Roundup of Allergy-Friendly Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy

Do food allergies have you in a cooking rut? Here are 7 delicious recipes to add variety and balance to your weekly meal plan.
Roundup of Allergy-Friendly Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy
Cameron Whitman/Stocksy; Joshua Resnick/Adobe Stock
Food allergies or sensitivities can really put a damper on meal plans. Eggs, milk, peanuts, and wheat are among the most common foods that can cause an allergic reaction or digestive symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

 Unfortunately, those same items are often key ingredients in popular soups, entrées, and desserts.

The good news? The days of “take it or leave it” dishes are a thing of the past. With just a few simple adjustments or swaps, you can create healthy dishes that are full of flavor — and avoid foods that may trigger an allergic reaction.

Below is a roundup of seven allergy-friendly recipes for soups, sides, appetizers, and main courses.

1
Carrot Ginger Soup
Cameron Whitman/Stocksy

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carotenoids, the plant-based pigments that make carrots orange, could also be the reason they excel at fending off illness, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One, beta-carotene, is converted to vitamin A, a nutrient critical to enhancing immune function, according to past research. Ginger also has known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and the combo can help send colds packing. Have this low-cal soup as a starter or side.

4.6 out of 55 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

103

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

40 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 lb carrots, chopped (skin on)
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp grated fresh turmeric or 1 tsp ground turmeric
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

In a large stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2

Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric, and stir to combine. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more.

3

Stir in the broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all ingredients are soft, about 25 to 30 minutes.

4

Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, allow soup to cool slightly before carefully transferring it to a standard blender and blending until smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 cups

calories

103

total fat

3g

saturated fat

0.4g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

19g

fiber

4.9g

sugar

9.8g

added sugar

1g

sodium

366mg

TAGS:

Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Appetizer, Side Dish, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet
2
Potato-salad
Alamy

Herbed Potato Salad

Potato salad often contains mayo, which is high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But this version swaps in olive oil, which is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that may lower heart disease risk, research says. The potatoes are cooked, then cooled, turning some of the starch into resistant starch, according to a study. Resistant starch can be difficult to digest and has fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular starch, per a different study.

4.7 out of 25 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

156

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

25 min

Ingredients

2 lb new potatoes (aka baby potatoes), halved
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup white wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup red onion, diced
3 tbsp capers
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Directions

1

Place potatoes in a large stockpot full of cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and cook until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and cool.

2

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour over potatoes and toss gently to coat.

3

Top with onion, capers, dill, and basil, and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving sizeAbout 1⅓ cups

calories

156

total fat

5g

saturated fat

0.6g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

29g

fiber

3g

sugar

0g

added sugar

0g

sodium

350mg

TAGS:

Gluten-free, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian
3
sushi
Joshua Resnick/Adobe Stock

Vegan Avocado Sushi Roll

Sushi rolls look complex, but you can make them at home for a fraction of the price you’d pay ordering out, and you can use whatever combination of ingredients you prefer. Most supermarkets sell sushi rice in the grain aisle and nori in the international aisle, or visit an Asian market for these items. The soy sauce for dipping will add excess sodium, so use a low-sodium tamari or soy sauce.

4.4 out of 32 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

261

PREP TIME

20 min

COOK TIME

12 min

TOTAL TIME

32 min

Ingredients

1 cup dry sushi rice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
4 sheets nori seaweed
8 large Bibb or romaine lettuce leaves, rinsed and thoroughly dried
1 large avocado, cut into thin strips, about 16 slices
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeds removed and cut lengthwise into thin strips
Powdered wasabi, sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Boil dry sushi rice in 2 cups of water for 12–15 minutes, until water disappears. Stir in rice vinegar and cool to room temperature.

2

On a bamboo sushi mat (or plastic wrap), lay one sheet of nori. Scoop ½ cup cooled rice and spread it into a thin layer. (Pro tip: Use wet hands to keep rice from sticking to you as you press it down.)

3

Carefully flip the nori sheet so the rice layer is facing down on the plastic wrap.

4

In an even line, lay 2 leaves of lettuce, 2 slices of avocado and 4–5 slices of cucumber. Gently roll the mat (or plastic wrap) and compress with your hands until an even sushi roll is formed.

5

With a sharp chef’s knife, cut each roll into 8 even rounds. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and wasabi, if using. Repeat steps 2–5 to make the 3 remaining rolls.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size8 pieces

calories

261

total fat

6g

saturated fat

0.8g

protein

6g

carbohydrates

47g

fiber

5.2g

sugar

1.5g

added sugar

0g

sodium

61mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Family-Friendly, Dinner
4
Healthy Mini Apple Pies
iStock

Healthy Mini Apple Pies

The only thing better than apple pie is this bite-size version. Oats, olive oil, and spices make a nutritious alternative to traditional pie crust that still has your favorite fall flavors. Oats lend an extra dose of fiber that’s traditionally missing from pie crust, per the USDA, and with oats as the base, these pies are gluten-free. (If you need to completely avoid gluten, look for oats labeled “gluten-free” to make sure the oats have not been cross-contaminated during production and packaging.)

4.8 out of 42 reviews

SERVES

16

CALORIES PER SERVING

104

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

20 min

TOTAL TIME

35 min

Ingredients

1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup light-tasting olive oil, divided
1½ tsp light brown sugar
¾ tsp ground cinnamon, divided
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 medium tart-sweet apples (such as McIntosh), peeled and diced
¼ cup raisins
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground ginger

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

2

Place oats in a blender or food processor and pulse.

3

Transfer oat mixture to a bowl and add 2 tbsp of olive oil, brown sugar, ¼ tsp of cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine and then evenly distribute the pie crust mixture into prepared muffin tin, pressing into bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup.

4

In a mixing bowl, combine apples, 2 tbsp of olive oil, ½ tsp cinnamon, raisins, maple syrup, nutmeg, and ginger. Toss to evenly coat. Gently place apple mixture into each of the muffin cups.

5

Bake in the preheated oven until apples are soft and crust begins to brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 mini pie

calories

104

total fat

4g

saturated fat

0.5g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

15g

fiber

1.9g

sugar

5.7g

added sugar

1.9g

sodium

19mg

TAGS:

Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Family-Friendly, Dessert
5
jicama slaw with lime dressing
Shutterstock

Jicama-Daikon Slaw With Cilantro-Lime Dressing

One of the best ways to support immunity is by building a healthy microbiome, the microbes housed mostly in the gastrointestinal tract, which past research notes affect immunity. Jicama (pronounced HEE-kah-ma) is a rich source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber, according to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Prebiotic fiber serves as food for probiotics. This recipe also includes limes, which contain 13.2 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per juiced fruit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

5.0 out of 6 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

80

PREP TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

15 min

Ingredients

½ jicama, peeled and cut into julienne strips
1 daikon radish, cut into julienne strips
1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed, finely chopped (use less if you prefer more mild flavors)
3 limes, juiced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp kosher salt
1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1

In a medium mixing bowl, place jicama, daikon, and jalapeño.

2

In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, red pepper (if using), and cilantro. Pour the dressing over slaw mixture and gently mix to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1

calories

80

total fat

5g

saturated fat

0.7g

protein

1g

carbohydrates

10g

fiber

3.8g

sugar

3g

added sugar

0g

sodium

109mg

TAGS:

Diabetes-Friendly, Anti-Inflammatory, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Mediterranean, Quick & Easy, Paleo Diet, Side Dish, Whole30 Diet, Vegan, Vegetarian
6
Roasted chicken veggies
Nadine Greeff/Stocksy

One-Pan Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs and Vegetables

One of the quickest ways to get dinner on the table in a hurry is to roast everything on one sheet pan. Chicken thighs often get a bad rap because they’re a little higher in fat than white meat, per the USDA, but unlike breasts, they get only so big, which is built-in portion control.

4.7 out of 23 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

550

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

20 min

TOTAL TIME

30 min

Ingredients

¾ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
¼ tsp freshly ground pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
6 boneless chicken thighs, no-salt solution added
4 cups (2 pints) grape tomatoes
2 bunches fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
2 fresh lemons; 1 juiced, 1 sliced into wedges
1 tbsp assorted fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment and lightly coat with olive oil. Lay chicken thighs on one side. Sprinkle seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each thigh.

3

Add tomatoes to other side of baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil, tossing lightly to coat. If needed, use a second baking sheet to spread all the ingredients neatly into a single layer. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle half the lemon juice over entire pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

4

Remove baking sheet from oven and add asparagus to the same side as tomatoes. Toss vegetables with remaining lemon juice and sprinkle fresh herbs over chicken. Return to oven and roast until asparagus is bright green and beginning to brown, and the internal temperature of chicken is 165 degrees F, about 8–12 minutes.

5

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

550

total fat

33g

saturated fat

9g

protein

41g

carbohydrates

39g

fiber

9g

sugar

9g

added sugar

0g

sodium

520mg

TAGS:

Family-Friendly, Gluten-free, High-Fiber, High-Protein, Quick & Easy, Dinner
7
vegan shephards pie
Adobe Stock

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

The perfect marriage of comfort food and health food does exist! While a classic shepherd’s pie features ground lamb, this plant-based version has no shortage of flavor. Lentils are an under-utilized pulse which the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes is naturally low in sodium and saturated fat while being a source of protein, folate, potassium, and both soluble and insoluble fiber.

4.7 out of 13 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

382

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

40 min

TOTAL TIME

50 min

Ingredients

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
1½ cups dry green lentils
4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2

Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough cold water to cover by at least 1 inch. Set over high heat and boil until potatoes are easily pierced by a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup of cooking water.

3

Add 2 tbsp olive oil and ¼ teaspoon salt to pot with potatoes and mash. If necessary, use reserved cooking liquid to get the potatoes to the desired consistency.

4

Place a stockpot over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions have softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.

5

Stir in tomato paste. Add lentils, broth, ½ tsp salt, black pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils have softened, about 15 to 20 minutes.

6

Place lentil mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the potatoes and bake until lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1½ cups

calories

382

total fat

7g

saturated fat

0.9g

protein

17g

carbohydrates

67g

fiber

9g

sugar

7.4g

added sugar

0.7g

sodium

283mg

TAGS:

Mediterranean, Heart-Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dinner
Reyna-Franco-bio

Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.

In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.

Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.

She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

Becky Upham, MA

Becky Upham

Author

Becky Upham has been professionally involved in health and wellness for almost 20 years. She's been a race director, a recruiter for Team in Training for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a salesperson for a major pharmaceutical company, a blogger for Moogfest, a communications manager for Mission Health, a fitness instructor, and a health coach.

She majored in English at the University of North Carolina and has a master's in English writing from Hollins University.

Upham enjoys teaching cycling classes, running, reading fiction, and making playlists.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Food Allergies: What You Need to Know. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. April 12, 2023.