I’ve been packing Gluten Free Lunches for myself and my 3 kids for over a decade and to beat boredom, we often go beyond the sandwich!
Especially as my kids have grown and are more open to a variety of lunches, we’ve been getting more creative with what we pack.
Cold Gluten Free Lunches
Here are a few cold gluten free lunch ideas that have become favorites in our house for kids and adults alike:
Quinoa Salad
A batch of quinoa takes 15 minutes of hands-off cook time and with 2 simple additions, it becomes a flavorful salad. I make this in the morning sometimes as I’m making breakfast for our family because it’s so easy.
- Use a teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken base in the water for savory flair.
- Add chopped spinach, peppers, onions (whatever you’d like!) on top of the quinoa during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The veggies will steam on top and add tons of flavor.
- Pair the quinoa salad with a green salad, some cheese, garbanzo beans, olives, herbs, or hummus for a protein-rich, nutrient packed meal.
- Leftover chicken, salmon, steak, or pasta also makes a great addition.
Healthy “Lunchables“
My kids love the idea of Lunchables but since they all contain wheat, they are not an option. We make our own versions using GF crackers or pitas, sliced cheese and meats, fruits and veggies.
Tip: Silicone muffin tin liners make a great reusable separator for keeping crackers crisp or items separated for picky eaters.
Pita Pockets
We discovered some really tasty Against the Grain Pita Bread that works beautifully for lunches. They are made with tapioca starch and have a great springy texture, much like wheat pita. I’m working on my own recipe for these, so stay tuned!
We stuff them with veggies and hummus, falafel and feta, salad, meat and cheese. Or slice into wedges it for dipping into spreads or accompanying salads.
Yogurt Parfait
Top your favorite gluten free yogurt with fresh fruit and honey. Pack a container of gluten free granola or nuts separately and stir in before eating.
Fast Fresh Salads
There is no end to the variety of delicious salads you can make that are nutritious, filling, and 100% Gluten Free!
Shaved Zucchini, Fennel, and Orange Salad
Hot Gluten Free Lunches
Breakfast for Lunch
Who doesn’t love a stack of pancakes or French toast in their lunchbox?
If you can warm them up, great, but my kids even eat them cold. Fill a mini jelly jar with syrup for easy packing.
We are big fans of the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pancakes, but I always make extra homemade GF pancakes, too! And we often have French toast on the weekend, so I freeze extras for future lunches.
Leftovers
Leftover soups, stews, pastas, and pizza all make easy gluten free lunches, too.
We love these Zojirushi brand thermos for keeping hot food hot, and cold food cold. We use them regularly for school lunches, travel, and times when we need to bring a GF meal to an event.
The smaller size is just right for younger children. They hold the temperature and don’t leak!
Favorite GF Hot Lunches:
- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup (pack each in separate thermos)
- Tortilla Soup and Cornbread
- Chicken Tikka Masala with Rice & Peas (microwaveable by Trader Joe’s-just add peas)
- Vegetable Beef Soup
- Chicken Taco Nachos (sprinkle meat in thermos with cheese and send chips separately)
Thermos Tips: For hot food, fill the thermos with boiling water for 10 minutes before filling with the heated food.
For cold foods, place the thermos in the freezer overnight or fill with ice water for 10 minutes before filling with cold foods.
I hope these ideas help you spice up your Gluten Free Lunches!
