Milk, cheese and yogurt are often mainstays of a toddler’s diet. But some children are allergic or sensitive to dairy. Or perhaps your family avoids dairy as part of your food philosophy. Never fear, there are plenty of dairy-free meals for toddlers that you can try. Here are some easy ideas to get you started!
New to this lifestyle? You won’t believe these meals are dairy-free.
Dairy-Free Meals for Toddlers
1. Dairy-Free Pancakes
When you’re building a toddler breakfast without cheesy scrambled eggs or yogurt, consider simple dairy-free pancakes. (Birch Benders has a great mix for pancakes and waffles.) Pair your ‘cakes with some sliced strawberries and bananas. Looking for a special weekend treat? Offer up this easy glazed bacon.
2. Taco Bowls
Steamed rice, black or pinto beans and some grilled chicken or seasoned ground beef make for a healthy weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to experiment with tomatoes, lettuce and avocado, too. Make your bowls as complex or as simple as you want. Separate foods (for toddlers) or mix them together (for you). Plus, if you have family members who can eat cheese, taco bowls are an easy meal to customize.
3. Grilled Steak and Corn
Perfect for summer, grilled steak (keep it tender, and be sure to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces before serving) paired with corn on the cob is an easy option. (Just be sure to give the corn time to cool so it doesn’t burn your toddler’s tongue!) Add some seedless watermelon for a balanced meal.
4. Turkey on Crackers
For a simple lunch or a hefty snack, offer turkey lunch meat on whole-wheat crackers or pita. Then, throw in some crunchy celery and carrots on the side. For a dairy-free veggie dip option, try this cannellini bean hummus.
5. Bento Box
A bento box (like this one) is basically a divided tray—perfect for toddlers who don’t want their foods to touch. Sliced bananas and pineapple, steamed green beans, sliced cucumbers, ground meat, apple wedges, sliced tomatoes, whole-grain crackers, guacamole… Yep, the options are endless. And as long as you offer up an array of healthy foods, you can rest easy calling the collection of foods a meal. (Bonus: Make your own simple guacamole and invite your kiddo to help—mashing avocados is fun and easy for a toddler!)
6. Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
Whether you roast a whole chicken or bake some legs (or hey, even “cheat” and pick up a rotisserie chicken), this easy protein is great for toddlers. Depending on your little one’s stage, you might want to take the meat off the bone. But a lot of toddlers are completely comfortable digging into a piece of bone-in meat. Throw in some roasted yams, a side of lentils, green beans or simple steamed broccoli for a complete meal. This roasted chicken and red potatoes dish is a good place to start.
7. Fish Sticks with Veggies
Raise your hand if your kid loves fish. Yeah, didn’t think so. Fish can be tough to introduce, but fish sticks (try this homemade version) can make the introduction a little easier. Roasted colorful veggies—like zucchini, squash and bell pepper—are a nice complement. Add some applesauce for a familiar fave.
Don’t Forget Dairy-Free Substitutes!
There are endless combinations of healthy meats, beans and lentils, fruits and veggies and whole grains that you can use to create lots of dairy-free toddler meals. But don’t forget, there also are many substitutes for dairy products—nut, oat and soy milks, for example. Plus plant-based “cheeses”, almond-milk yogurts, vegan butters and more. These substitutes may not work perfectly in every recipe, but through research and experimentation you’ll have many dairy-free options to choose from at mealtime.
Plan on making dessert, too! Your little one will love these dairy-free treats.
Find Dairy-Free Dinners for the Family
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Stovetop Beef and Shells
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Savory Turkey Potpies
This will perk you up on a cold, rainy day. You can use chicken in place of turkey, and I like to serve the potpies with a fresh green salad or cranberry sauce on the side. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Thai Pasta with Spicy Peanut Sauce
We love how the whole wheat pasta and crisp, raw vegetables blend with the rich and creamy peanut sauce. The addition of fresh lime juice really brightens the flavor of the dish. Some eat it hot, but my husband and I prefer to wait until it's closer to room temperature. —Donna McCallie, Lake Park, Florida
Mediterranean Mashed Potatoes
It's hard for our family to imagine eating mashed potatoes any other way but this. It tastes great on its own or drizzled with tahini sauce. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
Southwestern Goulash
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Sweet-and-Sour Supper
My mother shared this recipe, which I've been making for my family for years. The homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the key to this dish's success. —Dorothy Reimer, Dewberry, Alberta
Black Bean & Corn Quinoa
My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Land of Enchantment Posole
My family named this spicy soup after our state moniker, “New Mexico, Land of Enchantment.” We usually make it around Christmas when we have lots of family over…and we never have leftovers. —Suzanne Caldwell Artesia, New Mexico
Salsa Spaghetti Squash
If you want spaghetti, but are eating gluten-free or trying to keep a lid on carbs, there's always spaghetti squash as a flavorful alternative. Subtly sweet, tender and satisfying, this is one colorful dish. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta
Once I discovered brown rice pasta, I never looked back. Tossed with ginger, bright veggies and rotisserie chicken, it tastes like a deconstructed egg roll! —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Mom's Spanish Rice
My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Meatball Cabbage Rolls
My mother would often have these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Lemony Chicken & Rice
I couldn’t say who loves this chicken and rice recipe best, because every time I serve it, it gets raves! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite of my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Carolina Shrimp Soup
Fresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Salmon & Spinach Salad with Avocado
We eat a power salad packed with salmon and spinach at least once a week. It’s a cinch to make, even after a hard day’s work. —Jenny Dawson, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin
Spaghetti with Bacon
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Lentil Pumpkin Soup
Garlic and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It’s just the thing we need on a chilly fall day. —Laura Magee, Houlton, Wisconsin
Sunday Roast Chicken
This recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to be full of unwanted calories. Mixed with orange and lemon juice, my roast chicken is both flavorful and healthy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island.
Turkey Salad with Pear Dressing
This salad is perfect for using up leftover turkey, chicken or deli meat. Anjou pears are such a great winter fruit. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein
My colorful Lo Mein is a lighter version of the classic Chinese dish that everyone at our table loves. Try it with a squirt of Sriracha. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas
Moist Cranberry Pork Roast
I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
Mexican Tamales
Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, brown-bag lunch, hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. —Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta
This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Shrimp Puttanesca
I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, California
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots
When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
This quick-prep recipe lets you feast on turkey at any time of year. We save the rich broth for gravy, noodles and soup making. —Joyce Hough, Annapolis, Maryland
Asparagus Nicoise Salad
I’ve used Nicoise as an appetizer or main-dish salad, and it’s a winner every time I put it on the table. Here’s to a colorful, do-ahead sure thing. —Jan Meyer, St. Paul, Minnesota
Sugar-Glazed Ham
This old-fashioned sugar glaze gives your ham a pretty, golden brown coating just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar and add tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia
Mediterranean Chickpeas
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Standing Rib Roast
Want to learn how to cook rib roast? This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Spicy Pork Tenderloin
A friend shared this recipe for marvelously flavorful pork years ago. It really sparks up a barbecue and has been popular whenever I've served it. I guarantee you'll get many requests for the recipe. —Diana Steger, Prospect, Kentucky
Red Clam Sauce
This recipe tastes like it’s taken you all day to make. Instead, it cooks while you take care of other things. What a great way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, Pennsylvania
Grilled Pork with Avocado Salsa
I love the zesty taste of this moist grilled tenderloin. The cumin, avocado and jalapeno give it Southwestern flair. It's an easy, elegant way to prepare pork. —Josephine Devereaux Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania.
Golden Apricot-Glazed Turkey Breast
Basted with a simple glaze, this wonderfully moist and tender turkey bakes to a lovely golden brown. Make it the centerpiece of your holiday table; guests will be glad you did. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This is a super-easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Red Pepper Chicken
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
Italian Sausage and Zucchini Soup
Everyone in my family likes this soup. Sometimes I use mini farfalle in this soup because my grandchildren say it looks like tiny butterflies. The recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida
Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Beef Brisket on Buns
With its slightly smoky flavor, this beef turns out tender and delicious every time! Plus, it slices well so it looks great on a buffet. —Deb Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington
Bourbon-Glazed Ham
Smoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Hoisin & Honey Glazed Salmon
Now that I have this recipe, my husband and I always look forward to the fresh wild salmon season. You can find hoisin sauce in the international foods aisle at the grocery store. —Cheryl Rein, Orlando, Florida
Slow-Cooked Turkey with Berry Compote
We love to eat turkey, and on hot summer days, here's how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama
Curried Pork & Orange Kabobs
I love the sweet flavor of red, yellow and orange peppers. I always go for these in the summer when they are inexpensive and plentiful, plus I think they taste a whole lot better than green peppers. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & Potatoes
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Apricot Cranberry Chicken
Before we had kids, my husband and I used to make a lot of challenging recipes, but now we keep things a little simpler. This tangy chicken has big flavors that everybody likes. —Brooke Ruzek, Elk River, Minnesota
Apple Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
I added roasted apples, cherries and onions to turn ordinary pork into an impressive dish. There is a short time span between caramelized onions and burnt ones, so pay close attention once they start cooking. —Josh Downey, McHenry, Illinois
Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde
Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Roast Chicken with Vegetables
Love a moist and tender chicken but not the mess of actual roasting? Use an oven cooking bag to keep chicken and veggies easily under control. It's a great way to make roast chicken with potatoes and carrots easy any night of the week. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts
I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina
Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad
Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Rosemary Pork Loin
I started growing rosemary in my garden after I discovered this pork recipe. My husband and I think it’s restaurant quality, and we look forward to making it after work. —Judy Learned, Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Rosemary-Lemon Chicken Thighs
A cooking show inspired me to create this lemony chicken. Ask your butcher to remove the bones from chicken thighs but leave the skin intact. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin
You don't need much seasoning to add flavor to this beef tenderloin recipe. The mild blending of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Chicken Artichoke Skillet
This quick-to-fix chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has a real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado
Root Stew
While inventing a new form of comfort food, I made a stew of carrots, turnips, parsnips and rutabaga. When I'm in the mood to change things up, I add potatoes or chicken. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad
This pretty crowd-pleaser always stands out on the buffet table. With plenty of shrimp, artichoke hearts, olives, peppers and a host of herbs, it's a tasty change of pace from pasta salads. I serve it with a from-scratch vinaigrette. —Ginger Johnson, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Rosemary-Thyme Lamb Chops
My father loves lamb, so I make this dish whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida.
Strawberry Mint Chicken
I hand-pick wild strawberries for this saucy chicken dish. We love it with fresh spring greens and a sweet white wine. —Alicia Duerst, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad
Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad
Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Super Quick Chicken Fried Rice
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Rosemary Chicken with Spinach & Beans
With two young boys constantly on-the-go, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meals. Since this recipe uses just one skillet, it's a cinch to prepare when I only have a half-hour to make dinner for a hungry family. —Sara Richardson, Littleton, Colorado
Turkey and Vegetable Barley Soup
Using ingredients on hand, I stirred up this turkey and veggie-packed soup. If you have them, corn, beans and celery are great here, too. —Lisa Wiger, St. Michael, Minnesota
Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This one-dish roast chicken with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Savory Rubbed Roast Chicken
In general, procedures for roasting meat apply to poultry, too. That means if you use a dry rub on a steak, a dry rub will benefit a chicken. A blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne go on the skin and inside the cavity for a bright, spicy roast chicken. —Margaret Cole, Imperial, Missouri
Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa
I love this recipe because of the depth of flavors and burst of colors. It's quick and easy to make. It's best when peaches are in season, but you could try strawberries or pineapple instead. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Skinny Turkey-Vegetable Soup
The blend of flavors and colors in this hearty soup will bring everyone at the table back for more. —Charlotte Welch, Utica, New York
Spinach Chicken Salad
Dazzle your hungry visitors with this crunchy salad. It showcases an interesting mixture of chicken, pasta, spinach and other vegetables. The delectable dressing complements the colorful ingredients. A hearty plateful makes a satisfying entree. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Italian Shrimp 'n' Pasta
This dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Slow cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine
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The post 7 Easy and Delicious Dairy-Free Meals for Toddlers appeared first on Taste of Home.
Stephanie R. Conner