10+ Dairy Free Recipes to Enjoy Delicious Meals Without the Milk

If you’re trying to skip dairy, diving into dairy-free recipes can actually be a lot of fun. Dairy-free cooking means you still get to enjoy delicious food, just without milk, cheese, or butter.

It works for allergies, lactose intolerance, or if you’re just in the mood for something different.

You might assume dairy-free equals bland, but honestly, that’s not the case. Plenty of easy recipes taste amazing and use ingredients you probably have on hand.

These meals are friendly for most diets, so everyone can dig in.

1) Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Lemon chicken with orzo is a simple, dairy-free dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings. The chicken comes out juicy, and the orzo cooks in the same pan, soaking up all the lemony goodness.

The sauce is bright and tangy from fresh lemon juice—no cream or cheese needed. Toss in some basil or parsley if you want a little extra pop.

You can swap in gluten-free orzo if you need it. Cleanup’s a breeze, too.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for about a minute.
4. Add orzo, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
5. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until orzo is tender, about 12 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and toss on some herbs before serving.

For more details, check one-pan lemon chicken orzo recipes.

2) Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

You can whip up peanut butter cookies without any dairy, and the air fryer makes it super quick. These cookies come out soft inside and crispy on the edges—pretty much perfect.

You only need a few ingredients. Swap out butter for coconut oil or vegan butter if you want.

The air fryer keeps the cookies fresh and gives them a great texture. You can also tweak the sweetness with your favorite sugar substitute.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1/2 cup sugar or sugar substitute
• 1 egg or flax egg for vegan option
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda in a bowl.
2. Roll the dough into balls and flatten them a bit.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (165°C).
4. Place cookies in the basket, leaving space between each.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden.
6. Let them cool before eating.

3) Pasta with Creamy Tofu Sauce

If you’re craving creamy pasta but want to keep it dairy-free, try using silken tofu for the sauce. It blends up smooth and rich, so you don’t miss the dairy at all.

Toss in garlic and your favorite spices for a flavor boost. Nutritional yeast gives it a cheesy kick if that’s your thing.

This sauce comes together fast, so it’s great for a weeknight. Mix it with pasta and fresh herbs—dinner’s done.

Ingredients

• 1 cup silken tofu
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to the package, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
3. Add garlic and spices, sauté for a minute or two.
4. Blend silken tofu with the sautéed garlic and spices until smooth.
5. Warm the sauce in the pan on low.
6. Toss pasta with the sauce.
7. Top with herbs if you want.

4) Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a fast, dairy-free dinner that’s loaded with flavor. You’ll cook beef with Thai basil and bell peppers, plus a punchy mix of garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce.

It’s gluten-free and only takes about half an hour. Serve it with rice or noodles—whatever you like.

You get fresh herbs and veggies in every bite, and you don’t have to mess with complicated steps or ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skirt or flank steak, sliced thin
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 white onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp avocado oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high.
2. Add onions and peppers; cook 3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for another minute.
4. Add beef and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Mix coconut aminos, fish sauce, and coconut sugar in a bowl.
6. Pour sauce into skillet and stir.
7. Add Thai basil; cook 1-2 minutes until wilted.
8. Serve hot.

You can find more details on this recipe at Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry | Garden in the Kitchen.

5) Paleo French Dip Sandwiches

Craving something hearty? Try Paleo French Dip Sandwiches. The roast beef is juicy and full of flavor, and honestly, you won’t even miss the cheese.

The real star is the rich au jus for dipping—it adds all the moisture and flavor you need. Use your favorite paleo bread, or just go with lettuce wraps if you’re feeling lighter.

This one’s great for lunch or dinner, and if you have a slow cooker, it’s even easier.

Ingredients:

• Roast beef
• Coconut aminos or paleo-friendly broth
• Garlic
• Onion powder
• Paleo bread or lettuce wraps
• Olive oil or avocado oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season roast beef with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown beef in a pan with olive oil.
3. Move beef to a slow cooker with broth or coconut aminos.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Slice beef thin.
6. Use the juices as au jus.
7. Pile beef on paleo bread or wraps.

6) Cali Salmon Bowl

The Cali Salmon Bowl is fresh, colorful, and totally dairy-free. Roast wild salmon and top it with a creamy tahini sauce—no dairy, but loads of flavor.

The pesto is dairy-free too, so the whole thing stays light and healthy. Crunchy pickled veggies add zing and texture.

This bowl is simple, but every bite pops. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it works for a lot of folks.

Ingredients

• Wild salmon fillets
• Dairy-free pesto
• Tahini
• Pickled vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, whatever you like)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Put salmon on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 12-15 minutes.
4. Mix tahini with a little water for a creamy drizzle.
5. Spoon pesto and tahini sauce over the salmon.
6. Top with pickled veggies.

For more details, check out this Cali Salmon Bowl recipe.

7) Paleo Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Cups

Paleo Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Cups are a fun, dairy-free meal you can throw together anytime. The beef gets marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, and the pineapple juice makes it extra tender.

Wrap the beef in crisp lettuce leaves for a light, healthy bite. These cups are gluten-free and come together quickly.

Add some green onions or chili if you want to kick up the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Lettuce leaves (butter or romaine)
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix pineapple juice, coconut aminos, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey in a bowl.
2. Marinate beef slices for at least half an hour.
3. Heat a skillet on medium-high.
4. Cook beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Wash and separate lettuce leaves.
6. Spoon beef into lettuce leaves and top with green onions if you like.
7. Serve right away.

8) Avgolemono Chicken Soup with Gnocchi

This soup is a classic Greek dish that’s both creamy and dairy-free. Instead of cream, it leans on lemon juice and eggs for that rich, velvety feel.

You’ll simmer chicken with broth and toss in gnocchi for soft, pillowy bites. The lemon brings a bright, fresh flavor that somehow makes the whole thing feel light, even though it’s pretty hearty.

On a cold day, this soup just hits the spot. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you time.

The trickiest part? Whisking the eggs and lemon juice into the broth slowly, so nothing curdles. Go slow, and you’ll get that lovely, silky texture.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup gnocchi
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat chicken broth and cooked chicken in a pot.
2. Add gnocchi and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk the beaten eggs and lemon juice together.
4. Ladle some hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking as you go.
5. Pour that mixture back into the pot and stir gently to thicken.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Find more details at Avgolemono Chicken Soup with Gnocchi Recipe – NYT Cooking.

9) Mushroom and Tofu Sticky Rice

This dish brings together sticky rice, savory mushrooms, and crispy-edged tofu. It’s dairy-free, full of flavor, and has a great mix of textures.

You’ll steam the rice until it’s tender, then fry tofu cubes until they’re golden and just a little bit crispy. Mushrooms go in for that earthy depth, and soy sauce ties everything together.

The tofu soaks up all that sauce, making every bite extra tasty. You can serve this as a main or as a hearty side—totally up to you.

It’s easy to prep ahead and reheats well, so you can have dinner ready in a flash.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sticky (glutinous) rice
• 1 block extra-firm tofu, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the sticky rice for 30 minutes.
2. Steam the rice until soft, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan and fry tofu cubes until golden.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until soft.
5. Stir in soy sauce and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Mix tofu, mushrooms, and rice together well.
7. Serve warm and enjoy.

For more details, check Mushroom and Tofu Sticky Rice Recipe.

10) Brown Sugar Salmon

You can whip up a simple brown sugar salmon that’s totally dairy-free. Brown sugar and soy sauce make a sweet, savory glaze, with garlic adding a little kick.

The salmon stays moist and tender when baked. It usually cooks in about 20 to 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something easy but still crave flavor.

Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. This recipe keeps things simple and dairy-free but still feels a bit special.

Try tossing in smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon if you want to change things up.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: smoked paprika or lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up.

2. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil.

3. Lay the salmon fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet.

4. Brush the glaze all over the salmon.

5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork—if it does, you’re good.

6. Want a little extra flavor? Sprinkle on smoked paprika or squeeze some lemon over the top before serving.