When it comes to hosting around the holidays, dairy free side dishes can often be an afterthought. But there are so many options that are not only easy to prepare, they are so good they might just steal the show. These are my go-to recipes, the ones I make for my friends and family every year, and they are perfect for entertaining and sure to have guests going back for seconds.
The holidays are all about gathering around the table, sharing laughter, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. But if you are serving a crowd that includes people avoiding dairy, finding sides that are both festive and flavourful can sometimes feel hard. That is why I have put together this list of my best dairy free side dishes to make your holiday planning a little easier.
From wholesome salads to comforting roasted vegetables and all things potatoes, there is something on this list to suit every taste and holiday menu.
Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cosy New Year’s feast, these sides are designed to complement your main dishes without adding stress to your day. Because really, we all want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festive season with our loved ones.
12 Delicious Dairy Free Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table
1. Dairy Free Potato Salad
Looking for the best dairy free potato salad recipe for your next event? Look no further than this simple, super creamy and just the right amount of tangy potato salad. It’s sure to be a crowd favourite, can easily be made ahead and tastes even better as leftovers the next day!
2. Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
These creamy dairy free mashed potatoes are so good, you honestly won’t miss the dairy at all! Made with oat milk and vegan butter, this easy dairy free mashed potato recipe is the perfect side to pair with just about anything!
3. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These crispy smashed potatoes are the best side dish! They are full of texture with ultra crispy edges and soft and fluffy middles. Add these to the menu of your next dinner party or serve them up next to this air fryer roast chicken for the perfect Sunday meal.
4. Roasted Broccoli Salad
This roasted broccoli salad is one of my favourite quick and delicious sides. It is simple to make, has a satisfying crunch, and the combination of roasted broccoli, prosciutto, toasted almonds and a tangy red wine vinegar dressing makes it anything but a boring veggie dish.
5. Air Fryer Pumpkin
This air fryer pumpkin is so easy to make and is the perfect side dish or tossed through a salad. This pumpkin is soft and tender with deliciously caramelised edges and is lightly spiced making it a versatile way to use up any leftover pumpkin or add more veggies to your diet.
6. Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
This fun and festive pull-apart garlic bread wreath is the perfect appetizer served with a few drinks this holiday season. Made with a simple homemade dough and baked in dairy free garlic butter and cheese, you’ll want to make this for your next holiday party!
7. Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Learn the easiest way to make oven baked sweet potato fries that are nice and crispy on the outside but soft in the middle, have heaps of flavour and are super addictive. Serve these as a side or simply enjoy on their own as a snack!
8. Roasted Vegetable Salad
This roasted vegetable salad with chickpeas and a creamy dairy free tahini dressing is perfect for entertaining, or simply just enjoyed for lunch or dinner. This healthy salad will keep you full served on it’s own or as a side to a glazed ham and is something the whole family will enjoy!
9. Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes
Golden brown, crispy salt and vinegar smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish thanks to that classic salty/tangy combination of flavours. These potatoes are so easy to make and have the best texture with a crunchy exterior while being light and fluffy on the inside. You’ll be eating them right off the tray!
10. Smashed Potato Salad
This crispy smashed potato salad is a fresh, herby and tangy take on a potato salad. Far from a traditional potato salad, this version combines crispy roasted smashed potatoes with a dairy free tzatziki style yoghurt dressing, packed full of fresh herbs. This fresh and crispy potato salad is so full of texture you’ll love it as an addition to your holiday table.
11. Dairy Free Cauliflower Cheese Bake
This vegan cauliflower cheese is the most delicious way to eat cauliflower. With a rich, creamy and cheesy sauce (without using any vegan cheese!) and a flavourful and crunchy golden breadcrumb topping, this cauliflower bake can be enjoyed as a side dish or on its own as a vegetarian main meal. Think mac and cheese but healthier!
12. Easy Vegan Garlic Bread
This easy vegan garlic bread recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner table when you just need something extra! It’s my go-to side for homemade pizza, creamy pastas, or for dunking in soups. It’s simple to make, packed with real garlic flavour, and so incredibly delicious!
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