36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Roasted Winter Vegetable Platter With Miso Aioli And Romesco Sauce 2. Gluten-free Flourless Cocoa Cookies 3. Cauliflower, Pomegranate And Apple Salad 4. Radicchio, Lentil And Apple Salad With Vegan Cashew Dressing 5. Vegan & Gluten-free Dark Chocolate Ginger Tart 6. Salmon And Fennel Dinner Salad 7. Avocado Chocolate Mousse 8. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken 9. Delicata Squash Rings With Garlic-lemon Sauce 10. Crispy Bacon-wrapped Brussels Sprouts 11. French Onion Brisket 12. Alison Roman’s Swordfish With Crushed Olives And Oregano 13. Dairy-free Butternut Squash ‘fondue’ 14. No-bake, Gluten-free Rose Petal Brownies 15. Pistachio-crusted Pork Tenderloin With Apple And Escarole Salad 16. Whole Roasted Carrots 17. Dorie Greenspan’s Roasted Acorn Squash Wedges 18. Vegan Golden Mylk Cheesecake 19. Pomegranate-maple Glazed Lamb Chops 20. Vegan Butternut Mac And ‘cheese’ With Smoky Shiitake ‘bacon’ 21. Spicy Orange-honey Glazed Ham 22. Brussels Sprouts Latkes 23. Vegan And Gluten-free Apple Blackberry Crumble Tart 24. Vegan Mashed Potatoes 25. Green Bean Casserole 26. Honey Mustard Sheet-pan Chicken With Brussels Sprouts 27. Vegan Avocado Caesar Salad 28. Roasted Beet And Citrus Salad 29. Dairy-free Cheesecake With Blueberry Topping 30. Creamy Vegan Lentil And Roasted Vegetable Bake 31. Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes 32. Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Sriracha And Lime 33. Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts 34. Vegan Instant Pot Farro Risotto 35. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip 36. Coconut Cinnamon Buns Senior Food Editor Food Editor FAQs References

food

36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (1)

By Katherine Gillen

Published Dec 15, 2020

Additional reporting by

Taryn Pire

Navigating the holiday table can be tough when you’re avoiding dairy. But it’s not all butter-laden cookies and creamy eggnog. There are plenty of dairy-free options that still feel festive and fancy. From appetizers to desserts, here are 36 dairy-free holiday recipes everyone can enjoy.

RELATED

17 Dairy-Free Holiday Side Dishes That Are Still Totally Decadent

Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga

1. Roasted Winter Vegetable Platter With Miso Aioli And Romesco Sauce

If you ask us, it’s just not a holiday without a robust crudités spread. This one skips the typical ranch dip in favor of two irresistible vegan options.

Get the recipe

The Fearless Baker

2. Gluten-free Flourless Cocoa Cookies

These beauties are made without flour or butter for maximum chocolaty goodness, and since the recipe calls for bittersweet chocolate (as opposed to milk), they’re totally dairy-free.

Get the recipe

Jacqui Melville/Apple

3. Cauliflower, Pomegranate And Apple Salad

It’s as festive as it is delicious, thanks to crisp apples, deepy caramelized cauliflower and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds at the end.

Get the recipe

Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga

4. Radicchio, Lentil And Apple Salad With Vegan Cashew Dressing

A creamy dressing sans actual cream? You better believe it. (Psst: You can also sub the dressing anywhere you’d use ricotta cheese.)

Get the recipe

Nisha Vora

5. Vegan & Gluten-free Dark Chocolate Ginger Tart

Sometimes dairy-free desserts can taste a little healthy, if you know what we mean. This one is the total opposite.

Get the recipe

A New Way to Food

6. Salmon And Fennel Dinner Salad

Plant-based yogurt lends the dressing an indulgent feel, but it’s actually pretty healthy. (So you can eat more cookies, of course.)

Get the recipe

Henry Hargreaves/Avocaderia

7. Avocado Chocolate Mousse

It’s so rich and intensely chocolaty that no one will suspect it’s made from something green. We’re sneaky like that.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

8. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken

Hands off? Check. Minimal cleanup? Check. Yep, we’re making this ASAP.

Get the recipe

Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman

9. Delicata Squash Rings With Garlic-lemon Sauce

Want to know a secret? You can doctor up store-bought mayonnaise and pretend it’s a homemade aioli. So fancy.

Get the recipe

Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman

10. Crispy Bacon-wrapped Brussels Sprouts

These will definitely stand out in a sea of sad party appetizers. Make a double batch—they’ll go fast.

Get the recipe

Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen

11. French Onion Brisket

Skip the decorative centerpieces and let this stunner—courtesy of our chef in residence Jake Cohen—have the spotlight.

Get the recipe

Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott/Nothing Fancy

12. Alison Roman’s Swordfish With Crushed Olives And Oregano

You’re ten ingredients and 30 minutes away from an elegant main course.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

13. Dairy-free Butternut Squash ‘fondue’

Who said cheese eaters get to have all the fun? This squash fondue is just as dippable as the real thing.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14. No-bake, Gluten-free Rose Petal Brownies

Swap the rose petals for red and green sprinkles if you want to get extra festive.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

15. Pistachio-crusted Pork Tenderloin With Apple And Escarole Salad

Nope, pork tenderloin isn’t a sad, dry relic from the early 2000s. It’s actually a buttery, tender meal that comes together on a single sheet pan.

Get the recipe

Erin McDowell

16. Whole Roasted Carrots

Looking for a simple yet elegant side dish with a ton of flavor? Look no further.

Get the recipe

Ellen Silverman/Everyday Dorie

17. Dorie Greenspan’s Roasted Acorn Squash Wedges

Serve these as a side to a fancy cut of meat or paired with an uncomplicated green salad for a vegetarian main.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

18. Vegan Golden Mylk Cheesecake

The trendy dairy-free beverage got a sweet, silky, almost-no-bake makeover. Can we have a second slice?

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

19. Pomegranate-maple Glazed Lamb Chops

If it’s too cold to fire up the grill, you can make these chops just as easily in a super-hot cast-iron skillet.

Get the recipe

Chloe Flavor

20. Vegan Butternut Mac And ‘cheese’ With Smoky Shiitake ‘bacon’

Make this and everyone will think you’re a professional chef. (Or a magician.)

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

21. Spicy Orange-honey Glazed Ham

It’s a holiday. There has to be a ham involved. Especially one that's this delicious.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

22. Brussels Sprouts Latkes

These crispy guys are already dairy-free, just skip the side of sour cream. We promise you won’t miss it.

Get the recipe

Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga

23. Vegan And Gluten-free Apple Blackberry Crumble Tart

Coconut oil takes the place of butter in this easy press-in crust. Even better, you can swap the fruit for any type your heart desires.

Get the recipe

24. Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky, fluffy and oh so creamy, thanks to vegan butter.

25. Green Bean Casserole

Bye, canned cream of mushroom. We're using cashew cream, vegetable broth and oil instead.

26. Honey Mustard Sheet-pan Chicken With Brussels Sprouts

There's no need to fuss over a whole holiday ham if you're only serving a few people. And this sheet-pan wonder will leave you with only *one* dirty dish.

Get the recipe

Henry Hargreaves/Avocaderia

27. Vegan Avocado Caesar Salad

You won't find any anchovies or dairy in this wow-worthy crowd-pleaser. (It's all about the cashew Parmesan.)

Get the recipe

Nicole Franzen/Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?

28. Roasted Beet And Citrus Salad

This gorgeous spread of multicolored produce is here to show you what citrus season is all about.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

29. Dairy-free Cheesecake With Blueberry Topping

We can't decide what we love more, the cashew-coconut milk base or the three-ingredient blueberry topping.

Get the recipe

Nisha Vora

30. Creamy Vegan Lentil And Roasted Vegetable Bake

Winter comfort food at its dairy-free finest. Crispy pine nut topping FTW.

Get the recipe

31. Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Oh, almond milk. What would we ever do without you?

AMANDA FREDERICKSON/SIMPLE BEAUTIFUL FOOD

32. Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Sriracha And Lime

We may or may not be planning to chop these beauties up for a killer meatless taco filling.

Get the recipe

Erin McDowell

33. Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Odds are you already have every ingredient you need for this ridiculously easy veggie side.

Get the recipe

Nisha Vora

34. Vegan Instant Pot Farro Risotto

We can hear your guests now: "Wait...is there really no cheese in this?" (The secret is white bean purée.)

Get the recipe

35. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Don't knock it 'til you try it. Serve it with sliced bread, crackers, pita chips or crudités.

36. Coconut Cinnamon Buns

Christmas morning just got a whole lot merrier.

RELATED

20 Allergy-Friendly Christmas Cookie Recipes Everyone Can Eat

36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (38)

Katherine Gillen

Senior Food Editor

Katherine Gillenis PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...

read full bio

36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (39)

Taryn Pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...

read full bio

36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat eggs on a dairy-free diet? ›

Did you know…? Eggs are still a part of a dairy-free diet. Even though they are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, eggs do not contain milk sugar and milk proteins. Eggs are safe to eat in a milk-free diet.

What can't you eat on a dairy-free diet? ›

Which Foods Contain Dairy?
  • milk (including dry/powdered milk)
  • buttermilk.
  • cheese.
  • yogurt.
  • cream/half and half.
  • ice cream.
  • butter and ghee.
  • pudding and custard.

How do I go completely dairy-free? ›

What can you eat on a dairy-free diet?
  1. Fruits and vegetables.
  2. Meat & poultry.
  3. Fish & seafood.
  4. Eggs.
  5. Nuts & seeds.
  6. Soy products, such as tofu and tempeh.
  7. Beans & legumes.
  8. Whole grains, such as quinoa and couscous.

What are some non dairy foods? ›

There are a number of alternative foods and drinks available in supermarkets to replace milk and dairy products, such as:
  • soya milks, yoghurts and some cheeses.
  • rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato milks.
  • foods that carry the "dairy-free" or "suitable for vegans" signs.

What butter is dairy-free? ›

Violife is probably the most consistently A+ plant-based dairy company, so this is no surprise. It's just a very solid flavor that's super versatile. For spreading: The Violife butter is great for spreading because as it softens, it holds its form like dairy butter.

What type of bread is dairy-free? ›

Wholemeal and brown bread is generally lactose-free.

What does cutting out dairy do to your body? ›

You may improve your overall gut health.

Those artificial ingredients can cause various sensitivities, as well as overgrowth of yeast and inflammation of the GI tract—which can lead to fatigue, an upset stomach, and nausea. But removing dairy can help to heal your gut and replenish its healthy bacteria over time.

What happens if you never eat dairy? ›

There's a lack of evidence on whether eliminating dairy products leads to withdrawal symptoms. Instead, you may risk developing nutrient deficiencies if you do not replace dairy products with other sources of calcium, protein, and vitamins B12 and D.

Can you lose weight by not eating dairy? ›

If some of the excess calories that you take in are from dairy products, cutting those foods out right off the bat will help you lose weight.

What cheese is dairy-free? ›

10 Best Dairy-Free Cheeses That Taste Like the Real Thing
  • Miyoko's Smoked English Farmhouse. This cashew-based cheese was made for the cheese plate. ...
  • House Party Cheesy Dip. ...
  • Treeline Cream Cheese. ...
  • Parmela Shreds. ...
  • Miyoko's Mozzarella. ...
  • Violife cheeeeeese. ...
  • Follow Your Heart Slices. ...
  • Kite Hill Ricotta.
Feb 21, 2024

What cheese can you eat on a dairy-free diet? ›

Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack “are virtually lactose-free,” Cifelli explains. Additionally aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano are virtually lactose free. At less than 1 mg lactose per 100 grams even the Italian Ministry of Health allows it to be labeled as such.

How long does it take to see results from quitting dairy? ›

It will take two to three weeks before you can “really feel the difference in your body and mind,” says Savage. “When your body no longer has to work to eliminate foreign substances that it cannot digest, everything just works better,” she adds. “Your digestion, metabolism, sleep improves, and mood improve.”

What is the best dairy free food? ›

You can eat fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, whole grains, beans, tofu, tempeh, meat and fish on a dairy free diet. This is just a short list, and you can enjoy many other foods. Are eggs dairy? No, eggs are not dairy because they do not contain milk.

What store bought bread is dairy free? ›

The Best Vegan Bread You Can Buy at the Grocery Store
  • Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread. Read More. ...
  • Dave's Killer Bread. Read More. ...
  • Brownberry Oatnut Bread. Read More. ...
  • La Brea Bakery's French Baguette. ...
  • Rudi's Rocky Mountain Sourdough. ...
  • Angelic Bakehouse's Sprouted Whole Grain Bread. ...
  • What to Look for When Buying Vegan Bread.
Mar 27, 2024

What is the most common dairy alternative? ›

What is the best alternative to milk?
  • Soy Milk. Soy milk has been the most popular non-dairy substitute for decades because its nutrition profile closely resembles that of cow's milk. ...
  • Almond Milk. Almond milk is a great dairy alternative when you are looking to cut calories. ...
  • Rice Milk. ...
  • Coconut Milk. ...
  • Hemp Milk. ...
  • Cashew Milk.
Jul 19, 2021

Are eggs still considered dairy? ›

Eggs are classified as poultry products, not dairy products. Poultry products include chicken, duck, and turkey eggs, while dairy products are made from the milk of mammals. Eggs are considered to be a separate food group, distinct from dairy products.

Is Peanut butter is dairy-free? ›

Despite the name, peanut butter does not contain any dairy butter. Also, peanuts, being nondairy products, don't contain any lactose themselves. Most natural peanut butter is safe to eat if you're lactose-intolerant.

What eats dairy products but avoid eggs? ›

A lacto-vegetarian (sometimes referred to as a lactarian; from the Latin root lact-, milk) diet is a diet that abstains from the consumption of meat as well as eggs, while still consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese (without animal rennet i.e., from microbial sources), yogurt, butter, ghee, cream, and kefir.

What are the symptoms of dairy withdrawal? ›

A: Cutting out dairy might improve your gut and digestive health. You may notice your skin clearing up - and an overall reduction of inflammation. On the other hand, you may also see some withdrawal symptoms like weakness and nausea, besides missing out on nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 5674

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.