10+ Simple Dinner Recipes Dairy Free for Easy Weeknight Meals

Finding the right dinner recipes can be challenging, especially when you’re looking for options that fit a dairy-free diet. However, simple dinner recipes that are dairy-free not only cater to dietary restrictions but also make meal preparation quick and enjoyable. With a variety of flavors and ingredients available, you can create delicious meals that everyone in your family will love.

In this article, you will discover easy-to-make dishes that will satisfy your hunger without the use of dairy products. Whether you’re looking for hearty entrees or light, refreshing options, there are plenty of recipes to inspire you in the kitchen. Enjoy exploring new culinary ideas while keeping your meals healthy and tasty!

1) Thai Basil Beef

Thai Basil Beef is a quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

You’ll need flank steak, which cooks well and is tender. Fresh Thai basil adds a unique taste that really stands out. Some bell peppers and onions give extra crunch and color.

This dish comes together fast, usually in about 30 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a tasty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, sliced thin
• 1 cup (150 g) bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) white onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai chiles, chopped
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced flank steak and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the garlic, bell peppers, and onion.
4. Add the Thai chiles and soy sauce.
5. Cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the fresh Thai basil just before serving.

2) Paleo French Dip Sandwiches

Paleo French Dip Sandwiches are a tasty and satisfying meal. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors of roast beef dipped in savory au jus. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To start, gather high-quality meat and your favorite herbs. When you slow-cook the beef, it becomes tender and full of flavor. Pair it with a good-quality bread or lettuce wraps for a healthy option.

This sandwich is delicious by itself, but dipping it into au jus takes it to the next level. The warm broth enhances the flavor of the roast beef.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) roast beef
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cups (1 L) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the roast beef with salt and pepper.
2. Place the beef in a slow cooker with sliced onion and beef broth.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours (approximately 120°C/250°F).
4. Shred the beef and serve with broth for dipping.

3) Cali Salmon Bowl

The Cali Salmon Bowl is a tasty and healthy dinner option. You’ll enjoy roasted wild salmon topped with a creamy dairy-free pesto and tahini sauce. Adding crunchy pickled veggies gives it a delightful texture.

This dish is easy to prepare and takes about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you want something nutritious. You can serve it over a bed of greens or grains like quinoa for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free pesto
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 cup of mixed greens or quinoa
• 1/2 cup pickled veggies (like carrots and radishes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 12-15 minutes.
4. While the salmon cooks, mix tahini with any remaining pesto.
5. Serve the salmon on greens or over quinoa, topped with the sauces and pickled veggies.

4) Pasta with Creamy Tofu Sauce

This creamy tofu pasta sauce is a great dairy-free option. It’s rich and flavorful, making your meal satisfying and delicious.

To make the sauce, blend silken tofu until smooth. You can add garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for extra flavor. This sauce mixes well with your favorite pasta, creating a quick and healthy dish.

For a tasty twist, add some steamed vegetables to the pasta. Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms can add a nice touch. Enjoy this easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for any night.

Ingredients

• 1 package of silken tofu
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your choice of pasta

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a blender, combine silken tofu, garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce into a pan and heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked pasta and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

5) Black Bean & Corn Quinoa

Black Bean & Corn Quinoa is a tasty and simple dinner option. It’s dairy-free, healthy, and full of flavor. This dish combines quinoa, black beans, and corn for a filling meal.

Start by cooking the quinoa. Rinse it well and then boil it with water until it’s fluffy. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers to add more taste.

Once the vegetables are ready, mix in black beans and corn. Add your cooked quinoa, along with spices like cumin and chili powder for an extra kick.

Let it all cook together for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Serve it warm, and feel free to top it with avocado or fresh cilantro for a delicious finish!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Boil quinoa in 2 cups of water (212°F or 100°C) until fluffy.
3. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a pan.
4. Stir in black beans and corn.
5. Combine with cooked quinoa.
6. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve warm, topped with avocado or cilantro.

6) Teriyaki Salmon and Avocado Rice Bowls

Teriyaki salmon and avocado rice bowls are a tasty and healthy dinner option. They are easy to make and full of flavor. This dish combines tender salmon with creamy avocado, making it a great choice for a dairy-free meal.

Start with fresh salmon fillets, coated in homemade teriyaki sauce. Cook the salmon until it is flaky and glazed, then serve it over a bed of fluffy rice. Add sliced avocado for creaminess and nutrients.

You can also include veggies like spinach or edamame for extra color and crunch. Garnish with sesame seeds to enhance the dish’s look and taste.

Ingredients

• 3 salmon fillets
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 cups jasmine rice
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 avocados
• 1–1.5 cups frozen edamame
• Teriyaki sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
3. While the rice is cooking, season salmon with teriyaki sauce and garlic.
4. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
5. Slice avocados and prepare edamame as directed.
6. Assemble bowls with rice, salmon, avocado, and edamame. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

7) Beef and Shells

Beef and shells is a hearty dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. It combines tender pasta shells with a creamy sauce and flavorful ground beef. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

To start, you’ll want to cook your pasta shells in boiling water until they are al dente. In a separate pan, brown your ground beef over medium heat.

Next, mix in your favorite dairy-free cream sauce. You can add spices for extra flavor. Once everything is combined, toss in the cooked pasta shells.

Serve your beef and shells warm for a filling dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup dairy-free cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, brown ground beef over medium heat.
3. Stir in dairy-free cream and spices.
4. Add cooked pasta shells and mix well.
5. Serve warm.

8) Dairy Free Baked Mac and Cheese

This dairy free baked mac and cheese is creamy and comforting. You can enjoy a delicious meal that feels rich without any dairy.

To start, you’ll need pasta, a dairy-free cheese substitute, plant-based milk, and some seasonings. You can also top it off with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of macaroni or pasta of your choice
• 2 cups dairy-free cheese
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix the dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the pasta with the cheese mixture and stir well.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
6. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

9) Mediterranean Mashed Potatoes

Mediterranean mashed potatoes are a delicious and creamy side dish. They are dairy-free and packed with flavors from olive oil and herbs.

To make them, you will need some simple ingredients that bring a rich taste. They pair well with many main dishes, making them a great addition to your dinner table.

These mashed potatoes are easy to prepare and suitable for everyone. You can enjoy them even if you avoid dairy!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add olive oil, garlic salt, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Mash until creamy.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve warm.

10) Brown Sugar Salmon

Brown sugar salmon is an easy and tasty dinner option. This dish combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the rich flavor of salmon. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

To make this recipe, you’ll use just a few simple ingredients. The brown sugar caramelizes in the oven, giving the salmon a delightful glaze. You can serve this with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Brush the brown sugar mixture over the salmon.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.