10 Satisfying Gluten-Free Meals to Pack in Your Lunchbox

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
Follow
updated May 1, 2019
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)

I feel like gluten-free lunches get a bad rap. The easy default always seems to be a sorry salad, which is far from satisfying. Let’s clarify: Skipping the gluten does not mean resorting to boring, skimpy lunches that leave you hungry two hours later.

Instead, pack your lunchbox with one of these 10 satisfying options for a better midday meal.

1. Warm Potato and Salmon Salad

(Image credit: Kelli Foster)

Here’s a salad that’s several steps removed from either mayo dip or your typical bowl of mixed greens and chopped vegetables. It can be put together very quickly, and the leftovers are great for lunch the next day.

2. Brown Rice Bowl with Lentils, Caramelized Onions & Fried Egg

(Image credit: Karen Biton-Cohen)

Mujadara — a traditional Middle Eastern recipe made with long-grain rice, brown lentils, and caramelized onions — is typically served as a side dish. But top it with a fried egg, spicy harissa, and toasted pine nuts, and it’s totally meal-worthy.

3. Yogurt & Dill Chicken Salad

(Image credit: Faith Durand)

This simple chicken salad combines just a touch of mayonnaise, scoops of tangy yogurt, heaps of fresh green dill, and crunchy shallots that add a little glint of pink. And best of all, it only gets better after a night in the refrigerator.

4. Wild Rice and Mixed Greens Salad

(Image credit: Kelli Foster)

A big forkful of tender leaves with little piles of rice, sweet dates, and crunchy nuts made the perfect combination of flavors and textures for this hearty lunch salad.

5. Sweet Potatoes with Chickpea Tomato Sauce

(Image credit: Sarah E Crowder)

This meal comes together pretty quickly, but it can also be made entirely ahead and reheated. Bake several spuds all together on a sheet pan on Sunday and keep them refrigerated for quick lunches throughout the week.

6. Chicken Lentil Soup

(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)

Not only is this soup supremely comforting, but it’s quite easy to make. For an extra-smoky flavor and complement to the earthy lentils, go for rendering a few strips of bacon in place of olive oil.

7. Wild Rice Bowl with Red Lentil Curry and Spinach

(Image credit: Karen Biton-Cohen)

The best part about this vegetarian bowl recipe is how easy it is to make. It’s an ideal candidate when all you want is a delicious meal on the table without having to think too hard.

8. Lemon Quinoa with Currants, Dill, and Zucchini

(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)

This crowd-pleasing lunch with quick-cooking quinoa is a cross between a comforting rice pilaf and a refreshing grain salad. Best of all, it comes together effortlessly.

9. Yotam Ottolenghi’s Chickpea Sauté with Greek Yogurt

(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)

This is one of those dishes that’s just as good hot as it is at room temperature. And if you’re looking for a little something extra, add a side of rice or some pita bread.

10. Pumpkin Chili

(Image credit: Faith Durand)

This ultra-comforting vegetarian chili is the perfect way to welcome fall. Make it over the weekend and eat it for lunch all week long.

Filed in:
Gluten-Free
Lunch
Recipe Roundup