40 Gluten-Free Salads You Can Add to Any Meal

Read Time: 29 mins

40 Gluten-Free Salads You Can Add to Any Meal1/40 Cool Beans Salad 74 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cool Beans Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Skill Level Easy Total Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side or a meatless entree. When you make it, double the recipe—because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds flavor and texture, and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 440 calories, 19g fat

I love how this protein-packed dish is easy to whip up ahead of time

(3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein. I love how this protein-packed dish is easy to whip up ahead of time. The flavors deepen as they marinate, and you can toast the basmati rice before cooking to add a hint of nuttiness. Pair this bean salad with gluten-free Mexican-inspired recipes for a well-rounded dinner. 2/40 Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Skill Level Medium Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into

“ribbons” for this citrusy salad

“ribbons” for this citrusy salad. We like to serve it for parties and special occasions. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 162 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch. Spiralized zucchini, cucumber and carrot ribbons add a sophisticated touch to this dish. The homemade orange vinaigrette offers a bright, tangy-sweet flavor with every bite. I like to add supremed blood oranges and grapefruit for a versatile flavor combination of sweet and sour. 3/40 Roasted Beet Salad 4 Reviews

The combination may seem unlikely, but I guarantee it will become a favorite

Test Kitchen Approved Roasted Beet Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of Home Skill Level Medium Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Beets, oranges and spinach sprinkled with goat cheese make a scrumptious new blend for a mixed green salad. The combination may seem unlikely, but I guarantee it will become a favorite. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 125 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable,

Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado

2 fat. Tender and sweet roasted beets blend harmoniously with the tangy, citrusy vinaigrette here. The addition of fresh orange segments and delicately spiced tarragon really elevates the dish. If you’re prepping this salad to last for the week, store the dressing separately to prevent your salad from turning soggy and sad. 4/40 Salad with Avocado 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Salad with Avocado Recipe photo by Christine Ma for Taste of Home Skill Level Medium Total Time 25 min Servings 9 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable

salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 130 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable. This avocado salad stands out for its blend of flavorful textures despite its short ingredient list. The zesty lime dressing calls for sour cream, but you can swap in a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt to keep the tang and add protein. 5/40 Green Salad with Shrimp and

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 fat

Wine Vinaigrette Test Kitchen Approved Green Salad with Shrimp and Wine Vinaigrette Recipe photo by Taste of Home Skill Level Medium Total Time 1 hour 20 min Servings 5 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This veggie and seafood salad is light and versatile—you can use whatever vegetables you prefer. —Cecilia Flowers, Nashville, North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 2 cups: 277 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 fat. This salad is always a hit at outdoor gatherings and brings

the taste of summer to your table

the taste of summer to your table. Shrimp adds a refreshing boost of protein, while artichokes, asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower sprinkle in all sorts of vitamins and minerals to keep you energized all day. 6/40 Lemon Rice Salad 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Lemon Rice Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Skill Level Medium Total Time 25 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors,

and I like that it can be made ahead

and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 247 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. An elegant side for a grilled dinner, this fluffy rice dish really absorbs the bright lemon flavor. My mom’s trick for a touch of smokiness is adding leftover turkey, chicken or pork bones to the rice while cooking. 7/40 Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing 9 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing Recipe photo by Taste of Home Skill Level

This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu

Easy Total Time 15 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu. With a blend of fresh pears and warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for special meals. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 206 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the comforting combination of crisp romaine, sweet pears and savory bacon, all tied together by a tangy Parmesan dressing. This recipe calls for pepper

jack cheese, but you could try goat cheese or GF blue cheese for more funk

jack cheese, but you could try goat cheese or GF blue cheese for more funk. 8/40 Cherry Tomato Salad 27 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe photo by Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home Skill Level Easy Total Time 15 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This recipe evolved from a need to use our bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes. It’s one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially for cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 103 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 203mg

sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein

sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable. Herb oil and vinegar really complement the natural sweetness of the cherry tomatoes in this salad. Add Manchego cheese for a bold twist with sharp, peppery notes. 9/40 Broccoli Cranberry Salad 68 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Skill Level Medium Total Time 25 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Growing up, I never liked broccoli, but I’m hooked on this salad’s light, sweet taste. It gives broccoli a whole new look and personality. —Jessica Conrey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch

Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 121 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch. If you grew up dreading broccoli, this dish is sure to change your mind in one bite! Fresh broccoli takes center stage, delivering a crisp, satisfying texture. I prefer blanching it instead of serving it raw since it’s easier to digest. For a heartier meal, add a meat or plant-based protein. 10/40 Company Fruit Salad 19 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Eric Kleinberg for Taste of Home Skill Level Easy

Now I make this refreshing, delightful salad for every picnic and get-together

Total Time 20 min Servings 20 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We first tried a cream cheese fruit salad like this at a local deli. Since I couldn’t get that recipe, I started mixing up different dressings until I hit on this one. Now I make this refreshing, delightful salad for every picnic and get-together. It can be a snack, side dish or dessert. —Connie Osterhout, Napoleon, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 161 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. You’re in good company with this

delightful dessert salad, featuring fruits like pineapple, grapes and strawberries. Substitute a full-fat Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise if you want to include healthier fats and more protein. 11/40 Herby Pea Salad 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Skill Level Medium Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We love spring vegetables. One Mother’s Day, I came up with this flavorful green salad that everyone enjoyed. You could increase the dressing and mix in some cooked small pasta, like acini de pepe, to make it a more robust

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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