Skip to Content

๐Ÿด 30 BEST Dairy Free Appetizers For Everyone To Enjoy!๐Ÿด

🍴 30 BEST Dairy Free Appetizers For Everyone To Enjoy!🍴

Thanks for stopping by! We have a list of 30 of our best dairy-free appetizers here to inspire your next family meal or get together with your friends!
Appetizers are so fun to serve before a meal whether it is for a small family gathering or a full-scale party. 

Serving dairy-free appetizers is a proactive way to be sure that almost everyone can enjoy your appetizer course for the meal. 

Dairy-free party appetizers do not have to be complicated. 

There are plenty of dairy-free finger foods or dairy-free simple appetizers that do not use any animal-based products like cheese, sour cream, milk, yogurt, or butter. 

On the other hand, there are loads of dairy easy appetizers that use non-dairy substitutes that most dairy-free folks are quite comfortable enjoying. 

In this collection of 30 options, there is a wide range of possibilities. 

I included some dairy-free soup appetizers, dairy-free salad appetizers, as well as some dairy-free bread appetizers. 

Since these could be used year-round, I also included some dairy-free holiday appetizers too! 

Some will require a plate and others are easily picked up and enjoyed. 

Some are meant to be served at a table while others can be enjoyed while mixing and mingling with others at the gathering. 

Some are veggie-based like the Guacamole and Creamy White Bean Soup With Kale, Rosemary & Lemon, and some include a source of protein like the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers

Some are completely dairy-free and others use non-dairy substitutes. 

I do hope that something jumps out as just that perfect recipe for your planning.

1. Vegan Cucumber Hummus Bites

Some dairy-free appetizers can be made ahead like these cucumber hummus bites and then enjoyed chilled straight out of the fridge. 

The ingredient list includes cucumber, hummus, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. 

Slice, assemble, and chill! 

Refreshing and tasty!

2. Guacamole

Guacamole is a crowd pleaser and fits our dairy-free party appetizers perfectly. 

Gather together avocados, cilantro, scallions, jalapeno, salt, and red pepper flakes. 

Easy to make a beautiful serving plate with sliced peppers and chips to dip in that guacamole!

3. Vegan Butter Tarts

This Canadian classic is probably considered a dessert, but hey, sometimes it’s okay to start with dessert! 

This dairy-free finger food uses a vegan pie crust, vegan butter, and plant-based milk. 

They are delicious and maybe a bit different from the usual appetizer fare, so be prepared for compliments!

4. Tomato-Carrot Soup

When a sit-down affair is at hand, dairy-free soup appetizers are an excellent choice. 

This soup is luscious and veggie dense with onions, tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, and celery! 

An immersion blender will cream it all beautifully!

5. Arugula Zucchini Salad

Veggies in dairy-free salad appetizers? Yes, please! 

Here zucchini strips, peppery arugula, and toasted pine nuts are topped with a basil vinaigrette which makes for an easy and refreshing salad to serve as an appetizer! 

I might be inclined to add some pepitas as well!

6. Mini Bruschetta Bites

Dairy-free bread appetizers are fan favorites especially those with an Italian flavor profile. 

These mini bruschetta bites are made of exactly what it seems; bread slices, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, olive oil, and salt.

7. Shrimp Ceviche Verde

If impressing the guests is the goal, these dairy-free easy appetizers of Shrimp Ceviche Verde will absolutely help you accomplish that. 

A beautifully chopped combination of cucumber, tomatillos, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt are the base spooned into a clear serving cup or shot glass. 

Top with shrimp and lime zest! Stunning!

8. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

For a little something more substantial as a dairy-free appetizer recipe, this Buffalo Chicken Meatball recipe is a great idea. 

Who doesn’t love a cute plate with buffalo meatballs and celery sticks with a tasty dip in hand?

9. Pumpkin Spice Fruit Dip

When the air turns cool and the apple cider smell fills the air, dairy-free holiday appetizers may be on your mind. 

This Pumpkin Spice Fruit Dip pairs perfectly with the fresh apples of the season! 

Clear instructions are unique but definitely a must to follow!

10. Dairy Free Corn Fritters

This entry might not be the first idea to cross your mind as a dairy-free simple appetizer, but let me say, it is wonderful! 

With just the right amount of crispiness, these Dairy-Free Corn Fritters can be made with fresh or frozen corn and they even freeze well.

11. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Classy dairy-free appetizers may be what you seek, and these bites are that and more! 

Cucumber slices, topped with dairy-free cream cheese, a piece of smoked salmon, a bit of red onion, and fresh dill are going to knock their socks off!

12.  Taco Popcorn With Chili Powder & Lime

Popcorn may seem like a kid’s appetizer but as dairy-free party appetizers go, this taco popcorn recipe is zippy, fun, and definitely grown-up! 

It uses Tex-Mex flavors along with a little lime zest and nutritional yeast. 

Simply use a non-dairy buttery spread before tossing in those amazing flavors!

13. Baked Carrot Fries With Sriracha Mayo

Fries are most definitely fun dairy-free finger foods. 

But this recipe takes it up a notch by using carrots to make the fries and sriracha mayo for the dip. 

Yes, you’re gonna want to keep reading! 

The carrot fries are well seasoned and the dip is made with vegan mayo. 

14. Creamy White Bean Soup With Kale, Rosemary & Lemon

This White Bean Soup with Kale, Rosemary, and Lemon is among my dairy-free soup appetizers. 

What is interesting is that it is broth-based but half the soup is pureed giving it a creamy texture as well. 

The textures are interesting and the ingredients are hearty.

15. Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Here we have entered the delightful pasta dairy-free salad appetizers! 

This time with comforting tri-colored spiral pasta, crunchy veggies, and Italian dressing! 

The beautiful bowl of colors it makes includes cherry tomatoes, yellow and orange peppers, red onions, black olives, and green cucumbers. 

Smiles all around!

16. Cheesy Puff Pastry Tomato Tart  

Dairy-free bread appetizers made with a pastry puff are going to be outstanding! 

This tart is exactly that being covered with cashew cheese and roasted tomato slices. 

I highly suggest making the cashew cheese the day before to allow for the soak time. 

This tart comes out of the oven looking and smelling oh so delicious!

17. Sesame Pineapple Sausage Bites

Sweet and salty are a wonderful combination in a dairy-free easy appetizer bite! 

Here Polish-style sausage slices are paired with pineapple slices and a lovely sauce. 

Serve secured together with toothpicks, sprinkled with sesame seeds and cilantro!

18. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers

A dairy-free appetizer recipe that only requires prep time before cooking is great because when it comes out of the oven, it is ready to serve! 

This keto-friendly appetizer is made with thin slices of chicken skewered, wrapped in bacon, and brushed with bbq sauce! 

YUM!

19. Balsamic Beet Hummus

When the selection of your dairy-free holiday appetizers is for color, this red Balsamic Beet Hummus is a go-to recipe! 

Do take the time to roast the beet. 

Then all the ingredients are blended in a food processor. 

Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggies! 

The deep color is stunning!

20. Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Tortilla Pinwheels

I encourage you to give this dairy-free simple appetizer a try. 

The post promotes these pinwheels for kids or the whole family since the avocado spread with taco seasoning and thin meat slices rolled into corn tortillas are really cute and finger-friendly. 

Who can resist a beautiful pinwheel?

21. Homemade Dairy Free Ranch Dressing

Fear not, ranch lovers! 

There are dairy-free appetizers that include a dairy-free ranch dressing! 

This one is one such example. 

It is made of vegan mayo, coconut cream, seasonings, herbs, lemon juice, and water. 

Dairy-free and delicious!

22. Sheet Pan Vegan Nachos

Nachos are absolutely among my dairy-free party appetizers. 

With a little planning, these nachos will be the star of the evening! 

Creamy mashed black beans, vegan taco meat, and vegan nacho cheese are the warm items layered onto your favorite tortilla chips

The list of cold items that can be added is quite long, so pick your favorite and it is sure to be a hit!

23. Sausage & Sage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are lovely dairy-free finger foods! 

Sausage and sage are the winning combinations in this recipe. 

It does use almond milk cream cheese in the mix of sausage, mushroom stems, garlic, sage leaves, Italian seasoning, almond flour, and parsley. 

Perfect bites of goodness!

24. Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

Another fantastic choice of dairy-free soup appetizers is this Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup. 

The main ingredients are broccoli, onion, coconut milk, cashews, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth. 

Creamy and brothy all at the same time! 

A popular and perfect meal starter!

25. Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

In the summer months, a Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad makes a splash as dairy-free salad appetizers! 

The recipe gives the option to omit or use dairy-free sour cream or cheese shreds. 

It’s yum, yum, yum! 

Excellent step-by-step instructions!

26. 2-Ingredient Dough Garlic Knots

Dairy-free bread appetizers are of high interest and these garlic knots are no exception! 

The dough is self-rising flour and coconut yogurt. 

After dividing, rolling, and shaping, brush the knots with dairy-free butter mixed with garlic and herbs before baking.

27. Vegan Cheese Ball

A vegan cheese ball with crackers is included in our dairy-free easy appetizers! 

The vegan cheese ball is formed in the food processor with cashews, vegan cream cheese, coconut milk, and spices. 

After forming, it is rolled in pecans, parsley, and cranberries. 

Very festive presentation no matter the occasion!

28. Mexican Street Corn Salad

My next dairy-free appetizer recipe is for Mexican Street Corn Salad which is all the rage. 

Fresh-grilled corn cooled and cut off the cob is then mixed with tons of fresh spices and some mayo. 

The post recommends serving it on individual size tostadas which might complete the look.

29. St. Nick’s Drop It Like It’s Hot Party Nuts

Dairy-free holiday appetizers could be a handful of roasted nuts, Christmas time or not. 

This recipe roasts any combination of nuts like cashews, pecans, walnuts, or almonds coated with maple syrup, vegan butter, chia seeds, cayenne pepper, and chili powder, cinnamon, and salt. 

In addition to being a great appetizer, nuts also make great gifts.  

30. BLT Summer Roll Recipe With Avocado

My last dairy-free simple appetizer uses rice paper wrappers making this “lettuce wrap” option low carb as well. 

These are filled with layers of bacon, tomato, avocado, lettuce, and mayo. 

Roll them up tightly, slice them in half and they are ready to serve.

The bottom line

Dairy-free appetizers simply take a little time before beginning to scan the ingredients to be sure there are no dairy suspects lurking. 

May the efforts you put into making dairy-free appetizer recipes be richly rewarded because time with others is always a treasure.

Top 30 BEST Dairy Free Appetizers🍴

Top 30 BEST Dairy Free Appetizers🍴

May the efforts you put into making these 30 dairy-free appetizers be richly rewarded because time with others is always a treasure.

Ingredients

  • Vegan Cucumber Hummus Bites
  • Guacamole
  • Vegan Butter Tarts
  • Tomato-Carrot Soup
  • Arugula Zucchini Salad
  • Mini Bruschetta Bites
  • Shrimp Ceviche Verde
  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
  • Pumpkin Spice Fruit Dip
  • Dairy Free Corn Fritters
  • Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
  • Taco Popcorn With Chili Powder & Lime
  • Baked Carrot Fries With Sriracha Mayo
  • Creamy White Bean Soup With Kale, Rosemary & Lemon
  • Cold Italian Pasta Salad
  • Cheesy Puff Pastry Tomato Tart
  • Sesame Pineapple Sausage Bites
  • Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
  • Balsamic Beet Hummus
  • Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Tortilla Pinwheels
  • Homemade Dairy Free Ranch Dressing
  • Sheet Pan Vegan Nachos
  • Sausage & Sage Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
  • 2-Ingredient Dough Garlic Knots
  • Vegan Cheese Ball
  • Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • St. Nick's Drop It Like It's Hot Party Nuts
  • BLT Summer Roll Recipe With Avocado

Instructions

  1. Scroll for your favorite recipe from our list of Dairy-Free Appetizers.
  2. Pick out the ingredients needed for the dish.
  3. Prepare then enjoy it immediately!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Skip to Recipe