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    Home » Recipes

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    Easy No-Bake Fig Bars

    Apr 14, 2023 · 4 Comments

    easy no-bake fig bars

    I'm always looking for easy, healthy snack options and these no-bake fig bars have become a new weekly favorite. They take just a few minutes to assemble and are a great replacement for store-bought energy bars. I love these when I'm on the go, hiking, craving something sweet, or just need a quick snack. They're naturally sweetened with fruit, and a great way to get in some protein and fiber.

    fig energy bars

    If you like figs, you're going to love these bars. I created them one day when I found myself craving Fig Newtons, but didn't want the gluten, dairy, or processed junk. They're chewy, a bit crunchy, a touch salty, and naturally sweet with plenty of fig flavor.

    Here's what you'll need:

    • dried figs: rich in copper and vitamin B6
    • raw almonds: contain protein, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium
    • raisins: contain iron, calcium, and antioxidants
    • chia seeds: rich in zinc, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids
    • ground flaxseeds: great for thiamine, which helps the body convert food into fuel
    • oats: high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

    Tips for making these fig bars

    Dried fruits are sticky and will take just a touch of patience to blend in your food processor. I find it helpful to pulse a few times, then scrape down the sides and bottom of the food processor bowl, and pulse a few more times. Repeat this until you reach a texture that's to your liking.

    You can leave the texture a little on the chunky side with bigger bites of nuts, or keep blending to get a finer texture with fewer chunky bits. Feel free to take a sample bite of the mixture to see how you like the feel. If it's too chunky, scrape the bowl again and give it a few more whirls with the blade.

    Are these fig bars healthy?

    These can be healthy treats in moderation. They contain natural sugars and carbohydrates which can help fuel your body for exercise, hiking, or biking trips. But, as they do contain natural sugars and carbohydrates they may not be appropriate for everyone.

    Can I make these in a blender like my Vitamix?

    With a lot of patience and a sprinkle or two of water, you may be able to make this in a high-speed blender. However, I have had more success making these in my food processor due to the wideness of the bowl and blade.

    How do I store these fig bars?

    Store these in an airtight container for up to two weeks. You can store them on the counter but I find they stay more moist when stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy them straight out of the refrigerator for a cool treat or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to warm up a bit.

    Can I freeze these fig bars?

    Yep, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. I enjoy them right out of the freezer (this is great for a cool summer treat). If you'd prefer, you can take one out of the freezer and set it on the counter for 30 minutes to warm up a bit.

    Are these fig bars gluten-free?

    Yes! Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and these bars will be a tasty gluten-free snack.

    healthy fig energy bars

    Other no-bake recipes you'll love

    • Lemon Coconut Energy Balls
    • Chocolate Coconut Balls
    • Chocolate Chia Pudding
    • Frozen Snickers Bananas
    • Pumpkin Energy Bites
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
    easy no-bake fig bars

    Easy No-Bake Fig Bars

    You only need 6 ingredients and 10 minutes to make these delicious fig bars! Great for an easy healthy snack, on-the-go, hiking, or when you're craving something sweet.
    4.67 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
    Servings 24 bars

    Ingredients
     

    • 10 oz dried figs soaked for 10 minutes then drained
    • 10 oz raw almonds
    • 10 oz raisins
    • 2 tablespoon chia seeds
    • 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
    • 1 cup oats

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all of your ingredients in a large food processor with a steel blade.
    • Run the blade until the mixture is fine and sticky. You may need to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl a few times and continue to pulse to make sure everything is broken down into small pieces.
    • Line an 8x8-inch freezer-safe dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper runs up the sides of the dish. This will help you lift the bars out later to cut them.
    • Press your fig mixture evenly into your parchment-lined dish. I find it's easiest to wet my hands just a bit and use them to press in the mixture.
    • Pop your pan in the freezer for about an hour. This will give everything a chance to cool off and stick together.
    • After an hour, lift your bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Do this carefully and slowly. You may need to run a knife between the bar mixture and the pan to help coax it out.
    • Cut into 24 bars and enjoy!

    Notes

    Storing: Store these in an airtight container for up to two weeks. You can store them on the counter but I find they stay more moist when stored in the refrigerator. You can eat them straight out of the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to warm up a bit.
    To Freeze: These will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend storing them in a single layer so they don't stick together. I enjoy them right out of the freezer (this is great for a cool summer treat). If you'd prefer, you can take one out of the freezer and set it on the counter for 30 minutes to warm up a bit.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 285mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword gluten free
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Raspberry Hibiscus Mocktail

    Mar 22, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    raspberry hibiscus mocktail

    A refreshing alcohol-free beverage for any time you're craving something special! Beautiful hibiscus tea is lightly sweetened with a simple syrup made from honey and fresh raspberries. A squeeze of fresh lime adds some citrus, and a bit of seltzer gets things a little bubbly. It's the perfect mocktail for a warm sunny day.

    Why I Love This

    • It's delicious and refreshing.
    • There's just enough sweetness without using any refined sugars.
    • The color is gorgeous, and natural.
    • It's a healthier alternative to alcoholic beverages.
    • Perfect for brunch, baby showers, tea parties, or sipping by the pool.

    Making This Mocktail

    You're going to want to prep your raspberry syrup ahead of time, as well as the hibiscus tea if you're brewing it yourself. It's best to give everything time to be chilled so you aren't pouring hot tea over ice. I like to use these tea bags to brew my tea, but you can also make your tea from a powdered ready-to-drink option, or loose-leaf flower petals.

    Need Tea?

    You can shop my favorite essentials for making tea right here. I included some gorgeous glassware, tea bags, my favorite kettle, and other essentials to help you get what you need. Check out the goods!

    hibiscus mocktail

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does hibiscus taste like?

    If you aren't familiar with hibiscus, it's a type of plant that produces beautiful edible flowers. The flowers are dried and used to make herbal tea, which has a gorgeous, natural, deep red color. Tea made from hibiscus has a tart flavor, similar to cranberries. It's fruity, fragrant, and slightly sour. It pairs perfectly in this mocktail with a bit of sweet honey and a juicy squeeze of lime.

    Can I add alcohol to this mocktail?

    Sure! Feel free to add a shot of vodka or silver tequila to this to turn it into a cocktail. Mix everything in a shaker (except the seltzer), give it a good shake, pour it into your glass, then top it with the seltzer. You could also top it with a bit of prosecco.

    You may also like:

    Roseberry Mocktail

    Summer Strawberry Spritzer

    Vybes

    raspberry hibiscus mocktail

    Raspberry Hibiscus Mocktail

    A refreshing, beautiful mocktail perfect for when you're craving something special. Lightly sweetened with a raspberry honey simple syrup
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 oz raspberry simple syrup
    • 8 oz hibiscus tea chilled
    • splash lime seltzer
    • ice
    • 1 or two lime wedges

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a shaker full of ice then add all of your ingredients except for the seltzer.
    • Give everything a good shake or stir, then pour it in to your favorite glass.
    • Top with a splash or two of seltzer and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 41gSodium: 42mgPotassium: 81mgSugar: 42gVitamin A: 671IUCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword cocktail, mocktail
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Honey Raspberry Simple Syrup

    Mar 22, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    raspberry simple syrup with honey

    This honey raspberry simple syrup is the perfect addition to your mocktails, cocktails, or homemade lemonade. It's bursting with fresh raspberry flavor and is sweetened using pure honey. You only need 3 ingredients and a few minutes to make it, and it's a delicious way to elevate any of your favorite beverages.

    Why I love it

    Lots of fresh, raspberry flavor: This is a great way to add raspberry flavor using natural ingredients and real fruit.

    It's just sweet enough: Perfectly sweet without using refined sugars or artificial alternatives. If you don't like overly sweetened syrups, you'll love this!

    Gorgeous natural color: That stunning, deep hue from the raspberries adds a beautiful splash of red without any artificial food dyes.

    Easy Preparation: It's super simple to make this, and you only need a few ingredients. You can make it and chill it ahead of time if you're entertaining. A simple way to elevate any cocktail!

    What you'll need to make this

    We're only using 3 ingredients to make this syrup. Here's what you'll need:

    Fresh Raspberries: Carefully inspect your raspberries for mold, and discard any that don't look up to snuff. Use the freshest raspberries you can find, because they'll add the best raspberry flavor to your syrup. Summer berries always have the best flavor, but you can enjoy this syrup year round.

    Honey: I like to use pure, local honey in this recipe. Although heating can cause honey to lose some of it's nutritional benefits, it still contains more vitamins and nutrients than refined sugar.

    Water: Nothing fancy here. You just need pure, plain 'ol water!

    You'll also need a small pot to cook the syrup and a fine mesh sieve to strain the pulp and seeds. I store my syrup in a bottle with a stopper to keep it airtight and leak proof.

    Ways to use this simple syrup

    You can use this syrup in almost anything that you want to add sweet, raspberry flavor to.

    I like to add 1-2 ounces of this syrup to cocktails. It works great in my Raspberry Lemonade Mojito, in martinis, vodka spritzers, or with prosecco.

    For an alcohol-free option, try my Raspberry Hibiscus Mocktail. You can also mix this syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and some seltzer for an easy raspberry lemonade. Add a splash to plain seltzer and garnish with some fresh fruit slices for an easy, fresh, beautiful mocktail!

    Use a splash or two to sweeten your tea. This is great for sweetening iced teas because you don't have to worry about grainy sugar ruining your drink. I love it in the summer with regular black iced tea and hibiscus iced tea.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long can I store this raspberry simple syrup?

    I recommend storing this in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than a week.

    I don't want to use honey, can I use sugar?

    Sure! You can substitute the honey for 1 cup of granulated sugar.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Absolutely! Feel free to double the ingredients and follow the same steps in the recipe.

    Raspberry Simple Syrup with Honey

    Honey Raspberry Simple Syrup

    A sweet, delicious addition to your summer beverages. Made with honey in place of sugar to be a touch healthier.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Servings 12 ounces

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup honey
    • 1 cup fresh raspberries washed and checked for leaves and stems

    Instructions
     

    • Combine your ingredients in a small saucepan, and bring the mixture to a light simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the honey.
    • Once the mixture has come to a simmer and the honey is dissolved, remove the pan from the heat.
    • Mash the raspberries using a potato masher or a fork, and let the mixture cool for 15 minutes.
    • Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl large enough to hold your syrup.
    • Strain the syrup through the sieve into your bowl.
    • Let the syrup cool, then transfer it to a sterile, airtight jar or bottle.
    • Store your syrup in the refrigerator. I prefer to use mine within one week.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.002gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword Beverages
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Dairy-Free Baked Oats With Pear

    Feb 23, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    healthy pear baked oats

    Looking for a new way to enjoy your oats? You'll love these dairy-free baked oats with pear! They have lots of fresh pear, a hint of vanilla, and warm chai-style spices. They're naturally sweetened with maple syrup and made with clean, wholesome ingredients. It's a great recipe for meal prep or whenever you're craving a warm comforting breakfast.

    What I love about this recipe is that it only takes 5 minutes to get it in the oven, and you have breakfast ready to go for the next few days. You can double the recipe if needed and have a great breakfast to serve a crowd. It's full of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom that complement the sweetness of the pear and add delicious flavor to the oats.

    Ingredients

    • rolled old-fashioned oats: The star of the show. Be sure to choose gluten-free if needed.
    • cinnamon, cardamom, ginger: Warming spices that add so much flavor to this dish.
    • ground flaxseed: To help bind the oats together.
    • baking powder: Gives the dish a bit of rise.
    • kosher salt: Brings out the flavor of the oats.
    • oat milk: To soften the oats. Feel free to substitute your favorite milk.
    • maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness.
    • melted coconut oil: For a touch of richness.
    • vanilla extract: Compliments the pear and spices.
    • unsweetened applesauce: Helps bind together the dish and add moisture.
    • fresh diced pear: For natural sweetness and vitamins.
    • walnuts: A bit of crunch and some protein.

    Making these baked oats

    Preparing these baked oats is so simple. Just mix your ingredients, add them to your pan, and pop them in the oven. You'll only need a mixing bowl, a large spoon, and an 8x8-inch baking dish for this recipe. I like to make this on Sunday, then I have breakfast already prepared for the busy week ahead. When I'm ready to eat I just pop the oats in an oven-proof dish and reheat them in my air fryer. You can also reheat these for 30-60 seconds in your microwave. I love to top my oats with a dollop of nondairy coconut yogurt. Cocojune unsweetened vanilla is my current favorite.

    If you like these oats, be sure to try my baked strawberry oats! This is a great option for the warmer months; that lemon drizzle is heavenly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of oats should I use for this recipe?

    Rolled old-fashioned oats are best in this. Be sure to use gluten-free oats if needed.

    What kind of milk can I use in these oats?

    Oat milk will help give this an even deeper oat flavor, but feel free to use your favorite nondairy milk. I do not recommend using canned coconut milk.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Absolutely! You may need to bake the oats a bit longer, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The oats should be set in the middle and lightly browned on top.

    How do I serve these baked oats?

    This recipe is delicious as-is, but I love to top it with a dollop of nondairy coconut yogurt.

    What makes these baked oats healthy?

    Healthy means something different for everybody. For me, these oats are a great source of fiber, calcium, plant-based protein, and carbohydrates to fuel a hard workout. Using flax and applesauce in place of eggs helps bind this dish together without increasing the saturated fat.

    healthy pear baked oats

    Dairy-Free Baked Oats With Pear

    Easy baked oats with fresh pear and a hint of chai-style spices. A delicious breakfast made without dairy, gluten, or eggs.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 6

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats gluten-free if needed
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon cardamom
    • ¼ tsp ground ginger
    • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 ¾ cup oat milk
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • 1 cup fresh diced pear
    • ¾ cup walnuts roughly chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 375­°F.
    • Grease or spray an 8x8-inch baking dish. I use coconut oil spray.
    • Add all of your ingredients to a large bowl and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into your baking dish.
    • Bake at 375­°F for 35-40 minutes, until set and lightly browned on top.

    Notes

    I like to serve this with a scoop of dairy-free coconut yogurt on top.
    Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 302mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 6gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 160IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 193mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword baked oats, gluten free
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread

    Feb 7, 2023 · 2 Comments

    Dairy Free Chocolate Banana Bread

    If you're craving a rich chocolatey dessert that's easy to make, you're going to fall in love with this Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread. It's gluten-free and made without eggs or dairy, but it tastes like a fudgy, moist, chocolate cake. As if that's not delicious enough, I take it to the next level by adding marshmallows and dairy-free caramel. Over-the-top delicious!

    What I love about this chocolate banana bread

    • It's very simple to make
    • It uses common, easy to find ingredients
    • It tastes like cake
    • It has a rich, fudgy texture
    • No eggs, dairy, or gluten

    Substitutions

    There are only two ingredients in this recipe that could be substituted or the results could vary. Avocado oil is my favorite to use for baking because it's good for high-heat cooking and has a neutral flavor. It can be substituted with any neutral flavored oil if that's your preference. I have not yet tested this recipe with coconut oil.

    My favorite gluten-free flour to use in this recipe is Bob's Red Mill 1-to1 gluten-free baking flour. You'll want to make sure your gluten-free flour contains xanthan gum to help it rise and hold together. I have also tested this recipe with traditional all-purpose flour, and the results are great.

    What I Used To Make This Chocolate Banana Bread

    You'll need a large mixing bowl to make this batter. I love these stainless bowls from Cuisinart because they come with tops so I can also use them for storage. I bake this in my steel loaf pan from USA Pan. I love this brand of pans because it creates nice sharp corners and even results. Just be sure never to use metal utensils on these pans, and always hand wash them.

    For the chocolate chips, I like to use the mini chips from Enjoy Life Foods or the dark chocolate gems from Hu. Both added sweet, rich flavor to the bread and decadent puddles of melted chocolate.

    For the dairy-free caramel sauce, I use my absolute favorite, the coconut caramel sauce from Hey Boo. This stuff is so good you'll want to eat it with a spoon!

    My favorite marshmallows are the mini marshmallows from Dandies. During testing, I found that Dandies marshmallows did melt completely into the bread when baking and became absorbed by the batter. This left holes in some spots of the bread where the marshmallows were set before baking. If Dandies is your marshmallow of choice I recommend freezing them for 1 hour before making this recipe. I did not experience any issues when using Dandies on the top of my bread, as you can see in the photo below.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    How do I store this chocolate banana bread?

    You'll want to store this in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

    Can I freeze this chocolate banana bread?

    Yes! When wrapped tightly this bread will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

    Is this chocolate banana bread vegan?

    Yes! Just be sure to choose vegan chocolate, marshmallows, and caramel.

    Dairy Free Chocolate Banana Bread

    Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Caramel Banana Bread

    Fudgy, moist, chocolate banana bread that tastes like cake. It has ribbons of caramel, decadent melted chocolate, and soft sweet marshmallows.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
    Servings 8

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cups mashed overripe banana about 4 large bananas
    • 2 ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup avocado oil
    • ¾ cup pure maple syrup
    • 1 ¾ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • ¾ tsp baking powder
    • ¾ tsp kosher salt
    • ¼ cup chocolate chips
    • ½ cup mini marshmallows
    • ¼ cup caramel sauce

    Toppings (optional)

    • ¼ cup mini marshmallows

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 loaf pan, then line it with parchment.
    • Whisk together your banana, vanilla, vinegar, oil, and maple syrup.
    • Create a well in the center of the bowl and add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    • Mix everything together until just combined.
    • Fold in your chocolate chips, marshmallows, and caramel.
    • Pour your batter into your loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Top with your marshmallows and press them lightly into the batter.
    • Bake for 60 minutes, until it's cooked through and a tester comes out clean. You may see melted chocolate on your tester. You're looking to be sure there aren't wet crumbs on your tester, and that the middle is cooked through.

    Notes

    Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie. 
    See notes in the post above for tips on choosing ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 427mgPotassium: 308mgFiber: 6gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword chocolate, gluten free, vegan
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    You May Also Like:

    Dairy Free Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
    This recipe takes banana bread to the next level! If you're craving something sweet with coconut, this is an easy recipe that's delicious for breakfast, with afternoon tea, or for dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
    Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls
    These chocolate brownie energy balls are rich, fudgy, no-bake bites made with wholesome ingredients. Naturally sweetened and easy to make, they taste like brownies and are perfect for healthy snacks, meal prep, or satisfying a chocolate craving.
    Check out this recipe
    chocolate no-bake brownie energy balls

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

    Jan 18, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    air fryer bang bang salmon

    We love fish in our house, and this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is one of our favorites. Tender, juicy salmon is smothered in a sweet sauce with just enough heat to keep it kid friendly. The best part? It's super easy to make! You only need 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare this, and it's ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook.

    air fryer salmon with bang bang sauce
    What is bang bang sauce?

    Bang Bang sauce is a creamy mayonnaise-based sauce that's slightly sweet from chili sauce and typically made with sriracha to add some heat. In this recipe, I excluded the sriracha to make it a bit less spicy and more kid-friendly. It's salty and sweet with just a touch of heat.

    bang bang sauce

    What you'll need to make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

    • Mayonnaise - I like to use mayonnaise with avocado oil because I feel that it's a bit healthier, but use your favorite. This plays a big role in the flavor of your sauce, so use one that tastes good to you.
    • Sweet Chili Sauce - If you aren't familiar with sweet chili sauce, this is a sticky, sweet, pepper sauce with just a touch of acid and salt. It's great with coconut shrimp!
    • Rice Vinegar - This will help balance all that fat and sugar with a bit of acid.
    • Salt & Pepper - Essential for any recipe.
    • Green onions - This is the perfect garnish for Bang Bang Salmon and adds a gorgeous pop of color.

    What to serve with this Bang Bang Salmon

    I like to serve this with some steamed white rice and green veggies such as broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a simple side salad. The salmon has big flavor, so I like to keep the side dishes simple.

    air fryer salmon

    Tips for making this Salmon

    • Using aluminum foil or an alternative on your air fryer baking tray will make for easier cleanup. If your air fryer only has a basket, I recommend lining the basket so the sauce doesn't drip everywhere and make a mess. Mix your sauce in a bowl large enough to dip your salmon filets to evenly coat them in the sauce. After you coat your salmon in the sauce, add it to your lined basket and discard the remaining sauce.
    • Don't overcook the salmon. Use a food thermometer to check for doneness, and avoid overcooking. You want to retain that juicy, moist texture.
    • Preheat your air fryer. You want to give that baby some time to heat up to ensure even cooking.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of air fryer do you use to make this salmon?

    I use a Cuisinart multi purpose air fryer that comes with a baking sheet and an air frying basket.

    Can I make this air fryer salmon in a regular oven?

    Sure! It'll be much more juicy and tender in the air fryer but the oven works too. Bake it at 425°F, and be aware that you may need to increase the cooking time. Be sure to check the fish with your kitchen thermometer.

    Can you eat leftover Bang Bang Salmon?

    Yes! I recommend eating leftovers within 2 days.

    air fryer bang bang salmon

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

    Just six ingredients and 20 minutes to make this delicious salmon! It comes out juicy, tender, and so flavor. No dairy or gluten!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Servings 2

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound fresh raw salmon
    • 1 green onion, chopped

    To Make The Sauce:

    • ⅓ cup mayo
    • 3 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
    • ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray your rack. If you have one of the larger air fryers that uses a cookie sheet you can line your sheet with some foil.
    • Mix your sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
    • Season your salmon with salt & pepper then brush or spoon your sauce over all sides. If you’re using a rack in your air fryer it’s better to prep your salmon on a separate cutting board so all the sauce doesn’t make a mess in your fryer.
    • Place your salmon in the air fryer and cook it for about 15 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 145°F (I cook to 125°F but USDA recommends 145°F)
    • Top with freshly chopped green onion.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 631kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 46gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 22gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 593mgPotassium: 1135mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword fish, gluten free
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Jan 6, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    kid friendly crockpot chicken chili

    If you're short on time or looking for a simple make-ahead meal you'll love this easy slow cooker chicken chili. To make it you'll just need to put all of the ingredients into your slow cooker, turn it on, and and let it cook. It's nourishing, filling, and low on heat (kid-friendly).

    I make this recipe all year round and love it for meal prepping. The longer chili sits the more flavorful it becomes, which makes this a perfect meal to prepare ahead of a busy week. My teenager likes to pack this for school lunch in his LunchBots container, and I often double the recipe so I get can take a night off from cooking. This is a fairly thick chili, so it can also be used to make quesadillas or enchiladas.

    crockpot chicken chili

    Ingredients For This Easy Chicken Chili

    • Chicken Breast - I'm using boneless chicken breast in this chili to keep things lean and low fat.
    • Fire Roasted Tomatoes - I love the smokiness of fire roasted tomatoes in this chili, but you can also use traditional diced tomatoes if that's what you have on hand.
    • Tomato Purée - This is what will help thicken the chili and give it that deep tomato base.
    • Onion, Pepper, and Garlic - The ultimate trio to add nutrients and fresh flavor.
    • Beans - Not everyone likes beans in their chili, but I absolutely love them. They're loaded with fiber and keep me full for hours.
    • Spices - You'll only need oregano, chili powder, and cumin from the spice pantry. They bring all of that traditional smoky, mildly spicy chili flavor.
    easy chicken chili

    What To Serve With This Chili

    We love to top this chili with some fresh avocado slices and a whole lot of cilantro. You can also add some crumbled tortilla chips and dairy-free cheese if you'd like. It's great with my dairy-free cornbread and margaritas!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it safe to put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

    Yes! According to the USDA, "The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking, and steam created within the tightly-covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods."

    Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?

    I don't recommend it, but you could. In my experience, the texture of the chicken when cooked from frozen is just not enjoyable for me. You would also need to increase the cooking time to at least 12 hours to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

    Is this chili spicy?

    My son has been enjoying this recipe since he was 8 years old and hated spicy food. We describe it as smoky rather than spicy.

    kid friendly crockpot chicken chili

    Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    A simple chicken chili prepared in the slow cooker that's filling, nourishing, and kid-friendly.
    4 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Servings 8

    Ingredients
     

    • 28 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
    • 16 oz tomato purée
    • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 large onion peeled and diced
    • 1 yellow pepper diced
    • 1 red pepper diced
    • 14 oz black beans canned or precooked, drained and rinsed
    • 14 oz red kidney beans canned or precooked, drained and rinsed
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 tsp chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • 3 garlic cloves peeled and minced

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of your ingredients in to your slow cooker and mix well.
    • Cook on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
    • Taste for salt and adjust to your taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 226kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 17gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 505mgPotassium: 847mgFiber: 11gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1360IUVitamin C: 57mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword slow cooker
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Other Recipes To Try

    Kid Friendly Turkey Chili
    This is an easy, healthier recipe for chili that's big on flavor but a bit less spicy. It's kid friendly and great for cooking ahead, pot lucks, game day, or an easy weeknight dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    kid friendly turkey chili
    Vegan Quinoa and Sweet Potato Chili
    A delicious vegan dish that even the meat eaters will love! This is most popular recipe by far, and for good reason. It's filling comfort food with tons of protein and fiber, and none of the guilt.
    Check out this recipe
    meatless chili with sweet potato quinoa and black beans
    Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
    The easiest, tastiest way to make pork carnitas! The slow cooker does all the work to create juicy flavorful meat, and a quick sear adds that perfect touch of crispy browned bits. Delicious in tacos, great for meal prep, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
    Check out this recipe
    slow cooker pork carnitas

    Easy Pumpkin Protein Balls

    Nov 29, 2022 · 4 Comments

    gluten free pumpkin protein bites

    If you’re craving a cozy fall snack that’s actually good for you, these easy pumpkin protein balls are the perfect bite. Packed with real pumpkin, warm spices, and natural sweetness, they deliver that pumpkin pie flavor without the sugar crash. Each ball is loaded with protein and fiber, making them an easy meal prep snack for busy afternoons, school lunches, or post-workout fuel. Whether you’re savoring sweater weather or just dreaming of pumpkin season, these healthy pumpkin bites are a must-make this fall.

    no bake pumpkin protein bites

    These are a great option for healthy snacking when you're in a hurry, and they're so simple to make. You'll taste lots of real pumpkin, and all those warm pumpkin spices we all love in the colder months. If you like this kind of recipe, check out my chocolate coconut balls, or my chocolate peanut butter balls (they taste like peanut butter cups!).

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Ingredients

    To make these energy balls you just need about 15 minutes and a few pantry items:

    • old fashioned oats
    • peanut butter
    • pumpkin puree
    • maple syrup
    • chia seeds
    • ground flax
    • pumpkin pie spice
    • cinnamon

    See the recipe card below for specific quantities.

    Instructions

    To make these pumpkin balls you'll add all of your ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Then, you'll use your hands to roll the mixture into large balls and refrigerate them for about an hour. That's it! Check out the video in the recipe card below if you need a visual example of how I roll these.

    pumpkin energy balls ingredients

    Add the ingredients to a large bowl.

    no bake balls mix ingredients

    Mix to combine well.

    no bake pumpkin balls ready to be refrigerated

    Roll the balls and refrigerate.

    pumpkin energy balls ready to eat

    Enjoy!

    Substitutions

    If peanut butter doesn't work for you, try replacing it with some sunflower butter or another nut butter of choice, such as almond or cashew butter.

    Storing leftovers

    Pumpkin balls should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7 days. To freeze, lay your balls in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid (approximately two hours). Once frozen you can transfer the balls to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften up.

    healthy pumpkin energy bites

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store these energy balls?

    These should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    How much protein is in these energy balls?

    Each protein bite contains about 5 grams of protein.

    Are these pumpkin protein balls healthy?


    While “healthy” looks different for everyone, these pumpkin protein balls check a lot of the boxes I look for in a better-for-you treat. They’re naturally sweetened with maple syrup, giving you carbs for quick energy, plus fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats from chia and flax to keep you satisfied. With a boost of Vitamin A and potassium from real pumpkin, they’re a nourishing option when I want something sweet but don’t want to reach for candy or processed snacks. For me, they’re the perfect balance, something that feels indulgent but fuels me through the day.

    What kind of peanut butter should I use in these balls?

    I used smooth, creamy, organic peanut butter to make these.

    Can I make these nut-free and school-safe?

    Yes! Try a seed butter like sunflower butter to make these safe for nut-free zones and school.

    gluten free pumpkin energy bites

    Related

    Looking for more recipes? Try these:

    • chocolate no-bake brownie energy balls
      Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls
    • coconut lemon energy balls
      No Bake Coconut Lemon Energy Balls
    • easy no-bake fig bars
      Easy No-Bake Fig Bars
    • overnight pumpkin oats
      Pumpkin Overnight Oats
    gluten free pumpkin protein bites

    Easy Pumpkin Protein Balls

    Delicious no-bake treats that take just minutes to put together. Packed with protein, real pumpkin, and warm pumpkin spices. The perfect autumn treat!
    3.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 18 balls

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cup old fashioned oats
    • 1 cup peanut butter
    • ½ cup pure pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • ¼ cup chia seeds
    • ¼ cup ground flax
    • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
    • ½ tablespoon cinnamon see note below

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of your ingredients in to a large bowl and stir to combine.
    • Use your hands to roll the mixture into about 18 balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons of mixture per ball). If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet them with a bit of water.
    • Cover and refrigerate the balls for at least one hour before eating. This will allow the oats and chia seeds to soften and become chewy instead of crunchy.

    Video

    Notes

    Storing: Balls should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
    Freezing: Layer your balls in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid (approximately two hours). Once frozen you can transfer the balls to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften up.
    I updated this recipe on 10/11/25 and reduced the amount of cinnamon. If you liked this recipe before this date, the original amount of cinnamon was 1 tablespoon.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 66mgPotassium: 173mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1070IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword dairy free, gluten free, healthy
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    20 Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

    Nov 19, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Vegan Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to celebrate with loved ones, but it can be tricky if you're avoiding dairy. Below you'll find 20 easy dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes that are perfect for this season. They're delicious additions to any table, whether you're hosting or a guest.

    Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving and a delicious dairy-free dinner!

    Dairy-Free Recipes For Thanksgiving

    Dairy Free Pecan Pie Bars

    dairy free pecan pie bars

    A fun twist on a classic favorite! These pecan pie bars have all the gooey, sugary flavor you'd look for in a pecan pie but in a cookie bar-style form.

    Vegan Pumpkin Cake

    pumpkin cake without dairy or eggs

    All the flavors of pumpkin in a delicious, simple cake. If you're not vegan, don't worry. You're going to love this too.

    Apple Crumb Pie

    Vegan Apple Crumb Pie

    This pie is so simple and tasty, I like it better than traditional apple pie. That crumb on top? Heavenly!

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Vegan Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Want a dessert that's stick-to-your-ribs delicious? This is it.

    Red Wine Sangria

    red wine sangria recipe

    The perfect cocktail to pair with your Thanksgiving meal. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.

    Pumpkin Pancakes

    dairy free gluten free pumpkin pancakes

    Dairy free pumpkin pancakes are perfect for Thanksgiving brunch and a tasty way to start the day!

    Pumpkin Muffins

    dairy free pumpkin muffins

    Pumpkin muffins are great for brunch or to add to your bread basket.

    Vegan Eggnog Cake

    Eggnog Bundt Cake

    A moist, easy cake full of eggnog flavor with a simple glaze.

    Crispy Air Fried Potatoes

    air fryer potatoes

    This is such an easy option that's much healthier than mashed potatoes, if you're looking for something on the lighter side. They're so crispy, and ready in 30 minutes!

    Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

    Homemade Cranberry Sauce

    No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce, and that stuff in the can is full of nasty ingredients and the dreaded high fructose corn syrup. This is my favorite way to make it.

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    easy roasted brussels sprouts

    An easy side dish and delicious way to get in those veggies!

    Wild Rice

    Vegan Wild Rice Recipe

    This is a great option if you're serving someone gluten free or health-conscious. It's full of warm autumn flavor and has a touch of sweetness from cranberries.

    Apple Cranberry Stuffing

    Dairy Free Apple Cranberry Stuffing

    If traditional stuffing is more your style, you'll love this one. It's filling and flavorful, with just the right touch of sweetness.

    Roasted Butternut Squash

    Roasted Butternut Squash

    A simple, classic dish of diced butternut that becomes soft and sweet when roasted.

    Vegan Shepherd's Pie

    vegan shepherds pie recipe

    If you're looking for a Thanksgiving dish that's vegan friendly, this shepherd's pie made with lentils is hearty, delicious, and popular with meat eaters too.

    Apple Walnut Salad

    Apple Walnut Salad

    This salad is light, crisp, crunchy, and the perfect healthy side dish to all those heavy Thanksgiving classics.

    Farro with Butternut, Kale, and Cranberry

    Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash Kale & Cranberies

    A perfect dish for autumn, and it hits all the right notes: a touch sweet, and a bit salty. A hint of herby kale balances out the nuttiness of the farro just perfectly.

    Pumpkin Spice Café au lait

    Pumpkin spice coffee

    The perfect way to end the perfect meal. If you're tired and full, treat yourself to this decadent pick-me-up.

    Chicken Pot Pie

    dairy free chicken pot pie

    This chicken pot pie recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey! Just substitute the turkey for the chicken.

    Chicken and Dumplings

    Dairy Free Chicken and Dumplings

    Dairy-free chicken and dumplings is another delicious option for that leftover turkey. Just replace the chicken with turkey!

    Tiramisu Overnight Oats

    Jun 23, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    tiramisu overnight oats

    Say hello to my new favorite breakfast! Layers of rich, coffee-flavored oats nestle between blankets of sweet, creamy yogurt to make these delicious tiramisu overnight oats. This is a lightened-up version of the traditional Italian dessert, and it only takes a few minutes to put together. It makes a great no-bake dessert, too!

    dairy free tiramisu overnight oats

    What are tirmamisu overnight oats?

    These overnight oats borrow all of the flavors from tiramisu. Old-fashioned oats are combined with coffee, cocoa powder, and a few other ingredients and then left to rest overnight in the refrigerator. The oats absorb the liquid to become soft, flavorful, and delicious. After they've sat in the refrigerator the oats are combined with layers of creamy vanilla yogurt, which acts as a healthier replacement for the traditional mascarpone cheese. It's all topped with a dusting of cocoa powder to give you that essence of chocolate as soon as you dig in.

    overnight oats ingredients

    How do you make tiramisu oats?

    This is a super simple recipe that only requires a few minutes to make and 6 hours to rest in the refrigerator. To make the oats you'll need:

    • old fashioned rolled oats
    • unsweetened cocoa powder
    • maple syrup
    • almond milk
    • brewed coffee
    • vanilla extract
    • salt

    You're going to combine all of the ingredients for the oats in a small mason jar, prep dish, or bowl. Give it all a good shake or stir, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours.

    soaked overnight oats

    When your oats are ready you'll want to mix up your yogurt layer. You'll need:

    • unsweetened yogurt (see dairy free recommendations below)
    • maple syrup
    • vanilla extract
    • salt

    Whisk all of the ingredients in a bowl, then it's time to start layering. I like to start with a layer of oats, topped with a layer of yogurt, then repeat. End with a layer of yogurt on the top, then give it a nice dusting of cocoa powder. If I'm making this for dessert I'll add a bit of shaved chocolate and some flaked sea salt just to make it even more decadent.

    finished overnight oats

    Are these overnight oats dairy free?

    Yes, these oats are dairy free and vegan! I make this recipe using dairy free yogurt, but feel free to use traditional Greek yogurt if that's your thing. Thick, Greek-style yogurt is preferable, but don't worry if you can only find a traditional style. I use an unsweetened option, and if your yogurt is sweetened you may want to reduce the maple syrup by half so it's not too sweet. Feel free to mix it up with half of the syrup, taste it, and add more syrup if it's not sweet enough for you.

    Some of my favorite dairy free yogurts are:

    • Cocoyo (my favorite)
    • So Delicious
    • Nancy's oatmilk yogurt

    protein oats with yogurt

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are overnight oats healthy?

    It depends on your individual needs. Raw oats are a great source of resistant starch and can help you feel satiated. They also provide fiber, protein, and vitamins, and are touted for contributing to good gut health. Oats do contain a fair amount of carbohydrates though, and may not be appropriate for someone following a low carb diet. Always check with your doctor about your individual dietary needs.

    Are these overnight oats made without chia seeds?

    Yes! I created this recipe without chia seeds at the request of a few of my readers.

    What kind of coffee should I use?

    You can use any kind of coffee that you like! I've made this with a traditional brew, strong espresso, and decaf, all with great results. You'll want to skip flavored varieties here since it could change the overall flavor of the recipe.

    tiramisu overnight oats

    Tiramisu Overnight Oats

    Creamy yogurt layers combine with coffee-flavored oats to make a healthier version of the Tiramisu we all know and love. This is delicious for breakfast or dessert and you only need a few minutes to make it.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Servings 2

    Ingredients
     

    For the oats

    • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
    • 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 3 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ½ cup almond milk
    • ½ cup brewed coffee
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • pinch of salt

    For the creamy layer

    • 1 cup unsweetened yogurt see recommendations above for dairy free
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • pinch of salt

    To Top

    • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder optional
    • flaky salt optional

    Instructions
     

    Make the oats

    • Combine all of your ingredients for the oats in a small bowl or refrigerator-safe jar.
    • Mix your oats well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

    Make the creamy yogurt layer

    • When your oats have rested and you're ready to enjoy them, whisk together all of the ingredients to make the creamy yogurt layer.

    Get layering

    • Layer your oats and yogurt in a small mason jar or parfait cup. Start with a couple of spoonfuls of the oats, topped with a spoonful or two of the yogurt. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of yogurt.
    • Top it off with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and a pinch of flaky salt if you'd like. You can also give it a bit of freshly shaved dark chocolate.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 362kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 18gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 127mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 7gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 4IUCalcium: 263mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword dairy free, dairy free breakfast, gluten free, healthy, overnight oats
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    More Recipes To Try

    Strawberry Baked Oats With Lemon Drizzle
    A delicious way to eat oats that tastes like cake! Full of fresh strawberries and bright lemon flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    baked strawberry oats
    Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds
    An over-the-top delicious recipe for overnight oats that's so good you could eat it for dessert. It's easy to make dairy-free, and the perfect breakfast for busy mornings.
    Check out this recipe
    dairy free overnight peanut butter oats
    Easy Banana Oat Bars (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free)
    These Banana Oat Bars are a delicious snack. They're so easy to make and are gluten free, dairy free, and nut free. Kids love them!
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy Free Banana Oat Bars

    Italian Salad with Chickpeas and Salami

    Jun 19, 2022 · 2 Comments

    italian salad with chickpeas and salami

    Tasty, fresh, and full of healthy veggies. This Italian salad has it all, using some salami, protein-packed chickpeas, lots of fresh greens, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a simple homemade dressing to bring it all together. You only need a few minutes and some simple ingredients to make it, and it's a delicious entreé or side option.

    Italian salad with chickpeas and salami

    As the summer days get warmer we all seem to start seeking out meals that require little to no cooking. Who wants to stand over a hot stove when it's 90°F outside?! If you find yourself in this very situation and are looking for something light and easy for dinner, or perhaps you need a side dish to go with some grilled summer meats, you'll love this salad recipe.

    salad with chickpeas and salami

    What You'll Need

    I like to serve this in a pretty salad bowl to bring the "wow" factor. Always make sure your vegetables are clean and dry, using the freshest ingredients possible. The better quality your ingredients are, the better the final results will be and that is most true when choosing your olive oil. Choose high-quality, mild-tasting olive oil and your dressing will complement the salad perfectly.

    For the salad:

    • Springmix
    • chickpeas
    • artichoke hearts
    • sundried tomatoes
    • pepperoncini
    • salami

    To make the dressing you'll just need olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. We'll mix that all together and season with salt and pepper and that's it! It's so simple and tasty, and you can double or triple the recipe if you'd like to use it on your other salads.

    chickpea italian salad

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    I do not recommend preparing the salad ahead of time because the greens will get soggy. To save time you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by making the dressing and storing it in a separate container. You can also wash and dry the vegetables, slice the salami, and chop the tomatoes. Store each ingredient on its own so nothing gets too moist.

    Do the peppers make this salad spicy?

    Pepperoncini are a mild pepper and when pickled (as they are here) they provide more of an acidic, vingary flavor to this salad. It's a nice compliment to the saltiness of the salami.

    Is this Italian dressing healthy?

    This Italian dressing is much healthier than the ones on most grocery shelves, and it has less fat and calories than creamy options. While it does contain a fair amount of calories and fat, it also has heart-healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Can I make this italian salad vegan?

    Yes! You can replace the salami in this recipe with a plant-based option. Salami adds saltiness to this salad, so make sure yours has some good salty flavor.

    salami salad with chickpeas

    Tools I like for this recipe

    More recipes to try:

    Strawberry Salad With Quinoa and Mint
    The perfect warm-weather salad that's healthy, slightly sweet, and full of plant-based protein.
    Check out this recipe
    strawberry quinoa salad with mint
    Asian Inspired Veggie Salad
    A flavorful salad that's full of fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired flavors. It's great for a light meal or a healthy side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Asian Inspired Vegetable Salad
    Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Salad
    This buffalo chicken salad is an explosion of flavor without all the calories normally found in the average buffalo chicken. It's full of plenty of heat and crisp, fresh vegetables. A drizzle of the fresh lime and olive oil helps cool it all down.
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy Free Spicy Chicken Salad
    italian salad with chickpeas and salami

    Italian Salad With Chickpeas and Salami

    A fresh delicious salad filled with lots of fresh veggies, a touch of salty salami, and an easy homemade dressing. Perfect as an entreé or side dish.
    4.25 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    For the salad

    • 5 ounces spring mix
    • 15 ounces chickpeas canned, rinsed and drained
    • 4 ounces genoa salami sliced in to thin strips
    • 1 cup halved artichokes grilled and marinated
    • ½ cup sundried tomatoes chopped
    • ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini

    For the dressing

    • ⅓ cup olive oil good quality
    • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons honey
    • 1 clove garlic minced finely
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of your salad ingredients to a large bowl.
    • In a small bowl whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing.
    • Pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 539kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 20gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 1468mgPotassium: 990mgFiber: 12gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 589IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword dairy free, gluten free, healthy, salad
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Healthy Frozen Snickers Bananas

    Jun 12, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    healthy frozen snickers banana bites

    These frozen Snickers bananas are a delicious healthy treat and a tasty way to cool down on a hot day. Peanut butter and chocolate give these the perfect balance of salty-sweet flavor, and they only require a few minutes of work. They're a great, healthier alternative to ice cream, and everyone in the family will love them!

    healthy frozen snickers banana bites

    What are Snickers bananas?

    If you're in a part of the world that isn't familiar with Snickers, a brief explanation. Snickers are a milk chocolate candy bar filled with sweet nougat, chewy caramel, and crunchy peanuts. These frozen banana bites mimic that flavor and texture but with much healthier ingredients and a bit of variation. In this recipe, I'm using fresh bananas, salty peanut butter, melted chocolate, and a few crunchy peanuts to satisfy those Snickers cravings. And while they're quite different from the original Snickers bar, they do hit just right when those cravings for something salty-sweet kick in.

    If you like easy desserts like this, be sure to try my chocolate dates or healthier chocolate peanut butter balls!

    What you'll need:

    • 2 ripe bananas (not overripe, you don't want brown spots)
    • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (I like creamy but you can use crunchy too)
    • ¼ cup chocolate chips (I used Hu dark chocolate gems to keep these healthier)
    • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (you can eliminate this if you're using crunchy peanut butter)

    frozen bananas with peanut butter

    How to make these healthy frozen banana bites:

    1. Slice your bananas in to quarters. Lay them with the cut side up on a small parchment lined baking sheet that will fit in to your freezer.
    2. Drizzle each banana slice with your peanut butter. If the peanut butter is too thick to drizzle, try microwaving it for about 30 seconds to warm up the oils. This should help thin it out and make it easier to drizzle.
    frozen peanut butter chocolate bananas

    3. Melt your chocolate and drizzle it over the peanut butter.

    bananas with peanut butter and chocolate

    4. Top your chocolate with the chopped peanuts.

    5. Pop your tray of bananas in to the freezer and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once they're frozen you can transfer them to a freezer safe container for storing (or eat them all like we do).

    healthy frozen snickers bananas

    FAQ's

    Will these bananas turn brown in the freezer?

    Nope! If you're bananas aren't brown when they go in to the freezer, they won't be brown when they come out.

    Are Snickers healthy?

    I would not consider Snickers to be healthy. But, these Snickers bananas are made much healthier by using ingredients that are better for your body and have more nutritional value.

    How are these banana bites healthy if they contain chocolate?

    Chocolate can be healthier for you if you choose the right one. Look for a dark chocolate option or one made without refined sugars (I like Hu Chocolate Gems). Healthy means something different for everybody, and to me, it means enjoying the occasional sweet that still has nutritional value. This recipe checks all those boxes.

    Are frozen bananas healthy?

    Yes! Frozen bananas are said to retain their nutrients and vitamins, and they're a great source of potassium. Bananas do contain natural sugars so you should enjoy them in moderation. Speak to your doctor if you're avoiding sugar or have a medical condition.

    How long can I store these frozen bananas in the freezer?

    It is recommended to enjoy these within 3 months of freezing, but they probably won't last that long.

    Did you make these Healthy Frozen Snickers Bananas?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    If you like this recipe, try my Easy Banana Oat Bars!

    healthy frozen snickers banana bites

    Healthy Frozen Snickers Bananas

    The perfect salty-sweet combo that's healthy and takes just minutes to prepare. A delicious summer treat that's loved by both kids and adults.
    3.50 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 bananas⁠
    • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
    • ¼ cup chocolate chips
    • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts⁠

    Instructions
     

    • Cut your bananas into fourths.⁠
    • Lay your bananas on a small parchment-lined cookie sheet that will fit in your freezer.
    • Drizzle each banana slice with your peanut butter. You can microwave the peanut butter in a small bowl for 20-30 seconds if needed to make it more drizzleable. ⁠
    • Melt your chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted, stirring after every 30 seconds. Mine took a minute and 30 seconds total.⁠
    • Drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter⁠
    • Sprinkle the bananas with your chopped nuts.⁠
    • Freeze for two hours.⁠
    • Once frozen you can transfer these to a freezer bag or container.⁠

    Video

    Notes

    These can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    See the post above for helpful tips and frequently asked questions about these Snickers Bananas.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 59mgPotassium: 295mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.4mg
    Keyword chocolate, dairy free, dessert, healthy
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Summer Strawberry Spritzer

    Jun 9, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    summer strawberry mojito spritzer

    The only thing that excites me more than a sunny summer day is enjoying it on the patio with a tasty beverage in my hand. Usually, that beverage is this Summer Strawberry Spritzer. It's bubbly, refreshing, and full of fresh strawberries and mint. The perfect summer sip.

    summer strawberry cocktail spritzer

    What is a spritzer?

    A spritzer is traditionally a tall chilled drink made with white wine and carbonated water. It's light and fizzy and is said to have originated from Austria. Over the years mixologists have started shaking up different variations to include fresh fruits and other spirits, which is what I've done in this recipe. I also deviate from the traditional spritzer by eliminating the wine and adding in some fresh berries, lime wheels, and mint. If the mood strikes, feel free to try it with a shot of your favorite rum.

    strawberry mojito mocktail ingredients

    What do I need to make this spritzer?

    To make this you'll need:

    • Strawberries - to add flavor and natural sweetness
    • Lime - to add a bit of tartness
    • Fresh Mint - for that bright, refreshing flavor of summer
    • Mineral water - for bubbles

    If you plan on using rum, you'll need about 2 ounces of that too.

    summer strawberry nonalcoholic spritzer

    Frequently asked questions

    Do spritzers have alcohol?

    A traditional spritzer is made with white wine, but canned variations with spirits like vodka and rum are becoming more popular. You can also make a spritzer nonalcoholic as I've done here.

    What's the difference between a spritz and a spritzer?

    A spritzer is traditionally made with white wine and soda water, while a spritz is made using sparkling wine, soda water, and bitters.

    Can I use seltzer instead of mineral water?

    Yes, seltzer will work great in the recipe.

    Can I use frozen strawberries in this spritzer?

    You can use frozen strawberries if you thaw them first. I prefer to use fresh very ripe strawberries because they release all of their sweet juices in to the drink.

    Can I substitute the rum in this spritzer?

    If you'd like to make this an alcoholic beverage, I've tested this with rum, vodka, and tequila and they were all delicious.

    summer healthy mocktail

    Other recipes to try:

    Strawberry Baked Oats With Lemon Drizzle
    A delicious way to eat oats that tastes like cake! Full of fresh strawberries and bright lemon flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    baked strawberry oats
    Strawberry Salad With Quinoa and Mint
    The perfect warm-weather salad that's healthy, slightly sweet, and full of plant-based protein.
    Check out this recipe
    strawberry quinoa salad with mint
    Custard Toast (dairy & gluten free)
    Dairy-free custard toast 2 ways: Chocolate Strawberry, and Lemon Raspberry. My version of the viral TikTok trend!
    Check out this recipe
    vegan gluten free custard toast
    summer strawberry mojito spritzer

    Summer Strawberry Spritzer

    Refreshing, tasty, bubbly, and simple to make. Perfect for sipping on those warm summer nights. Enjoy it with or without alcohol.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 large strawberries
    • 4 lime wheels⁠⁠
    • 5 mint leaves⁠⁠
    • 1 additional sprig of mint⁠⁠
    • 12 ounces mineral water or seltzer
    • ice⁠⁠
    • 2 ounces rum optional, if you want to make it boozy

    Instructions
     

    • Add the strawberries, mint leaves, and lime slices to a tall cocktail glass.
    • Muddle the fruit and mint gently to break them up just a bit and release some of the juices and oils.
    • Fill with ice cubes and pour your mineral in. Add in your rum if you're using it.
    • Give it a gentle stir and garnish with your mint sprig.
    • Sip and enjoy!

    Notes

    *Nutrition information provided with this recipe does not include rum. 2 ounces of rum will add about 128 calories.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 158mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 293IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cocktail, mocktail, strawberry spritzer, summer drinks
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    Jun 2, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    slow cooker pork carnitas

    For these easy slow cooker pork carnitas, we'll be cooking a pork butt low and slow until it's tender, juicy, and flavorful. We'll give it a quick sear at the end to get those nice crispy brown bits that make carnitas so tasty. This is a simple recipe that only takes a few minutes to put together, and it's great for meal prep. You can use it in tacos, rice bowls, burritos, or with some spiced roasted vegetables for an easy, delicious meal.

    pork carnitas tacos

    If you like this recipe, you'll also love my crockpot shredded chicken for tacos. Make it a meal by pairing it with some beans and rice, or a side of my mango salad!

    What are pork carnitas?

    Carnitas translates to "little meats" and are the Mexican version of pulled pork. Traditionally they're made by slowly braising pork butt in lard until the meat is falling apart tender. In this recipe, I veer a bit away from the authentic preparation by eliminating the lard but the result is still tender, juicy, flavorful meat.

    easy pork carnitas in slow cooker

    Why I love this easy recipe:

    • extremely delicious
    • makes a big batch
    • works great for meal prep
    • only requires 5 minutes of hands-on time
    • made with simple, whole ingredients
    • the slow cooker does all the work
    • it makes the house smell amazing
    • great for entertaining or feeding a crowd
    • perfect when it's too hot to cook

    slow cooker pork carnitas tacos

    FAQ's

    Can I use another cut of pork?

    Using a cut of pork aside from the butt is not recommended. Pork butt comes from the shoulder and is full of fat which gives this recipe tender, juicy, flavorful meat.

    Can I skip the browning step after the pork is done in the slow cooker?

    Please do not skip this step. Those brown, crispy bits add even more flavor and texture to the carnitas.

    What if I can't find a 4 pound pork butt?

    If you can't find a 4 pound butt it's ok to use two smaller ones. Just be sure to rub them both all over with the spice rub.

    Can I cook this on high for half the time?

    I do not recommend cooking these carnitas on high for half the time. The meat will not be as flavorful as when it is slowly simmered.

    Can I freeze leftover carnitas?

    Yes! Leftover carnitas freeze perfectly. Just be sure you do not brown the meat before you freeze it. When you're ready to eat your frozen carnitas, be sure to thaw them, then give them a good sear in a skillet until browned.

    How long can carnitas keep in the refrigerator?

    Carnitas will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days.

    Should I brown carnitas before storing leftovers in the refrigerator?

    You can brown your carnitas if you'd like before you store the leftovers, but I prefer to brown them right before serving. This results in the ultimate flavor and crispiness. If you do decide to brown the meat before storing it, I recommend drizzling the meat with the juices before you reheat it.

    What kind of slow cooker do you use to make this recipe?

    I have a great oval crockpot that I've been using for years and it works perfectly for this. You'll want to be sure your crockpot can hold at least 6 quarts.

    pork carnitas easy in slow cooker
    easy slow cooker pork carnitas

    What to serve with your carnitas

    My favorite way to eat carnitas is in tacos. You can use flour, corn, or grain-free tortillas. I like to drizzle the juices over the meat then top it with a squeeze of lime, some freshly chopped lettuce and tomato, cilantro, avocado slices, salsa, and a drizzle of crema or some grated cheese (vegan feta works as a great substitution for cojita). If you have some pickled onions those are great with these carnitas, too.

    You can also serve carnitas with a side of roasted vegetables and rice, or in enchiladas, burritos, sandwiches, quesadillas, or taquitos.

    Other recipes you might like:

    • Keto Margarita
    • Avocado Tomato Salad
    • Taco rice
    • Slow cooker chicken for tacos
    • Burrito Bowls
    slow cooker pork carnitas

    Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    The easiest, tastiest way to make pork carnitas! The slow cooker does all the work to create juicy flavorful meat, and a quick sear adds that perfect touch of crispy browned bits. Delicious in tacos, great for meal prep, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Servings 10

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 lb pork butt
    • 1 onion thinly sliced
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • the juice from 2 oranges about ¾ cup
    • the juice from 2 limes about ¼ cup
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil olive oil works too

    Spice Rub

    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder

    Instructions
     

    • Dry your pork butt with a paper towl and place it in to your slow cooker. Set your cooker to low.
    • Combine all of your spices in a small bowl, then rub them on all sides of the pork butt.
    • Add the garlic, onion, bay leaf, and orange and lime juices to the pot.
    • Cover the pot and cook the pork for 10 hours, until it shreds apart easily with a fork.
    • Shred your pork using two forks, until it's all shredded down into thin strips.
    • Heat the avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Use a slotted spoon to pull some of the pork out and add it to your skillet.
    • Cook the pork undisturbed for a few minutes. Don't stir it or flip it until the juices have cooked off and the bottom is nice and crispy. Then flip the pork over and let it cook for about 2 minutes on the other side just until it's crispy.
    • See the post above for serving suggestions. Don't forget to drizzle the browned meat with the juices right before serving. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Recipe adapted from Food Network

    Nutrition

    Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 34gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 704mgPotassium: 676mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword easy recipes, slow cooker, tacos
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Easy Air Fryer Donuts

    May 17, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    dairy free air fryer donuts

    Fresh, hot, sugary donuts made right in your own kitchen in under 20 minutes! I'm using canned biscuit dough to make these easy air fryer donuts, and you won't believe how tasty they are. You'll just need to cut the holes out of your biscuits, air fry them for about 8 minutes, then smother them with your melted butter of choice (dairy free options below) and cinnamon sugar. So simple and absolutely delicious.

    And if you don't have an air fryer, try my cinnamon sugar mini donut muffins.

    air fryer donuts without milk

    What do I need to make these air fryer donuts?

    To make these donuts you'll need:

    • 1 can of biscuit dough (see below for dairy free suggestions)
    • butter of your choice
    • sugar
    • cinnamon
    • air fryer
    • donut cutter (a shot glass or small cookie cutter work too)
    • nonstick spray
    • donut pan

    easy dairy free air fryer donut
    Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

    If you don't have a donut pan, you can place your cut dough onto a small baking sheet that will fit into your air fryer. If your air fryer has a small slotted basket like this one, you can place the dough directly on the rack but be sure to spray it with nonstick spray first. The donuts fried up just as good for me on a baking sheet in comparison to the donuts that I fried in the donut pan. The donuts that were fried in the donut pan did retain their shape slightly better.

    What if my donut pan only makes 6 donuts?

    My donut pan only has 6 wells, so I bake my first batch in the donut pan then bake the remaining two donuts and the donut holes on a small baking sheet.

    easy air fryer donuts

    How can I make these dairy free?

    While most canned biscuit dough does contain butter and milk, there are a few dairy free options that are available. Here are some brands that make dairy free biscuit dough as of 5/16/22:

    • Annie's Organic Flaky Biscuits
    • Immaculate Baking Company Organic Flaky Biscuits (may contain milk)
    • Great Value Buttermilk Biscuits (may contain trace amounts of milk)
    • Hy-vee buttermilk biscuits
    • Value Corner Homestyle Biscuits
    • Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Original Biscuits (may contain milk)
    • Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits (may contain milk ingredients)
    • Pillsbury Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits (may contain milk ingredients)

    I am including brands with the "may contain milk" allergen statement in this list because some readers can tolerate trace amounts of dairy. Note: Always read the food labels of these products before purchasing because manufacturers often change ingredients. Please be sure to choose the right brand for you based on your individual health status and any potential food allergies.

    Dairy free butter options:

    • Earth Balance
    • Country Crock Plant Butter
    • It's Vegan by I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
    • Kite Hill plant based butter
    • Melt Organic
    • Miyoko's Creamery vegan butter
    • Nutiva Vegan Ghee
    • Trader Joe's Vegan Buttery Spread

    air fryer donuts with biscuit dough

    Are air fryer donuts healthy?

    These donuts are healthier than most store bought or drive thru options, however I would not classify these as "healthy". Typical donuts are fried in oils, which make them higher in calories and fat when compared to these air fried donuts. However, we're still using processed biscuit dough and smothering them in melted butter and sugar. They are high in calories and carbohydrates. But, I believe part of being healthy includes enjoying life and the occasional naughty food in moderation.

    simple air fryer donuts

    Tips for making these easy air fryer donuts:

    • you'll want to cut holes out of the center of your biscuits using a donut cutter. If you don't have a donut cutter, you can use a small shot glass or cookie cutter.
    • if you don't have an air fryer that can fit your donut pan, you can set the biscuit dough right on the rack of your air fryer. A small greased cookie sheet will work too.
    • the donut holes cook much quicker than the donuts. Keep an eye on them so they don't get too brown. You can cook these directly on your air fryer rack.
    • don't let your donuts brown too much or they'll be crunchy on the outside.
    • these are best when enjoyed hot out of the fyer. If you do have leftovers, you can pop them in the air fryer for a minute or microwave for 20 seconds to warm and soften them up.

    Looking for more dairy free recipes? Try these:

    Dairy Free Apple Cider Donut Bites
    These delicious little donut bites are full of warm apple cider flavor, with a sweet coating of cinnamon sugar. The perfect autumn treat!
    Check out this recipe
    Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars (gluten free, dairy-free)
    In this recipe, we take the classic frosted sugar cookie and make it much easier by baking them into bars! These are soft, sweet, and fun to make for any occasion.
    Check out this recipe
    gluten free dairy free sugar cookies
    Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole
    An easy french toast casserole for 1 that can be made gluten free and/or vegan! It's easy to make with lots of fresh blueberries and bright lemon.
    Check out this recipe
    vegan single serve french toast bake

    dairy free air fryer donuts

    Easy Dairy Free Air Fryer Donuts

    Hot, fresh, sugary donuts in just 15 minutes using canned biscuit dough. These easy air fryer donuts will be your whole family's new favorite!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 8 donuts

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 can large biscuits dairy free (suggestions above in the post)
    • ¼ cup nondairy butter melted
    • ½ cup sugar
    • ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and grease or spray a donut pan. See notes above if you don't have one.
    • Open up your biscuit can and lay each biscuit out on a cutting board.
    • Use a small round cookie cutter or a donut cutter to cut a hole out of the middle of each biscuit. Place each donut-shaped biscuit into your pan. Use your fingers to shape the biscuits in the pan if needed. You can put your donut holes on your air fryer rack or a small greased cookie sheet that fits in your fryer.
    • Air fry your donuts for about 4 minutes. Watch them closely so the tops don't get too brown. Flip over each donut and fry them for about another 4 minutes, until they're lightly golden and cooked through. The donut holes take about 2-3 minutes per side, so be sure to pull those out sooner.
    • While your donuts are cooking, add your melted butter into a bowl large enough to fit one donut. In a separate bowl, mix together your cinnamon and sugar.
    • Remove the donuts from the fryer and immediately dip them in the melted butter then in to the cinnamon sugar.
    • Donuts are best served hot from the fryer. See above for tips for any leftovers.

    Video

    Notes

    Need these to be dairy free?
    See the post above for dairy free biscuit dough options.
    Can't fit your donut pan in your air fryer?
    See the post above for suggestions.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 588mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword dairy free breakfast, dairy free donuts, donuts
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    No Bake Coconut Lemon Energy Balls

    May 10, 2022 · 2 Comments

    coconut lemon energy balls

    I've been craving all things summer lately - sunsets, walks, days on the beach, and all the fresh summer foods. When I think of the flavors of summer I always conjure up visions of ice cream cones, watermelon, frosty beverages, and the combination of coconut and citrus. Hand me a snack or cocktail with coconut and lemon and I am one happy lady. Cue the coconut lemon energy balls.....

    Making coconut lemon energy balls

    These energy balls are so simple to make, and if you haven't worked with coconut or almond flour, fear not. The mixture for this comes together very easily and the resulting texture will be soft and smooth, practically melting in your mouth. The trick is to make sure that you properly measure your ingredients and that your mixture sticks together. If it's not sticky enough, add just a splash of coconut milk at a time until the balls hold together and don't crumble apart.

    The dough should look like this:

    Tips For Making Coconut Lemon Energy Balls

    • Don't over measure your flour. Scoop your flour into your measuring cups. Don't drag the the measuring cup through the flour or you may overmeasure.
    • Be sure to use superfine almond flour. This will ensure you have a texture that isn't dry or gritty.
    • You need to use the watery part of the coconut milk, not the thickened cream that develops at the top of the can. You can scoop a hole out of the creme to pour out the water you need.
    • If you're mixture isn't sticky enough, try adding a splash more of the coconut milk until it sticks together.
    • Scrape down the sides of your food processor a couple of times and continue blending so all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

    Does your coconut milk look like this?

    Just a scoop out some of the cream as I did here so you can pour out ¼ cup of the watery part.

    This is what your'e looking for.

    Storing your energy balls

    I prefer to store these energy balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and they typically retain their optimal texture and flavor for about a week. I've stashed these in my purse for long days running errands and they hold up wonderfully. They also make great school snacks if coconut is allowed. If you don't want to enjoy them cold, you can leave them out at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

    dairy free energy balls

    no bake energy balls

    Craving chocolate?

    Try my chocolate coconut energy balls.

    Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls
    These chocolate brownie energy balls are rich, fudgy, no-bake bites made with wholesome ingredients. Naturally sweetened and easy to make, they taste like brownies and are perfect for healthy snacks, meal prep, or satisfying a chocolate craving.
    Check out this recipe
    chocolate no-bake brownie energy balls
    coconut lemon energy balls

    No Bake Coconut Lemon Energy Balls

    Bright lemon, creamy coconut, healthy fats, and no refined sugar. They're the perfect healthy treat and great for on-the-go snacks.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Servings 18 balls

    Ingredients
     

    For the energy balls

    • ½ cup superfine almond flour
    • ½ cup coconut flour
    • 3 cups shredded coconut
    • ¾ cup maple syrup
    • ¼ cup canned coconut milk see above for tips
    • zest of 1 large lemon

    For Dusting

    • ¼ cup shredded coconut
    • zest of half a lemon

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of your ingredients for the energy balls to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend well. Scrape down the sides of your food processor a few times and continue blending to be sure the mixture is well blended. The dough should be soft and stick together when formed into a ball. If it's too crumbly try adding in another small splash of coconut milk until it sticks together.
    • Add your remaining coconut and lemon zest for dusting in a shallow bowl.
    • Form your energy ball mixture into 18 small balls. Roll each one through the dushing mixture until it's covered. You can gently press the dusting coconut into the ball to help it stick.
    • Put your energy balls into an airtight covered container and chill for 30 minutes before serving.
    • These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can leave them out for 30 minutes before serving if you'd like them to be soft and at room temperature.

    Video

    Notes

    See above for tips and helpful photos.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword energy balls, paleo, whole30
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Banana Chia Pudding

    Apr 27, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    banana chia pudding

    Ch-ch-ch-chia....Do you remember the commercial for Chia Pets? That song plays over and over in my head every time I make chia pudding, and it was one of the reasons I was so hesitant to try eating those tiny seeds. Fast forward a few years, and now chia pudding is one of my favorite healthy desserts! It's so easy to make in just a couple of minutes, and the variations are essentially endless. This banana chia pudding is my latest favorite way to enjoy it. Layers of creamy vanilla chia are combined with freshly sliced bananas and rich swirls of whipped cream to make the perfect no-bake dessert. It'll make you a chia pudding fan for life! And once you fall in love with this one, make sure you try my Easy Mango Chia Pudding.

    Ingredients for the banana chia pudding

    I use unsweetened almond milk to make this, but almost any milk of your choice will work. I've tested this with macadamia milk, oat milk, and traditional cow's milk and all work great. I prefer unsweetened almond milk because it has a light flavor and allows the vanilla to really stand out. You'll want to be sure to choose an unsweetened option for this or your pudding may turn out to sweet.

    Chia seeds are the star of the show here, so be sure that you're using a reputable, high-quality brand of seed that hasn't expired. I have tested chia pudding with expired seeds, and the pudding just doesn't turn out. The seeds won't absorb the liquid, and you'll be left with a watery, crunchy, inedible mess.

    Maple syrup is my sweetener of choice for this recipe, but honey or keto sweetener will also work. I'm not a fan of the keto sweeteners so I wasn't crazy about the results with that substitution, but that's just my taste. I find that the true maple flavor compliments the vanilla and banana wonderfully in this recipe, and I always use pure maple syrup, not those other "syrups" like Mrs. Buttersworth.

    Tips for making a delicious chia pudding

    • Use the best ingredients possible. This is a simple recipe, so using high-quality ingredients will yield high-quality results.
    • Don't use expired chia seeds
    • Make sure not to skip step 3 and stir your pudding after it's rested for about 15 minutes. This will ensure even softening of the seeds and avoid clumping.
    • Let your pudding rest for 4-6 hours.
    • Make the pudding before bed and top it in the morning for a delicious, easy breakfast!

    Dairy Free Milk Recommendations

    • Malk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
    • Almond milk made from Joi plant milk concentrate
    • Three Trees organic almond milk
    • Elmhurst almond milk

    Dairy Free Whipped Topping Recommendations

    • Forager whip cream alternative
    • Homemade coconut whipped cream
    • So Delicious Coco Whip
    • Whole Foods Oat Based Whipped Toppping

    Craving chocolate?

    Try my recipe for chocolate chia pudding!

    healthy banana chia pudding

    Banana Chia Pudding

    Layers of creamy vanilla chia are combined with freshly sliced bananas and rich swirls of whipped cream to make the perfect no-bake dessert. It’ll make you a chia pudding fan for life.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    • ¾ cup unsweetened cashew milk
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 3 tablespoon chia seeds
    • ½ small banana sliced
    • whipped topping or yogurt optional, for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of your ingredients to a medium-sized bowl or a 16 mason jar. I use a short, wide-mouth mason jar.
    • Give all of your ingredients a good stir. If you're using a mason jar, screw the top on tightly and give it a good shake.
    • Let the pudding sit for about 15 minutes, then give it a good stir using a spoon. Most of the seeds will have settled to the bottom, so be sure to scoop them up and stir well to break up any clumps.
    • Cover your bowl or jar, and let the pudding rest in the refrigerator overnight, or at least 4 hours.
    • When you're ready to eat your pudding, pull it from the refrigerator and give it a good stir. Scoop it into your serving dish, top it with your banana slices, and whipped topping if using. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 253mgPotassium: 417mgFiber: 14gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 483mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword chia pudding, dairy free, dairy free breakfast, dessert
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Healthy Green Smoothie With Mint

    Apr 20, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    healthy green smoothie

    Smoothies are an easy way to add more vegetables to your diet, and you can make them taste really delicious, too. Many people are turned off by green smoothies because they don't like the idea of drinking liquid vegetables. I wasn't crazy about them either, but once I figured out how to make them taste good I was hooked. This green smoothie with mint is one that I make often, especially when fresh herbs are in season. It has plenty of greens, and the addition of apple and freshly squeezed lemon juice makes this smoothie flavorful, bright, and tasty.

    green smoothie with mint

    Try it with kale or spinach

    I make this smoothie with either kale or spinach, depending on what I have on hand. If you're just starting out and green smoothies are new to you, I suggest trying this recipe with spinach first. Spinach offers a bit of a milder flavor that hides a bit behind the other ingredients, and it's a good place to start if you're new to green drinks.

    healthy smoothie with mint

    Blender recommendations

    When I first started out making green smoothies I was using an old Magic Bullet single-serve blender that did a horrible job of blending up my greens. I would end up with chunks of kale in my drink, and chewing leaves is not supposed to be part of any smoothie experience. It should be smooth as the name suggests. I finally caved and bought a Vitamix and my smoothies have been magical ever since. Yes, the Vitamix has a hefty price tag, but I've used it almost every day for ten years and so many aspects of my cooking. If Vitamix isn't an option for you, I've heard great things about the Ninja professional line, and the Nutribullet smart touch blender.

    breakfast mint smoothie

    Tips for making a great smoothie

    The most important tip for making a great green smoothie is to use ingredients that are as fresh as possible, cleaned, and trimmed. If your smoothie isn't blending, try adding just a little splash of water at a time until it's nice and smooth and at a texture that you like. Sometimes I prefer my smoothie to be thin and more of a juice texture, and other times I want it to be thick. Add as much water as you'd like to suit your taste.

    If you start pouring your smoothie and it still has chunks in it or it's not smooth enough, pour it back into the blender and keep blending. I use my blender tamper to help push the vegetables down towards the blade, and it usually takes no more than a minute for my blender to break it all down. Don't fill your blender more than the manufacturer recommends or your smoothie may not be smooth enough. Slowly increase your speed to high and let it go for a bit until it looks silky smooth. Give it a taste, and remember you can always add a bit more lemon or mint if you'd prefer.

    green smoothie with mint

    Storing your smoothie

    This smoothie makes 3 servings, and leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Smoothies are best enjoyed right after they're made for maximum nutrition and flavor, but I have enjoyed this smoothie the next day and still tastes great. You will notice that some seperation occurs after this smoothie has sat for a bit. Just give it a stir or a shake and enjoy!

    healthy green smoothie

    Healthy Green Smoothie With Mint

    A delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables at breakfast or anytime you need a healthy snack. Lots of fresh greens, bright lemon, and herby mint.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 3

    Ingredients
     

    • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
    • juice and zest of 1 lemon
    • 6 oz kale leaves or baby spinach
    • 1 cucumber
    • 3 stalks celery
    • 1 apple red or green, see notes above
    • 16 oz water

    Instructions
     

    • Pour your water in to a high speed blender then add in the rest of your ingredients.
    • Blend on high for about 60 seconds or until completely smooth. If it's too thick, add in a splash more water at a time.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 75mgPotassium: 545mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 6267IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword dairy free, dairy free breakfast, smoothie
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    You might also like:

    Mint Matcha Smoothie
    A delicious smoothie with plenty of bright mint flavor. Great for breakfast, a quick snack, or a healthy dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    dairy free matcha green smoothie
    Roseberry Mocktail
    An easy idea for a mocktail that's fresh, bright, and pretty!
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    rose petal and berry mocktail

    Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars (gluten free/dairy free option)

    Apr 15, 2022 · 2 Comments

    gluten free dairy free sugar cookies

    Ah, frosted sugar cookies. The perfect, quintessential cookie for every occasion. It's great for parties, holidays, barbecues, potlucks, or just because you're craving a cookie. This recipe for frosted sugar cookie bars is everything you love about the bakery classic but there's no scooping, shaping, or rolling of dough. Just spread all that sweet batter in a pan and bake it up. Frosting these cookies takes about ¼ of the time, too. And if you're looking for a gluten or dairy-free option, this recipe's for you.

    dairy free cookie

    Tips for achieving a great cookie

    The most important tip to remember when baking these cookies is to not overbake them. Let me repeat: DO NOT OVERBAKE! We've all been there. I overbaked these exact cookies during my third test run when I forgot to set a timer and was helping my son with sixth-grade math (make it stop!). When overbaked, these cookies come out dry and crumbly, and that's not the way they're intended to be. Bake these until they seem just set in the middle with hardly any color on the edges. That's what gives these cookies that nice, slight chewiness on the outside and a soft, tender center. They should look like this:

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Let's answer a few commonly asked questions about making these cookies:

    What if I don't need these to be gluten or dairy-free?

    I've tested these cookies with traditional flour, gluten free flour, regular dairy products, and nondairy products. All options turned out great!

    How do I make these cookies gluten free?

    My gluten free flour of choice is Bob's Red Mill. I love this flour because it tastes great, the texture is as close to the real thing as I've found, and it always yields consistent results when replacing traditional all-purpose flour. If you decide to use another flour you'll want to make sure it includes xantham gum or your cookies may come out dry and fall apart.

    How do I make these cookies dairy free?

    I had great results making these dairy free using Earth Balance Unsalted Buttery Sticks. If you have a favorite unsalted butter you'd like to use please do, but I don't recommend using the kind that comes in the tub. Those have produced varied results for me when using in baked goods, so I recommend sticking with a stick butter.

    gluten free sugar cookie bars

    Add sprinkles! (optional)

    These cookies are great with or without sprinkles, so go with what you like. Sprinkles are a great way to make these festive for birthdays or holidays, and they also do a great job of covering up any imperfections on your frosting. Good ingredients are the key to a good cookie, and sprinkles are no exception. Use ingredients that suit your dietary needs and taste great, and you'll end up with great results 99% of the time. I don't like any of those super fancy sprinkles with giant hard pieces. They just took away too much of the cookie's soft, tender texture for me. But, use what you like.

    Storing these cookies

    Since we're using cream cheese in this frosting I recommend storing these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have a baking dish with a lid, that's a great solution so you don't have to transfer the cookies. You don't want to cut these and store them on top of each other because the frosting will end up a mess. If you have to do that, use a piece of parchment paper between each piece. You can cut the paper to the appropriate size per cookie.

    These will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days, but they don't usually last that long. You can leave them out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before eating to soften and warm up a bit.

    frosted sugar cookie bars dairy free

    Other recipes you might like:

    • Dairy Free Blondie Cookie Bars
    • Fudgy Dairy Free Gluten Free Brownies
    • Vegan Gluten Free Pecan Pie Bars

    Did you make these frosted sugar cookies?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    gluten free dairy free sugar cookies

    Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars (gluten free, dairy-free)

    In this recipe, we take the classic frosted sugar cookie and make it much easier by baking them into bars! These are soft, sweet, and fun to make for any occasion.
    4.10 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Servings 24

    Ingredients
     

    • ¾ cup unsalted butter Earth Balance Buttery Sticks are great for dairy free
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup powdered sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon almond extract
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour I used Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 gluten free
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    For the frosting:

    • ½ cup unsalted butter Earth Balance buttery sticks to make it dairy free
    • 4 oz cream cheese Violife is great for dairy free
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    For The Cookies

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F
    • Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer. It will take 2-3 minutes to mix, and you want to keep going until it looks fluffy. It might look curdled or separated at first. Keep beating. It will blend well and have a light, fluffy texture.
    • Beat in the eggs and vanilla, and continue mixing it for about a minute.
    • Gently stir in the rest of the cookie ingredients with a wooden spoon until just combined. You don't want to overmix here or your cookies will be tough.
    • Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Add in your cookie dough and spread it out evenly in the pan.
    • Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes and then check them. They should be barely set in the middle and pale in color. You don't want any brown edges here. If you don't think they're cooked, continue to bake them but check them every minute to be sure you don't overbake or they'll be dry.
    • Let the cookies cool completely before you frost them.

    For The Frosting

    • Beat the butter and cream cheese together until well combined.
    • Slowly beat in the powdered sugar a little bit at a time and beat it for several minutes. The frosting should be nice and fluffy. Splash in your vanilla and beat it for another minute or two.
    • Spread your frosting evenly over the cookies and enjoy!

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 159mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 345IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword dairy free, gluten free cookies, sugar cookie
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Dairy-Free Easter Brunch Recipes

    Apr 14, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    dairy free easter recipes

    Looking for the perfect dairy-free Easter brunch ideas? This collection features 25 mouthwatering dairy-free recipes that will make your holiday celebration special without sacrificing flavor. From savory morning favorites to sweet treats that double as dessert, these easy-to-make dishes are designed to accommodate various dietary needs. Whether you're hosting guests with gluten sensitivities, seeking high-protein options, or simply wanting healthier alternatives, this Easter recipe roundup has something for everyone at your table.

    My absolute favorites on the list are:

    • Healthier Reese's Eggs (great for Easter baskets, hostess gifts, or the dessert table)
    • Strawberry Spritzer (it's so refreshing and pretty, and can be made with or without alcohol)
    • Baked Eggs With Spinach (I eat this all the time as a meal prep option)
    • Blueberry Banana Muffins (made healthier without refined sugar)

    If you need recipes without eggs, check out my 25 breakfast recipes without eggs.

    peanut butter chocolate eggs
    Healthier Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Eggs
    The irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate made a little bit healthier. If you love Reese's peanut butter eggs but not all the junk, you'll love this easy recipe.
    GET THE RECIPE
    baked eggs with egg whites served with chicken sausage fruit and beans
    High Protein Baked Eggs With Vegetables
    A simple high-protein breakfast bake made with eggs, egg whites, and veggies. A great dairy-free recipe that works for meal prep, brunch, or a light dinner.
    GET THE RECIPE
    Milk Free Lemon Blueberry Pancake
    Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
    The fluffiest pancakes, filled with bursting blueberries and lots of bright lemon flavor. A heavenly combination that's perfect for brunch, family breakfast, or any time you're craving a delicious stack of pancakes!
    GET THE RECIPE
    strawberry quinoa salad with mint
    Strawberry Salad With Quinoa and Mint
    The perfect warm-weather salad that's healthy, slightly sweet, and full of plant-based protein.
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    Brown Sugar Almondmilk Iced Coffee
    The perfect afternoon pick-me-up. A healthier, dairy-free alternative to Starbucks that's creamy, delicious, and just sweet enough.
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    Banana Pancakes - Gluten, Dairy, Refined Sugar, and Nut Free
    My favorite gluten free, healthy pancake made nut free! Kids love these, and they're perfect for meal prep.
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    apple pie chia pudding dairy free
    Apple Pie Chia Pudding
    This apple pie chia pudding is a dairy-free breakfast or snack made by layering creamy chia pudding with cinnamon-spiced stewed apples. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and rich in fiber, it has a cozy apple-pie flavor and is perfect for make ahead meal prep.
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    vegan single serve french toast bake
    Blueberry French Toast Casserole
    An easy french toast casserole for 1 that can be made gluten free and/or vegan! It's easy to make with lots of fresh blueberries and bright lemon.
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    blueberry walnut baked oatmeal
    Vegan Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
    An easy, delicious way to enjoy your morning oats. Full of warm, bursting blueberries, a bit of crunchy walnuts, and a touch of natural sweetness.
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    Dairy Free Egg Casserole with Bacon, Potato, and Spinach
    A flavorful make-ahead breakfast great for meal prep, holidays, brunch, or entertaining overnight guests.
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    Dairy Free Superfruit Smoothie
    Vegan Dragonfruit Raspberry Smoothie
    Gorgeous color, tons of antioxidants, and naturally sweet. This smoothie is a delicious treat, loved by both kids and adults!
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    Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
    These air fried potatoes take just 5 minutes to prepare and are crispy, tender, and full of bold flavor. They're a great side option for your favorite meats, breakfast, or whenever you're craving something salty and fried (but want to keep it healthy).
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    Chocolate Covered Strawberries
    A simple recipe for chocolate covered strawberries. Great for a decadent, healthy dessert or to give as a gift!
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    chocolate coconut date balls
    Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
    These easy no-bake balls taste similar to a Samoas cookie, without the baking, refined sugar, and junk. You just need 5 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on time to make these delicious bites.
    GET THE RECIPE
    dairy free air fryer donuts
    Easy Dairy Free Air Fryer Donuts
    Hot, fresh, sugary donuts in just 15 minutes using canned biscuit dough. These easy air fryer donuts will be your whole family's new favorite!
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    healthy blueberry banana muffins sugar free
    Blueberry Banana Muffins
    Delicious, moist, sweet, and easy to make. No one will ever guess they're sugar-free, and kids love them!
    GET THE RECIPE
    vegan gluten free custard toast
    Custard Toast
    Dairy-free custard toast 2 ways: Chocolate Strawberry, and Lemon Raspberry. My version of the viral TikTok trend!
    GET THE RECIPE
    Dairy Free Blueberry Cheesecake
    Dairy Free Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Tart
    Bursting with blueberries and the bright, fresh flavor of lemon. This tart is easy to make and delicious for entertaining, holidays, or when you have a sweet craving for cheesecake.
    GET THE RECIPE
    summer strawberry mojito spritzer
    Summer Strawberry Spritzer
    Refreshing, tasty, bubbly, and simple to make. Perfect for sipping on those warm summer nights. Enjoy it with or without alcohol.
    GET THE RECIPE
    lemon coconut custard pie
    Easy Lemon Coconut Custard Pie
    A creamy lemon pie bursting with fresh lemon and made without dairy. It's perfect for warm summer nights, and you only need five ingredients to make it!
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    Beet Hummus
    Easy Beet Hummus with Lemon
    A beautiful, easy hummus made with simple ingredients and freshly roasted beet.
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    Baked Eggs With Spinach
    A healthy, delicious recipe that's perfect for meal prep. Bake once and have breakfast for days! Full of veggies, and great with a side of fruit, toast, or a smoothie.
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    mango salad
    Easy Mango Salad
    Meet your new favorite salad! You only need 10 minutes to put this together. It's the perfect salad to pair with your grilled meets, fish, or tacos!
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    dairy free chia pudding
    Chocolate Chia Pudding
    A healthy pudding that's full of rich, decadent chocolate flavor. If you're turned off by the idea of trying chia seeds, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how good this is!
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    Vegan Baked Feta
    Easy Baked Vegetables with Feta
    The internet famous baked feta, made vegan! It's easy, delicious, gluten free, and full of veggies.
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    Red Sangria Recipe
    The Best Red Wine Sangria
    A delicious sangria recipe that's easy to make and great for entertaining! It's refreshing, fruity, sweet, and pairs well with almost any dish.
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    Dairy-Free Banana Pudding Pie
    Vegan Banana Pudding Pie
    A bit of work and a few hours of resting time are well worth the reward of this deliciously sweet and silky pie. It's the perfect treat to beat the summer heat!
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    Linguine with Dairy Free Spinach Lemon Pesto
    Linguine with Spinach Lemon Pesto
    A great way to get the kids to eat their spinach! Full of fresh, healthy flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. The perfect dish for the warmer months when you don't want to turn the oven on.
    GET THE RECIPE
    chocolate no-bake brownie energy balls
    Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls
    These chocolate brownie energy balls are rich, fudgy, no-bake bites made with wholesome ingredients. Naturally sweetened and easy to make, they taste like brownies and are perfect for healthy snacks, meal prep, or satisfying a chocolate craving.
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    Dairy Free Bacon Onion Quiche
    A delicious egg dish that the whole family will love! It's perfect for holidays, brunches, or meal prepping for a busy week ahead. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit for breakfast, or with a side salad for lunch or dinner.
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    Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Muffins
    Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Blueberry Muffins
    An easy banana muffin recipe that uses no gluten, dairy, or refined sugar. They're moist, delicious, naturally sweet, and great for breakfast or a quick snack.
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    Protein Overnight Oats
    A simple breakfast that takes just a few minutes to prepare with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Just mix, refrigerate, and it's ready for you when you wake up! It'll keep you going all morning.
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    Shrimp With Basil And Tomato

    Apr 7, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    tomato basil shrimp

    This easy meal is one of my favorites and it comes together in under 30 minutes. There's plenty of garlic, lots of fresh tomatoes, and an herbaceous brightness of basil. It's delicious.

    The Shrimp

    I usually buy my shrimp frozen, raw, and in the shell. The whole dish has a better flavor when the shrimp has been cleaned well and deveined properly, in my opinion, so I always plan for that accordingly. If you need to save time you can buy raw shrimp that have already been peeled, cleaned, and deveined. I do take the tails off my shrimp for this dish because I feel that it's easier to eat that way.

    dairy free shrimp

    Dairy-Free Butter In This Dish

    I use a bit of butter in this dish because it adds a nice fatty, creamy touch to the sauce. Some of my dairy-free favorites are Earth Balance, Miyoko's, and Kite Hill. If you can't find dairy-free butter or prefer not to use it you can substitute it with ¼ cup of olive oil in addition to the ¼ cup that the recipe calls for.

    Other Ingredient Notes:

    • You want to use freshly squeezed lemon in this dish. Don't use that stuff in the bottle, it won't taste as good.
    • I like to use tomatoes on the vine because they seem to retain more of their flavor.
    • Fresh basil leaves will give you more of that bright flavor, and I wouldn't recommend using dried or that stuff in the tube.
    • I use gluten-free capellini to make this but any long pasta will work, such as angel hair or spaghetti. I wouldn't recommend the thick variations because the sauce isn't heavy enough.
    • A generous sprinkle of parmesan is wonderful to finish this, but it is not necessary. Violife Just Like Parmesan is my current favorite dairy-free parmesan, as I find it shreds and tastes more like the real thing than any other brand I've tried.

    tomato basil shrimp
    tomato basil shrimp

    Shrimp & Pasta With Basil and Tomato

    Simple, light, fresh, and full of flavor. This shrimp with basil and tomato is a great meal for busy weeknights or when you want something easy and delicious.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • ¼ cup butter or appropriate substitute I used Miyoko's
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 lb raw shrimp peeled, cleaned, and deveined
    • ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
    • 2 large tomatoes diced
    • ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
    • 12 oz capellini cooked. Angel hair works too
    • parmesan optional, for garnish. I used Violife.

    Instructions
     

    • Cook your pasta according to the packaging instructions. Drain the pasta from the water and set it aside. You can drizzle it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
    • Melt your butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add your garlic and sautée for 1 or two minutes, just until it's fragrant.
    • Add in your lemon juice and give it a stir.
    • Add your shrimp to the pan and cook it for about two minutes, just until the bottom starts to turn pink.
    • Flip the shrimp and add in your tomatoes and chopped basil.
    • Continue cooking for about two minutes, until the shrimp has turned pink and is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook it.
    • Gently add your pasta to the shrimp and give it a good toss to cover it with the sauce.
    • Garnish with more basil and freshly shredded parmesan if you'd like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 637kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 28gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 785mgPotassium: 505mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1306IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword easy, shrimp, shrimp and pasta
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    7 Healthy Dairy-Free Meals

    Apr 6, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    healthy big mac bowls

    7 healthy meals that are dairy-free as well as gluten-free! They're all easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.

    Dairy Free Big Mac Bowls
    All the flavors of a Big Mac without the guilt or calories! Loved by kids, and great for meal prep.
    Check out this recipe
    gluten free dairy free burger bowl

    These dairy-free big mac bowls have all the flavors of a big mac with much healthier ingredients. Lean ground beef, potatoes, lots of vegetables and of course the special sauce!

    Vegan Baked Feta
    The internet famous baked feta, made vegan! It's easy, delicious, gluten free, and full of veggies.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan Baked Feta

    My version of the viral TikTok trend adds a few more vegetables and dairy-free feta. This is so good as-is or you can stir in some pasta or serve over chicken.

    Dumpling Ramen Soup
    The ultimate bowl of umami comfort food. Rich deep broth, pillowy dumplings, tasty ramen, and plenty of veggies. The perfect meal!
    Check out this recipe
    dumpling ramen soup

    I use all gluten-free products in this vegetable-filled bowl of ramen. It's rich, savory, so flavorful, and delicious.

    Strawberry Salad With Quinoa and Mint
    The perfect warm-weather salad that's healthy, slightly sweet, and full of plant-based protein.
    Check out this recipe
    strawberry quinoa salad with mint

    This salad is so simple but so refreshing and flavorful. It's got a little bit of everything; fruit, vegetables, plant-based protein, carbohydrates, and a bit of crunch.

    Asian Inspired Veggie Salad
    A flavorful salad that's full of fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired flavors. It's great for a light meal or a healthy side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Asian Inspired Vegetable Salad

    If you like sushi you'll love this salad. It has all the flavors of a maki roll without any fish or meat.

    The Best Easy Bone-in Chicken Breasts
    A simple recipe for tender, delicious chicken with crispy skin and flavorful pan juices.
    Check out this recipe
    roasted bone in split chicken breasts

    So simple but so good. It's juicy, moist, savory, and full of bold flavor. You only need a few minutes to prepare this one.

    Shrimp Sushi Bowls
    A delicious, gluten-free option that has all the flavors of sushi in one big bowl. It's easy to make and the perfect light meal full of fresh ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    Shrimp Sushi Style Bowls

    This is a favorite in our house and the perfect warm-weather meal. Lots of vegetables, a spicy drizzle, and some fresh, succulent shrimp.

    Vybes CBD and Adaptogenic Drinks

    Apr 3, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    cbd beverage vybes

    I've been consuming much less alcohol in the past year, replacing it with things like lemon water, mocktails, adaptogenic beverages, and CBD drinks. I've noticed huge improvements in my energy, skin, mood, athletic performance, and overall feeling of well-being. One of my favorite things to drink when I find myself craving a cocktail is a functional beverage from Vybes. Vybes makes ready-to-drink adaptogenic and CBD drinks to support mind and body function, and they're also very delicious and refreshing.

    (Note: if you aren't familiar with CBD, you can learn more about it here)

    cbd beverage

    All of the elixirs from Vybes are made using ingredients that are gluten-free and vegan. My favorite flavor is currently CBD blueberry mint, but I find them all to be very tasty. Here's the listing of ingredients for the blueberry flavor for your reference:

    Purified Water, Blueberry Juice*, Lemon Juice*, White Grape Juice*, Erythritol*, Stevia Leaf*, Mint*, Hemp Extract, Malic Acid, Magnesium, Citric Acid, Zinc & 100% LA Vibes! *Organically produced

    vybes cbd drink review

    CBD has shown promising effects on anxiety, inflammation, depression, and relaxation and continues to be studied for its health benefits. Although it's derived from hemp, it has no psychoactive ingredients which means it doesn't get you high like marijuana. I choose to include CBD in my diet to help with inflammation and muscle soreness, and although it's possibly a placebo effect I do feel more relaxed after taking it.

    These drinks are made in Los Angeles and sold throughout the United States at Wegmans and other grocers and retailers. I buy them at a local wellness store, and I've also ordered directly from them online. They have a store locator here to find them near you.

    The Best Easy Bone-in Chicken Breasts

    Apr 1, 2022 · 12 Comments

    roasted bone-in split chicken breast

    Tired of boring boneless chicken? Try this recipe for bone-in chicken breasts! It's simple to make and with just a few minutes of preparation, you'll have tender, juicy chicken with plenty of flavor. This is great with some roasted or mashed potatoes, butternut squash, or a side of fresh vegetables. Add a generous drizzle of the pan juices for a succulent, flavorful, easy-to-make meal.

    Notes About The Ingredients

    This recipe was created for bone-in breasts specifically, and substituting with boneless skinless breasts isn't recommended. The chicken gains lots of flavor and moisture from the bone and the skin, and they're a crucial part of why the chicken comes out so delicious.

    If you'd like a boneless chicken recipe, try my marinated garlic lemon chicken.

    bone-in chicken breast

    I always recommend using good quality spices because they play such an important role in cooking. With such a simple recipe like this, good spices are important and will determine the outcome of the recipe. Always check to be sure that your spices aren't expired, and use a reputable brand from your supermarket.

    Don't Overcook The Chicken

    You never want to overcook chicken because it will be dry and unpleasant to eat. This chicken comes out juicier and more moist than skinless breasts, but it will still get dry if you overcook it. You'll want to cook your chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F, which is easy to achieve if you have a meat thermometer. I rely heavily on my Thermopro Meat Thermometer, and I can't recommend it enough if you don't already have one.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is bone-in chicken better than boneless?

    I find that bone-in, skin-on chicken breast is juicier and has much more flavor than boneless chicken breasts. Bone-in breasts are delicious and my preference if they're being used as the main star of the meal.

    Is bone-in chicken healthier than boneless?

    The bone itself does not make the chicken less healthy, it's the skin that contains fats. Bone-in, skin-on chicken has been vilified for years as being unhealthy, but some studies show that it contains healthy unsaturated fats.

    Is bone-in chicken cheaper than boneless?

    Priced per pound, bone-in chicken is always cheaper. It takes less work to process bone-in chicken, which means it costs less for the consumer.

    roasted bone in split chicken breasts

    The Best Easy Bone-in Chicken Breasts

    A simple recipe for tender, delicious chicken with crispy skin and flavorful pan juices.
    4.31 from 23 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts approximate weight. Use 4 bone-in breasts
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
    • Pat the skin of your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin get nice and crispy. I like to slide a small pad of nondairy butter under the skin of each breast, but it's not required.
    • Combine your spices in a small bowl.
    • Place your chicken into a large roasting pan and drizzle it with the olive oil. Rub the oil evenly over the skin using a meat brush or your hand.
    • Sprinkle each breast evenly with the spices.
    • Roast the chicken uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165­°F.
    • Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. You can cut the meat off the bone, and drizzle it with the pan juices.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 533kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 57gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 754mgPotassium: 614mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 295IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword chicken, dairy free, gluten free
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Baked Strawberry Oats With Lemon Drizzle

    Mar 29, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    baked strawberry oats

    Baked oats are a food trend that I recently tried and completely fell in love with. With this method you can leave the oats whole and intact in their natural state, or you can blend them into flour and bake them like a cake. The cake-like oats are what I'm really obsessing over lately, and it's the method I'm using to make these baked strawberry oats.

    Ingredient Notes

    • I use old-fashioned rolled oats to make this. I have not tested this with any other type of oats, so I can not promise that it would have the same results that I achieved with my tests for this recipe.
    • Unsweetened almond milk is my daily milk of choice, so that's what I'm using in this recipe. Any type of milk should work in this, but I wouldn't recommend any kind of buttermilk.
    • I like maple syrup in this, but honey will also work.
    • If you don't have arrowroot and don't mind the sugar, you could replace the starch with powdered sugar and omit the maple syrup. Just add only a bit of lemon juice at a time until you reach your desired texture.
    • You can also drizzle this with melted white chocolate instead of the lemon drizzle.
    strawberry oat cake

    Texture - Gooey or Cakey

    When baking these oats you have the option to bake them until they're still gooey in the middle, or until they're cooked through with a similar texture to cake. The gooey option will be set on the outside and resemble cake, but the inside will be moist and sticky like oatmeal with a silky smooth texture. If you let this cook a bit longer, the inside will develop a texture that's cooked through and similar to cake. I love it both ways, so feel free to try it according to what you're in the mood for. Gooey is great at breakfast, and the cake-like option is perfect when you're craving a sweet treat.

    baked strawberry oats

    Strawberry Baked Oats With Lemon Drizzle

    A delicious way to eat oats that tastes like cake! Full of fresh strawberries and bright lemon flavor.
    4.34 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    Baked Oats

    • ⅔ cup rolled oats
    • ½ cup strawberries
    • ½ cup almond milk
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • zest of ½ lemon

    Lemon Drizzle

    • 2 teaspoon arrowroot starch
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
    • a pinch of lemon zest

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or spray a 10 ounce ramekin.
    • Blend all of the ingredients for your baked oats in a high powered blender until smooth.
    • Pour your batter into your ramekin and bake for about 15 minutes. You can underbake it if you'd like the center to be gooey, or cook until a cake tester comes out clean for a cake-like texture.
    • To make your lemon drizzle, whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Drizzle it over your oats and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 8gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 1175mgPotassium: 374mgFiber: 8gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 9IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 458mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword baked oats, dairy free, dairy free breakfast, gluten free, strawberry oat
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Dumpling Ramen Soup

    Mar 24, 2022 · 2 Comments

    dumpling ramen soup

    My son and I were recently trying to decide whether we should have ramen or dumpling soup for dinner, and we both agreed that the only correct decision was to have both. So I got to work at changing up my ramen recipe and this perfect Dumpling Ramen Soup was born.

    gluten free dumpling ramen

    To Make It Gluten-Free

    This recipe is naturally dairy-free, and I make it gluten-free too. Here are some recommendations for gluten-free products to use in this recipe:

    • I use these potstickers from Feel Good Foods. They're available in chicken, pork, and vegetable and they're all delicious.
    • I love these gluten-free ramen noodles from Lotus Foods. I use the millet and the jade pearl noodles, but I prefer the millet option. Just be sure not to overcook them or they get a bit mushy.

    Feel free to use traditional wheat ramen and dumplings if you aren't avoiding gluten. I've tested it both ways and both are fantastic.

    gluten free ramen and dumplings

    Cutting The Vegetables

    You can leave the bok choy halved and long as I have them in these photos, or chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you don't mind having to chew them a bit more and would like a prettier presentation, just cut them in half. If you're feeding this to kids or prefer it to be easier to eat, I'd recommend chopping the bok choy into bite-sized pieces.

    For the mushrooms, I like to slice most of them and leave a few whole just for a meatier bite. If you're serving this to kids you can dice or chop them small.

    Making This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan

    This recipe is easily adaptable to be vegetarian or vegan. Kitchen Basics makes a delicious vegetable broth that you can find on Amazon and at many supermarkets. Feel Good Foods makes delicious vegetable potstickers that are gluten-free and work great in this. If you can't find potstickers or dumpling to suit your dietary needs you can omit them or try my Vegan Ramen recipe.

    dumpling ramen soup

    Dumpling Ramen Soup

    The ultimate bowl of umami comfort food. Rich deep broth, pillowy dumplings, tasty ramen, and plenty of veggies. The perfect meal!
    4.58 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Servings 6

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 4 baby bok choy chopped in to bite-sized pieces
    • 2 medium shallots diced
    • 8 oz shiitake mushrooms sliced
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1.5 inch fresh ginger peeled and grated
    • 10 cups lower-sodium chicken bone broth stock or broth can also be used
    • 6 tablespoons lower-sodium tamari can use soy sauce
    • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 20 dumplings or potstickers gluten-free if needed
    • 5 oz dried ramen noodles gluten-free if needed
    • green onions, crushed red pepper, and black sesame seeds for serving

    Instructions
     

    • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat in a large stockpot.
    • Add the bok choy and cook it until it's softened (about 4 minutes), stirring occasionally.
    • Remove the bok choy from the pot and set it aside. If your pot is dry add another tablespoon of the oil.
    • Add your shallots, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Stir it for a few minutes just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
    • Add in your broth, tamari, and rice vinegar. Give it all a stir and bring it to a gentle simmer.
    • While your broth is coming to a simmer, cook your ramen in a separate pot according to the packaging instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles when they're done and set them aside.
    • Gently slide in your dumplings when your broth has come to a simmer. The cooking time here will vary depending on if they're fresh or frozen. Follow the cooking instructions on your packaging.
    • Once the dumplings are heated through add your bok choy in and give it all a gentle stir.
    • Divide your ramen evenly into large soup bowls. Ladle the soup over the noodles and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper and sesame seeds.

    Notes

    See post above for gluten free recommendations

    Nutrition

    Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 25gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 1573mgPotassium: 371mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 3356IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword dairy free, gluten free, ramen
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Did you make this Ramen Dumpling Soup?

    Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    Matcha Mint Smoothie

    Mar 17, 2022 · 2 Comments

    dairy free matcha green smoothie

    This matcha mint smoothie is a simple recipe that's perfect for post-workout protein or a quick, easy breakfast. It's naturally sweetened with pineapple and has plenty of fresh, delicious mint flavor.

    matcha mint smoothie

    If you like this recipe, you may also like my simple Cashew Milk. It's great in smoothies, lattes, and coffee.

    What is matcha?

    Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves and is traditionally consumed in East Asia. It is said to be high in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body. Matcha has a bright, slightly bitter taste that I find is offset by adding natural sweetener like the pineapple in this recipe. It has mellow grassy notes, with just a touch of nuttiness. You can enjoy it in hot or cold teas, in lattes, or added to smoothies like this one.

    dairy free matcha smoothie

    Dairy-Free Yogurt

    I like to use a Greek-style yogurt in this recipe because it's full of protein and lends plenty of creaminess to the smoothie. Some dairy-free options to try are:

    • Kite Hill
    • Silk
    • Forager

    Fresh Mint

    I'm using fresh mint in this smoothie because it adds it adds refreshing, bright notes and compliments the matcha and pineapple wonderfully. It also makes a beautiful garnish. Don't be tempted to use frozen or prepackaged mint. It just won't be as fresh and flavorful.

    dairy free matcha green smoothie

    Mint Matcha Smoothie

    A delicious smoothie with plenty of bright mint flavor. Great for breakfast, a quick snack, or a healthy dessert.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 cup greek style yogurt nondairy suggestions above
    • ½ cup mint leaves loosely packed
    • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
    • 2 tsp matcha powder

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of your ingredients in to a high powered blender and blend until smooth.
    • Depending on the yogurt you use, you may need to add ⅛ - ¼ cup water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
    • Pour it into a pretty glass, garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and enjoy!

    Notes

    See the post above for dairy-free yogurt options.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 26gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 590mgFiber: 4gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 1460IUVitamin C: 86mgCalcium: 298mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword dairy free, dairy free breakfast, matcha, smoothie
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Asian Inspired Vegetable Salad

    Mar 16, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Asian Inspired Vegetable Salad

    This Asian-inspired salad is full of fresh vegetables and has a similar flavor to a rice-free veggie maki roll. There's plenty of crunchy cabbage, cucumbers, and carrots, with a nice helping of avocado and sesame seeds. Dress it up with a quick soy sauce and a spicy mayo drizzle for a tasty dish perfect for a light lunch, healthy entrée, or as a side dish.

    The Veggies

    If you're in a hurry you can use bagged coleslaw to make this salad rather than chopping up fresh cabbage. You can also use English or regular cucumbers if you can't get Persian ones, but I prefer the ones with little or no seeds in this salad. Frozen shelled edamame are perfect in this, just be sure to thaw them first. I like to julienne the carrots for this recipe, as I found that diced carrots made the salad too crunchy for my taste.

    Asian Inspired Vegetable Salad

    Enjoy this salad right away

    This salad is best enjoyed immediately after it's prepared. If you'd like to do a bit of prep work you can mix the vegetables, dressing, and spicy mayo individually ahead of time and store them all in the refrigerator separately. Avocados should not be cut until you are ready to eat or they'll turn brown and look unappealing.

    Asian veggie salad

    Will this salad be too spicy?

    You can control how spicy your mayo is by adding more or less sriracha as it suits your taste. Add a little sriracha at a time and taste as you mix to see how it works for you. You can also drizzle a little less spicy mayo on your salad if you'd like, and if you're serving it to spice-sensitive kids you could leave it off altogether. I like the creaminess and heat that it adds, but feel free to experiment based on your taste.

    Can this salad be made without soy?

    This salad can be made without soy if needed by omitting the edamame and replacing the tamari with coconut aminos.

    Other Recipes You May Like:

    Shrimp Sushi Bowls
    A delicious, gluten-free option that has all the flavors of sushi in one big bowl. It's easy to make and the perfect light meal full of fresh ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    Shrimp Sushi Style Bowls
    Vegan Gluten-Free Ramen
    An easy recipe for gluten-free ramen that's delicious, vegan, and full of vegetables.
    Check out this recipe
    vegan gluten free ramen

    Asian Inspired Vegetable Salad

    Asian Inspired Veggie Salad

    A flavorful salad that's full of fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired flavors. It's great for a light meal or a healthy side dish.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    For the salad

    • 4 cups cabbage bagged coleslaw vegetables work
    • 4 Persian cucumber diced. Should equal about 1 - 1 ¼ cups
    • 1 cup julienned carrots
    • 1 cup edamame shelled
    • ¼ cup chopped nori
    • 1 tablespoon pickled ginger

    For the dressing

    • ¼ cup reduced sodium tamari
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

    For the spicy mayo

    • ¼ cup mayo
    • 1 tablespoon sriracha

    For garnish

    • 2 avocado
    • ¼ cup sesame seeds
    • green onion chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
    • In a small, separate bowl whisk together the ingredients for the dressing. Pour it over your salad and give it a good toss.
    • In that same small bowl whisk together your mayo and sriracha to make the spicy mayo. If you're nervous about this being too hot, feel free to add a little sriracha at a time and taste test it as you go.
    • Divide your salad in to four even portions on your serving dishes.
    • Top the salad with your avocado and sesame seeds, then drizzle it with the spicy mayo.
    • Enjoy immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 10gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 226mgPotassium: 1121mgFiber: 14gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5656IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 189mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword salad, seafood
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Brown Sugar Almondmilk Iced Coffee

    Mar 12, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    dairy free brown sugar iced coffee

    I really love Starbucks. I don't want to because I know it's terrible for me, but my gosh do they sling out delicious coffee. I only indulge once every couple of months, but recently my grande brown sugar oat milk latte left me wanting more. It was time to start recreating healthier versions of these at home that I could enjoy any time I wanted, and so this brown sugar almondmilk coffee was born.

    almond milk iced coffee

    Brown Sugar Syrup

    Yes, I know sugar is the devil. But come on. It's delicious. I believe in moderation and that "healthy" means occasionally indulging in something sinfully delicious that makes you happy. But, if you're not in agreement or have health reasons to avoid it, I get it. Feel free to replace the sugar in this syrup with Swerve keto replacement or an appropriate alternative that suits your dietary needs.

    Coffee

    The quality of the coffee you use will play a large part in how tasty your drink is. I've had my Nespresso machine for years and love it. I'm using their Bianco Forte pod in this, which is specially formulated to be complemented by milk. Try your favorite, keeping in mind that the brown sugar syrup will add quite a bit of deep, almost caramel-like flavor. I brew mine the night before and refrigerate it overnight for breakfast, or brew it in the morning and pop it in the refrigerator until I need an afternoon pick-me-up.

    dairy free brown sugar iced coffee

    Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer

    I use almondmilk Barista Blend from Califia Farms to make this because I like to whip it in my Aeroccino to add a bit of foam to my coffee. It's a great replacement for whipped cream if you don't want the extra calories, and I just enjoy the texture it adds when sipping.

    The foam from the Barista Blend and plenty of cinnamon

    Other dairy-free options you could try:

    • nutpods
    • Starbucks non-dairy creamer
    • Elmhurst creamer
    • So Delicious Coconutmilk Creamer
    • Silk Soy Creamer
    • Coffee Mate Oat Milk Creamer

    brown sugar starbucks

    Brown Sugar Almondmilk Iced Coffee

    The perfect afternoon pick-me-up. A healthier, dairy-free alternative to Starbucks that's creamy, delicious, and just sweet enough.
    4.17 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    For the brown sugar syrup

    • ¾ cup light brown sugar
    • ¾ cup water
    • half of a vanilla bean

    To make the coffee

    • 8 oz brewed coffee cooled
    • ¼ cup coffee creamer I used almondmilk Barista Blend from Califia Farms
    • 1-2 tablespoon brown sugar syrup
    • sprinkle cinnamon optional, for garnish
    • nondairy whipped cream optional. for garnish

    Instructions
     

    For the brown sugar syrup

    • Combine ¾ cup light brown sugar and ¾ cup ⁠water in a small saucepan.⁠
    • Heat it over medium-low, stirring frequently.⁠
    • Bring it to a low simmer and lower the heat. Continue ⁠to simmer for about 10 minutes. The ⁠mixture will reduce by about half and the sugar will ⁠dissolve.⁠
    • Slice half of a vanilla bean lengthwise, and scrape the ⁠beans into the syrup. Toss your bean pod in there, ⁠too.⁠
    • Set the pot off the heat and let it rest until the syrup is completely cooled. Remove the bean pod and ⁠store the syrup in the refrigerator in a covered airtight ⁠container.⁠ You'll want the syrup to be as chilled as possible before adding it to your coffee.

    For the coffee

    • Fill a large glass with ice. I'm using cubes that I made ⁠from coffee.⁠
    • Pour about 8oz of cooled coffee over ⁠your cubes.
    • Pour in about ¼ cup of your favorite coffee creamer. ⁠
    • Add 1-2 tablespoons of your brown sugar syrup ⁠depending on how sweet you like it (I go with 2)⁠
    • Give it a sprinkle of cinnamon⁠.
    • Top it with some non-dairy whipped cream to make it extra ⁠dreamy.
    • Give it one last drizzle of the brown sugar syrup and a ⁠sprinkle of cinnamon.⁠
    • Stir and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 16mgPotassium: 124mgSugar: 19gCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Beverages
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole

    Mar 11, 2022 · 6 Comments

    vegan single serve french toast bake

    This french toast casserole will knock your socks off! It's full of fresh bursting blueberries, bright zesty lemon, and decadent, rich custard. This is a quick, easy recipe that serves one and can be made in your air fryer or oven. Options are included below to make this gluten free and/or vegan if needed.

    vegan blueberry french toast casserole
    Made with Udi's Gluten-Free White Sandwich Bread

    Make this french toast gluten free

    You can easily make this gluten-free by choosing an appropriate bread or croissant. I've tested this recipe with the vegan croissants from Whole Foods and with Udi's gluten-free bread, both with success. Use your favorite, but avoid options that are more savory than sweet.

    vegan blueberry french toast
    Made with vegan croissants from Whole Foods

    Make this french toast casserole egg-free

    Just Egg vegan egg substitute worked wonderfully in this, and there was no difference in flavor or texture when compared to my tests with traditional eggs. This does work with real eggs, so feel free to use those if you'd prefer.

    Dairy Free Yogurt Options

    I use the unsweetened Greek-style yogurt from Kite Hill in this and it works great. I'd stick to an unsweetened, Greek-style option to avoid your casserole from becoming overly sugary and runny. I've also tested this successfully with traditional dairy Greek-style yogurt, so feel free to use that if you'd like.

    lemon blueberry vegan french toast gluten free
    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes, this recipe can be doubled. You'll just need to adjust the cook time to at least 15 minutes depending on your air fryer oven.

    Can I make this using regular eggs?

    Yes, you can use 1 large egg to replace the vegan Just Egg.

    Is this recipe dairy free?

    Yes, use dairy free yogurt to make this recipe dairy free.

    Can I make this recipe gluten free?

    Yes, see the post above for some delicious gluten free options.

    vegan single serve french toast bake

    Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole

    An easy french toast casserole for 1 that can be made gluten free and/or vegan! It's easy to make with lots of fresh blueberries and bright lemon.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    • ¾ cup bread cubes I used Whole Foods vegan croissant
    • 3 tablespoon Just Egg 1 real egg can be used
    • 3 tablespoon dairy free greek style yogurt I used Kite Hill
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest + more for garnish
    • ¼ cup blueberries
    • drizzle of maple syrup for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. (see notes below for oven instructions)
    • In a small bowl whisk together the Just Egg, yogurt, and maple syrup.
    • Stir in your bread cubes until all the cubes are thoroughly coated and moistened.
    • Gently fold in your lemon zest and blueberries.
    • Pour your cube mixture into an oven-safe container that holds 18 ounces. Air fry your casserole for about 10 minutes until the center is set. Keep an eye on it to be sure the top doesn't brown too much or burn.
    • Top your casserole with more lemon zest if you'd like and a drizzle of maple syrup.

    Notes

    To make this in the oven, bake for about 10 minutes at 350°F. Check it frequently to avoid browning the top too much.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 311kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 21gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 405mgPotassium: 379mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 284IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 208mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword breakfast, dairy free breakfast, french toast
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Polish Style

    Mar 9, 2022 · 8 Comments

    Polish Style Beef Stew

    My husband's babci (Polish for grandma) is an amazing, graceful Polish woman that cooks the most drool-worthy food. There are always multiple courses, including everything from fresh homemade soups to incredible hazelnut tortes. One of my favorite things that she cooks is her Polish beef roulade. The dish is a thinly sliced and pounded beef cutlet, topped with mushrooms, onions, and bread crumbs. Then it's rolled, tied, browned, and baked slowly in a rich sauce topped with bacon. It is heaven on a plate.

    Although I love roulade and enjoy making it, it takes a bit of time to twist up and tie all those beef rolls. I set out to create a similar dish, one that has the same delicious flavor without all the work. I came up with this version of slow cooker beef stew, and the whole family loved it!

    Notes About The Ingredients

    You may notice a couple of ingredients in this recipe that you've probably never seen in stew before. I'm using mustard and breadcrumbs here because that's what is used inside the Polish roulade, and although they may seem out of place they work wonderfully in this. The mustard adds a bit of acid to help balance out all that salty richness, and the breadcrumbs work as a bit of a thickener without making the sauce gritty.

    Polish Style Beef Stew

    Side Options

    This stew is delicious when served over some Polish potato dumplings (called kluski). If you don't have the time to make them, I'd recommend serving this over some ready-made gnocchi or a nice helping of mashed potatoes. And don't forget a warm roll or slice of crusty bread. That sauce is delicious and you'll want to savor every bite!

    slow cooker beef stew

    Polish Style Beef Stew

    Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Polish Style

    A simple delicious stew that has all the flavors of a Polish Roulade without all the work. Smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, tender beef, and a rich sauce simmer slowly to create a decadent dish.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 6

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 lbs beef chuck stew meat
    • 5 slices bacon diced
    • 8 oz mushrooms
    • 1 large onion
    • 1.5 tablespoon mustard
    • ¼ cup bread crumbs
    • 28 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes don't drain the can
    • 3 cups beef broth

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a stovetop-safe skillet over medium-low heat, or turn your pot to sauté.
    • Dry your beef well with a paper towel, and season it with salt and pepper. Set it aside at room temperature.
    • Cook your bacon in the heated skillet or pot.
    • When the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to scoop it on to a plate and set aside.
    • If there is a lot of grease in the pot, drain most of it. Leave a little bit of the grease to brown the beef in.
    • Brown your beef in the bacon grease until browned on all sides, then set it aside on a plate.
    • Add your onions and mushrooms to the pan. If the pan is dry you can add back a bit of the bacon grease or a swirl of olive oil.
    • Cook the onions and mushrooms until they're nice and soft and the mushrooms are brown.
    • Stir in the mustard and the bread crumbs. Keep stirring it for about two minutes.
    • Add your beef back to the pot with the tomatoes (with the juices), bacon, and beef broth. If you prepared this in a separate pot, carefully pour it into your slow cooker.
    • Give it all a good stir and cover the pot.
    • Cook your stew on low for 8 hours.
    • Serve over freshly made dumplings, gnocchi, or mashed potatoes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 416kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 36gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 971mgPotassium: 737mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 558IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword slow cooker, stew
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Did you make this slow cooker beef stew?

    Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

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    Dairy & Gluten Free Minestrone
    A delicious soup that's filling and ready to eat in 45 minutes. Serve with a warm slice of crusty bread for dipping, or a fresh side salad. Loved by both kids and adults!
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    Dairy Free Big Mac Fries
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    Dairy Free Big Mac Fries

    Dairy Free Meal Prep

    Mar 6, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Dairy Free Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf

    Happy Sunday friends! I hope this week brings you all the things that make you happy, healthy, and well. Here are some dairy-free ideas for meal prepping that will set you up for a successful week ahead.

    Dairy Free Egg Casserole with Bacon, Potato, and Spinach
    A flavorful make-ahead breakfast great for meal prep, holidays, brunch, or entertaining overnight guests.
    Check out this recipe

    This breakfast casserole is a great option to make ahead, and leftovers reheat great. It has a little bit of everything; protein, carbs, veggies, and a touch of salty bacon. I serve this with a piece of toast and a small serving of fresh fruit.

    Veggie Gnocchi Soup
    Easy veggie gnocchi soup made with tender fresh vegetables and pillowy soft gnocchi. It's cozy, dairy-free, and perfect for quick family-friendly dinners.
    Check out this recipe
    veggie gnocchi soup

    Kids love this veggie dumpling soup. It's a great way to get in your bone broth, or you can use a vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. My son likes to take to this to school in his Lunchbots thermos, and you can easily double the recipe if you'd like more leftovers to have on hand.

    Buffalo Chicken Mini Meatloaf (dairy free, gluten free)
    An easy, healthy way to get enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken! You only need a few minutes to put these together, and leftovers are perfect for a healthy lunch option.
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy Free Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf

    I love these mini meatloaves! When I make these I double the recipe so we have leftovers, which always go fast around here. You can serve these with cauliflower rice or salad for a low-carb option, or with a traditional roasted potato and veggie medley. You can also put these in a sub roll for a hearty sandwich option. Drizzle it with a dairy-free blue cheese dressing or some ranch for that classic blue cheese and buffalo flavor combo.

    Dairy-Free Healthier Blueberry Muffins
    These no-fail muffins will be your new go-to recipe and family favorite! They're moist, delicious, refined sugar free, and loaded with blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, school lunchboxes, or post-workout!
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy Free Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffin

    Whip up a batch of these healthier blueberry muffins to pack as snacks for school or work. They're easy and quick to make, and the whole family will love them.

    Did you make these dairy-free meal prep ideas?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    Frosted Shortbread Bars (gluten, dairy free)

    Mar 4, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    dairy free shortbread

    If you're craving a sweet, sugary cookie that's quick to make, you'll love these frosted shortbread bars. They're easy to put together, and they're gluten-free as well as dairy-free.

    Important tips for making these cookies

    The most important tip for making these cookies is to make sure you don't overbake them. Shortbread is a tad crumbly by nature, but if you overbake these the cookie will be dry and fall apart. You want them to be just set in the center with hardly any color on the edges. Let them cool completely before cutting into them or frosting them.

    dairy free shortbread cookie

    Gluten Free Flour

    I'm using Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 baking flour in this recipe, and I recommend you try it too! I always have consistent, great results with this flour, and most of the time my family can't tell what I've made is gluten-free. Since gluten-free flours differ in terms of ingredients, it's important to note that your flour may behave differently than mine, giving you different results in your cookie. You'll also want to make sure your flour contains xanthan gum, as it works as a binder and helps prevent the cookies from falling apart.

    gluten free dairy free shortbread

    Frosting and Storing

    I like to add freeze-dried strawberries to my frosting to give them a natural pink color and a hint of strawberry flavor, but it's not required. Because we're using a butter substitute here, you'll want to store your cookies covered in the refrigerator. You can pre-slice them if you'd like, then take one out to get to room temperature before you'd like to eat them. I find that setting them out on the counter for about 30 minutes when the kitchen temperature is around 70°F is enough time to allow them to warm up and soften.

    gluten and dairy free cookies
    dairy free gluten free sugar cookies

    dairy free gluten free shortbreadcookies

    Shortbread Cookies With Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (dairy-free, gluten-free)

    Buttery, crumbly, classic shortbread cookies topped with a delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Made without dairy or gluten!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 12

    Ingredients
     

    • ⅔ cup vegan buttery sticks softened
    • ⅔ cup organic cane sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • 2 cups gluten-free flour I use Bob's Red Mill
    • 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
    • ⅓ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    For The Frosting

    • ¾ cup freeze dried strawberries
    • ½ cup vegan buttery sticks softened. I like Earth Balance
    • 4 ounces dairy-free cream cheese I like Violife
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    Make The Cookies

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
    • Add your buttery sticks and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
    • Add your egg and almond extract until just combined.
    • Slowly mix in your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
    • Press the dough evenly in to your baking dish using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes and be sure not to overbake or it will result in a dry, crumbly cookie that may fall apart. You want the edges to be just starting to brown.
    • Place your pan on a wire cooling rack and allow the cookies to fully cool before you frost them.

    Make The Frosting

    • Grind your dried strawberries in a high-powered blender or a small food processor until they're crushed down into a fine powder. A few small chunks will be ok and add a bit of texture.
    • Beat together the butter and cream cheese using a hand-held or stand mixer.
    • Beat in your vanilla extract and a little bit of the powdered sugar at a time. Continue adding in your sugar until it's all added in and beat it until it's smooth. Add in your powdered strawberries and beat it until it's well combined.
    • Gently frost your cookies, spreading the frosting out evenly.
    • Store your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 206mgFiber: 4gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 181mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Did you make these shortbread cookies?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    Other Dairy-Free Recipes You Might Like:

    Dairy Free Blondie Cookie Bars
    A deliciously sweet blondie recipe that's moist, crumbly, and simple to prepare.
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy Free Blondies
    (Dairy Free) No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
    These no bake treats are so simple to make and satisfy all those salty sweet cravings. They're dairy free, and can be made gluten and nut free too!
    Check out this recipe
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    Roseberry Mocktail

    Feb 22, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    rose berry mocktail

    My Roseberry Mocktail is a delicious way to enjoy a special beverage without the booze. It's simple, beautiful, refreshing, and delicious.

    Rose Petal Ice Cubes

    What helps make this drink so gorgeous is the rose petal ice cubes. If you're hesitant to use rose petals in your drinks, don't be. They add a very light flavor and aroma to your mocktail if you use the right petal. I like these from Suncore Foods, and the flavor is never strong or overpowering. I recommend replacing half of your normal cube amount with rose petal cubes, so your drink doesn't become a rose salad when the cubes melt.

    rose petal ice cubes

    Fresh Fruit

    I like to use freshly sliced strawberries in this mocktail, but feel free to mix up your berries if you'd like. Frozen raspberries are also delicious with this, and a fresh thin slice of lemon will add a touch of citrus.

    Rose Flavored Soda

    The brand Poppi makes a delicious raspberry rose flavored prebiotic soda, and that's what I'm using in this mocktail. This isn't a paid sponsorship, by the way, I just genuinely love the product. Some other options you could try are rose lemonade or a strawberry rose calm drink.

    rose petal ice cubes

    If you're hosting a party or just want something fancy, this mocktail has a beautiful presentation. It's great for plenty of occasions, such as:

    • self-care Sunday
    • brunch
    • holiday parties
    • baby showers
    • bridal showers
    • Mother’s Day
    • ladies night
    • mocktail parties
    • cocktail parties
    • at-home spa days
    • birthdays
    • dinner parties
    • in the bath
    • tea parties
    • just because you deserve something pretty and delicious!

    rose petal and berry mocktail

    Roseberry Mocktail

    An easy idea for a mocktail that's fresh, bright, and pretty!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 minutes mins
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
     

    • 12 oz raspberry rose soda
    • 2 fresh strawberries stemmed and halved
    • rose petal ice cubes
    • fresh mint sprig and strawberry for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Add your ice cubes and strawberries to a large glass. If you'd prefer you can add your strawberries first, muddle the berries, then add your ice.
    • Gently pour your soda in to the glass.
    • Give it a gentle stir, then add your mint sprig. Cut a small slice in a strawberry and use it to slide the berry on to your glass for garnish.
    • Cheers!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 38kcalCarbohydrates: 9gSugar: 8g
    Keyword Bevarage
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Rose Petal Ice Cubes

    Feb 22, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    rose petal ice cube

    Rose petal ice cubes are a simple way to add a gorgeous twist to your everyday drinks, cocktails, mocktails, ice tea, or fruit waters. They turn a simple can of seltzer water into a gorgeous drink that gives you the feeling that you're sipping on something fancy and luxurious. I can not take credit for this idea, as I've seen many people making these and fruit cubes for years. But as we head in to Spring, I thought it was a good idea to share my variation with you.

    rose petal ice cubes

    To make the rose ice cubes, first, get yourself a cute ice tray. I use this one that makes adorable mini cubes. The trick to using mini cubes is to use them with drinks that are already cold, as they melt a bit quicker. If you might want something bigger, give these a try.

    Ways To Use Rose Petal Ice Cubes

    These cubes are so simple to make and a gorgeous detail to add to almost any moment. Here are some ways to use them to add a beautiful touch to your occasions:

    • self-care Sunday
    • brunch
    • holiday parties
    • baby showers
    • bridal showers
    • Mother's Day
    • ladies night
    • mocktails
    • cocktails
    • iced tea
    • at-home spa days
    • birthdays
    • dinner parties
    • in the bath
    • tea parties
    • just because

    When the cubes melt, the petals will be released into your drink and add the light flavor and aroma of rose into your beverage. I recommend replacing half of your normal ice cube amount with rose petal cubes so your drink isn't full of petals when the cubes melt.

    You'll want to add these cubes to a beverage that will be complimented by the rose flavor. Some examples are:

    • My Roseberry Mocktail
    • Fruit water (fresh water with freshly sliced strawberries and blueberries)
    • Lemon water
    • Raspberry Seltzer
    • Lemonade
    • Wine Spritzers
    • Vodka Seltzers
    • Rose Alkaline Water
    • Kombucha
    • Probiotic Soda
    • Mimosas
    rose petal ice cube

    Rose Petal Ice Cubes

    These are a beautiful addition to any cocktail, mocktail, or fruit water.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins

    Ingredients
     

    • fresh filtered water
    • dried rose petals
    • ice cube tray

    Instructions
     

    • Add a dried rose petal to each empty ice cube space in your tray. Very gently and slowly pour fresh water into your tray. This works better if you're pouring the water using a measuring cup or spouted mug. If you try to fill it under the tap or your water filter the rose petals will just spill out.
    • Cover the tray and gently place it into the freezer. Leave the tray for a few hours to freeze.
    • When the cubes are fully frozen, use them in your mocktails, cocktails, or seltzers to add a gorgeous touch.
    Keyword Bevarage
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Did you make these rose petal ice cubes?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    Dairy-Free Meal Prep

    Feb 19, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Dairy Free Gluten Free Hunter's Stew

    It's been a while since I've posted a weekly dairy-free meal prep, so here's what I'm cooking up this weekend. Wishing you a wonderful week, and if it's school vacation week where you are, best of luck!

    For Breakfast

    Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds
    An over-the-top delicious recipe for overnight oats that's so good you could eat it for dessert. It's easy to make dairy-free, and the perfect breakfast for busy mornings.
    Check out this recipe
    dairy free overnight peanut butter oats

    I love this recipe because it takes no more than two minutes to put everything in a jar, give it a shake, and breakfast is waiting for me in the refrigerator the next day. You can top it with freshly sliced bananas, blueberries, strawberries, grated apple, a little bit of peanuts, and/or some chocolate chips.

    Lunch

    Easy Weeknight Pasta - Gluten Free, Dairy Free
    This is my go-to weeknight meal when we need something quick and I don't have the energy for much cooking. Make a double batch and you'll have leftovers for lunch!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Gluten Free Dairy Free Weeknight Pasta

    This recipe isn't rocket science but it's quick, easy, and great for lunchboxes. I make a double batch of this so we have leftovers for lunch, and it's always a favorite. Pair it with a salad or some roasted vegetables for a healthy side option.

    Dinner

    Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)
    A delicious stew that's naturally free from dairy and gluten. It's loaded with vegetables and amazingly rich flavor. Paleo friendly!
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy Free Gluten Free Hunter's Stew

    There's just something about a good old-fashioned comfort food that makes me happy. If you're new to Bigos, don't be intimidated by the term "Hunter's Stew". This is a Polish stew that's full of smoky kielbasa, pork, and cabbage. It's easy to make but you do need a few hours to let it simmer. Once it's done you'll have a delicious dinner with plenty of leftovers for the week. This is a great Sunday meal prep option, and you can serve it as-is or with a side of boiled potatoes, crusty bread, or some pierogi.

    Snack

    Easy Banana Oat Bars (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free)
    These Banana Oat Bars are a delicious snack. They're so easy to make and are gluten free, dairy free, and nut free. Kids love them!
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy Free Banana Oat Bars

    I have some overripe bananas to use up so I'll be using them in these Easy Banana Oat Bars. These are a great option if you're tired of banana bread and muffins, and kids always love them.

    Did you make these dairy-free meal prep ideas?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    Sushi Inspired Shrimp Bowls

    Feb 18, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Shrimp Sushi Style Bowls

    If you asked me what my favorite foods were, one of them would most definitely be sushi. One item on my bucket list is to one day travel to Japan, admiring the coast and eating copious amounts of delicious fresh fish. What a dream. These shrimp bowls may not exactly be fresh sushi in Japan, but they're a great way to enjoy some of the flavors at home right in your own kitchen. This is also a great way to introduce the flavors of sushi to your kids if you're feeling hesitant about serving them raw fish. My twelve-year-old son loves sushi, and he loves when I make these bowls.

    Sushi Bowls - Dairy Free Gluten Free

    Gluten-Free Sushi

    Gluten-free sushi can be a tough dish to find. Most soy sauces contain wheat, making them off-limits for anyone with celiac disease or someone avoiding gluten. I use tamari in this recipe to keep it gluten-free, and it's a simple swap with minimal difference in flavor. If you aren't familiar with tamari, this is a wheat-free fermented soybean sauce from Japan, typically a byproduct of miso paste. Soy sauce is traditionally of Chinese origin, and it's usually fermented with grains like wheat. The flavors are very similar, and you can usually use tamari and soy sauce interchangeably.

    Fresh Ingredients For Sushi Bowls

    You'll want to use nice fresh ingredients to make these sushi bowls. The shrimp should be cooked, not raw. You can buy it precooked if you like, and cocktail shrimp works great here. Just be sure that if you buy shrimp that's already cooked it doesn't have any flavor on it. This isn't the place to use grilled shrimp, the flavors just won't work well together. Look for plain cooked cocktail shrimp, or boil your own. Pick through your shrimp to ensure that they're free from shells, and be sure the shrimp is chilled. No need to heat it up.

    Spicy Mayo

    I find that the spicy mayo in this recipe really adds a nice pop. I like a lot of heat, so the more mayo the better for me. If you're serving this to kids or someone with a sensitive palate, feel free to serve the mayo on the side for dipping. And if you're nervous about it being too spicy you can try just adding a little sriracha add a time, tasting it as you go along to find your personal sweet spot.

    gluten free shrimp sushi bowls

    Make Ahead Ideas & Leftovers

    These sushi bowls are best enjoyed immediately after they're freshly made. However, I have a few tricks if you'd like to make these ahead of time or have leftovers. You can prepare your rice according to the instructions, and store the leftovers covered in the refrigerator. I mix my spicy mayo and the tamari sauce and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator as well. You can prepare the shrimp salad ahead of time, but I suggest waiting to add the avocado until right before you plan on eating it. If you cut the avocado ahead of time, it will be brown and unappealing by the time you get to eat it. Store your shrimp salad separate from the spicy mayo, sauce, and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, just heat the rice in the microwave, add your avocado to the shrimp salad, and assemble your bowls.

    A Soy-Free Option

    If you're avoiding soy or on Whole30, you can substitute the tamari with coconut aminos.

    A Note About Presentation

    I like to play with my food, and to be totally transparent here I spent a fair amount of time styling these bowls to try to make them look pretty for you. So if you're wondering what they might look like in real life. here's a pic I snapped after one of my tests and very sloppy plating.

    gluten free sushi

    Not as pretty, but so, so delicious.

    gluten free sushi bowls

    Shrimp Sushi Style Bowls

    Shrimp Sushi Bowls

    A delicious, gluten-free option that has all the flavors of sushi in one big bowl. It's easy to make and the perfect light meal full of fresh ingredients.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    For the Rice

    • 2 cups sushi rice cooked according to packaging directions
    • 4 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • ½ tsp salt

    For The Spicy Mayo

    • ¼ cup mayonaise
    • 1 ½ tablespoon sriracha

    For The Shrimp Salad

    • 10 oz shrimp cooked, peeled, and chopped
    • 1 ½ cup diced cucumber
    • ¾ cup matchstick carrots
    • 1 nori sheet
    • 1 ½ tbsp pickled ginger sushi style, chopped
    • 1 avocado peeled, pitted, diced
    • black sesame seeds for garnish

    For the Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • ¼ cup reduced sodium tamari can sub coconut aminos if avoiding soy

    Instructions
     

    • Cook your sushi rice according to the packaging instructions and set it aside from the heat to let it cool. Keep it covered and let it rest while you work on the rest of the recipe.
    • In a small saucepan combine 4 tablespoon of rice vinegar with the sugar and salt. Cook it over medium-low heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool.
    • Whisk together your tamari and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar in a small bowl until combined, then set the bowl aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the ingredients for your shrimp salad.
    • Gently pour your mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt over the rice. Give it a gentle toss, but don't over mix it.
    • Distribute your rice evenly among four large bowls.
    • Spoon your shrimp salad over the rice, dividing it into even portions.
    • Drizzle the tamari mixture over the rice and shrimp, then drizzle the spicy mayo.
    • Garnish the bowls with some sesame seeds and enjoy!

    Notes

    If you're avoiding soy or on Whole30, you can substitute the tamari with coconut aminos.
    Recipe adapted from Cooking Classy

    Nutrition

    Calories: 612kcalCarbohydrates: 92gProtein: 24gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1322mgPotassium: 703mgFiber: 7gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 4173IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword shrimp
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Did you make these shrimp sushi bowls?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    Dairy-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    Feb 14, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    dairy free chocolate covered strawberries

    It had been a long time since I made chocolate covered strawberries. They're the perfect dessert, really, with their simple preparation and gorgeous presentation. Full of flavor and gorgeous color, they make for an amazing addition to your holiday dessert table, or to gift to someone special. Valentine's Day is synonymous with these little delicacies, so I thought it was the perfect time to whip up a dairy-free batch.

    vegan chocolate strawberries

    If you like easy fruit desserts like this, try my Frozen Snickers Bananas and Chocolate Dates!

    Preparation

    You'll want to start with the freshest berries possible. If you can find them with the stems on, it makes for easier dipping and a beautiful presentation. The more fresh and green the leaves are, the better. My strawberry leaves weren't as fresh as I'd like, but it was what I could get my hands on. The berries themselves were red, ripe, and delicious so I gave the leaves a pass.

    Be sure to wash and thoroughly dry your strawberries. Pick through them carefully, and inspect for bruises or mold. I can't stress enough how important this step is, especially if you don't plan on eating the berries right away.

    vegan chocolate covered strawberries

    Dairy-Free Chocolate

    I have a few favorites when it comes to choosing dairy-free chocolate for these berries. I used the semisweet chocolate chunks from Enjoy Life Foods this time around, but here are a few other great options to try:

    Chocolate Gems from Hu - these are dark chocolate but I love them and they'll work perfectly for this. They're delicious, plant based, and only made with three ingredients. I use them all the time.

    No Whey Foods Choco Morsels - I love this brand and these chocolate morsels are perfectly sweet with rich chocolate flavor. Be sure to take note of the bag size for these morsels, as it is smaller than the average bag of chocolate chips (I learned that the hard way). They also make this milkless chocolate bar that is to-die-for.

    Amanda's Own Confections Mini Chips - this is a brand that I've been following for years. They're a top 14 allergen-free dedicated facility and offer a variety of delicious treats including marshmallows, chocolate bars, cookie dough, and holiday gifts.

    Dairy-Free White Chocolate

    Polar Dream White - In addition to the delicious milk-style chocolates that Enjoy Life Foods offers, they also make a delicious dairy-free white chocolate option. My son prefers white chocolate, and he loves this one. For this batch of covered berries, I melted an entire bar of Polar Dream White so I could make some of the berries white chocolate covered for the little guy. Totally dreamy. They make white chocolate chips, too.

    Pascha's Vegan White Bar - If you aren't familiar with Pascha's, this is a plant-based chocolate manufacturer that practices responsible farming and all of their items are free from top allergens. They also offer some keto-friendly options, if you're looking for that sort of thing. They make baking chips, too, that are great for cookies.

    Nestle Allergen Free White Morsels - The old-fashioned, iconic Nestle now offers options that are free from the top 8 allergens, and you may be able to find them at a Walmart near you. These are marketed as "vanilla chips" and not white chocolate, so you should expect a taste difference. This option conjures up mixed reviews. In my opinion, it tastes the least like white chocolate, but I know many people who love it.

    vegan chocolate covered strawberries

    Additional Dipping Options

    I like a variety of toppings on my chocolate covered berries, and I try to make a few different combinations per batch. Here's what I made in the berries pictured here:

    • Chocolate covered with a white chocolate drizzle

    • Chocolate with sprinkles

    • Chocolate with chopped freeze dried strawberries

    • Chocolate with chopped peanuts

    • White chocolate covered with dried rose petals

    • White chocolate with chopped peanuts

    • White chocolate with sprinkles

    • White chocolate with chopped freeze dried strawberries

    Other options that work great on chocolate covered berries are chocolate chips in alternating flavors (dark/white), shredded coconut, strawberry frosting, or white chocolate with food coloring to make it festive.

    Storing Your Berries

    If you aren't going to be eating your berries right away, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They're best eaten within 48 hours, but if they're very fresh when you dip them they should keep for up to 4 days. They probably won't take that long to disappear, though.

    dairy free chocolate covered strawberries

    Dairy-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    A simple recipe for chocolate covered strawberries. Great for a decadent, healthy dessert or to give as a gift!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Servings 24

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb strawberries washed and thoroughly dried, stems and leaves left intact
    • 6 oz semisweet dairy-free chocolate see notes above
    • 3 oz dairy-free white chocolate optional
    • sprinkles, freeze-dried strawberries, rose petals, or chopped nuts optional, for garnish

    Instructions
     

    To melt the chocolate in the microwave

    • Put your semisweet and white chocolates in two separate microwave-safe bowls.
    • Set up a sort of assembly line for your garnishes. Put each garnish in a separate bowl, and line them up on your counter.
    • Melt your chocolate in the microwave one at a time on 50% power. I set the semisweet chocolate for one minute, stirring halfway through.
    • When the timer is up, give it a good stir. You want the chocolate to be fully melted and to stir into a very smooth mixture.
    • If your chocolate isn't melted, pop it back in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until it's all melted and smooth.
    • Set your melted semisweet chocolate aside and pop your white chocolate in the microwave.
    • You'll want to try melting the white chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds. Use a new, clean spoon to stir the white chocolate after 30 seconds, and if it's not fully melted and smooth, put it back in the microwave. Keep heating the chocolate on 50% power in 20-second intervals until it's fully melted and stirs into a nice smooth texture.

    To melt the chocolate in a double boiler

    • Put the chocolates into two separate heatproof bowls. Medium-sized glass bowls work great.
    • Fill two medium saucepans with two inches of water and bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
    • Turn off the heat and set your bowls of chocolate into the top of the pots with the water. Gently stir the chocolate until it's melted and smooth. Be sure to use two separate spoons for mixing, or your white chocolate will be tainted from the darker one.

    To make the chocolate covered strawberries

    • While your chocolate is melting, lay a piece of parchment paper out on a large cookie sheet. Set the cookie sheet at the end of your make-shift assembly line after the garnishes.
    • Make sure your strawberries are completely dry. If there is any moisture on them, dry them off with a paper towel.
    • Holding the strawberries gently by their stems or leaves, dip them into the semi-sweet chocolate. Give the strawberry a gentle twist when you lift it out of the chocolate to help prevent dripping.
    • Dip your chocolate covered strawberry immediately into one of your garnishes, or set it on the parchment paper if you're drizzling it with white chocolate.
    • If you're using the white chocolate for drizzling, stick the tip of a fork into the white chocolate then drizzle it over your strawberry. You could also use a small spoon. A spouted spoon works great.
    • Repeat this process until all of your strawberries are covered.
    • Once all of your strawberries are covered set them aside for at least 30 minutes. If your kitchen temperature is on the warm side, gently slide the cookie sheet of strawberries into the refrigerator.
    • These take 30 minutes to set at room temperature and about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. If you aren't eating them right away, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend eating them within 48 hours, but they're usually good for up to four days depending on how fresh the berries were when you got them.

    Notes

    See notes above in the post for dairy-free and vegan recommendations, and for tips.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 66kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword fruit
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Did you make these dairy-free chocolate covered strawberries?

    Please let me know how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    vegan gluten free chocolate covered strawberries

    milk free chocolate covered strawberries

    Vegan Gluten-Free Ramen

    Feb 10, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    vegan gluten-free ramen

    If you asked me to list off some of my favorite things to eat, ramen would most certainly be one of them. I find few foods more enjoyable than a big steaming bowl of noodles and broth, and it's the perfect comfort food amid a cold winter. Thankfully, I've passed my love for this umami delicacy on to my son, who happily slurps up all of my ramen creations on an almost weekly basis.

    The flavor combinations for a good bowl of ramen are practically endless, but I keep things fairly simple in this variation. While traditional ramen is made with Chinese-style wheat noodles, I'm using ramen made from brown rice and millet flour to keep it gluten-free. If you're gluten-free and like this recipe, be sure to check out my list of over 50 gluten-free and dairy-free meals.

    Meaty shiitake mushrooms add some earthy flavor and a bit of texture to this, and the quick cooking time prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy. The bok choy provides just a touch of bitterness to help round out all that salty broth, and the leafy texture is a nice contrast against all those soft noodles. There's plenty of fresh ginger and garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper adds just the right amount of heat to finish it off. Don't skimp on the onion and sesame seeds, but feel free to skip the pepper if you're serving this to kids with sensitive taste buds.

    Gluten-Free Ramen

    I get my gluten-free noodles from Whole Foods, but they're available on Amazon too. I really like the texture of these noodles, and they're probably the best gluten-free version I've found. If you're not gluten-free and looking for something more traditional, these noodles from Japan are excellent.

    The Broth

    The Ocean's Halo Ramen Broth is fantastic to use in this ramen because it's vegan and gluten-free. Kitchen Basics makes a delicious vegetable stock that also works great here, and I love the brand's allergen policy. If you aren't vegan you can also use your favorite bone broth.

    Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

    If you're new to being gluten-free, you may find that gluten hides in many unexpected foods, such as your standard soy sauce. Thankfully tamari is a great option and is fairly easy to find. If this is a new ingredient to you, tamari is a Japanese sauce made from fermented soybeans, but it's made without wheat. You could also use coconut aminos if you'd like, but the flavor will differ slightly. Reduced sodium soy sauce works perfectly if you aren't restricting wheat.

    Storing Leftover Ramen

    If you have leftovers or want to make this ahead of time, I recommend storing the broth and the noodles separately. Once your noodles are cooked (and rinsed if the directions call for it) give them a hearty drizzle of sesame oil. This will prevent them from sticking together.

    vegan gluten free ramen

    Vegan Gluten-Free Ramen

    An easy recipe for gluten-free ramen that's delicious, vegan, and full of vegetables.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 6

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 large head bok choy chopped
    • 2 shallots diced
    • 8 oz shiitake mushrooms sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1.5 inch ginger peeled and grated
    • 6 cups vegan ramen broth vegetable broth works too
    • 3 tablespoon lower sodium tamari
    • 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 20 oz gluten free ramen
    • green onions, black sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
    • Add the bok choy and cook it for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it's softened. Remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
    • If your pot is dry add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add in your mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and ginger. Cook it for about 2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant.
    • Stir in the broth, cover, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the broth come to a gentle simmer.
    • While your broth is heating up, cook your noodles in a separate pot according to the packaging directions. My noodles required 3 minutes of boiling, then a rinse with cold water. I drizzle mine with the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and give them a gentle toss to avoid having the noodles stick together.
    • Once your noodles are cooked and your broth is simmering, add your bok choy, tamari, and rice vinegar to the broth.
    • Add some noodles to your serving bowls (about 3 oz per serving). Ladle the broth over your noodles and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 2287mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 6267IUVitamin C: 64mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword gluten free, ramen, vegan
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Did you make this Vegan Gluten-Free Ramen?

    Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe.

    Be sure to snap a pic! Tag @milkfreemom on Instagram and hashtag it #milkfreemom

    Custard Toast (dairy & gluten free)

    Feb 2, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    vegan gluten free custard toast

    Custard toast is the latest food craze to trend on social media, and I just had to try it. It's genius, really, and if I knew who the original creator was I would certainly credit them here. The recipe uses an egg, yogurt (I used dairy-free), and some honey or maple syrup to create a custard that's spooned on to sliced bread and baked. This is one trend that lives up to the hype, and I actually find that it tastes similar to cheesecake. It's simple to make, requires only a few minutes, and it's my new favorite way to enjoy toast.

    vegan gluten free custard toast

    I tested this custard toast with traditional bread and yogurt, and also with gluten-free bread and dairy-free yogurt. The gluten and dairy-free toast is just as delicious as the traditional version, and there was little difference in flavor or texture.

    Gluten-Free Bread

    I'm using Udi's gluten-free white bread to make this, and it works great. If you don't need to avoid gluten, feel free to use your favorite. Dairy-free brioche, croissants, or cinnamon raisin bread would also be delicious with this. Just be sure your bread doesn't have any holes in it or the custard will leak through. You'll want to gently press a good well in the middle of your slices for the custard to rest, so it doesn't spill over the sides.

    Dairy-Free Yogurt

    Kite Hill is my go-to for Greek-style yogurt, and it worked perfectly for this recipe. The custard set just as it was supposed to, and it wasn't runny or watery. You can try your favorite brand of dairy-free yogurt in this, but be aware that it may yield different results. Each brand contains varied ingredients, so the product may behave differently for you. I would avoid yogurts with a watery consistency and use one that is thick and creamy to ensure the custard sets properly.

    Make It Vegan

    You can make this custard toast vegan by replacing the egg with 3 tablespoons of Just Egg. You can also replace the honey with maple syrup, and serve it on a vegan croissant or your favorite bread.

    Air Fried or Baked

    I make this in my air fryer at 350°F on the baking pan lined with parchment. The toast gets perfectly crisp, and the custard sets at about 5 minutes without the bread getting too brown. You can also bake this in your oven on a baking sheet at 350°F. I do not recommend cooking this in your air fryer basket. If the custard drips over the edges of your bread, you'll have a bit of a mess on your hands.

    Topping Your Toast

    The flavor combinations for custard toast are practically endless. Since I find that the flavor and texture are similar to cheesecake, I enjoy it most with fresh fruit. A bright burst of lemon zest is delicious with fresh raspberries, and a drizzle of melted chocolate over ripe sliced strawberries is just heavenly. You could also try chocolate peanut butter, banana with peanut butter and chocolate, blueberry banana, the list goes on. You can switch it up depending on the season or what you happen to have on hand.

    vegan gluten free custard toast

    Custard Toast (dairy & gluten free)

    Dairy-free custard toast 2 ways: Chocolate Strawberry, and Lemon Raspberry. My version of the viral TikTok trend!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 3

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 slices gluten free bread I used Udi's
    • 1 large egg
    • 3 tablespoon dairy free greek style yogurt I used Kite Hill
    • 1 tablespoon honey maple syrup works, too

    For Lemon Raspberry Toast

    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest + more for garnish
    • drizzle of honey for garnish
    • ¼ cup raspberries halved

    For Strawberry Chocolate Toast

    • ¼ cup strawberries sliced
    • 1 teaspoon hazelnut spread I used Nocciolata

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. (see notes below for oven instructions)
    • Using a fork or your fingers, gently press down in the middle of your bread slices. You want to create a well in the center of your bread for your custard to rest in. (see the video for a demonstration)
    • Place your bread on to the tray for your air fryer.
    • In a small bowl whisk together the egg, yogurt, and honey.
    • If you're making the chocolate strawberry toast, gently spoon some custard over your slice of bread until the custard fills the center of the bread but isn't running over the sides.
    • Add the lemon zest to the bowl of remaining custard and whisk to combine.
    • Top your remaining bread slices with the lemon custard.
    • Air fry your bread for about 5 minutes until the center is set. Keep an eye on it to be sure the top doesn't brown too much or burn.
    • Top your lemon custard with fresh raspberries, and the plain custard with strawberries.
    • Drizzle the raspberry toast with a bit more honey and a pinch of lemon zest.
    • Top the strawberry toast with a drizzle of hazelnut spread. If the spread isn't soft enough to drizzle you can melt it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds.

    Notes

    To make this in the oven, bake for about 10 minutes at 350°F. Check it frequently to avoid browning the top too much.
    To make it vegan, replace the egg with 3 tablespoons of  Just Egg.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 143mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 161IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword breakfast, dairy free breakfast, easy recipes
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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    Lyndsay Homme

    Hi, I'm Lyndsay! I'm a certified nutrition coach who loves food and studying its effects on our bodies. I started a dairy-free journey when my son was diagnosed with milk intolerance in 2009. He grew out of his intolerance when he was 7, and a few years later I grew into one.

    More about me →

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