By Lisa Esile, MS,
Last Updated:Eating a diet that's both gluten-free and vegan can seem daunting at first, but it's easier than you might think. To showcase some of the exciting possibilities, here's a collection of our favorite gluten-free vegan recipes to make for lunch and dinner, including pizza, pasta, savory pies, and wraps.
For a trove of more than 1,000 gluten-free vegan recipes (with new ones introduced each week), check out Forks Meal Planner. The weekly meal-planning tool from Forks Over Knives is customizable for food allergies and intolerances to gluten, nuts, and soy.
Air-Fryer Taquitos with Cauliflower and Black Beans
These crispy air-fried taquitos are a read favorite; if you have an air fryer, you must try them! The filling of mushrooms, cauliflower rice, green bell pepper, black beans, fresh garlic, and taco seasoning (be sure to choose a certified gluten-free taco seasoning) meld together to create a unique, meaty flavor, satisfying to vegans and non-vegans alike. Pro tip: For a 15-minute meal or hearty snack, cook the filling beforehand, then, when you’re ready to go, just assemble the taquitos in corn tortillas and cook. A fan writes, “I don’t even like cauliflower, but these were seriously good. Even my teenage son said they were fantastic after he hesitantly tried one.”
Vegan Shawarma with Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas
Tender cauliflower and chewy chickpeas are seasoned with a scrumptious blend of Mediterranean spices to create rich, shawarma-like flavor in this vegan gluten-free recipe. Each bite is better than the last when you dig into these colorful bowls, which also feature hearty brown rice, fresh cucumber, crunchy bell pepper, and a savory tahini sauce that ties everything together.
Lebanese Lentil Burgers in Cabbage Pockets
Brown lentils provide the backbone for these hearty burgers, while veggies such as potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and onions keep the patties moist and sweet. Ras el hanout—a North African spice blend that can be found in many supermarkets or online or made at home—is the secret to getting a warm depth of flavor. Because the patties are so substantial, they work best on a bed of crisp cabbage and romaine lettuce leaves—no bun required! To finish, top with fresh cucumber, parsley, and a homemade tahini sauce. As a commenter notes, “Absolutely delicious.”
Best-Ever Beefless Stew
One of our highest-rated gluten-free recipes of all time, this warming stew is packed full of fresh veggies that soak up an irresistibly savory broth. Chunks of portobello mushroom add meaty texture and rich flavor that gets better over time, so don’t be afraid to freeze your leftovers. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Herbed Breakfast Hash
Clean out your pantry and fuel up for the day ahead with this hearty breakfast hash, which is easy to customize based on whatever you have on hand. A medley of potatoes, zucchini, corn, and tomatoes are tossed with chili powder and fresh herbs for a savory jumble that will stick to your stomach. Turn this vegan gluten-free meal into a brunch feast by adding Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pancakes and fresh fruit!
Tex-Mex Polenta Bowls
Craving Southwestern flavors? This simple dish comes together in a few minutes with just a few ingredients. Creamy gluten-free polenta is topped with hearty black beans, zesty pico de gallo salsa, avocado slices, and jalapeño, if you like a little heat. A satisfied reader raves: “One of the best things that I have made and will definitely do it again!”
Budget-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie
Need some exciting but inexpensive vegan gluten-free dinner recipe ideas? This one is bound to become a regular in your weeknight rotation. A rich vegetable gravy is topped with fluffy mashed potatoes in this plant-based twist on the classic casserole. Each bite is full of creamy, comforting goodness that warms you up from the inside out. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats!
Black Bean Polenta Cakes with Pepper-Cilantro Salsa
These robust polenta cakes have a rich, buttery flavor and, with black beans dotted throughout, are guaranteed to keep you satiated for hours. Peppers, onion, cilantro, and lime juice combine in a quick salsa that balances out the heavier polenta base perfectly. Feel free to make the polenta thick or thin to suit your preferences. It also freezes well, so you can freeze the base and add fresh salsa or a saucy tomato topper (such as our Italian-Style Zucchini and Chickpea Sauté) for a quick and satisfying meal.
Hearty Purple Cabbage Soup
Enjoy the contrasting colors (and flavors) of earthy purple cabbage and sweet green peas in this delightfully simple soup. Potatoes add extra heft while fresh herbs infuse delicate flavor into the broth, which is so yummy that you’ll want to slurp up every last drop. Naturally gluten-free, this versatile stew is equally tasty on cold nights and sunny days.
Easy Vegan Paella
A saffron-scented tomato sauce infuses this comforting whole grain rice paella with a rich, smoky flavor that’ll make you lick your plate clean! This vegan take on a classic Spanish meal features briny olives, umami-rich mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers. Garden peas and frozen artichokes, added toward the end, provide extra veggie goodness. A reviewer writes, “Wow, this is quite delicious, very easy, and company good.”
Curried Tofu Summer Rolls
Rice paper wrappers are a handy gluten-free ingredient to keep around—you can fill them with all sorts of goodies. In this recipe, the filling includes chunks of tofu, which are first soaked in a tasty curry marinade and then roasted until crispy and flavorful. Alongside the curried tofu are rice noodles, grated carrots, fresh spinach, and cilantro, for a mouthwatering blend of flavor and textures. To roll up the spring rolls, you must first soak the rice papers in warm water. Expect to feel clumsy for the first few rolls; after you've done your first batch, you'll be a pro! Serve with leftover curry marinade or peanut sauce for a restaurant-quality appetizer or light meal.
Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free), Plus Topping Ideas
Chickpea flour's mild, nutty flavor works well in this earthy gluten-free pizza crust. An oil-free marinara is always a great topper, along with your choice of veggies such as zucchini, olives, mushrooms, tomato slices, broccoli florets, asparagus spears, and anything else you can think of. Check out our round-up of vegan pizza and flatbread recipes for more topping ideas. A commenter shares, “I’ve made this three times! So easy, the perfect size, and always filling.”
Five-Ingredient Veggie Burger
Try these easy black bean burgers for a quick meal the whole family will love. Rolled oats help bind them together, chopped onions add extra moisture, and lime juice and chili powder brighten the flavor. (Be sure to opt for rolled oats and chili powder that are labeled gluten-free.) Serve on lettuce leaves or a whole grain gluten-free bun. Want more heat? Kick up the spices with some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. A commenter shares, “These burgers were so easy to make and super tasty! So happy I never have to buy another frozen veggie burger. I made another batch to stick in my freezer for a quick dinner.”
Vegan Cheesy Crackers
Finding an oil-free, vegan, gluten-free cracker in the store is a challenge (to put it mildly). And if you are lucky enough to find one, they tend to be pricey. Good news: You can make your own! These delicious, “cheesy” crackers use a handful of pantry seasonings for a subtle cheese-like flavor. Note: Make sure you use certified gluten-free oats and brown rice flour.
Curried Millet Sushi
Millet, an often overlooked gluten-free grain, has a mild, sweet nuttiness that perfectly soaks up the curry flavor in these scrumptious sushi bites. Crunchy carrot, sweet bell pepper, and creamy avocado create the perfect plant-based filling for this colorful vegan gluten-free recipe. Break out the wasabi and soy sauce, and you’re ready for a homemade sushi feast!
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Thanks to the increased availability of tasty gluten-free pastas, it's easy to adapt your favorite plant-based pasta recipes to be gluten-free. This mac and cheese is family-friendly and ready in 30 minutes. It gets a rich cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast, onion, and garlic. As for which pasta to use, the soft texture and mild flavor of rice, corn, or quinoa pasta work well in this recipe.
Savory Pancakes with Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach
Light and fluffy with a pleasantly mild flavor, these savory pancakes are great when you feel like a change from your regular dinnertime fare. Note: Make sure to purchase certified gluten-free oat flour, as many oat products are milled on the same line as gluten-containing items and can put you at risk for cross-contamination.
Broccoli-Crust Veggie Pizza
How did we ever live without cruciferous-veggie pizza crusts!? This vegan gluten-free recipe is simple and delicious—just pulse broccoli in a food processor until it reaches a rice-like texture; add some almond flour, chickpea flour, and a few seasonings; and you’re good to go! Also check out: Quick Cornmeal Pizza Crust, Polenta Pizza Pie, and Chock Full of Veggies Pizza with Chickpea Crust.
Easy Vegan Corn Chowder
Pro tip: Many plant-based soups are naturally gluten-free! This seriously delicious gluten-free corn chowder uses frozen corn as its base. Almond flour and potato thicken it up and add creaminess, and fresh parsley and thyme round out the flavors perfectly.
Zesty White Bean Chili
Made with a handful of pantry staples, this sweet and spicy chili is a tasty one-pot wonder. Tender white beans absorb the smoky flavors of chili powder and cumin while fresh cilantro and lemon juice add brightness. Enjoy it on its own, or serve over a baked potato, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat groats, or millet for extra heartiness.
Festive Vegetable Pot Pie
This recipe takes a bit of prep but is so worth it! Mashed potato is the star of the rustic pie crust. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with the filling, adding your favorite veggies and beans. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oat flour; as mentioned above, cross-contamination can be an issue when it comes to gluten and oats.
Forbidden Rice Bowl with Quick-Pickled Cabbage
Grain bowls should be a mainstay in your rotation of vegan gluten-free dinner recipes. In this tasty bowl, quick-pickled cabbage and a creamy homemade miso-ginger dressing add tons of flavor to brown rice, edamame, and good ol' stir-fry veggies.
Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad
Cooking quinoa with cumin and turmeric gives it a rich earthy flavor and eye-catching golden hue. Made with cucumber, roasted bell pepper, tomato, lemon, and basil, this simple salad makes for a refreshing main dish or side when you’re craving an easy vegan gluten-free meal.
Curried Tomato-Lentil Stew
Cold weather getting you down? Cozy up to this scrumptious brown lentil stew. Half the lentils are pureed to thicken the sauce and add a rich depth of flavor to this vegan gluten-free meal. Serve as is or over your favorite whole grain such as brown rice, quinoa, or millet.
Spicy Stir-Fry Tacos
Corn-tortilla tacos are a great gluten-free, family-friendly meal to add to your weekly rotation. In this creative dish, steamed veggies are cooked with ginger, tamari, and rice vinegar, then loaded into warmed tortillas. Also try: Delicata Squash Tacos, Spiced Sweet Potato Tacos, and Full-On Taco Bar.
Fancy Vegan Meatballs
Mushrooms bring meaty flavor to these gluten-free vegan meatballs, while white beans and brown rice add heft. Flaxseed meal and oat flour hold it all together. (Note: Make sure you use gluten-free oat flour.) Top with cashew crumble, drizzle with some marinara, and watch them be devoured.
Black Bean, Corn, and Roasted Red Pepper Lettuce Cups
The combination of fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and a hearty, flavor-packed bean and corn mix hits all the right notes of flavor and texture. Spicy jalapeño adds satisfying heat, while grated lime zest infuses the filling with undertones of tangy citrus. The best part? This vegan gluten-free recipe is ready in only 15 minutes.
CRAVING A SWEET TREAT? TRY THESE VEGAN GLUTEN-FREE DESSERT RECIPES
Looking for a great gluten-free vegan dessert? Frozen banana "nice cream," like this Strawberry-Chocolate Ice Cream, is fabulously refreshing and comes together almost instantly.
For cooler weather, this Warm Peach and Raspberry Crumble always hits the spot. And our gorgeous citrusy Chocolate-Orange Dessert Donuts really are gluten-free (as long as you use gluten-free oat flour)!
Need a sweet snack? These Peanut Butter Quinoa Flake Cookies and Gluten-Free Fig Bars are kid-friendly and ideal to tuck into any lunch.
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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