Simple Gluten Free Side Dishes for Every Occasion

By Andrea Cohen
Published 10/17/2025
In This Article
Simple Gluten Free Side Dishes for Every Occasion
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
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When you’re planning a meal, the spotlight often falls on the main dish, but the sides are what truly bring everything together. A crisp salad, a hearty grain, or a flavorful roasted vegetable can turn dinner from ordinary to memorable—and the sides are typically what draw rave reviews. If anyone at the table follows a gluten free diet, however, you may think it’s difficult to find gluten free side dishes that everyone will like. But it’s easier than you think.

Gluten free sides not only make mealtime more inclusive, no matter what the occasion, but also open the door to healthy, colorful, and satisfying foods that everyone at the table will enjoy. By choosing naturally gluten free foods—like potatoes, rice, beans, or vegetables—you can create sides that rival any traditional favorites. And since many people also have allergies to dairy or eggs, gluten and dairy free side dishes or those that are egg-free can make your meal even more inclusive.

What Makes a Side Dish Gluten Free?

A side dish is considered gluten free when it doesn’t contain ingredients made from wheat, barley, or rye. This means saying no to things like regular pasta, breadcrumbs, or flour-thickened sauces. Instead, naturally safe options such as quinoa, corn, brown rice, beans, and fresh vegetables form the base for delicious and easy recipes. There are also gluten free options for ingredients that typically contain wheat, barley, or rye that serve as suitable substitutions.

Because many traditional sides also use cheese, butter, or eggs, it’s helpful to keep dairy free and egg free variations in mind if any guests at the table have allergies. Dairy free gluten free side dishes—like roasted veggies with olive oil instead of butter or creamy salads made with dairy free yogurt—allow more people to enjoy the same meal without worry. Fewer gluten free sides use eggs, so it’s easier to find winning combinations that avoid both. As you’ll find, with a few smart swaps, it’s possible to serve sides that are full of flavor, free of common allergens, and a highlight of any meal.

Simple and Healthy Gluten Free Side Dish Recipes

The chefs and dietitians at Health eCooks have created a variety of gluten free side dish recipes that are as nourishing as they are tasty. These recipes make it easy to serve food that feels familiar but fits different dietary needs. Each is designed to be family-friendly, nutritious, and full of flavor—perfect for holidays, cookouts, family dinners, casual weeknights, or any occasion.

  • Spicy Carrot Ribbon Salad

    Spicy Carrot Ribbon Salad
    Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing
    15 mins

    This vibrant, gluten‑free carrot salad pops with lime, herbs, and a hint of jalapeño, making it a zesty, low‑sodium side perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.

    View Recipe

  • Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    75 mins

    These hearty, gluten‑free sweet potatoes stuffed with an herby, cheesy mashed filling offer comforting flavor and a hefty dose of fiber. They’re ideal for holiday meals or summer cookouts alike.

    View Recipe

  • Squash Casserole

    Heart Healthy Squash Casserole
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    60 mins

    Delightfully layered zucchini and yellow squash topped with cheese and gluten‑free crunchy crumbs make this side great for Thanksgiving feasts or special family dinners.

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  • Roasted Vegetables

    Heart Healthy Roasted Vegetables
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    With an assortment of colorful veggies, this is a simple but flavorful gluten‑free side that pairs well with just about any meal, from holiday spreads to easy weeknight meals.

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  • Homemade Cornbread

    Healthy Homemade Cornbread (Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly)
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This moist, gluten‑free cornbread—with just enough sweetness and heart‑healthy fat—is a versatile side, equally delicious with chili, chicken, or any favorite dinner food.

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  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets

    Heart Healthy Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    75 mins

    This colorful, gluten‑free root veggie side with just five ingredients is striking enough for special dinners yet easy enough for casual meals.

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  • Esquites

    Heart Healthy Esquites
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    15 mins

    This refreshing, gluten‑free side blends smoky grilled corn with lime and creamy yogurt for a light, crowd‑pleasing summer dish.

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  • Scalloped Potatoes

    Heart Healthy Scalloped Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    120 mins

    Layers of Yukon Gold potatoes and caramelized onions baked in a low‑sodium, gluten‑free casserole create a cozy side perfect for nourishing family dinners or special occasion meals.

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  • Air Fryer Garlic Broccoli

    Heart Healthy Air Fryer Garlic Broccoli
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    20 mins

    This quick, gluten‑free, and vegan broccoli dish is flavored with garlic and olive oil and crisps up in under 20 minutes in the air fryer. It’s great for fuss‑free, healthy family dinners.

    View Recipe

Why Gluten Free Sides Are a Great Choice

Even for people who don’t need to avoid gluten, gluten free side dishes can be a healthy addition to any menu. Whole grains like quinoa or wild rice are naturally gluten free and add protein and fiber to the meal. Colorful vegetables, beans, and starchy roots like sweet potatoes or squash add antioxidants, vitamins, and texture that make every bite more satisfying.

To take it one step further, gluten and dairy free side dishes often use lighter, fresher ingredients. For example, olive oil and herbs can replace heavy cream-based sauces, keeping recipes heart-healthy while still full of flavor.

You’ll find that most gluten free side dishes are easy to make, healthy, and crowd-pleasers. From light and fresh to cozy and comforting, these recipes prove that the best side dishes are the ones everyone can share.

Looking for more gluten free recipe ideas? Be sure to check out these blogs:

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