5 Must-Try Gluten-Free Summer Recipes That Everyone Will Love

 

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant meals that keep your gluten-free lifestyle delicious and easy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for light, refreshing dishes, these five gluten-free recipes are sure to become your new favorites!

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1. Fresh Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (grilled or rotisserie)

• 4 cups mixed salad greens

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• Gluten-free BBQ sauce (to taste)

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss salad greens, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, and cilantro.

2. Add shredded chicken and drizzle with BBQ sauce and lime juice.

3. Toss gently to combine and season with salt and pepper.

4. Serve immediately.

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2. No-Bake Gluten-Free Berry Cheesecake Jars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free graham cracker crumbs

• 4 tbsp melted butter

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of small jars or cups.

2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Layer the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the jars.

4. Top with fresh berries.

5. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

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3. Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized

• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade, ensure gluten-free)

• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spiralize zucchinis into noodles and place in a large bowl.

2. Toss zucchini noodles with pesto until well coated.

3. Add cherry tomatoes and pine nuts.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve immediately or chill for a cold summer dish.

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4. Grilled Gluten-Free Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 zucchini, sliced thick

• 1 red onion, quartered

• Cherry tomatoes

• Olive oil

• Salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs

• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 min)

Instructions:

1. Thread vegetables onto skewers alternating colors and types.

2. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs.

3. Grill on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until veggies are tender.

4. Serve hot.

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5. Gluten-Free Frozen Fruit Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, mango, etc.)

• 1 cup 100% fruit juice (apple, grape, or orange)

• Honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Blend fruit and juice until slightly chunky.

2. Add sweetener if desired.

3. Pour mixture into popsicle molds.

4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.

5. Run molds under warm water to release popsicles before serving.

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Final Tips for Safe Gluten-Free Summer Eating

• Always check labels to confirm gluten-free status, especially for sauces and pesto.

• Clean your grill or cooking surfaces well to avoid cross-contamination.

• Have fun experimenting with fresh herbs and seasonal produce to keep meals exciting!

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Where to Buy Gluten-Free Products Online in Canada: Your Go-To Guide

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Products Online in Canada: Your Go-To Guide

Shopping for gluten-free products in Canada has never been easier—if you know where to look! Whether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease or managing gluten sensitivity, finding safe, trustworthy gluten-free options is essential.

Here’s a list of reliable Canadian online retailers where you can shop gluten-free with confidence—complete with direct links to start browsing.

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🍞 1. Natura Market

Natura Market is a top pick for Canadians seeking gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, and allergen-friendly foods. They carry brands that are often hard to find in-store, such as Simple Mills, Jovial, and Hu Kitchen.

• ✅ Free shipping over minimum order
• ✅ Easy-to-use filters for dietary preferences

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🥣 2. Well.ca

Well.ca offers a wide range of gluten-free groceries, snacks, and pantry essentials. They carry trusted brands like Enjoy Life, Bob’s Red Mill, and MadeGood.

• 🚚 Fast shipping across Canada
• 🔍 Filters make it easy to find celiac-safe items

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🛒 3. Goodness Me!

This Canadian health food store has an excellent online gluten-free selection. From bread and baking mixes to frozen meals and snacks, they’ve got it covered.

• 💡 Tip: Use the “gluten-free” search filter
• 🍁 Proudly Canadian-owned and operated

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🍪 4. The Low Carb Grocery

Despite the name, this store carries many gluten-free options! From flour alternatives and noodles to protein bars and snacks, they’re great for gluten-free, keto, or paleo diets.

• 🛍️ Great for bundling items and saving on shipping

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🧁 5. Amazon Canada

Amazon Canada has a huge variety of gluten-free products, often with Prime shipping. It’s convenient and often offers bulk buying options.

• 📦 Always double-check reviews and product labels

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🍬 6. Healthy Planet

Healthy Planet offers gluten-free groceries, vitamins, and wellness products. They also carry local Canadian brands and natural body care items.

• 🌱 Filters make it easy to shop allergen-free

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🧺 7. Bulk Barn

While not a dedicated gluten-free retailer, Bulk Barn offers a growing selection of gluten-free pre-packaged products. Some locations support online shopping and pickup or delivery.

• ⚠️ Best for sealed, certified gluten-free items due to cross-contamination risk

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🧾 Final Thoughts

When shopping online for gluten-free foods in Canada, always double-check product labels and look for certified gluten-free symbols—especially if you have celiac disease.

Bookmark these Canadian retailers to make gluten-free living easier, safer, and more convenient. And if you know a great Canadian gluten-free online shop that’s not on this list, drop a comment—I’d love to check it out!

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Safe Gluten-Free Products for Celiacs in Canada: What You Can Trust

Living with celiac disease in Canada can feel like a full-time detective job. Just because something says "gluten-free" doesn’t mean it’s safe. So let’s break down what’s actually safe for celiacs — no fluff, just facts.

✅ Certified Gluten-Free vs “Gluten-Free” Labels

In Canada, certified gluten-free means the product has been tested and meets strict standards — usually under 20ppm of gluten. Look for certifications from:

• Canadian Celiac Association (CCA)
• Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP)

“Gluten-free” without certification? It might be okay, but always double-check ingredients and manufacturing practices.

🚫 Products That May Look Safe But Aren’t:

• Oats – Must be purity protocol. Regular oats are often cross-contaminated.
• Spices and Seasonings – Make sure wheat is not listed and there is no "may contain" statement.
• Vegan/Plant-Based Foods – Watch for wheat-based seitan or hydrolyzed wheat protein.
• Imported “gluten-free” products – Different labeling laws apply. Trust Canadian or U.S. brands you know.

Canadian Brands Celiacs Trust:

• Enjoy Life – Top 9 allergen-free and certified GF.
• MadeGood – School-safe, organic, certified GF.
• Glutino / Udi’s – Widely available and certified.
• Kinnikinnick – Based in Alberta, 100% gluten-free facility.
• All But Gluten – Certified, but check for any changes in branding or ingredients.

💡 Pro Tip:

Use the Canadian Celiac Association Gluten-Free Certification directory to double-check brands and products. And always trust your gut — literally.

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Bottom line? If it’s not certified, labeled clearly, and made in a dedicated GF facility, it’s a “maybe.” For celiacs, “maybe” isn’t good enough.

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Celiac Guide: What to Watch For and Red Flags to Run From

When I think of the sea of information surrounding Celiac disease, I'm reminded of how I learned the ins and outs of managing it. Lucky for me, I was diagnosed long before gluten-free had become romanticised by celebrities and diet junkies. It made things easier I think because the information circulating about gluten-free was pure and foreign to most people. Gluten-free was just that; no gray area and no jokes.

With all of the information out there today, it can be difficult to weed out fact from fiction. The internet is a continuously growing source of unmoderated information and strong opinion. While different points of view can be a good thing, they aren't when it comes to managing Celiac. Scientific facts from medical professionals trump personal opinions on the internet (looking at you Facebook Groups, Twitter, and Instagram) one hundred percent! 

So Who Do We Trust?!

What to look for

Bloggers who actively campaign for Celiac awareness without policing the nutritional choices of others. Celiac aside, we all have different dietary needs, requirements, and lifestyles. It's important to find bloggers you can relate to. For example, if you are gluten-free AND dairy free, you would naturally gravitate toward someone who shares that lifestyle.

Look for support groups which are low on animosity and focus on the positives. While we all need to vent once in a while, it can be emotionally draining to be constantly surrounded by negativity. It's not hard to find a silver lining when everyone you connect with is searching for it too. Support networks big or small, are important to successfully manage Celiac.

Advocacy groups which are funded by member and/or Government donations. When there is no sponsorship, there is zero potential for conflict of interest. They are also more likely to involve members in every aspect of the organization, making it 100% accountable. Advocacy is a vital lifeline to everyone with Celiac. This is why we need to make sure we're supporting groups which are serious about making a difference.

Facts based on valid scientific research. Celiac is not governed by personal opinion. Period. To avoid clickbait and plain old wrong information, ask yourself:

• Is this a trustworthy information source?
• Can the facts be verified?
• Is there an ulterior motive?
• What makes this source reliable?
• Where did the information originate?
• Is it up to date?

We live in an era where information travels at lightspeed and just because it's out there, doesn't mean it's accurate.

Red flags

Anyone who promotes Cheerios as a suitable option for those with Celiac. See more on why that is a no-no here. This is a hot topic still and I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around why. The main problem here is cross-contamination and lack of transparency about the gluten-removal process from General Mills.

Stay far away from anyone promoting gluten-removed beer as a Celiac safe. It's not. Here's why: current technology is not reliable as it can't accurately measure the amount gluten in beer. It doesn't matter if it has been treated with enzymes or your Aunt Betty said she drinks it and is fine. Bartenders are not medical professionals and should not be relied upon for accurate information on the gluten-freeness of a drink. Beer made with malt a.k.a gluten-removed beer is not safe for any Celiac, nor is Corona for that matter.

Watch out for anyone who neglects to disclose sponsored material. This has been an ongoing problem on the interwebs for some time. It's sketchy, in poor taste and lacks authenticity.

Stay away from people who want to sell you essential oils, tonics and cleanses. None of this will "heal" you and most of them tend to be MLM situations. Don't get caught up in it and you won't be sorry.

Avoid anyone who tells you that they know a "cure". Although therapies are actively being trialed and researched, there is nothing to date which will allow you to safely consume gluten. There is zero proof that anything currently on store shelves will help with cross contamination or accidental glutening. ZERO. Side note - those pills in health stores that "aid in the digestion of gluten" are not regulated by the FDA and not even meant for people with Celiac.

Advocacy groups and Expos that are sponsored by companies that are not Celiac safe. This is a major conflict of interest. How can we be sure that money hasn't bought a favorable opinion here? Safety first!

Be wary of anyone who relies strictly on the Nima Sensor. The Canadian Celiac Association recently released a statement cautioning anyone with Celiac or gluten sensitivity against using the device. While Nima could potentially be a helpful tool, it's not flawless and the opportunity for error is simply too risky.

Research and Support You Can Count On

• Canadian Celiac Association
• Beyond Celiac
• The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
• Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University

Gluten-Free Certification 

• Gluten-Free Certification Program
• The Gluten-Free Food Program Inc.
• Gluten Free Watchdog, LLC

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