Prepping picnics and barbecues for the Fourth of July weekend? Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, you can ensure there’s a dairy-free (and crowd-pleasing) option at the table with these festive holiday eats.
1. Divine Vanilla Cupcakes with Fluffy Non-Dairy Buttercream
Cupcakes are a simpler solution to cake. There’s no need to remember to bring a knife or additional serving plates or utensils, and each dessert is perfectly portioned. Decorate these moist mini cakes with red, white, and blue sprinkles and choose cupcake liners to match. However, you might want to double the recipe—these treats will go fast!
Find the recipe here.
2. Sweet Potato Bean Burgers with Maple Dijon Sauce
These protein-packed patties are perfect for home parties. Mix up a batch, throw them on a griddle, then lay out a create-your-own-burger bar with toppings galore. We suggest lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, non-dairy cheese, jalapenos, grilled mushrooms and onions, and the crowning glory of this recipe: the maple dijon sauce. It can even double as a salad dressing or a dip for air-fried sweet potato fries. Sweet yet tangy and ultra creamy, and no one will know it’s dairy-free!
Find the recipe here.
3. Fully Loaded Ballpark Carrot Dogs
Mac-and-cheese-topped hot dog? Oh yes, we went there. This three-for-one recipe also includes a hot dog and the classic jalapeno and cheese-topped “Denver Dog.” Of course, it’s all dairy-free and plant-based. Most of the effort in this recipe is devoted to preparing the carrot dog, but once that’s done, all you need is a few simple ingredients to elevate the humble carrot into a crave-worthy Fourth of July meal.
Find the recipe here.
4. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Don’t worry—these irresistible bites won’t derail your long run. They’re dairy-free and made with chickpeas, macadamia nuts, and beetroot powder. To our delight, we found that they don’t taste “healthy” despite their good-for-you ingredients. You’ll surely add them to your regular baking rotation. Add a few blueberries on top to match the color scheme of the holiday.
Find the recipe here.
5. Dairy-Free Tomato, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
Every get together needs a good salad, and this one certainly won’t be passed up. It’s bold, hearty, and stands up to the heat of outdoor summer parties. Thanks to a simple marinade, bland tofu is transformed into protein-rich, cholesterol-free ‘feta,’ which is truly the star of this dish. We could happily fill up on this salad alone, but you could also add some grains—pearl couscous, bow-tie pasta, farro, etc— if you’re bringing it as a dairy-free meal for one.
Find the recipe here.
6. Berry Vodka Cocktails (or Mocktails)
Make a quick batch of these refreshing berry infused cocktails to keep your guests (and yourself) cool all day long. If kids are around, you can easily omit the vodka and still have a delicious drink. Be generous with the fruit on the toothpick, and these will double as a drink and a light snack. It’s all about the edible garnish!
Find the recipe here.
7. Creamy Non-dairy Tzatziki Dip
Forget the sour cream and onion dip (although there are great dairy-free options out there); we’re all in with this amazing dairy-free tzatziki. Chips, veggie sticks, olives, toasted pita bread … it’s all fair game. Not only will it wow your guests, it’s also nutrient-dense. Made with hemp seeds, tahini, and other spices, this tzatziki has more protein and calcium than dairy-based dips. It’s so good; we won’t judge if you double-dip.
Find the recipe here.
Image credit: Carrots and Flowers
