10+ Dairy Free Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Dairy-free recipes are a great way to explore new flavors while keeping your meals healthy and satisfying. You can enjoy delicious dishes without the use of dairy, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to try something new.

From creamy desserts to hearty main courses, there is a wide variety of options available that cater to different tastes and preferences. Embracing dairy-free cooking can introduce you to ingredients and techniques that will enhance your culinary skills and impress your family and friends.

1) Thai Basil Beef

Thai Basil Beef is a delicious and quick dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender beef with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. The flavors are bold and satisfying.

You will need flank steak, white onion, and red bell pepper. Garlic and Thai chiles add some heat. Fresh Thai basil and cilantro bring everything together. You can find the full recipe here.

Ingredients

• Flank steak
• White onion
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic
• Thai chiles
• Fresh Thai basil
• Fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the flank steak and marinate with some garlic and cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
3. Add the beef and stir-fry until browned.
4. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and chiles.
5. Stir in the fresh herbs and serve hot.

2) Paleo French Dip Sandwiches

Paleo French Dip Sandwiches are a tasty option for a hearty meal. You can enjoy this sandwich without gluten or dairy. It features tender roast beef and a flavorful au jus for dipping.

To make this dish, use high-quality meat. It creates a rich flavor that makes every bite satisfying. The sandwich can be served on grain-free bread or your favorite Paleo-friendly option.

These sandwiches are perfect for lunch or dinner. They also work well for gatherings with family and friends. Serve them with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs roast beef
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grain-free bread or rolls

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place roast beef in a baking dish.
3. In a pot, combine broth, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the roast beef.
5. Cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours until tender.
6. Slice the beef and serve on bread with au jus for dipping.

3) Cali Salmon Bowl

The Cali Salmon Bowl is a delicious and healthy option for a dairy-free meal. It features roasted wild salmon, topped with a flavorful dairy-free pesto.

To add more richness, you can drizzle on a creamy tahini sauce. Pair it with crunchy pickled veggies for extra texture and taste.

This bowl is not just filling but also packed with nutrients. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb wild salmon fillet
• 1 cup dairy-free pesto
• 1/4 cup tahini
• Pickled veggies (cucumbers, carrots, radishes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then place it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.
4. In a bowl, mix the tahini with water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve the salmon on a plate, topped with pesto and tahini, alongside pickled veggies.

4) Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Lemon Chicken with Orzo is a tasty and simple dish that’s perfect for dinner. This recipe is dairy-free but full of flavor. The zesty lemon sauce adds a bright touch to the tender chicken and orzo.

Start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add your orzo and a delicious lemon sauce. This dish cooks quickly in one pan, making cleanup easier for you.

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition. Adjust the seasonings to your taste. It’s a delightful meal that anyone can enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: vegetables like spinach or peas

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in orzo, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
5. Stir in optional vegetables if desired, and cook for a few more minutes.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce

Baked pot stickers make a delicious and healthy snack. These tasty dumplings are easy to prepare and perfect for dipping.

To start, you will need wonton wrappers, your choice of filling, and a dipping sauce. You can fill them with vegetables, meat, or tofu depending on your preference.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Assemble the pot stickers by placing a small amount of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold them over and press the edges to seal.

Place the pot stickers on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Wonton wrappers (check for dairy-free)
• Filling (meat, vegetables, or tofu)
• Dipping sauce of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Place filling in each wonton wrapper.
3. Fold and seal the edges.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
6. Serve with dipping sauce.

6) Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Making air-fryer peanut butter cookies is quick and simple. In about 20 minutes, you can enjoy warm, delicious cookies right at home. These cookies are soft in the center and slightly crispy on the outside.

You only need a few ingredients to get started. Mix your peanut butter, sweetener, and a pinch of salt. This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a gluten-free treat.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Air fry the cookies for about 5-7 minutes. They will look golden on top and still feel a bit soft.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sweetener (like maple syrup or sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, sweetener, and salt.
2. Form small balls of the dough and place them in the air fryer.
3. Preheat air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
4. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

7) Crispy Lemon Chicken

Crispy Lemon Chicken is a delicious dish that’s perfect for dinner. The bright flavors of lemon pair well with the crispy coating. You can easily make it dairy-free and still enjoy all the taste.

To start, you’ll need chicken breasts coated in a mix of breadcrumbs and spices. The lemon juice adds zest and moisture. It’s great served with a side of veggies or rice.

Don’t forget to finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. This meal is quick and easy, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Fresh herbs (like parsley) for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken in lemon juice, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs. Enjoy!

8) Prawn Jambalaya

Prawn Jambalaya is a flavorful dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This dish is packed with shrimp and spices, bringing a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen.

You can prepare Jambalaya in one pot, making cleanup simple. The recipe can also be adjusted for your dietary needs, as it’s both dairy-free and gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (200 g) rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
3. Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and broth.
5. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink.
7. Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Vegan Chocolate Cake

You can make a delicious vegan chocolate cake that everyone will love. This cake is moist, rich, and full of chocolate flavor. It’s perfect for birthdays or any special occasion.

To make it, start by mixing your dry ingredients in one bowl. Add the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Then, pour the batter into a cake pan.

Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Let it cool before adding your favorite frosting.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup almond milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add almond milk, oil, vanilla, and vinegar. Mix well.
4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
5. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Allow to cool before frosting.

10) Rhubarb-Almond Crumble

Rhubarb-Almond Crumble is a delicious dessert that’s dairy-free and full of flavor. The tangy rhubarb pairs perfectly with a crunchy almond topping. It’s easy to make and great for any occasion.

You can enjoy this crumble warm or cold. Serve it with your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a special treat. With simple ingredients, you can whip this up quickly.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix rhubarb with half of the brown sugar.
3. In another bowl, combine oats, almond flour, remaining brown sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Stir in melted dairy-free butter and vanilla until crumbly.
5. Spread rhubarb in a baking dish, then top with the crumble mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.