Easy dairy-free recipes used to elude me. Although I don’t prescribe any particular diet other than fill my plate with vibrant vegetables, satiety proteinand lots of fiber (among other supporting components), sometimes, I like to experiment. Vegetarian cooking? I have over 12 cookbooks for that. Look for a gluten-free alternative? Internet ideas abound. But honestly, when it comes to dairy-free, the options aren’t always endless.
Historically, my favorite dishes and recipes have not been explicitly explained as dairy-free. I am one mac and gobbled cheese, eat ice cream, and all kinds of delicious foods like ice cream. But in an attempt to be a little more intentional about the foods I eat, I’ve managed to eliminate some of the things that make me feel… less great and create more space in my diet. delicious, nutritious. Of course, I have worked hard to note that this does not become a limitation. Instead, I turned to approaching everything, but especially eating, with an abundance mindset. It’s inspiring to eat rainbows and a joy to indulge in energy- (and fun!) foods.
With that disclaimer, let’s get to the recipes. Check out these recipes that are easy, dairy-free, and definitely tasteless.
Featured image of Belathee Photography.
5 min vegan cashew queso from minimalist baker
Why we love it: Honest? There is nothing to love about queso. I don’t say this often (and I certainly don’t say it lightly), but I can swim in a dip pool. But, and perhaps needless to say, consuming my weight in liquefied cheese doesn’t make my stomach serve. Enter: vegan queso. Seven ingredients, five minutes, a blender. Yes, this is real life.
Hero composition: You can thank cashews for that familiar creamy taste.
Get the recipe for 5 minutes vegan cashew queso.
Vegan Jalapeño Popper Dip from The First Mess
Why we love it: Creamy and apricot, but spicy and (surprise!) Dairy-free, this Vegan Jalapeño Popper Dip defies them all. Next time you organize your crew, you’ll want a bowl of this on the app board. FYI — pairing it with crackers and calling it dinner is also perfectly acceptable.
Hero composition: I love the unique salty, fermented flavor of even just a teaspoon of miso for this dip.
Get the recipe for Vegan Jalapeño Popper Dip.
Lani’s Blueberry Power Muffins
Why we love it: These dairy-free pleasures come directly from the incredible mind of Chef Lani Halliday in Brooklyn. They’re a perfect choice for a gluten-free weekday breakfast. No more excuses—Have convenience at your side.
Hero composition: Almond or hazelnut flour keeps these super moist muffins grain-free, but also gives each bite a nutty, nutty flavor.
Get the recipe for Lani’s Blueberry Power Muffins.
Vegan Pasta Al Limone from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: Can weeknight dinners be fancy and pleasant at the same time? You bet. In this particular case, this delicious noodle dish is basically a springtime scream. The sauce is creamy and rich with a combination of cashews and lemon, and nutritional yeast helps coat your pasta in a coveted cheese.
Hero composition: Nothing stands out like a lemon peel.
Get the recipe for Vegan Pasta Al Limone.
Spinach Quiche No Milk When Eating Bird Food
Why we love it: Dairy-free quiches? You better believe it. Quiche is the perfect meal fit to feed a crowd. Plus, with a waffle in the fridge, you’re ready for a few days of comfort. Reheat in the oven or enjoy cold. Breakfast, lunch and yes, dinner — settled.
Hero composition: If you’re not in the mood to work on a homemade pie crust, that’s completely understandable. Pre-made pie crust or dough helps this meal come together, stat.
Get the recipe for Spinach quiche without milk.
The best simple vegan potato salad from half-baked harvest
Why we love it: I don’t know about you, but for me, spring and summer turn into potato salad season. But the soft recipes of last year? No, thanks. The mayo is exchanged for a delightful creamy cashew nut sauce. It is chock full of rich and bright flavors that will be the envy of all other picnic parties.
Hero composition: Tahini is an unexpected addition, but its rich and slightly bitter flavor is totally welcome.
Get the recipe for The best simple vegetarian potato salad.
Grilled cauliflower steak from love & lemon
Why we love it: What seems like a passing food trend should really be seen as a timeless shift towards meat-heavy foods. 1 1/2 inch thick cauliflower steak sauteed and golden brown. The result is a tender stem and — the tastiest part — crunchy, caramel-colored flowers.
Hero composition: I love the bright, sweet savory bites that only capers can deliver.
Get the recipe for Grilled Cauliflower Steak.
Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese from Candice Kumai
Why we love it: I have made this macaroni and cheese more times than I can count. As a self-proclaimed passionate pasta lover, I can easily attest to its indulgence. The combination of coconut milk and three tablespoons of miso gives the sauce that velvety smoothness and crumbly coating that is exactly the crunch it needs.
Hero composition: A tablespoon of garlic powder above might seem a bit too much, but trust me, it’s just right.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese.
Zucchini Lasagna With No Milk Mozzarella
Why we love it: This genius recipe is perhaps the biggest surprise on this list. A lasagna that doesn’t include any milk? This is real life, guys. I’ve run into a bunch of zucchini noodles that don’t deserve the hype, but this one was fine. It’s comfort food, completely transformed. If you’re keeping things 100% dairy-free (I suppose that’s the goal here), make sure to use vegan parmesan.
Hero composition: While pesto can be made with just about any nut, I’m a fan of keeping things classic with pine nuts.
Get the recipe for Zucchini Lasagna With No Milk Mozzarella.
Lemon Tart and Orange Blossom Whipped Cream
Why we love it: Of course, I had to wrap everything up in one sweet note. These pretty, pretty tarts deserve a Bridgerton-esque tea party, but will also be served at home at the end of a spring dinner party. And while the traditional shot is notoriously rich (time for an after-dinner nap, said), this shot is 100% food-sensitive-friendly.
Hero composition: Orange blossom whipped cream has a light, floral scent, thanks of course to half a teaspoon of orange blossom water.
Get the recipe for Lemon Tart and Orange Blossom Whipped Cream.
