7 Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas That Won’t Have You Missing Bread

Jen Wallace |

Sep 10, 2024

Go sans bread with these gluten-free lunch ideas.

While some people do just like to follow the latest food trends, many more are turning to gluten-free eating to help them maintain a healthier weight, better regulate blood sugar levels, reduce gas and bloating, and to help them heal from serious auto-immune diseases. But for sandwich lovers, gluten-free lunch ideas can be a real hardship–and those gluten-free breads just aren’t a substitute for the crusty, doughy stuff.

My husband has been gluten-free for several years now. Without sharing his personal business, let’s just say it is for health reasons. Before going gluten-free, he was a regular eater of sandwiches, wraps, pizza, flat bread–you name it. Now, since going gluten-free a (and grain-free), we have had to get creative with gluten-free lunch ideas sans bread.

If you considering going gluten- (and possibly grain-) free, don’t despair. Yes, gluten-free lunch ideas, and sandwiches in particular, are going to be a challenge. The key is to look at your new diet as an adventure. And remember, it is possible to replicate the function of bread without actually keeping the bread.

Here are some gluten-free lunch ideas ideas for bread-free sandwiches to make going gluten-free easier.

7 Gluten-Free Lunch ideas for Bread-Free Sandwiches

Portobello Mushroom Buns – By far, one of our favorite bread substitutes is using grilled portobello mushrooms as “buns”.
Tomato Slices – In the summertime, use big ole beefsteak tomato slices as gluten-free “bread” to hold our favorite cold cuts and/or veggies like cucumber slices and asparagus and drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
Cucumber Boats – Peel, slice in half, and hollow out cucumbers. Fill the halves with tuna, chicken or tempeh salad for the ultimate crisp sandwich.
Lettuce Wraps – We love to sauté up some tofu and veggies, top with a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce and ginger, and serve it all rolled up in iceberg lettuce leaves.
Plantain Wraps – I make up plantain wraps using this recipe. They are not the same as wheat flour wraps, but they are still totally satisfying. Make up a batch on the weekends for use all week.
Collard Green Wraps – Trim and cut off the thickest part of the stem, then steam your collard green leaves until they are bright green and soft, but not completely limp. They make great wraps and can prepared ahead of time. I like mine filled with homemade cole slaw and grilled tofu.
Endive Taco Boats – Missing tacos too? Try using endive leaves as taco boats for your favorite taco recipe.