healthier lifestyle, gluten-free dinners can be both satisfying and packed with flavor. In this article I’m sharing my favorite gluten-free dinner recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.

But if you have more time and want to explore other gluten-free dinner ideas which require some more cooking, take a look at this article about Healthy Summer Meals.

Gluten-free quiche for dinner

A quiche is a savory pie that consists of a pastry crust filled with a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, and a variety of other ingredients such as cheese, meat, seafood, and vegetables. Basically, the best solution to empty the fridge!

I always have a roll of store bought puff pastry in the fridge, as this is the quickest way to make a quiche. But when I don’t have it, this is the quick gluten-free and vegan dough I use for the same purpose:

1/3 cup super fine rice flour (45 g), 1/4 cup millet flour (30 g), 1 tablespoon chickpea flour (10 g), 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g), 1 tsp psylium husks + 2 tbsp water, 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g), 2 tablespoons water (30 g).

The most well-known type of quiche is Quiche Lorraine, which traditionally includes bacon, cheese, eggs and cream as filling. But what I do most of the times is a mix of spinach or ther vegetables with a fresh goat cheese, with eggs on top. The filling is baked until it is set and slightly golden on top (around 30-40 minutes at 255°F/180°C). Quiches can be served hot or cold (but let it cool at least 10 minutes before slicing) and are often enjoyed as a breakfast, brunch, lunch, or light dinner dish. It works perfectly also as lunch box for school or office.

Homemade poke bowl

Making a homemade poke bowl is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a fresh, balanced meal. Today, it’s quite easy to find sushi-grade fish like salmon and tuna. However, a poke bowl is equally delicious with canned tuna, charred salmon cubes, or marinated tofu chunks.

The steps to make a gluten-free poke bowl are simple:

Choose a grain for your base layer: Typically rice, but quinoa and sorghum work well too!
Add a protein: Fish, tofu, or even cooked beans like edamame or chickpeas.
Complete with colorful veggies: Think cherry tomatoes, zucchini, raw red onions, cucumbers, and more.
Top with something crunchy: Chopped nuts, furikake, sesame seeds, or crushed unsweetened cornflakes.

Make sure to season your bowl with an Asian-style dressing, such as tamari sauce mixed with sesame oil and a pinch of salt.

Balanced and nutrients-packed gluten-free salads:

A big bowl of salad including all the needed nutrients is what I crave the most during the hottest days. It allows me to not use the stove or the oven and comes together very quickly. Pair with some gluten-free breads and lunch/dinner is ready!

Here’s some ideas on my favourite salads:

Caprese inspired salad: heirloom tomatoes, avocado, mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil
Green leaf salad, canned tuna, white beans, cherry tomatoes
Greek salad is a classic (tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, raw onion and black olives), but its variations are what I love the most. Try cantaloupe melon + cucumbers + feta crumble + roasted hazelnuts. Or even watermelon + raw onion + feta + basil leaves. You will be blown away by the explosive taste!
Niçoise salad, typical from the South of France. There are many versions but I make it with steamed potatoes, steamed green beans, canned tuna, boiled eggs, anchovies and olives.

A quick but tasty pasta dish!

As an Italian, I might be biased on the topic. But a good gluten-free pasta is among my dinners or lunches at least twice per week (sometimes more!) .

My favorite gluten-free pasta sauces for summer are:
– Raw tomato sauce: blend any kind of tomatoes with basil leaves, olive oil and some almonds. Use it fresh to season your cooked pasta.
– Pesto sauce (homemade or storebought) with the addition of chopped green beans that you can cook together with pasta in the same water.
– Fresh tomato sauce: in a saucepan drizzle some olive oil with garlic, then pour fresh tomatoes of choice, olives, capers and anchovies. Cook until the tomatoes are smashing (about 10 minutes) while you cook your pasta on a separate pot.