Dairy-free recipes
Whether you are avoiding dairy because of an allergy, lactose intolerance or simply preference, there is plenty to cook. This page gathers recipes made without milk, butter, cheese, cream or yogurt as written, including stir-fries, coconut curries, tacos, grain bowls, roasted meats and fish, and pasta with oil-based sauces. Every recipe takes 20 minutes or less.
83 recipes, quickest first.
5 minFive-minute hummus
8 minMango coconut smoothie bowl
9 minPan con tomate
10 minClassic guacamole
10 minCopycatCopycat Din Tai Fung spicy wontons
10 minEgg drop soup
10 minSmashed chickpea sandwiches
10 minSparkling pomegranate punch
10 minTuna and white bean salad
11 minGarlic chili edamame
12 minBlistered shishito peppers
12 minQuick muhammara
12 minSpiced stovetop nuts
12 minStovetop kettle corn
13 minCopycatCopycat Panda Express Chow Mein
13 minGambas al ajillo
13 minQuick cranberry sauce
13 minTamagoyaki rolled omelette
14 minKorean beef bulgogi bowls
15 minChicken pad see ew
15 minCopycatCopycat P.F. Chang's chicken lettuce wraps
15 minFalafel and hummus wraps
15 minGarlic chili shrimp noodles
15 minGyudon
15 minKimchi fried rice with a fried egg
15 minKung pao chicken
15 minPork larb lettuce cups
15 minVietnamese chicken salad (goi ga)
16 minBreakfast fried rice with bacon and egg
16 minCajun salmon with corn salsa
16 minKorean bulgogi tacos
16 minSpam musubi
16 minTomato and basil bruschetta
17 minBeef and broccoli
17 minCopycatCopycat Wagamama yaki soba
17 minEspinacas con garbanzos
17 minHoney garlic chicken stir-fry
17 minMapo tofu
17 minMiso-glazed eggplant with rice
17 minOyakodon
17 minPan-fried crispy spiced chickpeas
17 minPork schnitzel with apple slaw
17 minShrimp, mango and rice noodle salad
17 minSpaghetti aglio e olio
17 minThai basil chicken with fried egg
18 minCarne asada tacos
18 minClassic shrimp cocktail
18 minHuevos rotos with chorizo
18 minLemon herb lamb chops
18 minMulled apple cider
18 minSesame soba noodle salad
18 minSkillet Brussels sprouts with bacon
18 minThai cashew chicken
18 minThai red shrimp curry
18 minTteokbokki
18 minVietnamese caramel pork rice bowls
19 minAvgolemono soup with orzo
19 minChorizo and butter bean stew
19 minClassic BLT
19 minCopycatCopycat Nando's peri-peri chicken
19 minGochujang chicken bites
19 minKimchi pancakes
19 minLeftover turkey noodle soup
19 minLemongrass tofu noodle bowls
19 minSalt and pepper calamari
19 minShrimp and avocado rice paper rolls
19 minSteak with chimichurri and charred broccolini
19 minTeriyaki tofu rice bowls
20 min20-minute chicken noodle soup
20 minChana masala
20 minChickpea, spinach and coconut curry
20 minClassic deviled eggs
20 minCopycatCopycat Panda Express orange chicken
20 minJapchae
20 minKeema matar
20 minQuick beef pho
20 minQuick bibimbap
20 minQuick skillet paella with shrimp and chorizo
20 minRed lentil dal
20 minShrimp pad thai
20 minSkillet pork al pastor tacos
20 minThai green curry chicken
20 minTom kha gai (coconut chicken soup)
Many cuisines, especially across East and Southeast Asia, rely on coconut milk and oil rather than dairy. The tips suggest swaps for creamy textures and cheesy flavors. Dairy can hide in packaged foods, so it is worth checking labels on bread, sausages, spice mixes and sauces before you start cooking.
Common questions
What can I use instead of butter, milk and cream?
Olive oil or plant-based butter replaces butter for cooking; oat, soy or almond milk works in place of milk; and full-fat coconut milk or blended cashews make a rich substitute for cream. Choose unsweetened, unflavored plant milks for savory dishes. Oat and soy milk are the most neutral.
What are hidden sources of dairy on labels?
Look for milk, whey, casein, caseinate, lactose, milk solids, ghee and butterfat. Dairy turns up in bread, crackers, sausages, deli meats, chips seasonings, salad dressings, spice blends and some dark chocolate. In the US, milk must be named as an allergen on packaged food labels. Check every time, since recipes change.
Is dairy-free the same as lactose-free?
No. Lactose-free products are still made from cow's milk; they just have the lactose broken down, so they contain milk proteins and are not suitable for a milk allergy. Dairy-free products contain no milk at all. People with lactose intolerance can often use either, but those with a milk allergy need dairy-free.
How do I add a cheesy flavor without dairy?
Nutritional yeast is the go-to: it has a savory, nutty, cheese-like taste and works sprinkled on pasta, popcorn or blended into sauces. Miso, toasted nuts and a little lemon juice add depth and tang. Dairy-free cheese brands vary widely in melting and taste, so try a few to find a favorite.