Planning Passover can feel overwhelming. Between the Seder preparations, family dynamics, and the pressure to create a delicious and meaningful meal, it’s easy to get lost in the details. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This year, ditch the stress and embrace the joy of Passover with a collection of fresh and exciting recipes that will impress your guests and leave you feeling accomplished.
From modern twists on classic dishes to vibrant vegetarian options, these Passover Recipes are sure to inspire your holiday table.
Simple Passover Recipes
1. Matzo Ball Soup with Chicken Meatballs and Homemade Broth
- Time Commitment: 5 hours and 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, dairy free, low sugar, high protein, one pot
You’ll never look at store-bought soup the same way again. Nix the chicken to make it vegetarian and use gluten-free noodles to avoid wheat.
2. Jewish Holiday Brisket
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, dairy free, high protein, one pot
Unlike Southern brisket, which is typically slow cooked over indirect heat, Jewish brisket is similar to pot roast. It’s typically braised in a savory mix of broth, crushed tomatoes and red wine.
3. Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten-free, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
Avoiding leavened bread unfortunately means baked goods made with wheat flour are off the table. Luckily, this Passover recipe is both decadent and gluten-free. Finish it with fresh fruit and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
4. Charoset
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, <10 ingredients, one bowl, no cook, vegan
This sweet salad—made with nuts, apples, cinnamon and wine—is one of the six traditional foods that appear on the Seder plate. Use a firm, sweet type of apple, like Braeburns or Fujis.
5. Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, high protein, low carb, one pot
Making them yourself > paying a pretty penny to have them catered. Your fam will be so impressed by this fall-off-the-bone-tender main (even your finicky relatives).
6. Frisée, Radicchio and Escarole Salad with Citrus Dressing
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, one bowl, no cook, vegetarian
Helloooo, bitter greens (and a zingy, slightly sweet dressing). If your family keeps kosher and is serving meat, skip the feta cheese to make this Passover recipe dairy free.
7. 5-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Macaroons
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten-free, <10 ingredients, dairy-free, one bowl
No flour here. It’s no wonder these low-ingredient, naturally gluten-free coconut treats have become so common for Passover dessert. The recipe calls for dairy-free chocolate, so kosher families are in the clear.
8. Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, low carb, high protein, <10 ingredients
Forget the fancy spice rubs. All it takes to make this crowd-pleasing Passover recipe is butter, lemon and fresh herbs. Keep the charred lemon halves on the serving platter—they’re oh-so photogenic.
9. Matzo Brei
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, one pan, dairy free, <30 minutes
Passover lasts eight days, meaning you’ll have plenty of chances to turn leftover matzo into a ten-minute egg scramble. The recipe already calls for adding red onion, but you can toss in any wilted greens and leftover veggies, too.
10. Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, dairy free, low sugar
The bone is part of the ritual Seder plate because it symbolizes the lamb sacrifice the ancient Hebrews made while fleeing Egypt. Red wine is also a main component, representing the redemption of the Israelites from enslavement.
11. Roasted Beets
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, vegan, <10 ingredients, dairy free, gluten free
Plant-based eaters who don’t consume lamb often swap lamb shank for roasted beets at the Seder, after a biblical commentator suggested it centuries ago. The only “fancy” ingredient here is fresh herbs for the garnish; the rest are pantry staples.
12. Cauliflower, Pomegranate and Apple Salad
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free
It’s dairy-free, grain-free and complete with nutty tahini-honey dressing. Sounds like an easy win to us. (Pomegranate arils can make any dish look festive, no?)
13. One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Carrots
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, high protein, gluten free, dairy free
Seven ingredients + 30 minutes + one baking sheet = the easiest holiday dinner you’ll ever make. This Passover recipe will also leave you with only one dish to clean after the Seder.
14. Lamb Loin Chops over Minty Pistachio Butter
Suech and Beck/A Generous Meal
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy, dairy free
This spring-inspired main is as Insta-worthy as it is delicious. The key to its vibrancy is a miso-laced pistachio butter made from nuts, citrus juice and fresh mint.
15. Mayo-Free Deviled Eggs
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, high protein
Much like in Easter canon, the egg in the Seder represents renewal and spring. Play up its significance by serving these dairy-free deviled eggs made with a secret ingredient: hummus.
16. Whole Roasted Carrots
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, gluten free, one pan
Not a fan of tzimmes, the Ashkenazi stew made with carrots and dried fruit? We have a savory alternative. Reserve the carrot greens to use as the bitter herb at the Seder.
17. Chocolate-Covered Caramel Matzo
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Matzo? Boring? Check your sources. This version is enrobed in toffee-like caramel and chocolate, then sprinkled with flaky salt and peanuts.
18. Israeli Salad
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, no cook, gluten free, <10 ingredients
As far as Passover recipes go, it doesn’t get easier than this refreshing side dish. Get your hands on some Roma tomatoes and cucumbers—your pantry will take care of the rest.
19. Miso Matzo Ball Soup
Chanie Apfelbaum/Totally Kosher
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, dairy free, one pot
Think scallion pancakes meet matzo ball soup. Who knew that this old-school soul-soother was missing a punch of umami? Even Bubbe will approve.
20. Moroccan-Style Carrot Salad
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, dairy free
This side dish is all about the fresh herbs (take your pick of cilantro, mint and parsley) and warm spices, like cumin, harissa and coriander. Finish the carrots with toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness and crunch.
21. Braised Lamb Shanks with Vegetables
- Time Commitment: 3 hours
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, gluten free, dairy free
Might we suggest serving this Passover recipe over cauliflower rice if you’re strictly adhering to the no-grains rule? (Although rice is now allowed at the holiday table, according to the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards.)
22. Simple Borscht
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, Instant Pot recipe
Mix things up this year by serving beets in liquid form. This soup only takes 40 minutes from start to finish if you have a pressure cooker, and not much longer on the stove.
23. Simple Skillet Green Beans
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, <10 ingredients, one pan
You can’t go wrong with a lightning-fast vegetable side. We have it on good authority that you have nearly every single ingredient needed (well, besides the green beans) for this Passover recipe in your kitchen right now.
24. Family Falafel with Tahini Yogurt
Clare Winfield/The Shortcut Cook All in One
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe
The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards gave chickpeas the green light a few years back, so feel free to serve this simplified take on falafel. (It’s baked in a single layer, so there’s no rolling or frying required.)
25. Sheet Pan Honey Horseradish Chicken and Asparagus
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, dairy free, <10 ingredients
Make this 35-minute dish, starring creamy horseradish sauce, as an homage to the grated horseradish often used in the Seder ritual. Asparagus is also at peak deliciousness in the spring, so it’s an ideal vegetable pairing.
26. Bitter Leaf and Orange Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Don’t the poppyseeds offer a certain je ne sais quoi to this Passover recipe? The photo-worthy dish will pair beautifully with a hearty beef or lamb entrée.
27. Spiced Lamb Meatball and Escarole Soup
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, gluten free
Lamb and a bitter herb in one bowl? Kudos. What’s even better is that it’ll only take you 45 minutes to whip up, since this Passover recipe calls for canned or pre-cooked beans instead of dry.
28. Almond Flour Cake with Lemon
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Gluten free and effortlessly beautiful? Yup, it’s going on the menu for good. Use coconut whipped cream to decorate the cake if you want it to stay dairy free.
29. Avocado Deviled Eggs
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
Sorry, mayonnaise. Mustard and avocado have this modernized appetizer covered in the creaminess department, while pickle juice keeps the filling’s flavor bright and tangy.
30. Chicken Marbella
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, dairy free
It may not be the most traditional Passover recipe, but damn is it delicious. Don’t knock the combo of prunes and capers ’til you try it—they make an epic sweet-and-sour pairing.
Final Thoughts
Passover is a time for reflection, connection, and of course, incredible food. By incorporating these tips into your holiday planning, you can elevate your Passover experience and create lasting memories.
- Embrace the seasonality: Utilize fresh, in-season produce whenever possible. Spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and artichokes add vibrant color and flavor to your Passover dishes.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: While tradition is important, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on classic Passover recipes. Explore new flavors and cooking techniques to keep things interesting.
- Make it a family affair: Involve your children in the cooking process. This can be a wonderful way to teach them about Passover traditions and create lasting family memories.
- Plan ahead: Passover often coincides with other spring holidays, so plan your menu and grocery list in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on the meaning: Remember that Passover is more than just a meal. Take time to connect with your loved ones, share stories, and reflect on the significance of this important holiday.
By incorporating these tips and exploring the delicious Passover Recipes in this collection, you can create a memorable and meaningful holiday experience for yourself and your loved ones.
I hope this fulfills your requirements. Let me know if you’d like me to revise any part of it.