We all have that one friend whose restaurant order we envy—she always seems to know exactly what to get. But healthy dining can be even more of a challenge when you’re following a gluten-free diet. So in partnership with Healthy Aperture we asked a group of GF bloggers what they typically order at common restaurants. Why not steal their ideas the next time you’re perusing a menu?
Mexican
“Taco salad with beans and guacamole (without the shell; no sour cream).” — Aggie Goodman, Aggie’s Kitchen
“Black beans, avocado and rice.” — Abby Himes, Seaweed and Sassafras
“Chicken fajitas, no tortillas, with a side of guacamole on lettuce.” — Andrea Syswerda, Delicious by Dre
“Burrito bowl (minus the tortilla) with black or pinto beans, extra veggies, spicy salsa, and lots of guacamole.” — Amanda Maguire, Pickles & Honey
“Something grilled with whole black beans. Refried beans are often processed, and may contain traces of gluten.” — Ann Plough, Eat Simply Eat Well
“Carne asada over shredded lettuce with guacamole.” — Brent Schrader, Virginia Is for Hunter-Gatherers
“Grilled fish or chicken tacos on corn tortilla with guacamole and lots of salsa.” — E.A. Stewart, The Spicy RD
“Shrimp salad with avocado.” — Danielle Omar, Food Confidence
“Burrito bowl with beef, black beans and pico di gallo.” — Tim Horel, Gluten Free Canteen
Steakhouse
“The smallest steak available, which I usually cut in half; baked or other potato dish; sautéed mushrooms.” E.A. Stewart, The Spicy RD
“Minestrone soup and salmon entrée.” — Kelly Egan, Running Blonde
“Prime rib, steamed asparagus and side house salad.” — Brent Schrader, Virginia is for Hunters-Gatherers
“Spinach salad with grilled chicken, walnuts, cranberries, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.” — Alyssa Rimmer, Queen of Quinoa
“A house salad (minus the croutons) with lemon/olive oil dressing and a baked sweet potato.” — Amanda Maguire, Pickles & Honey
“Grilled top sirloin with grilled veggies and a sweet potato.” — Brittany Lesser, GotheXtraMile
“Petite filet and a salad, skip the roll.” — Abby Himes, Seaweed and Sassafras
“Lobster with a couple of side dishes, usually a baked potato and either sautéed mushrooms or broiled/roasted tomato.” — Rachel Begun, The Gluten Free RD
“Just about any of the grilled meats are usually gluten-free. And most will have seafood options as well.” Lisa Wells, Cook Eat Paleo
“A steakhouse is a steakhouse. We order the steak. A family-sized Porterhouse, with creamed spinach, roasted Brussels sprouts, and hen of the woods mushrooms.” — Laura Clark, Pass the Knife
Chinese
“Szechuan eggplant and green beans.” Alex Witte, Chowvida
“Sweet and sour tofu and vegetables with steamed rice.” — Bella McKenzie, Sweet n’ Savory Life
“Spicy Singapore rice noodles.” — Alyssa Brantley, Everyday Maven
“Miso soup with a green papaya salad.” — Alyssa Rimmer, Queen of Quinoa
“Stir-fry veggie and prawns dish.” — Christal Sczebel, Nutritionist in the Kitch
“Colorful steamed vegetable plate, small side brown rice.” Sadie Crouch, Sweet.Smart.Vegan
“Mongolian Beef.” — Wendy O’Neal, Around my Family Table
“Coconut curry vegetables with brown rice.” — Maryea Flaherty, Happy Healthy Mama
“Shrimp stir-fry with extra veggies and brown rice.” — Aggie Goodman, Aggie’s Kitchen
“Tofu in sautéed rice wrappers, salt and pepper green beans.” — Karen Tedesco, Family Style Food
Italian
“Gluten-free pasta with fresh pomodoro and basil sauce.” — Bella McKenzie, Sweet n’ Savory Life
“Lentil or minestrone soup.” — Brittany Mullins; Eating Bird Food
“Gnocchi with portabella.” Alison McCarthy, Pure Provender
“Pan-roasted fish with side salad.” — Brent Schrader, Virginia is for Hunter-Gatherers
“Gluten-free pesto and veggie pasta or pizza with a side salad.” — Jesse, Out to Lunch Creations
“Grilled chicken or fish and polenta with veggies.” — E.A. Stewart, The Spicy RD
“Lemon chicken: I love the clean, citrus flavor of roasted chicken with lemon topped with capers and served with a side of spinach.” — Paige Adams; Last Ingredient
“There is usually a great meat or fish dish sautéed in tomato sauce. I check to make sure they don’t dredge the meat in flour and can make it gluten free and substitute vegetables for the side of pasta.” — Lisa Wells, Cook Eat Paleo
Burger Joint
“Veggie burger minus the bun and a salad topped with avocado.” — Allison Brewer, Get Natured
“A cheeseburger ‘wrap’ with lettuce instead of bread/wrap.” — Alyssa Brantley, Everyday Maven
“Turkey burger with salsa and avocado on top.” — Andrea Syswerda, Delicious by Dre
“Grass-fed burger on a gluten-free bun.” — Winnie Abramson, Healthy Green Kitchen
“I usually opt for the grilled chicken and load it up with all the gluten and dairy-free vegetable toppings.” — Lisa Wells, Cook Eat Paleo
