Gluten-Free Grains and Side Dishes

1 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Mushroom Carpaccio with Gremolata and Shaved Parmigiano

Mushroom Carpaccio with Gremolata and Shaved Parmigiano Recipe
This salad is the perfect antidote to the winter blues, and it pairs beautifully with foods of the season--roasts, stews, and braises. You could use a mandoline to slice the mushrooms, but a sharp knife will do.

2 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Karen Shinto

Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir-Fry

Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir-Fry Recipe

Think of mild-flavored, juicy bok choy as an invitation to experiment in the kitchen. It's especially good with earthy mushrooms. Thoroughly drying the bok choy before cooking ensures that you don't end up with a watery sauce.

3 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Stir-Fried Cabbage with Red Pepper and Peas

Stir-Fried Cabbage with Red Pepper and Peas Recipe

This quick, simple stir-fry elevates humble cabbage to a starring role and makes an extremely hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish. Coconut and curry leaves make it a more southern Indian dish; northern Indian cooks would also cook the cabbage much longer, until it's soft and slightly caramelized.

4 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Indian Chopped Salad

Indian Chopped Salad Recipe

Combining chopped vegetables with lime juice, ground cumin, and other seasonings give this Indian-style salad a unique flavor.

5 of 72 Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

Featuring cranberries, wild rice, toasted pecans, and scallions, this salad is full of fall flavor.

6 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Spicy Garlic Broccolini

Spicy Garlic Broccolini Recipe

Broccolini has long, thick stalks and small florets. Broccoli rabe has slender stalks, larger florets, and leaves, as well as a slightly bitter flavor. Either will work in this quick sauté.

7 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots

Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots Recipe

Partially cover the pan as the carrots steam so they retain some texture. They will continue to soften as the glaze reduces in the pan.

8 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Paige Hicks

Grilled Sweet Potato and Bell Pepper Toss

Grilled Sweet Potato and Bell Pepper Toss Recipe

Cut the red bell peppers from top to bottom into four panels; then simply discard the core. The wide pepper pieces will take on more char and be easier to maneuver on the grill.

9 of 72 Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Kira Corbin

Roasted Asparagus and Baby Artichokes

Roasted Asparagus and Baby Artichokes Recipe
To get a head start, prepare the recipe through step 2 up to two days in advance. Shortly before serving, place asparagus on pan with roasted asparagus, and proceed with step 3.

10 of 72 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Wilted Kale with Bacon and Vinegar

Wilted Kale with Bacon and Vinegar Recipe
Kale is a sturdy green that holds up to the bold, salty bite of bacon. Red onion, sherry vinegar, and maple syrup are other key ingredients in this satisfying side.

11 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Charred Okra with Tomatoes

Charred Okra with Tomatoes Recipe

A serrated peeler works like magic to peel plum tomatoes, sparing you the hassle of blanching and shocking in ice water to get the skins off.

12 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Charred Okra with Tomatillos

Charred Okra with Tomatillos Recipe
This healthy side dish is a fantastic way to get your daily serving of veggies.

13 of 72 Photo: Oxmoor House

Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita

Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita Recipe
This Indian-inspired dish features quinoa, a high-protein grain that cooks relatively quickly. Cucumber-Mint Raita tames the heat of Madras curry powder, while mango and currants provide sweetness in this sensational salad.

14 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Walnuts Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist on a classic side.

15 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Quick Pickled Red Onions

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist to a classic side.

16 of 72 Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Creamy Corn Risotto

Creamy Corn Risotto Recipe
Fresh kernels steep in milk before they're added to the rice, so the risotto absorbs every last bit of corn flavor. This gorgeous side is the perfect summer dish.

17 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Coriander Carrots

Coriander Carrots Recipe

Cooked carrots are an often-overlooked choice as a vegetable side. Coriander seeds and a little salt, pepper, and butter are all you need for this nutritious dish.

18 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Balsamic Broccoli Rabe

Balsamic Broccoli Rabe Recipe

Broccoli rabe is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. Olive oil, vinegar, Parmesan, and salt and pepper are all you need to create this nutritious, Italian-inspired side dish.

19 of 72 Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Serve Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce as a sort of warm side salad. The tangy-sweet pepper sauce makes a perfect flavor pairing for the tender, creamy flesh of the grilled eggplant.

20 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pan-Seared Mojo Potatoes

Pan-Seared Mojo Potatoes Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist to a classic side. For the topping, try plain, nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. It’s less than half the calories, and you won’t be able to tell a difference!

21 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist to a classic side.

22 of 72 Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Napa Cabbage-and-Sweet Pepper Slaw

Napa Cabbage-and-Sweet Pepper Slaw Recipe

Put this on your pulled pork sandwich and you'll never go back to regular coleslaw again.

23 of 72 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Basic Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Basic Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Basic, yes. Boring, no. Start with this recipe, and then try some variations. The key to perfect, fluffy spuds is not overworking them with an electric mixer; a ricer (or food mill, if you have one) or potato masher is the best tool for the job.

Sauteed Snap Peas with Ricotta Salata and Mint

24 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Sautéed Snap Peas with Ricotta Salata and Mint

Sautéed Snap Peas with Ricotta Salata and Mint Recipe
Floral lemon zest (but no tart juice) allows the sweet pea flavor to shine. Chop mint, grate lemon rind, and crumble cheese while the peas cook. Serve with sandwiches, grilled chicken, or pork chops.

25 of 72 Photo: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr

Bean Salad Quinoa

Bean Salad Quinoa Recipe
Cannellini beans, plum tomatoes, and red onion add a variety of colors and textures to this superfast side.

26 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Creamy Gorgonzola Teff with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes

Creamy Gorgonzola Teff with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Teff is a tiny grain that cooks in 20 minutes. It's porridgy, like polenta, with a deep, toasty flavor. It works well with sweet flavors, but creamy Gorgonzola and herb-roasted tomatoes are the savory stars in this recipe.

27 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Mushroom and Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Mushroom and Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe

While old-school stovetop-stirred risotto is undeniably delicious, the pressure cooker also delivers astonishingly good results: perfectly creamy, al dente risotto without constant stirring.

28 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Beet-Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Beet-Citrus Salad with Pistachios Recipe
This is a fresh, bright, zero-effort side, thanks to precooked beets and precut fresh citrus. It makes a lovely accompaniment to grilled salmon, pork, or chicken.

29 of 72 Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl, Cindy Barr

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Anchovy

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Anchovy Recipe
Minced anchovy fillets deliver bold flavor to this simple side. Broccoli retains all of its flavor and even gains deliciously crisp bits when roasted.

30 of 72 Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl, Cindy Barr

Cabbage with White Beans, Turnip, and Pecorino

Cabbage with White Beans, Turnip, and Pecorino Recipe
This monochromatic dish is anything but boring. Creamy, earthy, crunchy, and bright, the variety of flavors and textures make this a great dish to serve alongside roast chicken or pork.

31 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Sorghum with Summer Corn, Tomatoes, and Tarragon

Sorghum with Summer Corn, Tomatoes, and Tarragon Recipe
Sorghum is a mild pearl-shaped grain, like a chewier version of Israeli couscous when cooked. Sweet summer veggies like corn, tomatoes, and asparagus pair well with the grain's slight sweetness in this recipe.

32 of 72 Photo: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr

Nutty Almond-Sesame Red Quinoa

Nutty Almond-Sesame Red Quinoa Recipe
We love the color and texture of red quinoa, but regular quinoa also works well in this recipe. Sliced almonds bring out the pleasant nuttiness of this protein-packed grain.

33 of 72 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Wilted Kale with Coconut, Ginger, and Lime

Wilted Kale with Coconut, Ginger, and Lime Recipe
Coconut milk, ginger, and lime juice bring Asian-inspired flavor to this nutritious side dish.

34 of 72 Photo: Raymond Hom; Styling: Pamela Duncan Silver

Slow-Roasted Grape Tomatoes

Slow-Roasted Grape Tomatoes Recipe
Slow-roasting little grape tomatoes intensifies their sweetness, allowing you to enjoy summer flavors year-round. Serve as they are for a side dish, on crostini with ricotta for an appetizer, or tossed with pasta and olive oil for a main dish.

35 of 72 Photo: Oxmoor House

Tabbouleh-Style Amaranth Salad

Tabbouleh-Style Amaranth Salad Recipe
Need a change from brown rice and quinoa? Amaranth is a ancient grain that is naturally gluten-free and a source of complete protein. Try it in this Middle Eastern salad tossed with veggies, herbs, chickpeas, and feta.

36 of 72 Photo: Rob Culpepper; Styling: Cindy Barr

Bitter Greens Salad with Spiced Mirin Dressing

Bitter Greens Salad with Spiced Mirin Dressing Recipe
It's common to add a touch of sweetness to salad dressings for bitter greens. Instead of sugar or honey, here we use the richness of mirin, a sweet rice wine.

37 of 72 Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Rachael Burrow

White Bean-Asparagus Salad with Bacon and Thyme

White Bean-Asparagus Salad with Bacon and Thyme Recipe

This hearty salad with beans, asparagus and bacon is so hearty it could almost pass for a main dish!

38 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Stylist: Cindy Barr

Quick Classic Baked Beans

Quick Classic Baked Beans Recipe
Our baked beans are cooked mostly on the stovetop and then briefly broiled for crusty edges. If you want extra herby flavor, garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

39 of 72 Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Paige Hicks

Esquites (Creamy Corn Salad)

Esquites (Creamy Corn Salad) Recipe
Esquites is a cousin to elote--that street food favorite of creamy cheese-coated corn cobs. You can also find this off-the-cob version with Mexican street food vendors. It's great on its own or served as a side dish with grilled meats.

40 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Cindy Barr

Steamed Green Beans with Lemon-Mint Dressing

Steamed Green Beans with Lemon-Mint Dressing Recipe
If you don't have mint, tarragon or basil would be equally delicious in this speedy side. If desired, top with fresh lemon rind for a little extra zing.

41 of 72 Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Rachael Burrow

Green Bean, Orange, and Fennel Salad with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese

Green Bean, Orange, and Fennel Salad with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese Recipe

We love this satisfying, citrusy salad with green beans. Make sure to top with plenty of hazelnuts and goat cheese!

42 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Cheesy Buckwheat with Kale and Mushrooms

Cheesy Buckwheat with Kale and Mushrooms Recipe
Buckwheat is an earthy grain and pairs well with smoky flavors. In this recipe, bacon, kale, mushrooms, and Gruyère are the flavor boosters.

43 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Wilted Escarole with Lemon and Garlic

Wilted Escarole with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Escarole is transformed by heat, turning soft and mellow, with only a slight edge of bitterness. Swiss chard and mature spinach are also delicious cooked this way.

44 of 72 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Golden Buttermilk-Chive Mashed Potatoes

Golden Buttermilk-Chive Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Yukon gold potatoes give this dish its desirable color and buttery flavor. Mashed spuds work well with almost any dish, so be sure to add this recipe to your arsenal.

45 of 72 Photo: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr

Lemon-Snap Pea Quinoa

Lemon-Snap Pea Quinoa Recipe
The natural sweetness of sugar snap peas is balanced by tart lemon juice in this superfast side.

46 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Yogurt Rice with Cumin and Chile

Yogurt Rice with Cumin and Chile Recipe
Using whole packages of precooked rice and yogurt saves the time of measuring in this 5-minute side. Serve with grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon.

47 of 72 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Wilted Kale with Golden Shallots

Wilted Kale with Golden Shallots Recipe
Sautéed shallots add bite to this simple side, packed with vegetal flavor. The recipe calls for Lacinato kale, also called Tuscan, dinosaur, or black kale.

48 of 72 Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Heather Chontos

Pineapple and Orange Salad with Toasted Coconut

Pineapple and Orange Salad with Toasted Coconut Recipe
Serve this tropical side with your favorite gluten-free grilled entrée. Assemble the night before, but stir in and sprinkle with coconut just before serving.

49 of 72 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Toasted Millet with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Toasted Millet with Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe
Millet is a fast, fluffy, and nearly foolproof gluten-free grain. Its corn-forward flavor makes it perfect for spicy, highly-seasoned recipes like this one.

50 of 72 Photo: Stephen Devries; Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Charred Broccolini with Lemon

Charred Broccolini with Lemon Recipe
You can prepare this dish on the grill, or in the oven on a rimmed cookie sheet under the broiler.

51 of 72 Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr

Classic Risotto Milanese

Classic Risotto Milanese Recipe
Saffron gives Classic Risotto Milanese its golden color. Enjoying a warm bowl of this comforting side will leave you wanting for more of its rich, creamy, earthy flavor.

52 of 72 Photo: Whitney Ott; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Celery and Arugula Salad

Celery and Arugula Salad Recipe
This simple salad is a perfect accompaniment to chicken or fish, and can be served with plenty of parmesan cheese.

53 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Orange-Jicama Salad

Orange-Jicama Salad Recipe
The cool crunch of jicama is a great accompaniment to the deliciously juicy orange slices.

54 of 72 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Roasted Balsamic Radicchio with Pancetta and Walnuts

Roasted Balsamic Radicchio with Pancetta and Walnuts Recipe
Radicchio--that bitter, crunchy, scarlet and white vegetable Italians adore, becomes entirely different when roasted. Its color deepens and the flavor turns mellow and nutty, with just a hint of bitterness remaining. Serve it alongside roast pork, chicken, or beef. Or, to turn it into a main course, chop and toss with hot cooked pasta.

55 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Carrot and Cumin Salad

Carrot and Cumin Salad Recipe
Cooked matchstick-cut carrots bring a crisp and flavorful texture when sprinkled with spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon.

56 of 72 Photo: Linda Pugliese; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross Walker

Anchovy-Parmesan White Bean and Kale Salad

Anchovy-Parmesan White Bean and Kale Salad Recipe
This cozy salad makes a great side dish for many dishes and features an anchovy and crushed red pepper sauce that is drizzled over top.

57 of 72 Photo: Helen Norman; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Garden Potato Salad

Garden Potato Salad Recipe
New potatoes are baby spring potatoes with beautifully thin skins. We love how red-skinned potatoes contrast with vibrant green peas and herbs, but you can use any kind of potato you like.

58 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Carrot "Tabbouleh"

Carrot "Tabbouleh" Recipe
Fresh carrots stand in for bulgur in this no-cook, gluten-free side dish. You can use white wine vinegar in place of lemon juice.

59 of 72 Photo: Travis Rathbone

Roasted Carrot Salad

Roasted Carrot Salad Recipe
Top kale with roasted carrots. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with dates and cheese. Season with additional pepper, if desired.

60 of 72 Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Shaved Vegetable Salad with Toasted Almonds

Shaved Vegetable Salad with Toasted Almonds Recipe
All it takes is a sharp vegetable peeler to transform a few favorite veggies into an inventive salad. To shave the asparagus into ribbons, place each spear flat on your work surface so you can pull the peeler evenly down its length.

61 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Skillet-Charred Vidalia Onion Salad

Skillet-Charred Vidalia Onion Salad Recipe
Make sure to have your stove's hood vent cranking--the onion will give off smoke as it chars. A hit of floral fresh oregano provides the perfect top note for the salad's Mediterranean flavors.

62 of 72 Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Pickled Tomatoes

Pickled Tomatoes Recipe
Toast the spice seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and start to release their flavorful oils. Use Pickled Tomatoes to brighten sandwiches and grilled meats.

63 of 72 Photo: Whitney Ott; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Spring Greens, Pea, and Citrus Salad

Spring Greens, Pea, and Citrus Salad Recipe
Orange slices add a tantalizingly tart flavor to tossed spring greens.

64 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Rice with Almonds and Peas

Rice with Almonds and Peas Recipe
Basmati rice is fluffy and fragrant; top with stir-fries, use for rice stuffings, or make rice pudding.

65 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Chili Garlic Broccolini

Chili Garlic Broccolini Recipe
Chili garlic sauce can be found on the international aisle of most supermarkets. Add to stir-fries or marinades, stir into ketchup for a spicy kick, or top scrambled eggs.

66 of 72 Photo: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr

Balsamic and Grape Quinoa

Balsamic and Grape Quinoa Recipe
White balsamic vinegar and seedless red grapes bring subtle sweetness to this superfast side.

67 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon

Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon Recipe
This refreshing corn and green onion salad clocks in at less that 150 calories per serving.

68 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Butter Lettuce, Asparagus, and Hazelnut Salad

Butter Lettuce, Asparagus, and Hazelnut Salad Recipe
Butter lettuce, also called Boston or Bibb lettuce, is delicate; it can bruise and wilt as easily as fresh herbs. Instead of tossing together in a bowl, arrange the lettuce on individual plates before adding other elements.

69 of 72 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Turnip and Leek Mashed Potatoes

Turnip and Leek Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Get an extra boost of nutrients by adding turnips to basic mashed potatoes. The result is a creamy and earthy side with a hint of onion flavor from the leek.

70 of 72 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Baby Greens and Artichoke Salad

Baby Greens and Artichoke Salad Recipe
This simple baby greens salad is the perfect accompaniment for light and flavorful dishes.

71 of 72 Photo: Jason Varney; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Spinach Salad with Berries and Goat Cheese

Spinach Salad with Berries and Goat Cheese Recipe
With only a handful of ingredients, this spinach salad is the perfect accompaniment for any meal on a busy weeknight.

72 of 72 Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Jeffrey Larsen

Carrot Salad with Red Quinoa and Chickpeas

Carrot Salad with Red Quinoa and Chickpeas Recipe

This healthy salad is picnic-perfect, because the carrots stay crunchy and the quinoa and chickpeas keep their texture. (Regular quinoa works fine in this recipe, if you can't find the red variety.)

Picnic tip: This salad is delicious at room temperature, so if you'll be eating it within 2 hours, there's no need to pack it in the cooler.