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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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 can someone with a dairy allergy eat for dinner? ›

With this roster of delicious dinner ideas, you and your family won't miss the milk or the calcium.
  • Chicken with cauliflower and olives. ...
  • Vegetarian brown rice bowls. ...
  • Pineapple fried rice. ...
  • Very veggie vegan pizza. ...
  • Creamy vegan butternut squash linguine with fried sage. ...
  • Coconut lime panko crusted cod. ...
  • Shrimp and avocado salad.

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 sweets can you eat if you're lactose intolerant? ›

Types of Dairy-Free Sweets

From gummy bears to hard candies, and from chocolate bars to fruity chews, there's something to satisfy every sweet tooth. With popular brands such as Haribo, Crazy Candy Factory, Kingsway, and Jelly Belly offering dairy-free sweets, it is possible to make a delicious and inclusive range.

What is non dairy meal? ›

Last updated 17/01/2024. Any foods that aren't derived from cow's milk are non-dairy foods! These include vegetables and legumes, fruit, grains, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and fats such as olive oil.

Is Cool Whip dairy-free? ›

From its introduction, Cool Whip was labeled and advertised as non-dairy, but as of 2018 it contains skimmed milk and sodium caseinate, a milk derivative. Even before the skimmed milk was introduced, Cool Whip was classified in Jewish dietary traditions as dairy because of the sodium caseinate.

Are Oreos dairy-free? ›

SUMMARY. Oreo cookies are made without any animal products. However, the company that makes them says these cookies are made in facilities that handle milk. As a result, there may be traces of milk in Oreo cookies.

How do you flush dairy out of your system? ›

Q: How do you 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.

Is Peanut Butter is dairy-free? ›

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.

What foods to avoid 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.

What are the top 10 worst foods for lactose intolerance? ›

Foods to Avoid If You Are Lactose Intolerant
  • Bread and baked goods. ...
  • Milk chocolate and some candies. ...
  • Salad dressings and sauces. ...
  • Breakfast cereals and cereal bars. ...
  • Instant potatoes, soups, rice, and noodle mixes. ...
  • Lunch meats. ...
  • Cheese-flavored crackers and other snacks. ...
  • Mixes for pancakes, biscuits, and cookies.
Apr 27, 2022

What candy doesn't have dairy? ›

Dairy Free Candy A-F
  • Airheads (also vegan and gluten free)
  • Atomic Fireballs (also vegan)
  • Big League Chew (also vegan)
  • Blow Pops (also vegan and gluten free) *Note: Do not confuse with Tootsie Roll pops as these are not dairy free.
  • Bottlecaps (also vegan and gluten free)
  • Bubble Yum.
  • Chick-O-Sticks (also vegan)
Oct 3, 2018

What foods are completely dairy-free? ›

Dairy-free foods to eat
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Meat & poultry.
  • Fish & seafood.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts & seeds.
  • Soy products, such as tofu and tempeh.
  • Beans & legumes.
  • Whole grains, such as quinoa and couscous.

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 can I eat that's dairy free? ›

Dairy-free foods to eat
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Meat & poultry.
  • Fish & seafood.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts & seeds.
  • Soy products, such as tofu and tempeh.
  • Beans & legumes.
  • Whole grains, such as quinoa and couscous.

What food is someone with a dairy allergy able to eat cheese? ›

Many non-dairy cheese products are suitable for milk allergy sufferers. Vegan cheese is growing in popularity, and is usually made from plant-based ingredients and nuts (such as cashews). Non-dairy cheeses offer different varieties, including cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese and more.

Can someone with a dairy allergy eat pancakes? ›

Not allowed: Wheat, white, or rye breads. Biscuits, donuts, muffins, pancakes, waffles, zwieback, crackers, saltines, rusk. Most commercially prepared breads and rolls contain milk or milk products.

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