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

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

8. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.)

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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.

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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.

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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

What foods are surprisingly dairy free? ›

18 Treats You Might Not Know Are Dairy-Free
  • Duncan Hines Brownie Mix. sweets.seriouseats.com. ...
  • Sorbet (most brands) haagendazs.com. ...
  • Coconut Bliss Ice Cream. ...
  • Marshmallows & Marshmallow Creme. ...
  • Graham Crackers and Teddy Grahams. ...
  • Dark Chocolate (most brands) ...
  • Ready-Made Frosting (most brands) ...
  • Pop-Tarts (some flavors)
Sep 17, 2013

What to avoid when dairy is free? ›

All cow's milk products contain dairy, including:
  • milk (including dry/powdered milk)
  • buttermilk.
  • cheese.
  • yogurt.
  • cream/half and half.
  • ice cream.
  • butter and ghee.
  • pudding and custard.

How to 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.

Can you 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 tastes like milk but is dairy free? ›

The demand for soy milk comes from its creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor, making it an excellent cooking and baking ingredient. It's the closest drink that resembles cow's milk, per a taste test and online public sentiment.

What 4 foods are not considered dairy products? ›

Foods That Do Not Contain Dairy
Non-dairy FoodNutrients
Fish and seafoodCalcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, omega fatty acids
EggsProtein, fat, Vit B, Vit D, iron, potassium
Vegetables and fruitsVitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibers
Nuts and seedsVitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibers
4 more rows
Apr 28, 2023

What happens if you suddenly stop eating 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.

What happens to your body when you go dairy free? ›

Switching to dairy free food can see your energy levels soar, with many claiming they've never felt so great. This is because milk products are naturally high in the amino acid tryptophan, which promotes tiredness. Dairy is also harder to digest than other food, causing your body to use more energy.

How to flush dairy out of your system quickly? ›

A: To flush dairy out of your system quickly, eliminate all dairy products from your diet and load up on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and seeds. These are high in fiber and acids that help break down and push out all milk proteins from your system. Also, set aside some time to work out.

What happens if your body doesn't get enough dairy? ›

"When you stop eating dairy, you might find that your immune system becomes considerably weaker," the nutritionist highlights. Explaining why, she says: "This may because you are lacking the important vitamin B12.

How long after stopping dairy will I feel better? ›

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 to eat instead of dairy? ›

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.

Is Greek yogurt dairy-free? ›

If you're lactose intolerant, you might wonder: Does Greek yogurt have dairy? Made from cow's milk, it does. However, Greek yogurt has less than 1 gram of lactose per ounce—less lactose than milk and about half the lactose of some other yogurts.

Does peanut butter have dairy? ›

While it may have "butter" in the name, PB doesn't actually contain the dairy product. "Peanut butter is typically made from peanuts, salt, oil, and sometimes added sugars,” says Erin Palinksi-Wade, RD, and author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies.

How to get protein without dairy? ›

Here are 10 dairy-free protein foods to start incorporating into your diet today.
  1. Seeds. For being such tiny foods, seeds pack a ton of protein per portion. ...
  2. Nuts. All types of nuts are full of protein and healthy fats, making them a fundamental source of plant-based protein. ...
  3. Fish. ...
  4. Poultry. ...
  5. Eggs. ...
  6. Quinoa. ...
  7. Beans. ...
  8. Soy.

What foods have hidden dairy? ›

Surprising Foods That Contain Milk
  • Caseinates (ammonia, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium)
  • Canned tuna fish.
  • Chewing gum.
  • Deli meat.
  • Dips and salad dressings.
  • Goat's milk.
  • Hot dogs.
  • Instant mashed potatoes.
Sep 17, 2020

What food is someone with a dairy allergy not able to eat? ›

The following foods and ingredients CONTAIN cow's milk protein and should be avoided:
A2 milkDried milk
Cheese powderButter fat
Condensed milkHydrolysates (casein, milk protein, whey)
Cottage cheeseIce cream
CreamInfant formula – cow's milk based including partially hydrolysed (HA) formula
9 more rows

Do Oreos have dairy? ›

Well, it's made of quite a few ingredients, but none of them are dairy-based milk or cream. Take that as you will, but despite its less-than-clean ingredients, few can deny the Oreo cookie of its comforting and nostalgic taste and texture profile.

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