All the Taste and Comfort Without the Gluten and Dairy

bowl of turkey teriyaki vegetables and rice on a counter and then a close up of ground turkey teriyaki rice bowl

Need another gluten-free dairy-free holiday dish? Try dairy-free mashed potatoes, vegan mac and cheese, or vegan pumpkin cheesecake next.

wooden spoon digging into gluten free dairy free green bean casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients for gluten free dairy free green bean casserole on a counter.
  • Fresh green beans: wash and trim the ends!
  • Yellow onion: to make homemade french fried onions.
  • Almond flour: use blanched (peeled) almond flour. It’s in the baking aisle!
  • Vegan butter or coconut oil: I love the flavor vegan butter adds to the dish, but coconut oil also works. I like Miyokos vegan butter.
  • Mushrooms: for the creamy mushroom sauce. You can use a white button or baby bella. 
  • Gluten-Free Flour: I like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s 1:1 flour.
  • Vegetable broth: to thin the sauce.
  • Non-dairy milk: Any dairy-free milk is great to make the sauce while keeping it nice and creamy. We used unsweetened almond milk, but coconut milk works too!

How to Make Gluten Free Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole

green beans being prepped and dried in a paper towel to make gluten-free dairy-free green bean casserole.
  1. Prep the Green Beans. Wash and dry the green beans. Cut the ends off of each side
green beans being drained while prepping them for gluten-free dairy-free green bean casserole
  1. Blanch Green Beans. Boil the green beans for 2-3 minutes then drain them and transfer them to an ice bath.
gluten-free dairy-free green bean casserole onions being cooked and coated in toasted almond flour.
  1. Gluten-Free Crispy Onions. Cook the onion until soft and remove to a bowl. Toast the almond flour in the same pan then mix them together.
mushrooms for gluten-free dairy-free green bean casserole being cooked with vegan butter, gluten-free flour, broth, and dairy free milk.
  1. Make the Mushroom Sauce. Cook the mushrooms with vegan butter until soft. Add the gluten-free flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the broth and dairy free milk until thickened.
green beans added to the mushroom sauce for gluten-free dairy-free green bean casserole.
  1. Assemble. Add the green beans and mushroom sauce to a greased casserole dish and toss to coat.
gluten-free dairy-free green bean casserole topped with crispy onions and baked in the oven.
  1. Top and Bake. Top the casserole with the crispy onions and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Tested Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t overcook the beans: Blanching keeps them crisp so they don’t turn mushy in the oven.
  • Toast the almond flour well: It should be golden brown for the best nutty flavor.
  • Thin the sauce as needed: Add a splash more plant milk if it feels too thick before baking.
  • For extra indulgence: Sprinkle dairy free cheese (like Violife mozzarella) on top before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Make ahead: This dairy-free green bean casserole is great to prep ahead of time. Follow the directions to make all of the steps and assemble the casserole then cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Uncover and bake right before you’re ready to serve.

Store or freeze: Cover the baked casserole in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge then bake at 350°F until warmed through.

gluten free dairy free green bean casserole with a wooden spoon dug into it

Feels like Breakfast on the Beach!

bowl of turkey teriyaki vegetables and rice on a counter and then a close up of ground turkey teriyaki rice bowl
  • Thick and delicious with tons of coconut flavor
  • Takes 5 minutes to make
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
  • Full of healthy fats
  • Add protein powder for a complete breakfast
  • Sweet tropical flavors

Love refreshing smoothies? Try this pitaya smoothie bowl, blueberry raspberry smoothie, or tropical kale smoothie next!

spoon dipped into a coconut smoothie bowl topped with kiwi, banana, and mango slices

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie Bowl

  • Thick enough to scoop with a spoon. Not a drink.
  • 5 minutes from freezer to bowl.
  • One blender, no extra dishes.
  • Add 25g of protein with a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Full breakfast, full morning.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free, and Vegan. No swaps needed.
  • Pre-portion the fruit ahead so weekday mornings are zero decisions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

coconut smoothie ingredients laid out on a counter
  • Frozen banana. One whole. Banana is the texture anchor; don’t skip.
  • Frozen pineapple. ¾ cup. Pre-cut from the freezer aisle works.
  • Frozen mango. ½ cup. Same rule.
  • Full-fat coconut milk. ⅓ cup, from the can. Shake the can well before measuring or you’ll pour off only the watery part.
  • Coconut extract. Optional, ¼ teaspoon. Boosts the coconut flavor without making it taste like sunscreen. A little goes a long way.
  • Vanilla protein powder. Optional, one 25g scoop. I use Be Well by Kelly because the ingredient list is short. If you add protein powder, add an extra splash of coconut milk to keep it blendable.
  • Toppings. Whatever’s in the kitchen: shredded coconut, chia seeds, fresh fruit, granola, nut butter.

How to Make a Coconut Smoothie Bowl

Vanilla protein powder and frozen fruit in a blender
  1. Add the Frozen Fruit First. Dump all the frozen into a high-speed blender. Don’t add the liquid yet. Start dry.
coconut smoothie ingredients combined in a blender
  1. Add the Liquid Slowly. Add the coconut milk, coconut extract, and protein powder if using. Blend on low first, then high. Stop and stir or tamp down as needed. If the blender stalls, add coconut milk one tablespoon at a time until it moves. Don’t drown it.
  1. Pour and Top. Pile the toppings on, hit it with a drizzle of nut butter or honey if you want, and serve immediately. Smoothie bowls melt fast.

How to Get the Texture Right

The whole thing comes down to ratio: 2 parts frozen fruit to 1 part liquid, give or take. If your bowl is:

  • Not sweet enough (off-season fruit can taste flat): add half a frozen banana or a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.nt
  • Too thin to scoop: add a few more chunks of frozen fruit and blend again.
  • Too thick to blend: add coconut milk one tablespoon at a time. Not all at once.
  • Stalling the blender: scrape down the sides, tamp the fruit down toward the blades, or pulse instead of run.

Coconut Smoothie Bowl Toppings

The toppings are where you make it yours. A few that work:

  • Chia seeds: crunch and fiber. Half a tablespoon goes a long way.
  • Granola: crunch. Use one with chunky clusters.
  • Shredded coconut or coconut flakes: doubles down on the coconut.
  • Nut butter: coconut almond butter, macadamia butter, or cashew butter for a tropical feel. Warm it slightly so it drizzles.
  • Extra fruit: kiwi, banana slices, mango, fresh pineapple. Sparingly, because there’s already a lot of fruit in the bowl.
  • Bee pollen, hemp hearts, or cacao nibs if you want to lean health-y.

FAQS

Why is my smoothie bowl too thin?

Too much liquid. Add more frozen fruit a handful at a time and blend until it thickens. Or remember the rule for next time: 2 parts frozen fruit to 1 part liquid, max.

Why won’t my blender blend it?

Not enough liquid, fruit not chopped small enough, or the blender isn’t powerful enough. Stop, scrape the sides, tamp the fruit toward the blades, and pulse instead of running on high.

Can I make this without protein powder?

Yes. The recipe works as-is without protein powder. If you do add protein, add an extra splash of coconut milk so it blends.

Is this smoothie bowl dairy-free and vegan?

Yes. With coconut milk and a plant-based protein powder, it’s naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo, and Vegan.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes. Pre-portion the frozen fruit into individual zip-top bags. In the morning, dump one bag in the blender, add coconut milk and protein powder, and blend.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the smoothie base (without toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. After that, it separates and loses creaminess. Give it a stir or a quick re-blend before serving.

coconut smoothie bowl with toppings on a counter next to a peeled banana and bowl of toasted coconut
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4.34 from 24 votes

Coconut Smoothie Bowl

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Thick, scoopable, and the closest thing to breakfast on the beach you can pull off in five minutes. Frozen pineapple, mango, and banana blended with full-fat coconut milk and a splash of coconut extract. Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder if you want a full breakfast. The whole thing takes one blender and four ingredients you already have if you keep frozen fruit in the freezer.

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Servings: 1 smoothie bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 3/4 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango
  • 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk shaken
  • 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract optional
  • 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder optional
  • Toppings: mango, banana, granola, chia seeds, cherries, nut butter, or coconut

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to a highs-speed blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until a smooth and thick consistency. If you don't have a high powered blender it may take a little longer or you may need to add another splash of coconut milk.
    1 frozen banana, 3/4 cup frozen pineapple, 1/2 cup frozen mango, 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract, 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder
  • Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings
    Toppings: mango, banana, granola, chia seeds, cherries, nut butter, or coconut
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

 
Protein. My absolute favorite protein is Be Well By Kelly protein powder because of the quality of ingredients. It only has 3 ingredients and not added sugars. 
Tips for Thick Smoothie Bowls
  • Use frozen fruit as the base.
  • Start with less liquid and add more as needed to get the desired texture.
  • Use a high-speed blender for best results.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 2.6g | Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 3.2mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 37.9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tips for Thick Smoothie Bowls

  • Use frozen fruit as the base.
  • Start with less liquid and add more as needed.
  • Use a high-speed blender for best results.

Prep and Storage Tips

Prep ahead: Pre-portion the frozen fruit into individual zip-top bags so weekday mornings are just dump-and-blend.

Storage: Store the smoothie base in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. It separates after that.

Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, give it a stir, and pour into the bowl.

coconut smoothie bowl with all of the toppings and a spoon dipped into it

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4.27 from 23 votes

Gluten Free Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
This cozy gluten free dairy free green bean casserole is a made-from-scratch holiday side dish with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onions. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

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Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs fresh green beans ends trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons vegan butter divided
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 2/3 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 8 ounces white button mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup 1:1 gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 cup vegetable stock or broth
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk like almond milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a gallon of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil then add the fresh green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes. Transfer them to stop the cooking process. Drain from the cold water, pat dry, and add to the casserole dish.
    2 lbs fresh green beans
  • Melt the 1 Tablespoon of vegan butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, 2-3 minutes. Transfer the onion to a medium bowl.
    1 large yellow onion, 4 tablespoons vegan butter
  • Add the almond flour and salt to the same pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes to toast the almond flour. It should start to turn a golden-brown color. Be careful not to burn it. Add the toasted almond flour to the bowl with the onions and toss to coat.
    2/3 cup almond flour, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Melt the remaining 3 Tablespoons of vegan butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
    4 tablespoons vegan butter, 8 ounces white button mushrooms, 4 cloves garlic
  • Sprinkle the flour on top of the mushrooms and stir. The flour will coat the mushroom mixture and they should become thick and somewhat clumpy.
    1/3 cup 1:1 gluten-free flour
  • Stir constantly while you pour in the broth and dairy-free milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to stir as it thickens. Add a splash of milk at a time to thin out the mixture as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    1/2 cup vegetable stock, 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk, Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pour the mushrooms sauce over the green beans and stir well to coat them evenly. Top evenly with the crispy onions.
  • Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and heated all the way through.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Make ahead: This dish is great to prep ahead of time. Follow the directions to make all of the steps and assemble the casserole then cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Uncover and bake right before you’re ready to serve.
Store or freeze: cover the baked casserole in an air tight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge then bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Store Bought Onions. You can skip making your own gluten-free crispy onions and use store bought! Whole foods 365 makes gluten free crispy onions and Sprouts makes gluten free french fried onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4.7g | Fat: 6.4g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 481mg | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: 4.9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

FAQs

Can I use store bought french fried onions?

You can skip making your own gluten-free crispy onions and use store bought! Whole foods 365 makes gluten free crispy onions and Sprouts makes gluten free french fried onions.

How long is green bean casserole good for at room temperature?

Cooked or uncooked dairy free green bean casserole can be left out for about 2 hours before needing to be covered and stored in the fridge.

Can I use canned green beans?

Fresh is best for texture, but canned or frozen beans will work in a pinch. If using canned, skip blanching.

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4.27 from 23 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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9 Comments

  1. Philip Bryce says:

    Clear and easy to follow!! This post is better than many I鈥檝e seen elsewhere.馃憤

  2. dumb says:

    uhhh chicken broth is not vegan

    1. bt says:

      Where the hell do you see CHICKEN BROTH?

  3. John says:

    The onions do not get crispy

  4. Megan says:

    For about how many people/servings does this recipe make?

    1. Molly Thompson says:

      This serves 6-8!

  5. Carol says:

    Hi, could I use fresh green beans for this? What would the difference be compared to canned? Thanks!

    1. Molly Thompson says:

      Yes you can! fresh would be great.I would blanch them first!

      Bring a gallon of water and 1 tbsp of salt to a boil then add the beans for 5 minutes. Drain them right away and quickly place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cold, drain again and follow directions!

      1. Cheryl says:

        Thank you!