Gluten Free Summer Barbecue Recipes

Gluten Free Summer Recipes for a BBQ

Whether summer is just starting or you are hanging on to those last few warm days and nights, you know you are getting together with friends and family, and firing up the grill. As long as you avoid the buns and macaroni salad, you’d think navigating a cookout would be easy for us gluten free folks. But there are some pitfalls to watch out for. Here are my top three tips when attending a barbecue this summer.

Tips to Avoid Being Glutened at a Barbecue

1. Be careful with dips – double-dipping takes on a new meaning when you have to avoid gluten. Make and label your own snack platter so you can enjoy veggies, chips, and dips.
2. Always ask – some brands of burgers and hot dogs contain fillers with gluten, and people often marinate them in soy sauce or beer. So be sure you know what’s going on the grill.
3. BYO means more than just drinks – yes, you might want to bring some wine or hard cider since you can’t have beer. But if you have any gluten free side dishes you just can’t live without at a barbecue, bring your own so you know it’s safe.

The other solution is just to host your own summer parties where you can control the menu.

What do you serve at a BBQ party?

You want your summer appetizers and cocktails cool and as easy to make as they are to eat. Gluten free side dishes like potato salad and coleslaw are perfect because it’s easy to make a big batch to feed a big gathering of friends or family. And salads are amazing because of all the fresh produce at the farmers’ market this time of the year. When it comes to gluten free summer dinner recipes, it’s all about the grill. Grilled chicken, burgers, or steaks on the grill become staples.

Of course, we can’t forget the sweet stuff. No-bake desserts satisfy the sweet tooth while keeping you and your kitchen cool. Cookies, bars, and brownies feed a crowd. Plus, like seasonal vegetables, fresh summer fruit takes fruity desserts to new levels of deliciousness.

And yes, there are easy ways to make all of these summer dishes gluten free!

Gluten Free Grilled Main Dishes

Pick up a package of your favorite brand of gluten free buns or make your own hamburger buns or hot dog buns for your favorite burgers and dogs. And you can’t go wrong with the deliciousness of perfectly cooked beef or chicken on the grill. As long as you don’t use beer or soy sauce or other gluten-containing ingredients in your marinades, sauces, or rubs, then you are good to go.

Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Tender and juicy bites of chicken are marinated with garlic, lemon juice, herbs and more, then stacked up on a skewer and grilled.

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Gluten Free Desserts for Summer Parties

These easy recipes prove you don’t have to be intimidated by gluten free desserts. From flourless brownies and cookies to simple parfaits, and even a few cakes to bake, there is something anyone can make and everyone will enjoy. And when in doubt, make ice cream, even if it is to serve over blueberry cobbler!

Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

This classic dessert recipe combines soft buttermilk sweet biscuits, juicy strawberries, and homemade whipped cream into one ultra-satisfying treat.

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