14 Gluten Free Dairy Free Appetizers

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Published 11/13/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
In This Article
14 Gluten Free Dairy Free Appetizers
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

When you’re hosting a party, one of the biggest challenges is finding appetizers that please everyone. Traditional finger foods are often loaded with cheese, cream or breading, which can leave out guests who can’t eat gluten or dairy. That’s where gluten free dairy free appetizers shine—they’re inclusive, full of natural flavor, and help you serve a spread that everyone can enjoy.

Making gluten free and dairy free appetizers also means leaning into fresh, wholesome ingredients. Colorful vegetables, beans, seafood and fruits not only look appealing on a party platter, but they also keep guests feeling light and energized instead of weighed down by heavy snacks. Even if you don’t have to avoid certain foods, dishes made with natural, whole foods can improve digestion and boost energy, so it’s still a win!

Gluten dairy free appetizers are a smart choice for party hosts who want to keep things simple but impressive. These recipes are quick to prepare, beautiful to present, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a football party, or just a casual get-together, these gluten free appetizer recipes will help you serve food that tastes delicious while fitting into everyone’s diet.

Flavorful Gluten Free and Dairy Free Appetizers: Dips

Dips are the star of any party table, and these options deliver bold taste without dairy or gluten.

  • Corn and Black Bean Salsa

    Heart Healthy Corn and Black Bean Salsa
    Photo Credit: iStock
    30 mins

    A colorful mix of black beans, corn, and peppers makes this hearty and refreshing dip. Naturally gluten and dairy free, it pairs well with veggie sticks or gluten free chips.

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  • Restaurant Style Guacamole

    Heart Healthy Restaurant Style Guacamole
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    10 mins

    Avocados blended with lime and tomato create this creamy, dairy free appetizer that everyone will love. It’s packed with heart healthy fats and always a party favorite next to a bowl of corn chips.

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  • Honey Dijon Hummus

    Heart Healthy Honey Dijon Hummus
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    10 mins

    Chickpeas, Dijon mustard and honey come together in this protein packed spread. The sweet and savory flavor is unique and naturally gluten and dairy free.

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  • Bagna Cauda Dip

    Heart Healthy Bagna Cauda Dip
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    15 mins

    This lighter Italian dip swaps butter for olive oil and garlic. It’s bold, savory, and best served warm with crisp vegetables for an easy gluten free dairy free appetizer option.

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  • Mango Habanero Salsa

    Heart Healthy Mango Habanero Salsa
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    Sweet mango and spicy habanero combine for a fruity, fiery dip. It’s gluten free and dairy free, adding a tropical flair to any party spread.

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Fresh and Colorful Veggie Appetizers

Vegetable-forward dishes add crunch, color, and balance to the party table. Make some of these gluten dairy free appetizers for your next get together!

  • Dinosaur Veggie Platter

    Heart Healthy Dinosaur Veggie Platter
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This veggie platter features an assortment of raw vegetables arranged in a playful design. Naturally gluten and dairy free, it’s a festive and fun way to serve fresh produce at a party.

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  • Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Heart Healthy Stuffed Acorn Squash
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    75 mins

    Hearty acorn squash halves are filled with vegetables and grains for a satisfying bite. This festive dish works well as a side or as a gluten and dairy free appetizer.

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  • Vegetable Kebabs

    Heart Healthy Vegetable Kebabs
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    These veggie kebabs are made with skewered zucchini, peppers and mushrooms roasted with herbs until tender. They’re colorful, customizable and a fun gluten free appetizer recipe to serve guests.

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  • Asian Cucumber Salad

    Heart Healthy Asian Cucumber Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    Crisp cucumbers are tossed in a light sesame and rice vinegar dressing. The result is a refreshing salad that’s hydrating, crunchy and the perfect addition to your healthy appetizer lineup.

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More Gluten Free Appetizer Recipes

These gluten free and dairy free appetizers bring in seafood and beans for extra flavor and satisfying protein.

  • Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

    Healthy Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    60 mins

    Succulent shrimp are coated in shredded coconut and baked until golden and crisp. Served with homemade sweet chili sauce, they make a light, sweet and savory gluten dairy free appetizer.

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  • Dense Bean Salad

    Dense Bean Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    A variety of beans are tossed with fresh herbs and vinaigrette to create a delicious gluten free appetizer recipe. Plant-based, gluten free and dairy free, it delivers both fiber and protein in every bite.

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  • Sweet Potato French Fries

    Heart Healthy Sweet Potato French Fries
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    These oven baked fries are seasoned lightly and roasted until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Naturally gluten and dairy free, they’re perfect for guests craving a crispy potato snack.

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  • Mango Shrimp Cocktail

    Heart Healthy Mango Shrimp Cocktail
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    Chilled shrimp are paired with tangy mango salsa for a refreshing twist on a classic party dish. This tropical favorite is light, protein-rich, and completely gluten and dairy free.

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  • Easy Fruit Salad

    Heart Healthy Easy Fruit Salad
    Photo Credit: iStock
    15 mins

    Fresh seasonal fruits are combined into a colorful, naturally sweet salad. It’s simple to prepare, refreshing, and a guaranteed favorite among your dairy free appetizers.

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Why Gluten Free Dairy Free Appetizers Are Perfect for Parties

Choosing gluten free dairy free appetizers makes your party menu more inclusive, healthier, and just as tasty as traditional options. From creamy guacamole to crispy coconut shrimp, these recipes bring color, crunch and flavor to the table without leaving anyone out. With these gluten and dairy free appetizers, you can celebrate in style while keeping all of your guests happy.

Here are more gluten free and dairy free recipes to try:

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