Whether you're lactose intolerant or you just want to cut back on your dairy intake, these dairy-free appetizers are for you! Whip up spicy salsas, creamy dips or crispy egg rolls for your next party or gathering, and your guests won't even miss the dairy.
58 Dairy-Free Appetizers Perfect for Every Party Spread
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Wash these saucy chicken wings down with a big glass of lactose-free milk!
Baked Egg Rolls
Strawberry Corn Salsa
Grilled Jalapenos
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Chive Crab Cakes
Three-Pepper Guacamole
Bourbon Bacon Jam
Pickled Mushrooms for a Crowd
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pear Sauce
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Grilled Guacamole
Asian Shrimp Pancakes
Shrimp Ceviche
Southwest Hummus Dip
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
Tangy Barbecue Wings
Roasted Eggplant Spread
Party Shrimp
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Mango Avocado Salsa
Christmas Meatballs
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Asian Chicken Wings
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Four-Tomato Salsa
Mild Salsa Recipe for Canning
Korean Wontons
Avocado Salsa
Shrimp Lime Cilantro Skewers
Homemade Peanut Butter
Red Pepper Tapenade
Roasted Chickpeas
Sweet & Smoky Salsa
Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Mummy Pigs in a Blanket
Spicy Shrimp Salsa
Polynesian Kabobs
Szechuan Pork Tacos
Barbecue Chicken Bites
Contest-Winning Watermelon Salsa
Steamed Turkey Dumplings
Garden-Fresh Seafood Cocktail
Strawberry Salsa
Party Franks
Texas Caviar
Cucumber Fruit Salsa
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Catherine’s Guacamole
Honey-Mustard Wings
Mushroom Bacon Bites
Corn Salsa
Avocado White Bean Dip
Barbecued Shrimp & Peach Kabobs
White Bean Hummus
Orange Shrimp Mojo
Dairy-Free Appetizers FAQ
What are some easy dairy-free dips for parties?
Some of the easiest dairy-free dips for parties include hummus, guacamole and roasted red pepper dip. Variations like roasted garlic or pesto hummus offer extra flavor without adding dairy. You can also blend white beans with garlic and lemon for a smooth, velvety spread or try a cashew-based queso dip if you want something richer. These dairy-free dips are simple to prep, can travel well, and pair easily with chips, crackers or sliced vegetables.
Are most dairy-free snacks also vegan?
Not all dairy-free snacks are vegan. While they leave out milk, cheese and butter, some recipes include animal products like eggs or meat. If you’re planning a vegan-friendly meal, it helps to make a plant-based grocery list that covers dairy-free foods and vegan ingredients. You can also tweak many popular savory snack recipes with plant-based meat substitutes to accommodate all dietary preferences.
What substitutes work best for cheese in dairy-free appetizers?
The best substitutes for cheese in dairy-free appetizers depend on what you’re making. Soaked cashews blended with lemon juice and garlic offer a rich, dairy-free base for creamy dips. Nutritional yeast, on the other hand, adds a savory, cheesy flavor to sauces and spreads. And when you need something that melts—like for nachos or baked dips—some of the best vegan cheese brands offer options with great texture and taste.

























































