13 Dairy Free Dinner Recipes

Whether you’re lactose intolerant or are just trying to avoid dairy products, we’ve got plenty of delicious and healthy recipes that you’ll love! Despite being free of decadent milk, cheese and butter, these dairy free dinners still pack plenty of flavor and nutrition. Add these meals to your menu for tasty, low carb suppers all week long.

Check out these 13 recipes for a delicious, dairy free dinner:

1. Low-Carb Chicken Fingers >

Calories per Serving: 258

We’re not sure which is better; the spiced, tender chicken or the robust sauce with cilantro, parsley, almonds, garlic and chili pepper. We pick both! The chicken can be prepared virtually anywhere—on the grill, in the oven or on the stovetop. The sauce can be made ahead and you can use the leftover ingredients to make a great guacamole.

2. 3-Step Mustard-Crusted Pork >

Calories per Serving: 250

New to cooking? Here’s a terrific intro to broiling. Just combine six ingredients, coat your pork, bake and enjoy! As with everything you do in the kitchen, just don’t forget what you’re doing. Broiling can cook food at very high temperatures, so it’s important to keep an eye on your meat.

3. Five-Spice Salmon >

Calories per Serving: 251

Meal planning? Make this flavorful dish the same week you do the Low-Carb Chicken Fingers. You’ve already got the garlic and fresh limes you need for the zest and juice. Both entrees are easy weeknight affairs. This entrée is also impressive to serve on the weekend and satisfies half of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendation to eat salmon (a food high in omega-3 fatty acids) twice a week.

4. Beef with Mushrooms and Asparagus >

Calories per Serving: 370

Inspired by that meal at your favorite steakhouse, this recipe features steak, asparagus, mushrooms and flavorful onions. The steak seasoning is a simple garlic and rosemary blend that’s simple and beautifully complements the meat.

5. Fried Coconut Chicken >

Calories per Serving: 360

Coconut milk is the perfect dairy free milk substitute. It adds a rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor to any dish it’s added too. This decadent coconut chicken is packed with the flavors you love and expect from classic Indian cuisine; coconut milk, turmeric, cumin, ginger, macadamia nuts and onions.

6. Traditional Red Snapper Veracruz >

Calories per Serving: 249

Moist and delicate with a mild, sweet flavor, red snapper is becoming more and more popular. This is probably because it doesn’t have a “fishy” taste. Snapper is a staple in South and Central American cuisine and this recipe—with tomatoes, olives, jalapeños and capers—is a nod to its Hispanic heritage.

7. Grilled Garlic Pork Chops >

Calories per Serving: 70

Don’t let the weather outside deter you; you can grill these pork chops right in your oven. Marinating the pork is a crucial step in this dairy free recipe. The longer you wait, the more flavor your entrée will have. Feel free to marinate overnight to save time and deepen the flavor. Virtually any veggie would make a great complement, so get creative with broccolini, Brussels sprouts or grilled artichokes!

8. Easy Shrimp Fajitas >

Calories per Serving: 286

Sometimes you need a little fancy—without the fuss. These shrimp fajitas are like a party on your plate. They’re colorful, delicious and check all the flavor boxes: sweet shrimp, savory spices, crunchy lettuce leaves and bitter lime juice. Want to add even more color (and flavor)? Serve them up with fresh Pico de Gallo or guacamole.

9. Grilled Chicken Salad >

Calories per Serving: 380

What makes a salad seem grown up? The lettuce. Iceberg is bland, boring and what almost every restaurant serves up. We prefer romaine because it contains more flavor and nutrition but is still mild. Feel free to jazz it up with some fresh spinach, arugula or dandelion greens as pictured.

10. Pan-Seared Tuna Salad >

Calories per Serving: 290

Tuna is often served in upscale restaurants. However, you are qualified to make this dish at home. Your only required tools include—wait for it—oil, salt, pepper and a large skillet. The trick is not overcooking the tuna. Make sure you’re using medium-high heat and set your timer for 90 seconds on each side. Don’t estimate!

11. Baked Salmon Salad >

Calories per Serving: 500

Warm and cold food combinations add a whole new level of interest and complexity to a dish. We played off the temperature contrast in this easy salad. Both the salmon and crisp asparagus are roasted and paired with soft, chilled mesclun greens. You’ll love the simple flavors and preparation!

12. Chimichurri Grilled Lamb Chops >

Calories per Serving: 360

Lamb is a decadent, healthful meat. According to Healthline, it’s high in protein, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, iron and more. Plus, lamb contains a mixture of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Specifically, it contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid associated with reduced body fat mass, says Healthline. If you’re new to lamb, try this recipe first—the blend of spices tones down the gamey flavor that may take a little getting used to.

13. Halibut with Tapenade in Parchment >

Calories per Serving: 270

Put on your Julia Child hat and get ready to make the most flavorful fish of your life. This classic recipe will always be popular because the end result is out-of-this-world good. While this halibut is cooking, the parchment paper helps to create steam and locks in flavor, infusing the fish with the taste of tomatoes, lemon and olive tapenade. Take the whole packet to your plate and eat right from the paper pouch so that every bite is coated in the flavorful juices. Afterwards, simply toss the paper in the trash. Cleanup is complete!