Dairy-Free Traditional Donair

Satisfy your craving for a Canadian classic with this Dairy-Free Traditional Donair, a perfect balance of savory spiced meat and sweet, creamy sauce—all without the dairy! This recipe recreates the bold flavors of the iconic Halifax donair with seasoned ground beef baked to perfection, then sliced thin for that signature texture. The star of the dish is the rich, tangy dairy-free donair sauce, made with brown sugar, vinegar, and dairy-free evaporated milk or cream, offering the perfect complement to the warm pita, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and diced onions. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this dairy-free twist on a beloved favorite is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you're avoiding dairy or seeking a new take on comfort food, this dish delivers all the nostalgic flavors you love, completely dairy-free!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:55 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Ground beef
• 60 g Breadcrumbs (ensure dairy-free)
• 2 tsp Onion powder
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 large Egg
• 120 g Brown sugar
• 60 ml White vinegar
• 125 ml Dairy-free evaporated milk (or almond/coconut cream)
• 4 pieces Dairy-free pita bread
• 2 medium Tomato
• 1 medium White onion
• 120 g Shredded lettuce

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.

Step 3

Crack in the egg and mix thoroughly using your hands until all the seasonings are evenly distributed, and the mixture becomes sticky.

Step 4

Shape the meat mixture into a firm loaf and place it on a lined baking sheet or lightly greased loaf pan.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).

Step 6

While the meat is baking, prepare the dairy-free sweet donair sauce. In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and vinegar until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the dairy-free evaporated milk (or almond/coconut cream) until smooth. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Step 8

Once the donair meat is cooked, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it very thinly, as thin as possible.

Step 9

Warm the dairy-free pita bread in a dry skillet or the oven until pliable.

Step 10

Dice the tomato and onion, and prep the shredded lettuce for assembling the donair.

Step 11

To assemble, lay a warmed pita on a flat surface. Add a generous layer of sliced donair meat, then top with tomato, onion, and shredded lettuce.

Step 12

Drizzle the chilled dairy-free donair sauce over the top and fold the pita into a wrap.

Step 13

Serve immediately and enjoy your Dairy-Free Traditional Donair!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1662.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2829.5

Total Fat 112.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 573.5mg	0%
Sodium 6841.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 339.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.9g	0%
Total Sugars 151.9g
Protein 126.8g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 456.3mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 2793.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.1%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 47.2%