Quick Take

Think going dairy-free means forgoing the rich and creamy dishes you love? Think again! There are plenty of ways to make delicious, creamy sauces without dairy.

How to make dairy-free dishes creamy and dreamy!

Struggling to give up dairy and the creamy dishes that come with it? We've got your back! Going dairy-free doesn't have to be painful. There are plenty of ways to get the textures and flavors you love, minus the dairy products (and casein). Here are 5 of our go-to dairy-free hacks for creamy vegan dishes:

1. Avocado

From smoothies to pastas to potato salads, the avocado is a magical fruit (yep, it’s a fruit!). When blended, it takes on a thick, creamy texture. Note: it will lend its green color to any dish you add it to so keep that in mind.

Try this creamy avocado pasta recipe.

2. Cashews

Perhaps the most well-known dairy-free hack for creamy recipes, you’re going to want to make friends with raw cashews.

Soak them in water, preferably overnight, then rinse and toss them in a high-speed (Ninja or Vitamin both work great) with a little bit of water. Blend until completely smooth, 2-3 minutes. Add a little salt if you like then use this delicious creamy base for vegan Mac and Cheese, cashew cream cheese, dairy-free pizza, dairy-free sour cream. The possibilities are endless!

Try this cashew cream recipe for a quick and easy sauce you can store in the fridge for when the mood strikes. 

In the mood for queso? Don't miss this dairy-free version.

3. White Beans

Recipe and image from KitchenTreaty.com

Get your fiber AND enjoy our favorite creamy dishes when you use white beans! Put 1 can of white beans (drained and rinsed) in the blender with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, a splash or two of water, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend on high until creamy and use as a creamy Alfredo-like sauce for pasta.

Try this white bean Alfredo sauce recipe (sub out the oil for water in this recipe).

4. Coconut Milk

For a creamy soup, minus the cream, stir in some coconut milk (full-fat or low fat will do). Chef tip: add a little curry powder or paste for a savory and sweet flavor.

Try this plant-based healing soup recipe.

5. Potatoes

Pick up some spuds at the grocery store for a cheap and hearty way to get the smoothness you’re after. Potatoes, when blended with veggie broth and/or plant-based milk, can make any soup creamier, without any dairy!

Try this dairy-free potato leek soup recipe. 

Don’t have time to meal prep all these creamy dishes?

No worries. Get delicious and dairy-free Mama’s Mac Sauce delivered to your door, ready-made. Add to your favorite 100% whole grain pasta, drizzle on baked potatoes, swirl into hearty stews, or use as a cheese sauce on your favorite veggie burger. 

Key Takeaways

Giving up dairy doesn't mean saying goodbye to creamy. With these 5 hacks, you'll be enjoying velvety delicious and 100% whole food plant-based dishes in no time.

• Add blended avocado
• Whip up an easy cashew-based sauce
• Swap out cheese for white beans and nutritional yeast
• Use up the coconut milk in your pantry
• Blend potatoes for creamy soups
• Bonus: Order Mama's Mac Sauce for a scrumptious vegan take on Alfredo sauce

Updated 7/1/21

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By Ali Brown

Ali is a mom, wife, and nutrition and lifestyle writer and editor. She has her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies.