Author: Alisa Fleming

Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

Don’t drown that fresh fish in heavy sauces, make dairy-free fish tacos! This easy recipe is made with real food ingredients and is naturally bold with pure Mexican flavors. We love it with Alaska cod or black cod (sablefish), which are considered sustainable choices from now through fall. But it works well with any firm white fish. And you can grill it, bake it, or cook it on the stove top. We’ve including all three cooking methods. Dairy-Free Fish Tacos made with Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients Head to the produce section and spice aisle for your toppings and marinades. These dairy-free…

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These days, hosting events can seem tricky with the rise in special diet needs. But it doesn’t have to be! I have a full menu, additional tips, and even favor ideas to help make the day memorable for everyone. It was inspired by a bridal shower that I recently cohosted. The bride-to-be has Celiac disease, and she avoids both gluten and dairy. We wanted to make sure she could eat everything at her own event, which was easier than you might think. You can read all of the helpful details, or jump ahead to sections with the following links: Menu:…

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Every summer, without fail, stores and neighborhood gardens overflow with zucchini. This year, I’m getting a jump on it with summer squash recipes. And that includes this old favorite from Sarah for dairy-free zucchini brownies. These rich chocolaty squares are extra-moist from the hidden vegetable infusion, and are finished off with a perfectly sweet chocolate glaze. Dairy-Free Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Glaze Way back in 2007, Sarah shared this dairy-free zucchini brownies recipe, which she had adapted from Everyday Cheapskate by Mary Hunt. We’ve updated the recipe with more details and a new glaze, and I also have answers to…

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This delicious, healthy, alcohol-free recipe (no wine!) for poached salmon was shared with us nearly fifteen years ago by private chef Kristin O’Connor. She focuses on nutritious, clean ingredients, which is why her resume includes working for Hollywood A-listers, like Leonardo DiCaprio and Bradley Cooper. We aren’t sure if they ever had this specific dish, but it’s definitely a star recipe in our book. Almost Famous Poached Salmon with Apricot Sauce By using a poaching technique rather than pan frying, Kristin infuses flavor into the salmon without the need for any added oils. We’ve recently updated her zesty recipe and…

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When you’re seeking a dessert that will satisfy any chocoholic, dairy-free or not, this is the recipe. These dairy-free flourless brownies are super-rich, perfectly fudgy, and delightfully indulgent. And they’re naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free, too! We’ve enjoyed this recipe for well over a decade, but I recently tried it with a few ingredient options. I’ve updated this post to include them. Dairy-Free Flourless Brownies for Every Chocoholic Tony was craving a sweet, and I knew brownies would not only hit the spot, but would also be a breeze to whip up. However, rather than sticking with my classic recipe,…

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Updated June 2023! Tofutti isn’t a glamorous brand. In fact, with all of the new dairy alternative trends, it sometimes gets lost. But Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese was the original dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and it’s changed (just barely) over the years to keep up with the times (somewhat). Their original version was made with hydrogenated oils. They soon added a non-hydrogenated option, and eventually phased out the hydrogenated variety. In 2017 they came out with a “Whipped Cream Cheese” alternative, and over the past several years, they’ve added flavors, including their newest Smoked variety! Tofutti Better Than Cream…

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In pursuit of the perfect “everyday” dairy-free brownie recipe, I tested nearly a dozen variations. Some were lackluster, some had a funny aftertaste, and some went seriously overboard with the whole moist and fudgy thing. These delicious dairy-free brownies have a well-rounded, clean, and rich chocolaty flavor. They’re soft and chewy with a hint of fudginess, and have that lightly crackly top, just like the classics! These Dairy-Free Brownies are Chewy, Chocolaty Deliciousness I ended up modifying my favorite coconut brownies recipe, from Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, to create this perfect recipe for classic dairy-free brownies. I…

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They might be a Swedish company, but Oatly Cream Cheese was crafted by the company’s Philadelphia R&D lab in the U.S. And yes, this dairy-free creation is truly made with oatmilk. In fact, it’s also one of the only coconut-free cream cheese options on the market! They’ve launched it in classic Plain and Chive & Onion varieties. Oatly Cream Cheese is another Dairy-Free Way to Love Oatmilk Word has it, Oatly Cream Cheese boasts a rich and creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading on bagels, but it also holds up in recipes. It’s made with an emulsion of glyphosate-free oatmilk,…

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Our dairy-free chocolate zucchini bread recipe has become quite popular. But we also have a dairy-free egg-free chocolate zucchini bread option for those of you who are vegan, allergic to eggs, or just plain out of eggs! This delicious recipe is also nut-free and soy-free, and was submitted by Holly Price for one of our recipe contests. Baking Perfect Dairy-Free Egg-Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread Free-from baking can be tricky business. Eggs not only bind, but they also add lift and moisture, and help quick bread retain it’s shape under most conditions. Holly has done a great job in creating a…

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There are a lot of muffin recipes out there, but really, you only need one. This recipe for basic dairy-free muffins is a simple, no frills formula with endless variations. It uses just 7 basic ingredients, which can be found in most homes, and takes minutes to whisk up. You don’t need any special equipment or fancy ingredients. And the result is tender, perfectly sweet muffins just like mom used to make. Basic Dairy-Free Muffins that You can Customize to Taste You might recognize this recipe from my flagship book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. I’ve been using it…

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If you’re a fan of European-style butter, then this announcement for you. Denmark’s popular Naturli’ Plant Butter is launching in the U.S. It’s touted as one of the best on the European market, with premium ingredients like cocoa butter and almond butter. And it’s available in both spread and block formats. Denmark’s Naturli’ Plant Butter is Made for Spreading and Baking As the name implies, Naturli’s Plant Butter Spread has been formulated with a softer, spreadable consistency. The block is much firmer and will hold up in recipes like cookies and biscuits. According to the company, both are crafted to…

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Many years ago (too many to count!) I posted a fun little recipe for corn buttery spread. I later tweaked it and included the delicious new version in the 2nd edition of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. Today, I’m updating our online recipe with that newer version, which I now call dairy-free light buttery spread. Homemade Dairy-Free Light Buttery in an Instant! This rich, savory recipe isn’t exactly like butter, but it has that buttery umami which tastes amazing spread on toast, English muffins, and other breads. I also love it melted atop corn on the cob, steamed…

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Perhaps you’ve heard of Dole Whip? It’s a fruity soft serve that has a cult-like following among the allergen community. It’s well known at the Disney parks, but is also swirled at ice cream and froyo shops across the country. There are even shops on Hawaii dedicated to it. And over the years, the Dole chefs have whipped up several at-home versions made with fresh fruit. They shared Dark Chocolate Dole Whip, Pumpkin Spice Dole Whip, and this recipe for Berry Dole Whip. This Berry Dole Whip is a Soft Serve you can Blend at Home This recipe was originally…

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Our classic dairy-free potato salad recipe has you covered for the traditional picnic side. But one day, I used up leftover roasted potatoes in a salad, and was smitten. I decided to take that concept a step further, and created this dairy-free creamy roasted potato salad. Everyone loved it! Even my picky niece approved, and she “hates potato salad.” Creamy Roasted Potato Salad that’s Like Ina Garten’s, Only Better I used Ina Garten’s recipe as a model for the dressing, but went rogue with the roasted potatoes, some flavor additions, and by tossing in a little extra vegetable love. And there…

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We do a lot of alternative recipes, because that’s what so many of you request. But I personally love celebrating naturally dairy-free dishes. There are so many of them, particularly in other cultures. Huli huli chicken, for example, is a Hawaiian favorite to enjoy throughout the grilling season. You can buy huli huli sauce, but homemade is so simple, tastier (in my opinion), and offers an easy way to control the ingredients. This naturally dairy-free huli huli chicken is made as skewers, but you can use the sauce on whole chicken thighs or breasts, other meat, or tofu. Dairy-Free Huli…

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Yes, it’s fruit salad season! We’re heading into that time of year when fresh fruit takes center stage as a healthy dessert, afternoon refresher, or side for barbecues and picnics. And this dairy-free tropical salad is a fresh dish that everyone will love. It contains an allergy-friendly mélange of warm climate fruits and a lightly sweet lime marinade. Easy Dairy-Free Tropical Fruit Salad with Options Fruit salad is not only delicious and nutritious, it’s also quite versatile. And did you know the leftovers can be repurposed?! I have tips and substitution suggestions in the FAQs below for this dairy-free tropical…

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I was already quite loyal to Enjoy Life’s allergy-friendly Breakfast Ovals, but their new Dark Chocolate has solidified our long-term snacking relationship. It’s infused with cocoa and filled with their dairy-free mini chocolate chips for a brownie meets oat bar vibe. These Dark Chocolate Breakfast Ovals join their very flavorful collection, which also includes Apple Cinnamon, Berry Medley, and Chocolate Chip Banana. This post is sponsored by Enjoy Life Foods, but we only share honest opinions and experiences.  I do buy the Breakfast Ovals myself – they are a personal favorite! The photos are by Hannah Kaminsky.  Round Out Your Day with…

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When we were trying out the new Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Breakfast Ovals, I immediately thought, these delicious snacks could be next level if dipped in ganache! So I did it, and they were. But then I realized I’ve never posted my classic dairy-free chocolate ganache recipe! It’s a rich, drizzly chocolate that can also be whipped up as a rich, fluffy frosting. I’ve included both variations below, plus ingredient options and tips. Dairy-Free Chocolate Ganache 101 This is one of those rare recipes that can vary quite a bit based on the ingredients you use. The type of chocolate…

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We’re tasting our way through the cheese substitutes! We’ve covered dairy-free mozzarella, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan queso. Now it’s time to explore the best dairy-free cheddar cheese and American cheese! We tested them in grilled cheese sandwiches, on cheeseburgers, and cold. You can use these links to jump ahead in our review: How Our Test Was Done Summary of Our Findings Ratings & Notes (The Best First!) The Best Dairy-Free Cheddar Alternative Taste Test We purchased all of the dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative brands we could find in our local area, and picked up the American or “Original” cheese alternatives…

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This dairy-free vanilla pudding recipe dates all the way back to the first edition of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. I’ve since seen several variations of it floating around the internet, and thought it was about time for me to share it online, too. This is a classic recipe that you can enjoy a la carte, topped with fresh fruit, or as the base for a range of dessert ideas. Classic Dairy-Free Vanilla Pudding with Tips and Options Chocolate often takes center stage, but this dairy-free vanilla pudding is more of a universal dessert. And it’s easy to…

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