Ever since going vegan 5 years ago, I’ve noticed a shift of perspective in people around me – my personal example of surviving (and mostly thriving) on a plant-based diet has been inspiring people around me who (just like me once) thought it wasn’t possible. But apparently, it’s not inspiring enough – if I had a penny for every time I’ve heard “I’d love to go vegan, but… (insert preferred dairy product, namely cheese, here)”, I’d probably be able to buy everyone reading this an oat latte! People just can’t seem to imagine a life without dairy for themselves. And here’s where I think easy, pantry-friendly dairy-free recipes that nevertheless yield impressive, flavorful, decadent results come in handy!
I love the constantly growing variety of plant-based milks, cheeses, butters, and other dairy-free alternatives that we’re seeing every year because it allows more people to experience a stress-free transition to a plant-based (and hopefully vegan) life. If you’re looking for delicious ways to ditch dairy, I’ve picked 10 recipes by Forager Project that will help you do just that! There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, with a couple of iced drinks and desserts as well, all using some form of dairy-free alternative (and often a mix of them, which I’m sure provides extra creaminess and richness of flavor). Enjoy!
Ginger French Toast with Caramelized Pears
Forget having to use eggs, milk, or butter to make breakfast – this comforting warm French toast recipe opts for cashewmilk, dairy-free butter, and flaxseed instead! It also features a perfect spice blend (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg) to complement the caramelized pears.
Roasted Persimmons with Cashewmilk Yogurt
Do you love low-effort dairy-free recipes that are still decadent and rich in flavors and textures as much as I do? All you have to do is chop up some persimmons, toss them with vegan butter and just a couple more ingredients, oven-roast them, and top your vegan yogurt with this perfectly caramelized juicy deliciousness!
Zesty Citrus Salad with Queso Fresco
If you’re not familiar with queso fresco, it literally translates to “fresh cheese”, has Mexican origins, is often accompanying summer salads, and is usually made out of dairy. However, you can use a cashew-based dairy-free alternative in this tangy, refreshing citrus salad and never look back!
Creamy Vegan Potato Gratin
Moving on to a bit more time-consuming, yet incredibly comforting dairy-free recipes, we have a vegan potato gratin that’s tender and crispy all at the same time. Its flavor profile is simple, yet irresistible, and I bet there isn’t a person out there who wouldn’t love this cheesy buttery garlicky baked potato dish!
Asparagus Risotto with Meyer Lemon & Parmesan
Springtime is the ideal season to incorporate asparagus in your cooking. One of the most elegant ways to utilize it is risotto. This dairy-free recipe in particular is tangy, creamy, fresh, and completely vegan (as long as you use vegan prosecco – yes, there is prosecco involved, and I am here for it).
Crunchy Mac and Cheese
If you’ve been looking for a way to adapt your favorite comfort food to a plant-based diet, vegan mac and cheese is likely one of the first dairy-free recipes you’ll look up. Well, look no further, because this absolutely indulgent cheesy crunchy dish is bound to “fool the most discerning of mac eaters”. If you’re one of them, be sure to give this one a try!
Iced Oatmilk Matcha Latte
Switching from dairy to non-dairy milk has never been this easy. I personally love oat milk and its ultimate creaminess, subtly sweet flavor. It works so well in both hot and iced drinks that many non-vegans I know will ask their local barista for it specifically if it’s available. But you can be your own barista with this easy dairy-free recipe for matcha latte – 5 ingredients, 5 minutes, and you’re done!
Cashew Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Horchata
As you may know, horchata is already vegan, typically made with various plant milks. However, in some countries or places, condensed milk may be used for extra sweetness. But if you’re making your horchata at home, you won’t have to worry about it! This dairy-free recipe in particular is made with a mix of cashew and oat milk for the ultimate creaminess.
Vegan Sugar Donuts
This probably is one of those dairy-free recipes that could omit plant-based substitutes entirely, but are seriously enriched in flavor and texture by using vegan butter and – unexpectedly – vegan sour cream, the lactic acid in which makes these donuts extra moist and delicious. Save some for me!
Vegan Cookie Dough
Another benefit of being vegan is (almost) never having to worry about food poisoning or similar issues you could get from uncooked animal products. Case in point: vegan cookie dough can be enjoyed as is, with all of the pleasure and none of the fear! And if you’ve never tried to top your smoothie bowl with cookie dough – which I’ll admit, I’ve never had the pleasure to – this is your (our) sign!
Article by Anna Kot. Recipes and photography by Forager Project.
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Editor: Anna Kot.
