Gluten Free & Vegan Banana Cream Pie

Gluten Free & Vegan Banana Cream Pie


This delicious and healthier banana cream pie is completely gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and refined sugar free. A flakey, butter crust is filled with fresh bananas, banana pudding, and whipped coconut cream.

gluten free banana cream pie
gluten free banana cream pie

I have a confession… I’d never had banana cream pie before I attempted baking it myself! I had banana pudding as a kid, but never banana cream pie. So I was really excited to attempt making my own version. And I think it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.

dairy free banana cream pie
dairy free banana cream pie

I’ve seen banana cream pie made a few different ways. Crust wise, the options seem to be with a cookie crust, graham cracker curst, or with a more traditional pie crust (like I did). The filling tends to be a creamy pudding, topped with whipped cream and layered with bananas. I felt like for something called BANANA CREAM PIE, it needed to be made with banana pudding! So that is just what I did. My version is a gluten free crust, layered with fresh banana, vegan banana pudding (for all that extra banana flavor!), and topped with coconut whipped cream. The entire pie is also refined sugar free, utilizing coconut sugar and maple syrup as the sweeteners. I tried to rely on the natural sweetness of the banana, so this pie isn’t overly sweetened or too sweet in general.

gluten free banana cream pie
gluten and dairy free banana cream pie

This healthy vegan banana cream pie isn’t all that labor intensive, but it does take time as you have to cook and set the individual components. Be sure to read the recipe in advance so that you make sure to have enough time to actually make and assemble the pie. This can be done in one day, but to plan in setting time, you’ll want to start in the morning.

healthy banana cream pie
healthy banana cream pie
gluten free flour blend

Healthy Banana Cream Pie (Gluten Free & Vegan)

This delicious and healthier banana cream pie is completely gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free. A flakey, butter crust is filled with fresh bananas, banana pudding, and whipped coconut cream. Enjoy this healthy, refreshing dessert this summer!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword dairy free, gluten free, healthy
Total Time 12 hours
Servings 8 servings
Author Victoria Faling

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups 1:1 gluten free flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 cup butter* I used a vegan butter
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ice water

Banana Pudding

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1.5 cups milk of choice I used a dairy free milk
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp arrowroot or tapioca starch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coconut Cream

  • 2 cans coconut milk make sure it is the canned coconut milk and you chill these cans in the fridge 24 hours before hand.
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Assembly

  • 1-2 more bananas

Instructions

  • First, make sure you chill your coconut milk in the fridge for 24 hours before starting. You want to separate the cream from the liquid.

Crust

  • You will make the crust first. In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and coconut sugar. Pulse a few times to mix everything together.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until you have little pebbles. Add the apple cider vinegar and pulse until just combined.
  • Pour the dough into a bowl and use your hands to bring it together. If the dough is too crumbly and not coming together, add ice cold water 1 Tbsp at a time, gently working the dough until it holds together. You do want to work quickly so the butter doesn't all melt.
  • Form the dough into a disc, wrap in parchment paper, and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • While the dough chills, make the banana pudding below.
  • When ready to bake the crust, preheat the oven to 350F. Roll it out on a piece of parchment paper until it is about 2 inches larger in diameter than your pie dish. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Transfer the crust to the pie dish (I do this by placing the pie dish upside down over the crust then sliding my hand under the parchment paper and flipping everything). Shape the dough to the dish and use cold water on your finger to fix any cracks. You can flute the edges if desired. Poke the bottom of the crust a few times with a fork.
  • Fill your crust with pie weights and bake for 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 375F, remove the weights, and bake another 5 minutes until crust is just beginning to golden on the edges and is baked.
  • Remove the crust and let it cool.

Banana Pudding

  • Combine the bananas, 1 cup of the milk, and maple syrup together in a blender and blend until smooth. Add this mixture to a saucepan and heat on medium-low heat.
  • Whisk together the other 1/2 cup of milk and the starch then add it to the banana mixture on the stove. Whisk frequently until the mixture thickens. It should look like pudding.
  • Remove the pudding from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature then place in the fridge for 3 hours, while crust cools.
  • Place a medium size bowl in the freezer at this time- the one you will use to beat the coconut cream.

Coconut Cream

  • An hour before you are ready to assemble your pie, you'll make the whipped cream.
  • In your cold bowl, add the coconut cream from the cans of coconut milk (the solid, white part that has risen to the top of the can. Keep the coconut water for smoothies or drinking). Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until you get a nice, whipped cream consistency and it holds peaks.
  • Add the maple syrup and vanilla and whip to combine.
  • Place the coconut cream back in the fridge for the last hour.

Assembly

  • When ready to assemble, take 1 cup of the coconut cream mixture and fold it into the banana pudding mixture. Set aside.
  • Line the bottom of your pie crust with sliced bananas then evenly spread the banana pudding mixture on top.
  • You can using a piping bag to top the pie with the remaining coconut cream or however you desire.
  • Decorate with more bananas and enjoy! I do suggest letting the pie set for another hour or so, but it is not mandatory.
  • This pie can keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

*This crust should work find with cold coconut oil, as well!
Healthy Marry Me Chicken (Gluten & Dairy Free)

Healthy Marry Me Chicken (Gluten & Dairy Free)

This delicious and healthier take on Marry Me Chicken is gluten free, dairy free, and lower FODMAP. The perfect easy, allergy friendly dinner option!

healthy marry me chicken
healthy marry me chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a classic, but if you have food allergies, you may not have ever been able to try it. Traditional Marry Me Chicken is filled with dairy, onions, and garlic, and if it’s served over pasta, then it’s also not gluten free. My version is allergy friendly while still packing all that delicious flavor! My goal is always to show you that you can eat your favorite dishes even if you have food allergies and this classic chicken meal is proof that allergy free food can still taste amazing.

healthy marry me chicken
healthy marry me chicken

In my dairy free Marry Me Chicken, we sub out the dairy for nutritional yeast and full fat coconut milk to still achieve that creamy, cheesy flavor. I top it off with vegan feta, which I think tastes so much better than parmesan in this recipe! Instead of high FODMAP garlic and onion, I sub in fennel (my favorite onion substitute!) and garlic infused olive oil. Lastly, this creamy-tomato based dish is served over gluten free pasta (use a grain-free pasta to keep this recipe completely Paleo).

One of the best things about this gluten free dinner is that it’s fairly quick! For how elaborate this dish looks and for how flavorful it is, it’s actually easy to make and is done in about 30 minutes. This allergy friendly Marry Me Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner or dinner party option.

gluten free and dairy free marry me chicken
gluten free and dairy free marry me chicken

Allergy Friendly Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients:

  • chicken breast
  • garlic olive oil
  • fennel
  • red bell pepper
  • red pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • salt
  • chicken broth
  • full fat canned coconut milk
  • sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • nutritional yeast
  • spinach
  • fresh basil
  • (vegan) feta
  • Cilantro
  • gluten free pasta

This entire dish is made in one pan! First you cook the chicken then set it aside while you cooke the bell pepper and fennel.

Add in the chicken broth, coconut milk, herbs and spices, and nutritional yeast. Let everything simmer for a few minutes before adding the spinach, chicken, and basil.

Serve over your favorite pasta with fresh cilantro and feta!

allergy free marry me chicken
allergy free marry me chicken

Healthy Marry Me Chicken

This delicious and healthier take on the classic Marry Me Chicken is gluten free, dairy free, and lower FODMAP. My recipe is still packed with flavor, but allergy friendly! This recipe is also quick and easy to make, so it's the perfect weeknight meal.
Course Main Course
Keyword dairy free, Easy, gluten free, healthy, low fodmap, quick
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Victoria Faling

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 lbs chicken breast
  • 1 Tbsp garlic olive oil* see notes if you don't have access to garlic infused oil
  • 1 fennel, diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2-3 large handfuls of spinach
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta I used a vegan variety
  • Cilantro
  • 4 servings cooked pasta of choice

Instructions

  • Heat one tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • While oil is heating, season chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides. If your chicken breast is really thick, I highly suggest filleting it.
  • Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook on both sides for about 5-7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and temperature registers 165F.
  • While chicken is cooking, begin cooking your pasta separately according to package directions.
  • When chicken is done, remove and set aside.
  • Add the garlic oil oil to the pan along with the fennel and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the bell pepper and cooking another 5-7 minutes until veggies are soft and browning.
  • Add the red pepper, Italian seasoning and salt to the veggies and stir to combine. Then add int he broth, coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, and nutritional yeast. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Once the sauce has cooked and thickened some, stir in the spinach and basil then add your chicken back in and cook on low until chicken is warmed through.
  • Sprinkle with feta and serve over pasta with fresh cilantro.
Gluten Free Raspberry Crumble Muffins (Paleo Option)

Gluten Free Raspberry Crumble Muffins (Paleo Option)

These gluten free raspberry crumble muffins are also dairy free and low sugar, with a completely Paleo option. Packed with fresh raspberries and topped with the perfect crumble, they are a must make!

gluten free raspberry muffins
gluten free raspberry muffins

You honestly can’t beat a good muffin, but I find gluten free muffins are often dry. I’m always disappointed when I purchase a gluten free muffin from the bakery, take a bite, and realize I wasted $10. I always think to myself “I can make a way better version at home!” So, I did with these raspberry crumble muffins! These delicious raspberry muffins are moist AND allergy free.

gluten free raspberry crumble muffins
gluten free raspberry muffins

Bakery muffins are also often filled with processed sugar. I love re-creating healthier versions at home to show you that it’s possible to eat healthy, lower sugar baked goods that still taste amazing. These gluten free muffins are refined sugar free and a fraction of the sugar of a store bought version. They can even be made completely grain free for my Paleo friends!

gluten free raspberry muffins
gluten free raspberry muffins

Gluten Free Raspberry Crumble Muffins

Ingredients:

Tigernut or almond flour

1:1 gluten free flour (See notes in recipe for a Paleo option!)

Baking powder

-Salt

-Eggs

-Melted oil or butter

-Maple syrup

-Applesauce

-Vanilla

-Raspberries

Directions:

These healthy muffins are super easy to make! You whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine the two bowls, fold in your raspberries, and you’ve got your batter. Then you mix all the crumble ingredients together, top off the muffins, and bake. It’s that simple.

gluten free raspberry muffins
gluten free raspberry muffins

tigernut flour

Gluten Free Raspberry Crumble Muffins

These gluten free raspberry muffins have a delicious crumble topping and are also completely dairy free with a paleo option. They're a fraction of the sugar of a bakery muffin, making them the perfect allergy friendly muffin to enjoy any time of day!
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword autoimmune paleo, dairy free, gluten free, healthy, Low Sugar
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 muffins
Author Victoria Faling

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Tigernut flour or almond flour
  • 3/4 cup 1:1 gluten free flour see notes for paleo option*
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted oil or butter I used olive oil. If using coconut oil, make sure all ingredients are room temp
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries broken/torn up

Crumble Topping

  • 1/4 cup gluten free oats use shredded coconut or nuts for paleo
  • 1/4 cup tigernut flour or almond
  • 2 Tbsp 1:1 gluten free flour or cassava flour for paleo
  • 1-2 Tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Combine crumble topping ingredients together and set aside. Start with 1 Tbsp of coconut oil and add more if mixture is too dry and not holding together at all.
  • Sift all the dry ingredients for muffins together in a bowl (flours, baking powder, salt).
  • Beat the wet ingredients for muffins together, except for raspberries.
  • Add the dry muffin ingredients to the wet and mix to combine.
  • Toss raspberries with 1 Tbsp of gluten free or cassava flour, then fold raspberries into the batter.
  • Divide batter into lined muffin tin. Top each muffin with some of the crumble topping and press down gently.
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire wrack to finish cooling.

Notes

*For all paleo version, substitute the gluten free flour for 1/2 cup cassava and 1/4 cup arrowroot or tapioca starch
One Pan Plantain Taco Bowl (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

One Pan Plantain Taco Bowl (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

This one pan plantain taco bowl is easy and delicious! It’s the perfect simple weeknight meal all while being gluten free, dairy free, allergy friendly, and high protein.

plantain taco bowl
plantain taco bowl

Who doesn’t love an easy and nourishing meal? I love one pan and bowl-based dinners, they make life easier. And this taco bowl does not miss! Packed with nutrients including lots of protein, fiber, and micro-nutrients, this healthy taco dish will become a staple in your meal rotations. We are using plantains in this dish to switch things up and because plantains are delicious. If you’ve never had plantains, you need to try one and this is the perfect recipe to dip your toe in!

These taco bowls are also a great, easy Cinco de Mayo option. If you’re looking for a quick recipe or a recipe you can double or triple for a crowd, these taco bowls are perfect. They are allergy friendly and the perfect post-drinking meal ;).

plantain taco bowl
plantain taco bowl

Where to buy plantains

You can find plantains at most grocery stores these days depending on what part of the US you are in (I am unsure about other countries- sorry!). If you can’t find them at your regular grocery store, speciality stores likely carry them including places like Whole Foods and your local ethnic grocery store (many of these stores are more familiar with tropical fruits and veg).

How to pick plantains

For this recipe, we want greener plantains or just beginning to yellow with only a couple black spots. AKA less ripe plantains. The less ripe plantains are not sweet and work better in savory dishes. Very yellow or black plantains are much sweeter and are great for desserts.

gluten free plantain taco bowl
gluten free plantain taco bowl

One Pan Plantain Taco Bowl

This entire meal can be made in one pan, except for the sauce which is blended together in a food processor or blender.

Ingredients:

-ground beef

-plantains

-bell pepper

-black beans

-olive oil

-coconut oil

-salt

-taco seasoning

-avocado

-yogurt of choice

-lemon

-garlic infused olive oil

-cilantro

Process:

  • First, brown your ground beef in a large skillet. Alternatively, you can cook your beef in one skillet and veggies in another so they cook at the same time.
  • If using the same pan, remove your beef to a bowl once done cooking. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and the coconut oil and melt on medium heat. Add the chopped plantains and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes until they are beginning to brown on the edges.
  • Add the bell pepper to the plantains and more oil if needed. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the peppers are soft. 
  • While veggies are cooking, make your dressing. Combine all ingredients together in a small food processor or blender, starting with 1/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth and add water as needed to reach desired consistency. I like something that is runny and pourable vs dippable.
  • Once veggies are cooked, add the beef and beans along with the salt and taco seasoning to the pepper and plantains. Mix to combine
  • Serve as is, over a bed of lettuce, or rice. Drizzle the sauce on top, some chopped cilantro, and enjoy!

gluten free flour

One Pan Plantain Taco Bowl

This easy and delicious one pan dinner is completely gluten free and dairy free. This is the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Course Main Course
Keyword allergy friendly, autoimmune paleo, dairy free, Easy, gluten free, one pan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Victoria Faling

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs ground beef
  • 2 large medium ripe plantains peeled and diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Cilantro chopped

Dressing

  • 1 avocado
  • 1/4 cup yogurt of choice I used a dairy free coconut yogurt
  • 1 tsp garlic infused olive oil or 1 tsp olive oil and a clove of garlic
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Water

Instructions

  • First, brown your ground beef in a large skillet. Alternatively, you can cook your beef in one skillet and veggies in another so they cook at the same time.
  • If using the same pan, remove your beef to a bowl once done cooking. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and the coconut oil and melt on medium heat. Add the chopped plantains and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes until they are beginning to brown on the edges.
  • Add the bell pepper to the plantains and more oil if needed. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the peppers are soft.
  • While veggies are cooking, make your dressing. Combine all ingredients together in a small food processor or blender, starting with 1/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth and add water as needed to reach desired consistency. I like something that is runny and pourable vs dippable.
  • Once veggies are cooked, add the beef and beans along with the salt and taco seasoning to the pepper and plantains. Mix to combine
  • Serve as is, over a bed of lettuce, or rice. Drizzle the sauce on top and some fresh chopped cilantro and enjoy!
Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken and Veggies (Allergy Friendly)

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken and Veggies (Allergy Friendly)

This easy sheet pan dinner is a delicious way to upgrade your standard chicken and vegetable dinner. Coated in a delicious honey balsamic, you’ll love this quick weeknight meal.

honey balsamic chicken and vegetables
honey balsamic chicken and vegetables

Who doesn’t love a simple sheet pan meal? It makes dinner so much easier during a busy week. A lot of sheet pan meals can be boring because they are basically just chicken and veggies on a pan with some olive oil and salt. BORING! We need more flavor, people! That’s why I love this honey balsamic chicken.

This easy dinner is made with a honey balsamic sauce that upgrades your boring chicken and vegetables. I love this meal because it’s made on one sheet pan and doesn’t require reducing the sauce. If I don’t need to take extra steps, then I’m all about it. I wanted to create this meal without having to worry about cooking the sauce separately.

sheet pan honey balsamic chicken and vegetables
sheet pan honey balsamic chicken and vegetables

This simple sheet pan meal is completely gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and allergy friendly. It’s free of all major allergens, making it the perfect crowd pleasing dish for the entire family (or friends!). This recipe is also completely Paleo.

sheet pan chicken and veggies
sheet pan chicken and veggies

Honey Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

-chicken

-broccoli

-carrots

-olive oil

-salt

-balsamic

-rice wine vinegar

-honey

-ginger

Process

This is the simplest meal you’ll make! You add your chopped veggies to a sheet pan and begin roasting them while you cut up the chicken and prep the sauce. The sauce is just whisking everything together, no reducing needed. Halfway through cooking, you’ll add the chicken to the sheet pan and toss everything with half of the sauce. Finish roasting until the chicken is cooked through, then toss everything with the remaining sauce. That’s it!

honey balsamic chicken and vegetables
honey balsamic chicken and vegetables

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken and Veggies

Upgrade your standard chicken and vegetable dish with this quick and easy weeknight dinner made on one pan! Packed with flavor and highly nutritious, this is the ultimate simple dinner recipe.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword allergy friendly, dairy free, easy dinner, gluten free
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Victoria Faling

Ingredients

  • 6 large carrots, chopped into coins
  • 2 heads broccoli, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 lbs chicken breast, chopped into cubes
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic infused olive oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger root

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425F.
  • Toss the carrots and broccoli with the olive oil and salt and lay evenly across a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes.
  • While veggies are roasting, prepare your sauce by whisking everything together in a measuring cup. Taste and adjust the ginger and honey to your liking.
  • After the veggies have been cooking for 30 minutes, add the chicken to the sheet pan and half the sauce. Toss everything and spread evenly across the pan again. Roast for another 15 minutes, until chicken is done and veggies are fork tender.
  • Remove the tray from the oven and toss everything with the remaining sauce.
  • I love serving this over rice!
The Best Gluten Free & Dairy Free Lasagna

The Best Gluten Free & Dairy Free Lasagna

This veggie and protein packed lasagna is completely allergy friendly and low FODMAP. Everyone will love and be able to eat this dish!

gluten free and dairy free lasagna
gluten free and dairy free lasagna

You honestly won’t believe that this lasagna recipe is gluten free and dairy free. My gluten and dairy loving dad even gave this homemade lasagna high marks. It’s packed with three different vegetables along with ground beef making this dish a complete meal. It’s the perfect dinner party meal, family dinner option, or meal prep choice. This lasagna produces 8 servings and can be frozen in portions.

veggie packed lasagna
veggie packed lasagna

I love sneaking vegetables and protein in wherever I can. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my goal is always to create healthy and allergy friendly versions of your favorite recipes. I thought lasagna would be a tough one due to the cheese and FODMAPS, but it ended up being much easier than I anticipated! This recipe does take some time and since the cheese is made from scratch, you do need to plan ahead (the cheese is super easy, though, don’t worry!).

I get so excited to eat this nutrient dense gluten free lasagna any chance I get. I honestly could probably eat it every night, it’s just that good. This homemade lasagna is proof that you can eat delicious, healthier, and allergy free versions of classic dishes! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this one.

gluten free lasagna
gluten free lasagna

The Best Veggie Packed Lasagna

The layers:

  • The first key to this dairy free lasagna is dairy free cheese of course! We are going to make a completely vegan and allergy friendly cheese that has no weird additives. This cheese is also fully Paleo and I love using it in lots of other recipes! The cheese does need to be made ahead of time, by at least 3 hours, or even the day before. This vegan cheese is made from coconut milk, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, garlic infused olive oil, and salt. It’s super easy to make, it just needs time to set before using it in the lasagna.
  • The next important layer is the noodles. I love using the Jovial gluten free noodles. They are made from rice with no corn involved!
  • Of course, we need our filling. This delicious lasagna is made high protein and nutrient dense with a mix of ground beef and three different veggies PLUS tomato sauce! Fennel (or onion if you can handle it), zucchini, and carrots add lots of nutritious fiber and micronutrients to this classic dish. Shredded carrots are added to the ground beef and tomato sauce so you can’t even taste them! Fennel and zucchini taste pretty mild once sautéed and mixed in with the rest of the ground beef mixture, keeping this dish picky eater friendly.

Ingredient notes:

  • Cheese: make sure to use full fat coconut milk from the can to make the cheese. I also use garlic infused olive oil to keep this recipe low FODMAP, but I provide alternatives if you don’t have an infused oil and prefer to use garlic powder.
  • Tomato sauce: I love using Rao’s Sensitive Marinara as it doesn’t contain any garlic or onion. This helps keep the lasagna stomach problem girl friendly!
  • Noodles: feel free to use whatever noodles you prefer, but as mentioned above, my favorite brand is the Jovial noodles since they are completely allergy friendly and no-boil.
  • Fennel: I use fennel over onion since fennel is low FODMAP, but you can always use onion instead!

beef and vegetable lasagna
beef and vegetable lasagna

Also, it just occurred to me that lasagna is a casserole… right? Leave a comment and let me know if you think lasagna counts as a one. If so, then here’s to a delicious gluten free and dairy free casserole!

The Best Gluten & Dairy Free Lasagna

This veggie and protein packed lasagna is completely allergy friendly and low FODMAP. Gluten free and dairy free, this classic dish still tastes amazing! Everyone will love this healthier take on lasagna.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword allergy friendly, dairy free, gluten free, healthy
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 8 servings
Author Victoria Faling

Ingredients

Diary Free Cheese

  • 2 cups full fat coconut milk from the can
  • 1 Tbsp garlic infused olive oil see notes below for alternatives
  • 6 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 6 Tbsp tapioca starch
  • 1/2 cup water

Lasagna

  • 1 large fennel, diced or an onion
  • 3 zucchini, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 carrots, peeled and grated
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 boxes gluten free, no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 2 jars 24 oz tomato sauce I use a low FODMAP sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp oregano

Instructions

  • *Please keep in mind the cheese needs to be made ahead!

Cheese

  • To make the cheese, combine the coconut milk, olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt, and lemon juice together in a saucepan and whisk to combine over medium heat.
  • Whisk together the water and tapioca starch in a measuring cup. Pour this into the saucepan with the other ingredients, whisking often, until the cheese thickens.
  • It will take about 5 minutes to start noticing it thickening and another 5-10 to reach the desired consistency. You'll know the cheese is done because it starts to pull away from the side of the pan. It should drip off a spatula like a pot of melted cheese would.
  • Remove the cheese from the heat and transfer to a heat safe, glass container. Let cool at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, before adding the lid and transferring to the fridge to set for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.

Lasagna

  • Preheat oven to 375F.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the fennel for 5 minutes then add the zucchini and sauté for about another 5 minutes until soft and veggies are slightly browned.
  • You can cook the beef at the same time in a separate large frying pan if you have one, or set the veggies aside and brown the beef in the same pan. Brown your ground beef then add in the carrots, 1 1/2 jars of tomato sauce, zucchini, fennel, salt, basil, and oregano. Mix to combine and set aside.
  • To assemble the lasagna, keep in mind that we will be making 4 layers. In a large 9×14 dish, spread a quarter of the meat and veggie mixture over the bottom. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles in a single layer on top of the mixture. Then use your hands to spread a quarter of the homemade vegan cheese over the noodles. This is messy and the cheese may seem a little runny, but it's okay! It may not cover ever inch of noodles perfectly and that is alright. Just use your hands the stretch the cheese over as much as you can.
  • Now, take the next quarter of meat mixture and spread it evenly over the cheese. Add your noodles. Add your cheese.
  • Repeat 2 more times.
  • Take some of the leftover sauce and spread around with the cheese on the top layer, being sure to get the edges of the lasagna noodles (they need liquid to cook!). Cover the dish with tinfoil and place in in the oven for 50 minutes.
  • Uncover the noodles and pat them down gently to make sure they are flat and covered in some sauce and cook for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving!
  • This lasagna will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be portioned and frozen if needed!

Notes

*If you do not have garlic infused olive oil, you can use regular olive oil plus a clove of minced garlic or 1/2 tsp. garlic and onion powder.