Coming up with dinner meal ideas using pantry staples can be intimidating, especially when they’re gluten free dinners. Don’t worry – here are plenty of ideas to get you cooking!
Hey friends! I wanted to share with you this updated old post today because it just might help those who are new to a gluten free diet. I know these posts were helpful for me! Plus, I think it’s convenient (for most of us) during this time. So hang onto it or PIN IT HERE for later. Also, please let me know if you have any questions!
Now, let’s talk about less stress meals and how to get creative with gluten free pantry staples.
Easy dinners with gluten free pantry staples!
As much as I try to meal prep and food prep, I still struggle. And now (during this unsettling season), I feel like winging dinner with whatever we have on hand. But you may not be like me. Maybe you’re the super mom or wife or husband that has food prepped and ready for the week. If that sounds like you: I admire you so! That being said, if you’re like me, I have a suggestion to keep your anxiety as ease. Instead of focusing on prepping meals, let’s focus on prepping our pantry! Gluten free pantry staples that make winging dinner in 30 to 45 minutes a breeze. Sound good? Once we’re done here, you can still “wing” a healthy dinner in no time.
No prep needed! Actually, I should say EASY prep. All you need are some pantry staples and 20 minutes.
Also, if you haven’t check out my one bag – 5 dinner meals, that might come in handy too!
Best gluten free groceries to have on hand:
Food Staples: (I like to buy a lot of these at wholesale stores like Costco)
- Legumes: Organic canned lentils, beans, or chickpeas (soak/rinse overnight for easier digestion)
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Gluten free sausage: Chicken, pork, or turkey
- Gluten free beef and turkey jerky
- Frozen chicken breast
- Frozen shrimp and salmon
- Eggs
- Tempeh
- Pea Protein
- Collagen
- Frozen veggies: Individual and mixed veggies
- Frozen berries
- Canned fruit: Pineapple, Mandarin oranges, and apricots, in their natural juice
- Canned artichoke hearts and heart of palm
- Gluten free bread
- Corn tortillas or grain free tortillas
- Salsa
- Gluten free BBQ sauce or natural ketchup
- Broth or stock: Chicken, vegetable, and beef, plus beef bone broth
- Tomato juice (low sodium)
- Canned peppers: jalapenos and green chiles
- Rice and quinoa
- Gluten free oats and/or oatmeal
- Gluten free pasta, or chickpea or lentil pasta
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes and russet potatoes
- Cauliflower or frozen cauliflower rice
- Shelf-stable fresh fruit: Fruit that is more shelf stable includes grapes, oranges, and apples
- Raw nuts
- Greek yogurt or other non dairy yogurt of choice
- Nut butter
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup and honey
- Hummus or make homemade hummus!
- Avocado
- Tomatoes: fresh and canned
- Lemons and/or limes
- Any favorite seasonings and spices (i.e cinnamon, sea salt, garlic, pepper, etc.)
Now, what can we do with these kitchen staples? I’ve got plenty of gluten free dinner ideas!
My favorite lunch and dinner meal ideas using kitchen staples
Of course, these are all gluten free recipes. Oh, and some are also paleo and vegan. They are totally perfect for dinner, and there are some great lunch ideas, too!
I’ll give you a little scenario for each meal and how to “wing” dinner with pantry staples, sound good?
You just went to COSTCO and BOUGHT massive bags of cauliflower rice, frozen peas, eggs, and turkey jerky!
PINEAPPLE CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE
Here’s What TO MAKE:
This fried rice is SO good! It’s a sweet and mildly spicy cauliflower fried rice that you can make under 15 minutes! It’s healthy, lower in carbs than regular fried rice, and SUPER EASY! I just bought a massive bag of turkey jerky at Costco and here’s what I plan to do with it!
Your amazon shipment consists of canned beans, lentils, and tomatoes. The only frozen vegetable left at the store was frozen okra!
Here’s What TO MAKE:
This lentil gumbo has boatloads of protein, and it’s super hearty. It’s perfect for a chilly night! Not only is this a fantastic gluten free dinner meal idea, but it’s also vegan.
Okay so you didn’t make it to the store today. But you found a bunch of leftovers in the fridge and one yogurt cup left.
Here’s What TO MAKE:
Everyone likes chicken salad different ways, so swap out some heavier ingredients and add a little superfood to lighten it up. Yup!
A family style superfood salad bowl. It’s full of protein, and you will LOVE the real yogurt dressing!
You have a family to feed but some have food allergies and allergic to dairy and gluten and are bored to death of rice and beans.
Here’s What TO MAKE:
Not only is this one of my favorite dinner meal ideas, but it’s also incredibly easy to make! Simple pantry ingredients and a few minutes of time and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to serve.
Alright, so you’re looking for a recipe that you can make with all this canned food but it still needs to be healthy and gasp, paleo friendly! Yes, canned fish and canned pumpkin to the rescue!
Here’s What TO MAKE:
I like to make a big batch of salmon cakes to freeze for later use. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. Full of protein and Omega 3’s – you know those healthy fats are good for ya! This recipe is Whole30 compliant, too.
Oh hooray! You’re amazon shipment came again today! You’ve stocked up on more beans, canned tomatoes, canned green chiles, and figured you should give polenta a go! Why? Because it’s cheap, gluten free, and filling!
Here’s What TO MAKE:
SOUTHWEST BLACK BEAN POLENTA CASSEROLE
This meatless meal is made with southwest black beans, polenta, roasted peppers, and more. Super easy to make ahead, healthy, and it feeds a crowd!
FREEZER FOOD RUN! Yes, Costco is stocked! You grabbed frozen shrimp, cauliflower rice, frozen gluten free corn tortillas, and you still have those canned tomatoes.
Here’s What TO MAKE:
You will not believe how easy this gluten free dinner meal idea is to make! Toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away. It makes the perfect Taco Tuesday dinner!
And when you just don’t have any brain power left to make dinner, then throw it all in a bowl and call it a POWER BOWL! Power grain bowl! It’s all about how you present the meal, right? I am biased when it comes to bowls, though. Haha!
Here’s What TO MAKE:
PLANT BASED “BALANCE” POWER BOWLS
Whether you call them power bowls, buddha bowls, macro bowls, or something else., they are truly easy to make! A healthy meal prep bowl packed full of balanced macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and delicious taste.
So, there you have it. Some of my favorite EASY gluten free lunch and dinner meal ideas, ready to eat in no time. Minor prep needed!
Let me know if you try any of these quick recipes.
Do you have any favorite dinner meal ideas that you make with pantry staples?
Cheers,
LC
Wow….This is an amazing recipe and more easy to make also….i will make it few days later….Thanks for sharing….!
You’re welcome!
My go-to quick and easy meal is usually veggies with eggs or stir fry.. last night I wanted to make stir fry but I was way too lazy, so random leftovers in a bowl it was!
Considering I bought almost four bags or organic apples (because it’s apple season in SC, they were on sale, and they were practically glowing), four cartons of unsweetened almond milk a week, tons of leafy greens, and enough bananas to satisfy a bunch of monkeys, I’d say those were my top 4 staples. But a gal can’t eat on that alone- I definitely load up on veggies, raw nut butters and raw protein powders, meal replacement powders, superfoods, dried fruits, and gluten-free flours online. I also love oats, flax, chia, and coconut which I use daily too. Oh and let’s not forget the coffee and Crio Bru!:) Love this post- great items:)
I’m kind of a cross between meal prep and winging it.
I will do meal prepping for my lunches because I’m too lazy to do that stuff in the morning before work, and I’ll meal prep when I’m trying to be a good Sherpa wife and pack the Hubby with enough food to feed him for the week, while he’s away at school. Yes, that’s started again, and I like it even less than last year.
I generally wing it to some extent as well. Like this week, there’s leftover enchiladas, potatoes and rice. Somehow they will end up being revamped and turned into a new meal. I guess leftovers are my pantry staples then…coupled with actual pantry staples, of course. 🙂
Great post.
I’m definitely a meal prep person, but not as obsessed as I was with it last year. I used to cook all our meals for the week on the weekend. But that lead to burn out, because I never had a chance to relax. So this school year, Gary & I chop up veggies, etc. for dinners during the week, but I usually cook Sunday, Monday & Wednesday, making huge batches to eat throughout the week. 🙂
This is my kind of meal prep! I made it about a week making meals out in advance, I just didn’t want to eat what I had prepper by the end of the week.
I’m on more of a prep for whatever may happen kick right now, kind of like this. I love this peek into your shopping list I got a few new ideas to try 🙂
oh keep me posted!!
I have found since going GF I always have rice and salsa in my pantry and chicken sausage in my fridge and lots of nights those 3 just get tossed together.
yes, totally! that’s our go to meal as well
Love this!! I love making pasta… so not gluten free, but so easy to make! 🙂
totally! perfect quick dish
Since I am a lazy cook, I make my turkey meatloaf every week so that is read to heat up & a couple other things hanging in the fridge that make it easy for me – I don’t like to hassle or spend time with cooking – boring & easy for me – can I come over??? Yours looks way better than mine!!!! 🙂
ohhh i want that recipe! we love meatloaf
I used to despise meal prepping but now do abit on weekends for the busy work week- but I must admit, I’ve been digging just potatoes and sardines haha. Or potatoes and tuna. Well potatoes + (insert canned good here).
potatoes for the win! anything on potatoes is good. now i’m craving your kettle corn potatoes
I like flatbread pizza… 🙂
always a good pre race meal too!
Awesome pantry list and I love those little hummus boats, they look so cute!
they are a life saver! Udis hot dog buns to the rescue
I am horrible at meal prepping too! I am much better at winging it myself – and basic staples sure help!
My go to is usually quinoa with lentils and veggies and beans but now I am totally craving your hummus flat bread with a hot dog! 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend friend!
and now i’m craving lentils! haha
oh yayyy high five, Lindsay! I’m terrible at planning anything ahead of time because I’m less stressed when I wing it too….or so I’d like to think…? 😛 And by the way, that lentil stew is making me salivate! I love lentil anything and I’d probably make it more often if Greg wasn’t so “whatever” about it.
i bet he’d like lentils with BBQ yes?
I’m trying to avoid gluten as much as possible which is hard when you also run.
I just started cooking for myself and I really appreciate your post! It’s very helpful!
glad it helped Jim!
This all looks so good! I’m ready for some fall in a jar. Its SO HOT outside.
Egg dishes! Sandwiches. Waffles OR grilling!
I guess your food prep is just keeping your staples stocked and an arsenal of ideas “prepped” in your head.
Still prep!
OMGCHICKENSAUSAGE.
I have meat-eating jealousy.
i’m obsessed…meat junkie right here
Such a fantastic post- I am not great at meal prep either. I can plan out meal ideas for the week but it changes by the day and I usually do the prep work on the spot. Love these quick meal suggestions!
I’m in love with that hummus flatbread. I don’t eat a lot of bread or wheat and always looking for alternative options. Great stuff!
My go to quick meal always involves eggs – everything goes with eggs, sweet or savoury! Love it! 🙂
I’m not good on food prep either, but I guess I better learn to be with two little one come in the near future. 😉
i’ve been slacking on food prep lately. i go through phases. my favorite is to prep a big batch of sweet potato soup, put it in freezer bags and stash in the freezer. then on days i just don’t feel like cooking, i’ll thaw the soup and add some frozen veggies or precooked chicken – microwave and enjoy!
Whenever I’m looking to make a quick meal, I usually just do a protein, veg and carb, nothing too fancy. I always get intimidated! Lately I’ve been doing honey mustard chicken for my family. I guess I should start getting more creative because we always have those staples on hand!
i like honey mustard everything! sounds fab to me!
Hey this list is super sweet and pretty! Thanks a ton!
I need to try lentils…they intimidate me haha.
My goal is to be a prep ahead type….not there yet that’s for sure!!
I think you’d love lentil stew! maybe a first for everything, yes?!
I’m the same way! No prep, but as long as I have my stables, I ALWAYS have meal ideas to make!
and yours turn out beautiful!
This post has come at the perfect time! I’ve been going back and forth with the idea of going gluten free. I’ve been having some digestive problems lately (plus I have Hashimoto’s) so I think my next step is cutting out gluten. Looks like I’ll be stocking up this weekend!
i had no idea you had hashimotos! have you cut back on sugar and grains? we should talk!
Stirfry, hands down. I always prep up a big batch of quinoa for the week because I can throw it with anything to make a meal. Coming home, cutting up some chicken and veggies, throwing it in pan and then with some quinoa is typical. Quick and easy and one pan so less cleanup…win win!
bbq lentil stew sounds delicious! i’ve been on a real lentil kick recently…
Lentils are good year round! let the kick continue! hehe
I channeled my inner Crazy Cotter last night and threw together a bowl with rice, spinach, sablefish and threw some spices on top. Oh, and Sriracha. I am not good at winging it. And I love how you said fruit that lasts longer…what is going on with my peaches? They barely last a day!
ya, peaches have been lack luster this season–> BOO! p.s. how did A do?
I am no good at food prep or I’ll go on a spurt one weekend and then not food prep for another 6 months haha. I need all the help I can get to get food on the table for my family!!
We think alike! I don’t food prep but do have staples always on hand in the kitchen to throw together quick and healthy meals in a flash.
I’m not the best at food prep either. I have my rare moments when I get my act together and get a bunch of things done on a Sunday. But usually I just keep a well-stocked pantry and have my go-to easy meals.
Loooove the list of staples. I usually prep one meal ahead of time and that will last us 2 nights, and then the other 3 nights of the week I wing it.
BBQ lentil stew…yum! This is a great list and I love the idea of being able to throw a dinner together. I am such a planner but I need to be a little more flexible sometimes!
I love sweet potatoes and avocado! Definite staples in my closet!
Excellent ideas! The lentil stew looks delicious!
love your pantry staples!! I also love meals with little prep!! I need that these days
When should I be over for dinner? Any of these will do.
Add me to the winging dinner camp. Who needs planning when you can wing these delicious meals?
I am guilty too. I always have some sort of snackage ready for the week but for meals we wing it! We eat leftovers for lunch or prep a salad the night before. Go to quick meals, are curries, salads, omelettes, stews, roasted veggies etc! So much can be done in under 30 minutes 🙂 like last night we had Tumeric and garlic spiced veggie omelettes with a side of greens and roasted sweet taters – boom!
I actually really enjoy the cooking process, it relaxes me after a long day!
That BBQ lentil stew sounds really good!
oh that sounds divine! and simple
i NEED to get back to meal prep – these days my meal prep is considered making a huge crockpot full of veggies, lentils, beans, rice, and quinoa (occasionally turkey or chicken as well) that lasts for several days of lunches and dinners!
that works for me!
Nahhhhh I don’t believe that! If you aren’t very good, you do a very good job of hiding it 🙂 You are able to think on the fly, and make it quick, I would say that is more valuable than being a food prepper….especially if you can make it healthy.
I am glad to say I own most of those….although they are packed up in boxes right now, so I cannot get to them….moving is not fun….bleugh!
I’m actually not great a food prep either. I just hate to devote a few hours to it on the weekend. Not my idea of a good time. So I do a little here and there, but mostly I just prep as I go. 🙂
I have to do soooo much menu planning and prep that I have to do with my job, I usually prefer to just wing it at home and have less structure. “Winging it” meals rock!
ahhh i’m so glad i’m not alone! <3
I think it’s important to ensure we nourish…and not forget! Meal prep serves as a great reminder….when we can get it all done lol
Seems like everything I made has to have pretty simple prep, or I’d have no time for anything but cooking 🙂
Burgers, roasted veggies, meatballs, a savory hash, big salad with fish – you know, basically everything you see me eating! I just don’t have time and energy to do fancy meals!
This is a very complete and educational list! I’ve been thinking of doing a sample paleo shopping list and seeing your post is helpful 🙂
I am with you. I try to prep and each week say i will. It never happens. Quick and random is our style!