22 Easy Recipes for the Gluten and Dairy-Free

When you think of gluten and dairy-free recipes, what comes to mind? You might be nervous that things won’t taste the same, or that you’ll feel as if you’re sacrificing something.

Well, let us let you in on a little secret… that’s not the case.

We get that those new ways of eating can be intimidating, but there are many reasons to eat meals like these. Maybe a friend is allergic, and you want to include them, or maybe you’ve come across a new allergy or intolerance that age has brought up.

Anyway, that’s why we’ve got 11 dinner recipes and 11 dessert options for you! Low hassle, accommodating to multiple diets, and delicious.

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Dinner Recipes

1. Healthy Instant Pot Shepard’s Pie

What is better than classic comfort food, appropriate for any time of the year?

One that doesn’t upset your stomach!

In addition to foaling into the category of gluten-free dairy-free dinner recipes, this dish is also paleo and whole 30 friendly.

What does that mean? Basically, that this is a healthy, guilt-free, and fantastic dinner for all! Even vegetarians can adapt this dish to follow a meatless format, and the dairy-free aspect makes this shift inherently vegan.

2. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

A low-carb dish that combines flavor with nutrients and leaves you feeling great through and through.

When you’ve had a draining day and want to gain back some of your energy by loading with veggies, pasta, and protein, this is the dish for you!

The coconut flavor of this dairy milk alternative gets completely masked by all of the other spices and the spaghetti squash mimics the texture of ‘real’ pasta so well that you won’t be able to get over your surprise.

3. Grilled Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Crema

Crema, cilantro, and chicken, what more could anyone desire? This is the best recipe for when you’re feeling hungry but don’t want to feel weighed down by a heavier dish.

Imagine passing these around the table during Taco Tuesdays and being able to cater to your dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free friends, at that!

With a prep time of 15 minutes and only 20 needed to cook, this is an easy dish no matter what you’re up to.

4. Easy Ground Beef Broccoli

Speaking of recipes that are quick and easy ideas, this beef and broccoli can be ready in 30 minutes using only one pot.

Fewer dishes mean less hassle, something we can all appreciate!

Dietary restrictions have nothing on this healthy, filling, and flavorful recipe. In fact, this is a great homemade version of your favorite takeout just, well, healthier.

Enjoy this meal with friends after a weekend out, or with the kids at the end of a school week. This is loved by everyone, and we hope that you will feel the same.

5. Paleo Italian Chicken Fingers

Kids love chicken fingers, right?

Actually, hold that thought…

So do adults. Everyone loves chicken fingers, and we are here to lead you to a recipe that caters to multiple dietary restrictions so that everyone can enjoy them.

A twist on this family favorite, these chicken fingers are paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free.

Split them with those you love or covet them for yourself, we won’t judge. One thing we are sure of, though, is that you will be happy either way!

6. Philly Not-So-Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

This one is for our Keto friends out there- we haven’t forgotten you. Also whole 30 and paleo-friendly, this is one of the best gluten-free dairy-free meals around.

The crunch of the pepper lingers a little even when baked to combine perfectly with the gooey cheese and the tender meat.

A truly fun way to add some variety to your healthy lifestyle, this recipe details all of the important factors to consider when crafting this delicious dinner.

7. Coconut Milk Alfredo Sauce

When you find yourself craving the creamy richness of a good alfredo sauce, pull this one out of your pocket. Oil-free, nut-free, and soy-free, this sauce has just 5 ingredients to make it so utterly unresistable.

Nutritional yeast adds flavor, tapioca starch gives it the texture, garlic powder, and liquid smoke combine with salt to add even more flavor, and water adds to coconut milk to create the creamy, saucy mixture we all know and love.

8. Chicken Pot Pie

Hold on, how is this different from shepherd’s pie? Well, the first item on our list had mashed potatoes surrounding the meat and veggie filling, while this recipe uses a pastry crust to hold all of the ingredients together as one dish.

The best part is that the preparation and ingredients of this dish are barely different from those of the classic version, making it easy on you and familiar to any picky eaters who might not love the idea of a changed dish. They won’t even know anything is different!

9. Paleo Chicken Parmesan

Is there anything more comforting than a good chicken parm? This paleo dish is easily mistaken for the ‘real thing, and the substitutions aren’t easily discovered by those who don’t know the secrets.

For example, cashew cheese sauce that tastes like its delicious counterpart but without the dairy, fat, or anything else. Between that and the no-sugar-added aspect of the sauce, this dish is definitely a hit.

Cook this for a dinner party where not everyone has the same dietary range, or for the kids on a busy weekend where you want to get something good into them.

10. Ultimate Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is anything but dry, and the fruit, almonds, and herbs are a delightful combination. These ingredients add a necessary crunch to the creamy mix.

The great part is that you can make this totally gluten-free by using lettuce wraps or turning it into a full-blown salad. Otherwise, you can use a gluten-free bread of your choice now that those are becoming a more popular option.

Suitable for everyone, this can be thrown on a croissant for those who are supportive but don’t follow the same dietary restrictions.

11. Tasty Chicken and Rice Casserole

What besides chicken and rice spans cultures and continents in such an authentic, flexible way? The answer may just be nothing.

So, putting these two fan favorites into a casserole that is hearty, rich, tasty, and healthy is a risk you’ll just have to take.

All kidding aside, this is one of the simplest gluten and dairy-free recipes that we can imagine because it is accessible to everyone. Kids, adults, people from around the world. Try it, you won’t be disappointed.

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Desserts

1. Chocolate Cake

Allergy-friendly and full of everything your sweet tooth craves, you’ll find what you’re looking for within the layers of this decadent dream.

Birthday parties, anniversaries, a lazy night in, a housewarming, a lunch break from work, this cake is great for any occasion at any time.

Trust us, no one will even realize that this is anything other than traditional chocolate cake. It is the perfect classic to kick off our list of dessert dishes.

2. Cinnamon Rolls

We may be talking primarily about desserts, but you didn’t think we would forget about gluten-free dairy-free breakfast recipes, did you?

Well, these cinnamon rolls are truly something else. While they are totally gluten-free, they can be made dairy-free or not, depending on what allergy guidelines you are trying to adhere to.

A yummy breakfast that the whole family will love, this sweet indulgence is great for those of all ages.

3. Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is just one of those dishes that people seem to either love or are completely indifferent to. We, for one, love this dish and sincerely hope that you will love this recipe that offers such a great alternative approach to the average ingredients.

Not only is this accommodating, but it is also a very healthy spin. The secret ingredient? Applesauce and dairy-free yogurt take the place of oil or butter. They only add flavor while keeping this dessert deliciously guilt-free.

4. Vegan Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a delightful pair of sweetness and spice, while the texture of the crumby crust mixes perfectly with the softness of baked apple.

Perfect for those fall mornings that are coming up soon enough, you’ll be able to grab a coffee and a book, or maybe enjoy this sweet dish with the family. (We recommend swapping breakfast for dinner with, well… dessert for breakfast, but that’s just us. Hey, it’s granola and apple, right? It’s basically baked oatmeal!)

5. Brookie Cookies

Aside from the rhyme in the name of this treat, the ingredients speak for themselves. Sweets can be difficult when everything seems to be catered toward everything but your needs, but as recipes change and options expand, these are worth making.

Also nut free, there is nothing that this dish doesn’t account for. It’s a brownie, it’s a cookie, no- it’s a brookie!
You get the taste of a brownie and the soft chewiness, but the shape of a cookie that is perfectly paired with a glass of almond (or coconut, or oat, or soy) milk.

6. The Best Chocolate Cake

Alright, so we have another chocolate cake and this one is extra great!

Hear us out chocolate buttercream. Chocolate ganache. Gluten-free. Dairy-free.

Full of flavor but free of guilt.

We think that this all speaks for itself, but don’t take out word for it. Check out this recipe for a deliciously in-depth explanation of a recipe that is perfect for people-pleasing, and well suited for occasions of all shapes and sizes.

7. Easy Brownies

We’ve gone over the brookie but let’s be honest, does anyone here not appreciate a good old-fashioned brownie in all of its gooey glory? We know that we do, and after trying this one you are sure to agree.

This easy recipe comes together in under an hour and is everything that your sweet self deserves. What’s better is that it is a great alternative to boxed brownies that call for dairy milk and use gluten-based products. None of that here, people!

8. Healthy Peanut Butter Blondies

When you see the world healthy in a recipe, are you ever hesitant? We know that it can seem like the flavor won’t be all there, or that you’ll feel let down somehow.

We are here to tell you that is not the case with these delicious peanut butter blondies.

Like how we went from brookies to brownies to blondies? Oh, the versatility of a good gluten-free dairy-free dessert dish. Try these for a satisfying dessert that still hits the right sweet notes.

9. Lemon Bars

Oh, the lemony freshness of these bars. An absolute delight that you won’t be able to put down, and neither will the kids… or your friends… or anyone else that tries them.

Follow the recipe for a quick and easy baking experience that will have you questioning how you didn’t know about this one.

You can’t beat the chewy, gooey, lemony bar paired with the sturdy, yet light, crust. The combination is refreshing and won’t make you feel weighed down by the bar(s) you ate.

10. Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

What is better than cinnamon rolls? Well, blueberry ones, of course! These add a pop of freshness to the long-beloved cinnamon roll that we all crave from time to time.

The dough requires only two ingredients and the blueberries are fresh, so it is a healthy, cheaper way to add an extra burst of flavor to these perfect breakfast treats.

Make these for the kids on a special occasion, or maybe just because. Enjoy them by yourself on a Sunday morning, or with your partner. Bring them to a friend who is feeling down or your family during the holidays. The possibilities are endless!

11. Double Chocolate 4 Ingredient Ice Cream

Rich, coconut milk filled with 4 ingredients goodness- that’s what you’ll get out of this delicious ice cream.

So, what is the secret ingredient then? Honey. It gives this dairy-free ice cream the sweet flavor it deserves while helping you feel guilt-free in the way that you deserve.

With just coconut milk, honey, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, you’re likely to have everything in the pantry already.
Just follow the recipe to whip this sweet treat up and enjoy a relaxing end to your day.

Happy baking, cooking, and eating! We hope you enjoy your new recipes as much as we do.