This collection of the 73 Best Dairy-Free Recipes proves that a life without dairy can still be downright delicious! With everything from main dishes and sides to breakfasts and desserts, this list features tasty, easy-to-make, and nutritious dairy-free ideas for everyone.
Table of Contents
Lactose and dairy intolerance are no joke — I learned firsthand when I developed lactose intolerance during pregnancy. Though I had developed many dairy-free recipes previously, experiencing the condition myself caused me to develop a new understanding of how uncomfortable, inconvenient, and life-altering food allergies can be.
I can't tell you how many times I ordered a burger without cheese and the server brought out a cheeseburger. There was also the time that I asked for a dairy-free breakfast platter, and the toast and eggs came out coated in butter. Even when it came to home cooking, I quickly discovered how many of my go-to ideas had butter, cheese, or milk.
Quickly, I realized it was time to step up my dairy-free efforts. After all, I had that insane pregnancy hunger! I got to work developing new recipes, creating more naturally dairy-free options, and converting typically dairy-laden meals into sans-dairy options, sharing many of them with you here.
Thankfully, my lactose intolerance disappeared almost immediately after delivery, but I'll forever be left with an understanding and empathy for how tricky the dairy-free life can be.
For this reason, I decided it was time to collect all my dairy-free meals in one location. I hope that it will make it easier for you to eat deliciously and well, not feeling deprived by the lifestyle, whether chosen or prescribed.
The 73 BEST Dairy-Free Recipes
Below are 73 of my best dairy-free recipes, divided by dish type: main dishes, sides, appetizers, breakfast, desserts, and more. Let's hop to it!
Dairy-Free Main Dishes
Pecan Crusted Salmon
This Pecan Crusted Salmon recipe is a nutty, sweet twist on classic baked salmon, made with wild-caught salmon coated in a flavorful apricot-Dijon glaze and finished with a crispy pecan topping. An easy yet elegant dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Pecan Crusted Salmon
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and covered in a honey garlic sauce that is simply out of this world. Serve with orzo, rice, or noodles for a delicious dinner that will be a hit with the whole family!
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
This easy Chicken Stir Fry with Frozen Vegetables recipe is the perfect weeknight meal! Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan dinner is quick and effortless but packed full of flavor.
Chicken Stir Fry
Peanut Butter Chicken
Shake up your weeknight dinner routine with this creamy Peanut Butter Chicken recipe, the perfect savory, sweet, and spicy comfort dish. This hearty main course cooks in less than 30 minutes and will bring a delicious Indian-Thai fusion to your meal rotation!
Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
Chicken Meatloaf
This easy Chicken Meatloaf is the perfect weeknight dinner! Made with juicy ground chicken and topped with an irresistible BBQ ketchup glaze, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Chicken Meatloaf
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
This easy Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is bursting with sweet and salty flavor, special enough for a dinner party or holiday meal, but also great for a casual weeknight dinner. It's easy to prep, juicy, and made with just a handful of common ingredients.
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Thai-Inspired Chopped Chicken Salad
Have an easy and flavorful meal on the table in less than 30 minutes with this Thai-Inspired Chopped Chicken Salad! Fresh veggies and tender chicken are tossed with a creamy peanut butter dressing, making a colorful and delicious dairy-free dinner.
Thai-Inspired Chopped Chicken Salad
Spicy Honey Chicken Marinade
If you’re looking for the perfect Spicy Honey Chicken Marinade, this is the recipe for you! Well-rounded with sweetness, acid, fat, and spices, this hot chicken marinade is guaranteed to satisfy all your taste buds.
Spicy Honey Chicken Marinade
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Indulge in a favorite takeout meal without the deep-frying, mystery ingredients, sodium, and processed sugar with this 20-minute Sweet and Sour Shrimp recipe! It is loaded with vibrant colors and aromatic flavors made with juicy pineapple, sweet peppers, onions, and perfectly tender shrimp.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir Fry
Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Juicy, savory, and seriously simple to make, this Pork Carnitas recipe is a dinner-time dream! Stuff it in tortillas, put it on burrito bowls, and more! Ready in just a few minutes of prep — the slow cooker does the rest of the work for you!
Pork Carnitas
Citrus Dijon Pork Tenderloin
Say goodbye to dry and tasteless pork! This Pork Tenderloin Marinade with Dijon, citrus, and maple syrup makes for ultra-succulent and flavorful pork every time. This easy-to-prep marinade is the secret to rich, juicy, and savory meat. Serve it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal.
Citrus Dijon Pork Tenderloin
Pork Chop Tacos with Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Pork Chop Tacos with Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa are meaty, smoky, spicy, and topped with bright pineapple salsa. Ready in less than 30 minutes and made with simple ingredients, these tacos are one of my favorite, easy, dairy-free meals.
Pork Chop Tacos with Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Italian Sausage in the Air Fryer
If you've never made Italian Sausage in Air Fryer, consider this your sign! Juicy chicken or pork sausage is cooked with peppers and onions to juicy perfection. Not only is this meal dairy-free, but it's gluten-free, too!
Italian Sausage in the Air Fryer
Pork Green Chili
With tender chunks of pork, slightly spicy tomato and chile-studded sauce, this Colorado Pork Green Chili Recipe is a classic, yet simple to make chili recipe that's perfect on it own, poured over burritos, eggs, grilled cheese, roasted potatoes, and more!
Colorado Pork Green Chili
Pork Chop Marinade
This easy Pork Chop Marinade turns your pork from okay to yey! It's easy to prep, totally tasty, and makes the most juicy pork.
Pork Chop Marinade
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a complete meal made with juicy chicken thighs and bursting with veggies in every spoonful. It's ready in a few simple steps and made with everyday dairy-free ingredients for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Air Fryer Salmon
This Air Fryer Salmon is one of my go-to dairy-free dinners! It's seasoned with common seasonings and air-fried until crisp on the outside but juicy and flaky inside. A must-make!
Air Fryer Salmon
Asian Pork Meatballs with Sweet Soy Broth
Invigorate your dinner routine with this simple recipe for tender, juicy, Asian-Inspired Pork Meatballs swimming in a sweet soy dipping sauce. Made with just 10 ingredients in less than 30 minutes, it's perfect for even your busiest weeknights!
Asian Pork Meatballs
Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken
When it comes to dairy-free dishes, this Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken is a must-try! It's seasoned with Cuban staples like citrus, garlic, and cumin, and roasted until tender and juicy. Serve it with your rice and black beans, or add it to wraps, salads, or sandwiches!
Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken
Dairy-Free Side Dishes
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Meet the southern baked beans recipe of your dreams! Baked Beans with Ground Beef make a hearty side dish for your next family meal or summer cookout. A Beef and a bean medley provide the basis of the rich flavors, and a combination of sauces and seasonings makes the dish sweet and tangy. Feeling wild? Add some bacon!
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Quinoa Pilaf
This buttery, herbed, and nutty Quinoa Pilaf is a great twist on traditional rice pilaf–perfect for those looking for a healthy side dish! Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and fiber, its nutty flavor and savory notes make a fantastic addition to any meal. Use vegan butter to keep this recipe dairy-free.
Quinoa Pilaf
Mashed Potatoes Without Milk (Creamy, Dairy-Free!)
These Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes have all the creamy, savory, buttery flavors of the classic dish without any milk or dairy products! So good, you won’t believe your taste buds!
Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Cornbread without Milk
This Dairy-Free Cornbread is irresistibly tender, subtly sweet, and made with simple ingredients for the ultimate comforting side dish. Enjoy a classic comfort food while keeping all the flavors you crave, without the dairy and tummy troubles!
Dairy-Free Cornbread
Air Fryer Cabbage (4 Seasoning Options!)
This Air Fryer Cabbage is the perfect winter side dish: quick, easy, tender, and incredibly delicious. Ready in under 30 minutes with just three simple ingredients (plus three different seasoning options to keep things interesting!), this tasty veggie dish pairs well with many mains.
Air Fryer Cabbage
Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
This healthy, simple, and insanely delicious Roasted Potatoes and Carrots side dish is the perfect addition to family dinners! Tossed with rich olive oil and savory seasonings, these veggies are easy to prep, and the oven takes care of the rest. Dairy-free and definitely delicious!
Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
Kale Slaw
Kale Slaw is the easy, colorful, delicious, and versatile salad or side dish recipe you've been looking for! Featuring a rainbow of vegetables, a tangy-sweet dressing, plant-based protein, and plenty of crunch, this slaw is the perfect companion for your favorite mains and makes a great lunch or dinner salad.
Kale Slaw
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes are a celebration of fall flavor! Though I know it is somewhat mad to emote over vegetables, I declare my undying love for this recipe every time I make it. These tender, caramelized, and perfectly seasoned sprouts and spuds are a star of a side dish if I’ve ever seen one!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Air-Fryer Zucchini
Air Fryer Zucchini is savory, crispy, delicious, and so simple to make! Seasoned with common pantry staples, this is a go-to side dish recipe you can rely on all year long. Not only is this side dish dairy-free and vegan, but it's also gluten-free and paleo!
Air Fryer Zucchini
Oven Roasted Broccoli
Tender and green Oven Roasted Broccoli is a versatile, tasty, and year-round side dish that everyone will love! Made with a handful of simple ingredients to produce caramelized, golden, and crispy broccoli. Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan (just omit the parmesan cheese!).
Oven Roasted Broccoli
Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe
If you love Mashed Butternut Squash but not all the butter and cream that sometimes come with it, his healthier version is for you! Flavored with maple syrup, orange zest, and coconut oil, it's a wholesome side dish you can count on.
Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe
Air Fryer Portobellos
Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms pack in flavor and versatility, making a great side dish with many main dishes and a fantastic burger and wrap topper. Portobellos are transformed in a few simple steps and under 15 minutes. This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Miso Maple Glaze
With a crispy exterior, a tender interior, and a salty-sweet finish, you just can't go wrong with Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Miso Maple Glaze. Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and 100% delicious.
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
I bet you've never thought of green beans tasting like candy, but these Air Fryer Green Beans do just that! They're easy to make, crisp, naturally sweet, and so versatile. We actually eat them straight out of the air fryer basket. Chef's kiss!
Air Fryer Green Beans
Dairy-Free Soup Recipes
Butternut Squash Apple Soup
This Vegan Butternut Squash Soup is creamy, sweet, flavorful, and nutritious! Made with sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, and coconut milk, this dish is satisfying and rich, while being 100% plant-based and vegan. A soup season staple!
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
Asparagus Soup
Asparagus Soup Without Cream: so creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor that you'll forget this soup doesn't have cream! Made in just 30 minutes and naturally gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free.
Asparagus Soup without Cream
Steak Soup
With chunks of vegetables and thinly sliced steak, this Steak Soup is flavorful, quick, and satisfying! It's perfect for weeknight meals, Sunday suppers, and cold evenings. Naturally dairy and gluten-free!
Steak Soup
Chicken Miso Soup
Chicken Miso Soup: the perfect comforting soup recipe you can get on the table in no time! This flavorful soup is easy to make and chock-full of veggies, lean protein, and delicious aromatic spices like garlic and ginger.
Chicken Miso Soup
Turkey and Rice Soup
Whether you use leftover turkey or swap in cooked or rotisserie chicken, this Turkey and Rice Soup is a fantastic choice! It's a quick, lighter way to enjoy leftovers, all while being dairy-free and delicious!
Turkey and Rice Soup
Italian Lentil Soup
Comforting, savory, hydrating, and bursting with fresh vegetables, this Italian Lentil Soup is your new go-to for healthy comfort food. To make it dairy-free, just omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.
Italian Lentil Soup
Instant Pot Bean Soup
This Instant Pot Bean Soup is a delicious and budget-friendly plant-based meal that's ready in under 1 hour. It's made in a few simple, beginner-friendly steps and less than 15 minutes of active cooking time — our favorite appliance does the heavy lifting for us! Top it with dairy-free sour cream and smoked paprika for a nutritious and comforting meal.
Instant Pot Bean Soup
Moroccan Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes
Get a healthy and quick dinner on the table tonight with this Moroccan Lentil Sweet Potato Soup. With lean protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and veggies, this soup is a filling and comforting meal. Run, don't walk, to make this soup tonight!
Moroccan Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes
Dairy-Free Appetizers
Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
This exceptionally creamy and cheesy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip requires just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes. It's perfect for game-day celebrations and cool-weather potlucks. Dairy eaters love it, too!
Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
Peach Avocado Salsa
This fresh Avocado Peach Salsa is a refreshing and flavorful dairy-free appetizer, perfect for serving with tortilla chips, quesadillas, or adding to tacos, grain bowls, and more!
Peach Avocado Salsa
Sweet Potato Hummus with Harissa
If you've never tried adding sweet potato to hummus, you are missing out! The naturally sweet tuber adds a delightful sweetness and smooth texture to the Sweet Potato Hummus. Moroccan harissa adds a touch of zesty heat, making it good enough to eat with a spoon. Best of all, it's easy to make and dairy-free!
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Take one bite of these Air Fryer Kale Chips and — if you're like me — you'll be hooked! They're savory, garlicky, and crispy. Enjoy them by the handful as a snack or appetizer, or add them to sandwiches, wraps, and salads!
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Air Fryer Egg Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
Crispy, crunchy, lower in fat, and ready in a snap! These Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls are simple to make and better for you. The 4-ingredient sweet and savory Thai Chili Sauce takes this recipe to the next level.
Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Dairy-Free Breakfast Recipes
Million Dollar Bacon (Millionaire Bacon)
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this Millionaire Bacon Recipe — thick-cut, caramelized, and spice-infused bacon that brings the perfect balance of sweet heat to your breakfast food spread. You only need 5 minutes of prep, then the oven handles the rest! Tasty, breakfast and brunch perfection!
Millionaire Bacon
Dairy-Free Breakfast Casserole
This Dairy-Free Breakfast Casserole is packed with the perfect balance of flavorful protein and carb-y sweet potatoes to keep you fueled up till your next meal. Made with just 7 primary ingredients and a few spice cabinet staples, it's so tasty you'll ever miss the dairy!
Dairy-Free Breakfast Casserole
Dairy-Free Banana Muffins
Sweet, tender, and perfectly portable, these Dairy-Free Banana Muffins are the magic bullet for your morning mayhem. Prep a batch on your day off (it'll only take 20 minutes of active time!), freeze, and reap the rewards for WEEKS to come.
Dairy-Free Banana Muffins
Oatmeal Protein Cookies (Easy Breakfast Cookie Recipe!)
These oatmeal protein cookies are chewy, nutty, and lightly sweet — made in one bowl with whole-food ingredients and packed with 11 grams of protein per cookie. Perfect for meal prep, post-workout snacking, or a grab-and-go breakfast.
Protein Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Oat Milk Pancakes
Oat Milk Pancakes: everything you know and love about traditional buttermilk pancakes, but without the dairy! You'll love their crispy exterior and light and fluffy interior. They are exceptional topped with berries, maple syrup, vegan butter, and even nut butter. Gluten-free variations available.
Oat Milk Pancakes
Crispy Diced Hash Browns (Oven-Baked Home Fries)
Also known as oven breakfast potatoes, these easy Baked Home Fries are a crunchy and perfectly spiced side dish you won't be able to get enough of! They're budget-friendly and made with pantry staples in a few simple steps, making them an excellent option for weekend brunch!
Baked Home Fries
Dairy-Free Waffles
Dairy-Free Waffles are easy to make, family-friendly, and perfectly sweet, fluffy, and nutty. They're idyllic for weekend breakfast and brunch, or make a large batch at the beginning of the week and freeze for easy reheating during the week!
Dairy-Free Waffles
Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins
With high domes, a soft and tender crumb, and juicy blueberries, these Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins are so good you may forget they lack dairy! Made in just two bowls and super easy to double and store!
Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins
Vegan Coffee Cake
Tender and decadent Vegan Coffee Cake, made in a few simple steps with everyday ingredients, is a staple in any dairy-free brunch recipe rotation. Serve it with coffee, fruit salad, and dairy-free yogurt for a celebratory, yet light morning meal.
Vegan Coffee Cake
Dairy-Free Banana Bread
Wholesome, tender-crumbed, and utterly snackable, my Dairy-Free Banana Bread has all the flavor of the original and the added benefit of whole grain goodness. The only thing it's missing is dairy!
Dairy-Free Banana Bread
Dairy-Free Desserts
Mango Popsicles
Beat the summertime heat with these delicious Mango Popsicles! Made with only 4 common ingredients in a few simple steps, these easy summer treats are creamy, cooling, fruity, and naturally dairy-free. A hit with the whole familly!
Mango Popsicles
Vegan Blondies
Fudgy vegan blondies are moist, gooey, packed with white chocolate, and oh-so-easy to make. This eggless and non-dairy dessert is perfectly sweet with coconut sugar and fudgy vanilla flavor.
Vegan Blondies
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Saucy, crunchy, and full of cinnamon flavor, Peach Blueberry Crisp is a healthier way to enjoy summer comfort food! Made with coconut oil, maple syrup, almonds, and fresh blueberries and peaches, this easy summer dessert is a better-for-you treat.
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy, buttery, and full of rich chocolaty flavor, these Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies taste like the cookies you know and love without the lactose or dairy! They're easy to make and are a fun baking project for the whole family.
Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
Enjoy all your favorite flavors of classic pumpkin pie without the tummy troubles with this Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe. Made with coconut milk instead of evaporated milk or condensed milk, it's rich, satisfying, and full of the traditional flavor while being better for you.
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Warmly spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are tender, sweet, buttery, and taste like fall! They're a naturally gluten-free and dairy-free cookie recipe; made in just one bowl with a few simple steps.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Dairy-Free Drinks
Peach Smoothie
Cool off and fuel up with a nutritious and protein-rich Peach Smoothie! This drink makes an easy and portable breakfast, a hydrating post-workout snack, and a mid-morning pick-me-up. Easily make it dairy-free by using non-dairy milk and plant-based protein powder.
Creamy Peach Smoothie
Vegan Protein Shakes (4 Ways!)
With four different variations, there's always a great way to enjoy a homemade Vegan Protein Shake! Choose from coffee, chocolate peanut butter, fruit, or green protein smoothies for a non-dairy, plant-based snack or light meal!
Vegan Protein Shakes
Peach Sangria
Fruity, cooling, peachy, and boozy, Peach Sangria is a favorite summer drink for a reason! It features rosé wine, peach vodka (no schnapps!), white grape peach juice, and fresh fruit for an easy-to-make wine cocktail that's perfect for a crowd. Serve it poolside or for summer cocktail hours, the Fourth of July, and warm summer dinners! Naturally dairy-free!
Peach Sangria
Frosé
Cool, sweet, and refreshing, this Frosé Recipe is easy to make, frosty, and perfectly boozy! Flavored with frozen strawberries and peaches, you only need four ingredients and 3 minutes to make this quintessential summer drink
Frosé
Dairy-Free Sauces, Dressings, and Dips
Blueberry Vinaigrette
This Blueberry Vinaigrette Recipe is tangy-sweet, fresh, and made with just 4 common ingredients! Prepare it with fresh or frozen blueberries for a delicious and healthy year-round homemade salad dressing the whole family will enjoy. Naturally dairy-free, processed sugar-free, and easily made vegan!
Blueberry Vinaigrette
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Discover a new way to enjoy the summer's bounty with Strawberry Vinaigrette! Made with fresh strawberries, white wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon zest, and seasonings, this dressing is a delicious way to elevate greens, pasta salads, and more!
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Peach BBQ Sauce
This Peach BBQ Sauce is zesty, saucy, and fruity — perfect for slathering on your favorite grilled and smoked meats, such as chicken, turkey, cocktail meatballs, wings, brisket, and smoked pork. It's ready in a few simple steps and made with everyday ingredients. Enjoy it year-round by baking it with fresh, canned, or frozen peaches!
Peach BBQ Sauce
Maple Vinaigrette
Tangy, rich, and sweet Maple Vinaigrette! This quick and easy salad dressing is ready in a snap and made with common pantry staples. Perfect for drizzling on green salads, roasted veggies, wraps, and more!
Maple Vinaigrette
Tomato Vinaigrette
Made with fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, olive oil, shallots, and common pantry seasonings, Tomato Vinaigrette is our favorite late-summer salad dressing! It's tangy, creamy, naturally sweet, and versatile. Make it in just two simple steps with pantry staples!
Tomato Vinaigrette
Instant Pot Apple Butter (No Peeling!)
Instant Pot Apple Butter: an easy and delicious fall favorite! This recipe requires no peeling and minimal chopping; our favorite appliance does all the hard work for us! Serve this sweet and warmly spiced spread on toast, stirred into overnight oats or oatmeal, or as a dip for pretzels.
Instant Pot Apple Butter
Miso Salad Dressing
Instantly elevate your favorite dishes with this mouthwatering Miso Vinaigrette! Made with four simple ingredients, it is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors perfect for topping salads, bowls, poultry, seafood, and even pizza! Naturally vegan and dairy-free.
Miso Salad Dressing
