Nine Gluten-Free Recipes

If you've decided to cut out gluten, here are some healthy recipes to try.

Gluten-free bread image via shutterstock

Gluten-free bread image via shutterstock

All the doctors we’ve spoken to say that there is no medical need to go gluten-free unless you have celiac or gluten-sensitivities. But, whether or not you listen to this medical advice, eating foods without gluten (a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related grain species) has become a major trend. That’s why we put together this list of healthy gluten-free recipes.

1. Black Bean, Quinoa and Cheddar Burgers
via Cooking Quinoa

Use a burger patty as a salad topper or serve with steamed veggies and sautéed peppers for a delicious and easy meal. You don’t have to use cheddar, any low fat cheese will work.

2. Simple Broccoli Soup
via Not Enough Cinnamon

This soup doesn’t drown the broccoli with cream. Cut the butter and use olive oil instead, and try adding a bay leave for more flavor.

3. Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
via Desserts with Benefits

This recipe uses peanut flour and oats to create a chewy texture. Plus, there’s an added bonus of 14 grams of protein with each cookie.

4. Paleo Sausage Patties
via Paleo Newbie

These sausages are light and packed with spices for flavor. For a different variation, use ground chicken, omit the maple syrup, and add a finely chopped green apple to fold into the mixture.

5. Easy Lentil Spinach Soup
via Making Thyme for Health

Soup without a flour thickener can be too thin, but the addition of lentils will help make this soup substantial with a velvety texture. Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, jalapeño for heat, carrots, and/or fennel.

6. Oregano Brussel Sprouts
via 101 Cookbooks

If you aren’t a fan of Brussels sprouts, then you need reconsider, like, now. If you’re problem is the mushy texture, then this recipe will cure your aversion. Make all of the oregano drizzle, but you probably won’t use it all, so keep it in the fridge and use it over tomatoes or as a salad dressing.

7. Thai Ginger Chicken Salad
via Bon Appetit

The herbs and lemongrass create a summery dish that’ll pull everyone out of the mid-winter slump. The dipping sauce is sweet and spicy, but instead of sugar try adding honey or agave.

8. Dark Chocolate Brownies
via Kiwi and Bean

This recipe uses nut flours and dates to fill in for flour and sugar and gives you a decadent and  somewhat guilt-free brownie. Try adding dried cranberries for a chewy finish.

9. Curried Kale and Quinoa Salad
via Organically Thin

If raw kale is too much for you, try blanching it for about 30 seconds in boiling water and then shock it in ice water to stop the cooking. If kale is just a no go, you can use a mixture of spinach, arugula, and radicchio.