4th of July gluten-free recipe round-up

Think you can’t stay gluten-free during the holidays?  Truth be told, 4th of July can be particularly challenging, considering some of America’s favorite dishes are full of gluten: pasta salad, hot dogs, bread, cakes and cookies.   But the goods news is, there are a ton of recipes available for those of us who eat allergen-free — both foods that are inherently gluten-free, as well as quick and easy grain substitutions.  Just keep in mind that eating whole foods that are naturally free of gluten are easiest to prepare, usually most affordable, and also healthier than pre-packaged and processed GF foods. 

If you’ll be hosting a 4th of July picnic, stick to a gluten-free menu (your health is always the priority), but make dishes that everyone will be able to enjoy; foods that are satisfying so no one even notices the absence of gluten.  Or, if you’ll be attending someone else’s picnic, speak with the hostess about the menu in advance to ensure there will be safe foods for you to eat.  If the menu isn’t gluten-free, be sure to offer to bring a GF dish that everyone will enjoy and won’t bring attention to your special diet or make people feel allergen-free foods are less appealing than traditional fare.

Gluten-free 4th of July recipe ideas:

• Pomegranate Lemonade Spritzer
• Orange and Avocado Salad
• Classic Grilled Veggies
• Horseradish-Spiked Red Potato Salad
• Elana’s Pantry’s BBQ Sauce
• Strawberry Shortcake

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Author Information: Liz Schau, Tampa, FL
Liz Schau, Health Writer
mailto://LizSchau@Gmail.com