15 Must-try Passover recipes for your Seder

Get ready to celebrate Seder in style with these simple and delicious Passover recipes to make preparing meals with Passover guidelines (revisited below) easier and tastier.

Celebrating Passover food traditions with the right recipes

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. It marks a time of tradition, reflection, and symbolic meals. Traditions vary across cultures, but the basics are the same. The holiday lasts seven or eight days (depending on where it's observed) and begins with a special meal called a Seder on the first night.

The Seder is more than just dinner. It’s a meaningful tradition where families retell the story of Exodus. The meal follows a specific order, with symbolic foods, prayers, and rituals. A significant part of Passover is its dietary rules. Specific foods are avoided, and others are allowed. Meals focus on whole foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. That is where our sourced collection of Passover-appropriate recipes comes in. Read on to learn the importance of proper ingredients for your special dishes.

What to avoid during Passover

Leavened bread (chametz)- Any leavened bread, along with grains like wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt (unless in matzah), is excluded during Passover. This includes regular bread, pasta, and many baked goods.

Fermented foods- Some traditions avoid fermented or sprouted foods because they could be considered similar to leavening.

Kitniyot (legumes and certain grains)- Ashkenazi Jewish traditions prohibit corn, rice, lentils, peas, and beans during Passover, but Sephardic Jews often allow them.

Passover-friendly foods

Unleavened bread- The only unleavened bread allowed at the Seder is matzah, a simple flatbread made from flour and water that must be baked within 18 minutes to prevent rising. Variations, such as gluten-free or egg-based matzah, are also available to accommodate food allergies and dietary needs.

Fruits and vegetables- Bitter herbs like horseradish and romaine lettuce symbolize the Seder meal. While fresh, whole fruits and vegetables are generally acceptable, some traditions have specific restrictions on processed or fermented versions.

Lean proteins- Kosher meats may be served at Passover meals, including chicken, beef brisket or sirloin, turkey, lamb, and fish (gefilte fish or baked fillets).

Nuts- Plain, raw nuts are allowed, but flavored or processed nuts must be certified kosher for Passover to ensure they haven’t been processed with forbidden ingredients. Some Ashkenazi Jews avoid peanuts since they are classified as kitniyot (legumes).

Nut-based flour & spreads- Almond flour and other nut-based alternatives are often used in Passover baking, as regular flour is prohibited.

Kosher dairy- Dairy products can be included in your Passover meal if no meat is served, following kosher laws. Standard options like cheese, milk, yogurt, and butter must be kosher-for-Passover to ensure they contain no forbidden additives. If meat is part of the meal, dairy is typically avoided, and non-dairy alternatives may be used instead.

Tips for keeping Passover recipes balanced

Minor tweaks can make a big difference in how you feel during the holiday. If you want to enjoy Passover without feeling weighed down, here are some simple ways to keep meals light and nourishing.

• Go for lean proteins – Stick to chicken, turkey, fish, or lean cuts of beef to keep meals satisfying without excess fat.
• Pile on the veggies – Load your plate with fresh, roasted, or steamed vegetables for fiber and nutrients.
• Swap in natural sweeteners – Use honey, dates, or pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar for a more wholesome touch.
• Choose healthy fats – Nuts, olive oil, and avocado add flavor and keep you feeling full without unhealthy additives.

Healthy Passover recipes

Looking for delicious Passover-friendly recipes? Here are some tasty options to try for the holiday.

Breakfast Passover recipes

Matzo Brei – A scrambled egg and matzo dish, often served with cinnamon or smoked salmon.

Matzo Granola for Passover – Made with matzo, nuts, and coconut.

Smoked Salmon Omelet – A simple, high-protein breakfast.

Lunch and dinner Passover recipes

Matzah Ball Soup – With homemade matzah balls and loads of vegetables.

Garlic Lemon Salmon – A simple dish with lemon, garlic, and herbs.

Braised Beef Brisket – An aromatic and tender Passover recipe for guests or family.

Eggplant salad – Eggplant and peppers in a tomato sauce.

Passover side dishes

Roasted Carrots Gremolata – A colorful and nutritious side.

Sephardic-Style Charoset – A mix of dried fruit, almonds, cinnamon, and wine, often served during the Seder.

Passover Potato Kugel – Lighten up this baked casserole with minimal oil.

Tomato Salad with Capers – A fresh and light side that can be eaten alone or served over quinoa.

Desserts and snacks for Passover

Israeli Halva – Made with tahini, honey, and almonds.

Toasted coconut macaroons – A naturally Passover-friendly treat.

Maple Ginger Poached Pears – A simple, healthy dessert.

Kosher for Passover Fudgy Brownies – Chocolatey and addicting, you won’t believe these are safe for Passover!

Passover traditions with a fresh perspective

Passover is a time for tradition, reflection, and, of course, delicious food. By enjoying traditional Passover recipes in a balanced way, you can enjoy the holiday while staying on track with your health goals. Whether hosting a Seder or looking for Passover-friendly meal ideas, minor adjustments can significantly impact health goals. Wishing you a meaningful and nourishing Passover!

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