Need some lunchbox inspiration? Find it here with this collection of gluten free dairy free lunch recipes! From snacks to sandwiches to cookies and more, there’s something for everyone.
Whether it’s the start of a new school year, or you’re already midway through, it can be difficult to decide what to pack in your lunch.
This is true even if you don’t have food allergies! It’s so easy to get into a rut. But if you have allergies or food intolerances, it can get really difficult to figure out what to eat for lunch each day.
I’ve gathered up twenty-five easy, healthy, and tasty recipes that are perfect for packing in a lunchbox. Whether you are packing lunches for work, or school, or field trips, there are sure to be some recipes here that you’ll love!
This post is for you, but it’s also for me! I needed a little lunchtime inspiration over here as well. When we have to pack a lunch, we tend to turn to the same things again and again. Salmon salad, bean dip and crackers, veggies, granola bars…we generally have those on repeat over here.
Hopefully you will find some fresh new ideas to bring your school or picnic lunches to a new level!
Jump to:
Gluten Free Bread
There are a lot of gluten free breads available these days, which is a good thing! I hope you will take the time to look at what your store offers, and make sure to call and confirm that any bread you find is safe for your dietary needs.
Some brands to look for are Schar, Little Northern Bakehouse, and B Free. I have seen these brands at Fresh Thyme, Meijer, Whole Foods, and Better Health Stores.
Using Gluten Free Bread for Sandwiches
I haven’t had any trouble with sandwiches holding up when I use gluten free bread, but I do toast the bread before I make the sandwich. I find that I enjoy the texture of gluten free bread more when it is toasted.
Dairy Free Cheese
My son loves Daiya Dairy Free Cheese Slices as well as the Cheddar Style Blocks. You can add the slices to sandwiches, and you can cut the block into cubes for a snack.
There are many brands of dairy free cheese, so choose the one that suits your particular dietary needs.
Dairy Free Milk and Yogurt
You can find dairy free milk and dairy free yogurt at most grocery stores nowadays. We like So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt, especially the vanilla and blueberry flavors. There are many dairy free alternatives made from soy milk, nut milk, flax milk, and oat milk. Choose a product that works for your particular needs, and always call the company to check about cross contamination.
Egg Free Mayonnaise
There are several brands that make egg free mayo. Use any brand that works for your particular dietary needs.
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Allergy Friendly Packaged Treats
If you’re looking for store-bought allergy friendly treats, try items from Enjoy Life, Made Good, That’s It!, Cybele’s, and Don’t Go Nuts. As always, read the labels and call the company to make sure that a product is safe for you.
For more ideas, read my post about top 8 allergen free products.
Gluten Free Dairy Free Lunch Recipes
This list contains everything from salads to snacks to sandwiches and wraps. I hope you’ll be inspired by these wonderful lunch recipes!
- Pancake Sandwiches from Petite Allergy Treats
- Asian Lettuce Wraps from Gluten Free Zen
- No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Vegan Grilled Cheese from The Pretty Bee
- Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies from The Pretty Bee
- Gluten Free Dairy Free Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins from Skinny Taste
- Classic Chicken Salad Sandwiches from The Pretty Bee (Curried Chicken Salad also makes great sandwiches).
- Sunbutter Banana Uncrustables from Mind Over Munch
- Artisan Gluten Free Bread from Allergy Free Alaska
- BBQ Roasted Chickpeas from My Whole Food Life
- Grain Free Southern Style Biscuits from The Roasted Root (These do contain almond meal).
- Animal Crackers from Super Healthy Kids
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Bites from The Pretty Bee
- Broccoli Fritters from Every Last Bite (I think you could use gluten free flour or corn meal in place of almond flour).
- Cilantro Black Bean Hummus from The Pretty Bee
- Mini Paleo Chicken Pesto Pizzas from Fed & Fit
- Baked Chicken Quesadillas from Unbound Wellness (This recipe uses a homemade dairy free cheese sauce that looks delicious).
- Vegan Cheesy Kale Chips from The Pretty Bee
- Gluten Free Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies from Petite Allergy Treats
- Copycat Wheat Thin Crackers from Petite Allergy Treats
- Grilled Chicken and Veggie Bowls from Picky Palate
- Smoked Salmon in Avocado Boats from Willow Bird Baking
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon from The Pretty Bee
- Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices from The Wholesome Dish
- Tuna and Chickpea Salad from Mediterrasian
If you love easy recipes that are gluten free and dairy free, be sure to check out my series on Gluten Free and Dairy Free Comfort Food.
This post was originally published in August 2015. It has been updated.
Breanna Carlile
Thanks for sharing our breadstick recipe!
Lisa
I can’t believe it’s September 1st already!!! I took a quick peak at my summer bucket list, and I completed only 2 items!! These lunch ideas are great!!
Amy @ Happy Healthy RD
This is great! I pack my lunch everyday I work and I get in such a rut. I’m excited to try out some of these recipes.
Cassie @ Almost Getting It Together
I pack my lunches every day for work… and typically get in a rut. Last week I brought soup one day and thought my whole world changed haha. I need to branch out more!!
Strength and Sunshine
Fabulous ideas! I can’t believe I’m starting classes this week!
Julia
It’s crazy how quickly summer has flown by..I wish we could slooooow down the summer season for maximum enjoyment. Love this roundup! I’m always looking for healthy lunch ideas. Thanks for including my cookies and my biscuits!
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen
My family isn’t gluten-free or dairy-free, but I still see so many recipes on this list that I want to try! I think we are all in need of some lunchbox inspiration! :)
Kelly
Yay! I’m glad you found some new ideas! It’s so easy to get in a rut.