With these dairy-free recipes and a few swaps, you can make creamy soups, rich mains and even indulgent desserts, all without a spec of milk, butter or cheese.
1/40
Lemon Chicken Orzo
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 399 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Wash this satisfying dish down with a dairy-free dessert or a tall glass of lactose-free milk.
2/40
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pot sticker with 3/4 teaspoon sauce: 52 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
3/40
Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. Cookie cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes now. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 66 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
4/40
Christmas Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/40
Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups pasta mixture with 2 ounces cooked beef: 456 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
6/40
Pork and Apple Tamales
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, brown-bag lunch, hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. —Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 tamales: 380 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
If you’re looking for some dairy-free dessert options, try this dairy-free pumpkin pie, just one ingredient swap transforms this traditional dessert into a rich and decadent dairy-free sweet treat.
7/40
Raisin Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
With four sons in service during World War II, my mother sent these favorite cookies as a taste from home to "her boys" in different parts of the world. These days, my 11 grandchildren are enjoying them as we did, along with my stories of long ago.— Pearl Cochenour, Williamsport, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 170 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/40
Bacon Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
9/40
Dairy-Free Lemon Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Butter is traditional in scones, but I use coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature and can be cut in like butter. My family enjoys these for brunch on Sundays. Stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a fun twist. —Linda Persall, Cullman, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 292 calories, 15g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/40
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 114 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
11/40
Vegan Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegan pancakes use almond milk and apple cider vinegar to replace the usual buttermilk, coconut sugar as a plant-based sweetener and ground flaxseed as a clever egg replacement. The best part is that you can still dress it up with your pancake favorites: maple syrup and fresh berries. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 326 calories, 14g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
12/40
Banana Macadamia Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These muffins taste even better the next day, so to save time, I often make them the night before. They stay moist for days, plus the ingredients you need for this dairy free food are easily accessible at any grocery store. —Stasha Wampler, Clinchport, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 294 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
13/40
Caribbean Shrimp Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
After switching to a paleo diet a few years ago, we have started eating tons of veggies for almost every meal—yes, even breakfast. We’ve gotten used to swapping in cauliflower, broccoli and kale in place of carbs like rice or potatoes. This bowl is literally chock-full of veggies and has tons of Caribbean-inspired flavor! Plus, it is so simple to make and uses one skillet! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/4 cups: 267 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1240mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
14/40
Super Spud Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist and cakelike brownies came from my mom’s old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but they work beautifully—this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 150 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
15/40
Pork Loin with Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooker recipe is a perfect end to the day. Serve mashed potatoes as a comforting side and the meal is complete! —Corina Flansberg, Carson City, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork with 1/3 cup gravy: 292 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/40
Chipotle Focaccia with Garlic-Onion Topping
From the Recipe Creator:
Chipotle peppers make some people grab their water glasses, while others can't get enough of the smoky heat. I came up with this recipe to fit right in the middle. Add more chipotle if you crave spiciness. —Frances Kay Bouma, Trail, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 159 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
17/40
Pignoli Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Cookies are the crown jewels of Italian confections. I can’t let a holiday go by without baking these traditional almond cookies rolled in mild pine nuts. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 112 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/40
Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aioli
From the Recipe Creator:
By caramelizing onions, broiling peppers and whipping up a homemade aioli with fresh herbs, you will add dimensions of flavor not found in store-bought bruschetta. —Stephanie Metzger, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 109 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
19/40
Avocado Salsa Verde
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh ingredients blend together to make this versatile and slightly spicy avocado salsa verde. Serrano peppers give it that bit of heat, while lime juice, avocados and tomatillos create that creamy base. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup salsa: 38 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/40
Lemon Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon brownies are packed with the tart flavors of citrus fruit while replicating the lovable texture of brownies. Topped with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, they’re a light and refreshing treat to enjoy anytime. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 179 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
21/40
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 357 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/40
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
23/40
Rosemary Flatbread
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this as a pizza crust. But with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs it makes a lovely flatbread appetizer. —Sue Brown, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 flatbread: 197 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
24/40
Sweet Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet potato soup recipe is a unique way to use up your tubers in the fall when you want something healthier than sweet potato fries. Each spoonful of soup will warm you from the inside out. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 144 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
25/40
Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Smashed baby Yukon Gold potatoes combine the creamy texture of boiled potatoes with the golden crunch of roasted ones. These are also delightfully customizable—dress them up with herbs or spices or load them up with cheese, sour cream and bacon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 243 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
26/40
Strawberry Banana Popsicles
From the Recipe Creator:
These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You'll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 51 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/40
The Best Veggie Burger
From the Recipe Creator:
It was so hard finding a veggie burger that tasted good, didn't fall apart on the grill and was easy to make so I decided to create my own. —Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 357 calories, 28g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein.
28/40
Peanut Butter Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It's so good, we've never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 365 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
29/40
Summer Garden Fish Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 278 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
30/40
Rhubarb Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to prepare, once you have the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 129 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
31/40
Barbecue Chicken Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 47 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
32/40
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is of Danish heritage, and my husband makes our smoked salmon. To use it, I came up with these dilly deviled eggs. They're a real treat and nice addition to any meal. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 deviled egg: 74 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
33/40
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
From the Recipe Creator:
A smoothie loaded with fruit, oatmeal, maple syrup and cinnamon is great in the morning or at any time of day. If your berries are fresh (not frozen), freeze the banana ahead of time. —Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 153 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch.
34/40
Thai Curry Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to Thai restaurant inspired this curry soup. Shiitake mushrooms are my favorite, but any fresh mushroom will work. Fresh basil and lime add a burst of bright flavors. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 289 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
35/40
Roasted Chickpeas
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 178 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
36/40
Honey Cinnamon Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Ellie gave us the recipe for these sweet bar cookies with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle with icing, and serve with coffee or tea. —Diane Myers, Star, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 206 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
37/40
Thai Coconut Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice and toppings): 421 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
38/40
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 78 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
39/40
Easy Apple Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, I found this old-fashioned easy apple cake that is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it's quick to fix, and when it's served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, it's one of my family’s very favorites. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 278 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
40/40
Chicken in Coconut Peanut Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
My youngest son has been out of the country for several years teaching English. When he returned to the United States, I made this home-cooked meal for him that combined Asian and American cuisine. He loved it! —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 1 cup sauce: 559 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
Dairy-Free Recipes FAQ
What are the best substitutes for dairy in recipes?
The best dairy substitutes depend on the dish, but there are plenty of reliable options. For everyday cooking and baking, plant-based milks like coconut, almond, oat or soy work well in place of regular milk. For butter substitutes, try using coconut or vegetable oil in baked goods, while olive oil is a flavorful option for stovetop cooking. Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana adds moisture and fat to dairy-free muffins and cakes. Use full-fat coconut milk for a velvety texture if a recipe calls for cream. Nutritional yeast or cashew-based sauces can give savory recipes that cheesy depth without any actual cheese. Remember, these swaps might shift the flavor slightly, so taste and adjust as you go.
Are dairy-free recipes suitable for vegans?
Many dairy-free recipes are vegan, but not all. Dairy-free means the recipe doesn’t include milk, butter or cheese, but it may still contain animal products like eggs, honey or meat. Think recipes like chicken and rice soup or steak tacos. Dishes like a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and chickpea curry are dairy-free and vegan. If you’re cooking for someone vegan, double-check the recipe for hidden animal ingredients. Look for vegan recipes that rely on plant-based meats like tofu and tips and tricks to create umami flavor in plant-based dishes.
How do I bake without milk or butter?
You can easily bake without milk or butter by adjusting the recipe to be dairy-free. Use pantry staples that mimic their moisture, fat and binding abilities and change baking timing since non-dairy batters can cook quicker. Unsweetened plant-based milks, like almond or oat, work well in cakes, muffins and quick breads. Use neutral oils, melted coconut oil or even avocado to replace butter, depending on the flavor and texture you want. Full-fat coconut milk or cream is a great condensed milk alternative.
