41 Modern Passover Recipes To Spice Up Your Meals All Week Long
Whether you’ve been celebrating your whole life or are new to Passover, the springtime Jewish holiday is ALL about tradition. There are some long-established menu items you must have at your Seder dinner table and are likely eating all week long (hi, hello matzo), but for everything else, it’s a real mix of what you or your family and loved ones are into. Our list of Passover dinner recipes includes both classics and innovative recipes so you can truly make the holiday your own.
The term “Passover” refers to the biblical stories of the 10 plagues sent by God to convince the Egyptian pharaoh to “let the Jewish people go” and the eventual exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt. The last of the 10 plagues was the killing of all firstborn Egyptian sons, during which God instructed the Jewish people to slaughter a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood to instruct the Angel of Death to “pass over” them. After this last plague, the Pharaoh ordered the Jews to leave Egypt. As the story goes, they packed in such a hurry that they didn’t have enough time to even let their bread rise (if you’ve ever made homemade bread, you can imagine), and only were able to bring unleavened, cracker-like bread called matzo with them.
To celebrate this exodus, Jewish people today continue to remove chametz from their diets (and their homes, for some strict households) for the duration of Passover, as well as make sure all other ingredients they’re using are specified Kosher for Passover. Simply put, chametz is basically any leavened flour product like bread, cake, cookies, etc. Traditionally Jewish people also have avoided kitniyot, or legumes (like peanuts, peas, and beans), though recently modern families have begun reintroducing them into their Passover diets. In addition, they must continue to follow general Kosher rules (meat and dairy can’t be eaten in the same meal, though fish and eggs are considered neutral, or pareve; no pork products; etc.) Most families also traditionally make a seder plate full of items that help in the retelling of the Passover story before dinner.
We get it, this might all seem like a LOT. We’ll assume that if you’re keeping strictly kosher, you’ll be aware of Kosher products and the regulations you abide by, and will sub in or out of these recipes as needed. For everyone else, we hope these recipes will help broaden your perspective, and inspire you to try something new. We think the best part about appreciating a culture you’re not a part of is the opportunity to try something new, while also having the flexibility to (respectfully!) not be perfect about it.
No matter what, it’s a great time to avoid processed foods, and you’ll largely find only whole ingredients here. We’ve got options for a seder plate, like homemade charoset (and an egg salad to use up your hard-boiled eggs), as well as many noodle-less, low-carb “pasta” alternatives (hot tip: make your noodles out of eggs!). A brisket is classic, but we’ve included some other impressive roast meats, like chicken and lamb too. Side dishes—like our cranberry apple quinoa salad, our potato kugel, and chicken matzo ball soup—are also represented. End your meal with a creative twist on matzo, like in our matzo icebox cake or our chocolate matzo toffee (we’ve got coconut macaroons and a flourless chocolate coconut cake too if you’re SO over matzo by then 😜).
For more Passover inspiration, click here to see how Miayim Bialik gets ready for her (vegan) seder dinner, and here for more Slightly Kosher recipes.
(PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE)
The most signature part of this dish has to be the complex, sweet-briny marinade that flavors our chicken. With prunes, olives, capers, and herbs, this marinade might seem surprising, but trust us—the result is a flavor-packed dish you won't be able to get enough of.
Get the Chicken Marbella recipe.
(EMILY HLAVAC GREEN)
Of all the various kugels (potato and noodle being the most popular), matzo kugel tends to not get any love. This incredibly flavorful Reuben-inspired recipe is here to change all that.
Get the Pastrami Matzo Kugel recipe.
(PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON)
A symbolic dish of past hardships, warming matzo ball soup is an essential component of the Passover feast. The time and effort you invest really pays off here; plus, it couldn’t be easier. Throw a few roughly chopped vegetables, a whole chicken or two, some herbs, and chicken stock into a large pot and basically walk away for two hours.
Get the Chicken Matzo Ball Soup recipe.
(PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE)
This recipe made us wonder, Why don’t we roast carrots more often? When they roast, their flavor concentrates and sweetens. Pair that with copious amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and just a touch of lemon, and you’ve got a super-irresistible dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.
(PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE)
For when you're craving pizza this Passover, use cauliflower instead of wheat for the crust! Top with your fave veggies (just avoid meat if you're keeping kosher).
Get the Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)
We're always looking for new ways to switch up our Passover chicken dishes, and when we're craving something light and easy, this one-pan meal is one we turn to again and again. Chicken, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes are all cooked alongside a sharp, acidic, yet sweet homemade balsamic glaze in this recipe, so you can enjoy a dinner with maximum flavor and minimum cleanup.
Get the One-Pan Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus recipe.
(PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS)
We don’t believe in boring salads at Delish, and crunchy apples and tart cranberries bring a lot of life to this one. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing is a delight, so make extra and put it on everything during Passover.
Get the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad recipe.
(PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE)
Roasting a lamb shoulder is just as easy, if not easier, than roasting a chicken. All you need to do is rub your roast with a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil and throw it in the oven for an hour or so. Bonus points if you roast the meat on top of a bed of potatoes for the perfect complete meal.
Get the Roast Lamb recipe.
(ETHAN CALABRESE)
Don't be surprised when you see cracks in the top of this chocolate cake—this is normal with flourless cakes, since steam causes the batter to expand while baking. When the temperature cools, it'll collapse back down, creating the signature cracks. Topped with a layer of cocoa powder, the result is gorgeously artistic.
Get the Flourless Chocolate Coconut Cake recipe.
(ERIK BERNSTEIN)
The coconut milk and spice go so well together here, making a rich, but not heavy, sauce that really tastes and feels far more complicated than it is. The salmon simmers in the milk, keeping it very tender and flaky and extra flavorful. Spoon the sauce over the salmon a few times as it cooks to give it a nice coating, then serve with cauliflower rice!
Get the Coconut Curry Salmon recipe.
(EMILY HLAVAC GREEN)
Missing noodles this Passover? Make these cacio e pepe sweet potato noodles. Tossed in buttery black pepper sauce and showered with Parmesan and Pecorino, these sweet potato noodles are so delicious that no one will even think about asking for “regular” pasta.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Sweet Potato Noodles recipe.
(PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON)
Making a giant, roasted brisket for your family or friends is basically the best way to say “I love you” this Passover, and not because it took you hours and hours. This preparation is much easier and quicker but doesn't sacrifice flavor or tenderness.
Get the Beef Brisket recipe.
(Parker Feierbach)
We paired quick-cooking chicken cutlets with a spicy-sweet coconut milk sauce that’s out-of-this-world tasty. Tomatoes (and tomato paste) bring it back down to Earth, so you can make this over and over (and over!) again this Passover. Not convinced? Did we mention this comes together in just one pan, in less than 30 minutes?!
Get the One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken recipe.
(PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE)
The word tzimmes has its origins in Yiddish: To "make a big tzimmes about something" essentially means making a big fuss. Here, there's hardly any! The carrots and dates are quickly braised in an orange sauce and finished with fresh parsley for a pop of green.
Get the Tzimmes recipe.
(ERIK BERNSTEIN)
Observing Passover doesn’t have to mean missing out on your favorite carby breakfast foods, especially if you’re a cereal nut. When crumbled by hand, the ever-versatile unsalted matzo makes a crisp yet hearty base for the perfect granola.
Get the Matzo Granola recipe.
(PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON)
For when you can't have traditional noodle kugel (😥), this gluten-free potato kugel is the next best thing. It's essentially a giant latke!
Get the Potato Kugel recipe.
(CHELSEA LUPKIN)
When you just can't stand any more matzo-based desserts, make these gluten-free coconut macaroons instead. You could skip the chocolate, but we don't recommend it. 😉
Get the Ultimate Macaroons recipe.
(Parker Feierbach)
Cacio e pepe is one of our all time FAVORITE pasta dishes. This lightened-up version calls for making your egg noodles from scratch, sans flour—the good news is it's SO much easier than it sounds. All you need is a good nonstick pan, and you'll be on your way to OU-P pasta bliss.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Egg Noodles recipe.
(ERIK BERNSTEIN)
Though latkes are commonly served with applesauce and plain sour cream, here, they get a flavor-boost with a spicy horseradish and chive sour cream topping, which adds savory depth to each bite.
Get the House Latkes With Horseradish recipe.
(PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE)
Cozy and nourishing, we crave matzo ball soup pretty much year-round, though it's a MUST for Passover. Although schmaltz (AKA chicken fat) and chicken broth are typically included in this classic Ashkenazi Jewish soup, it’s not hard to swap in vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
Get the Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup recipe.
(PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM)
We like sour cream and chives on our savory version, but you could also go sweet (breakfast for dinner?) with applesauce, jam, or even maple syrup. To make this more desserty, skip the onions and add a little sugar and cinnamon. Yum!
Get the Savory Matzo Brei recipe.
(ERIK BERNSTEIN)
This savory-sweet salmon never disappoints. Searing fish might seem intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it'll be second nature. Serve alongside some cauliflower rice for a perfect Kosher meal (swap the soy sauce for imitation OU-P if you are avoiding kitniyot).
Get the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe.
(ETHAN CALABRESE)
Proof there's nothing cauliflower can't do! Switch up your basic cauliflower fried rice with cooked shredded chicken, and feel free to add any extra veggies you have on hand!
Get the Chicken Fried Cauliflower Rice recipe.
(Hearst Owned)
After making these, buying store-bought gefilte fish will be a thing of the past. Serve these with horseradish leftover from your seder plate for the full experience.
Get the Gefilte Fish recipe.
(Parker Feierbach)
With a good piece of meat and some simple herbs, you can have roast beef that's way more tender and flavorful than the store-bought kind. Anddon't worry if it seems like a lot of meat, leftover cold roast beef is one of life's greatest pleasures.
Get the Perfect Roast Beef recipe.
(KAT WIRSING)
Cocoa powder and eggs give this gluten-free cake all the lift and structure it needs. It can be made ahead of time too—just wait 'til right before serving to pour the ganache to really wow your guests.
Get the Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)
Tilapia has a very mild fish taste, and is a great way to get those non-seafood eaters to love it. We cooked ours in plenty of butter, lemon, and garlic to make it bright and fresh and easy for everyone to enjoy. Baking it requires very little effort with zero risk of the fish sticking to your skillet or grill. A win win!
Get the Garlicky Lemon Baked Tilapia recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)
This easy hack results in a perfect roast chicken, sans butter, and the veggies to go along with it!
Get the Bundt Pan Roast Chicken recipe.
(ETHAN CALABRESE)
Perfect for your seder plate! Feel free to swap in your preferred nuts and dried fruit—promise it'll turn out just as good whatever you go with.
Get the Charoset recipe.
These crispy potatoes are totally versatile; you can top them with cheddar, ranch seasoning (good use for any leftover seder plate karpas, or parsley), or even brie. Skip the Parmesan and swap the butter for olive oil if you want to serve these alongside meat as a side, or put them out alongside toothpicks as an app.
Get the Garlic Smashed Potatoes recipe.
(ETHAN CALABRESE)
Make this egg salad using your extra seder plate hard-boiled eggs. Feel free to sub the mayonnaise for sour cream or Greek yogurt if you can't find OU-P mayo.
Get the Best-Ever Egg Salad recipe.
(CHELSEA LUPKIN)
A roasted rack of lamb is the perfect Passover showstopper. Don't forget to make this with enough time to spare—as with other meats, you'll want to let it rest before carving to ensure that all the juices stay locked in.
Get the Easy Rack of Lamb recipe.
(ETHAN CALABRESE)
You can top spaghetti squash however you like, but for a vegetarian, wheat-free meal we love treating it as "lasagna." Italian-inspired food is also a great use of any leftover seder plate karpas, or parsley, for garnish.
Get the Instant Pot Cheesy Spaghetti Squash recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)
This tastes just like tiramisu! Make it the day before your celebration to ensure the matzo has enough time to soak and turn cakey.
Get the Matzoh Icebox Cake recipe.
(SUZANNE CLEMENTS)
You can swap the butter for olive oil on these carrots if need be, and try out different combos of your favorite herbs and spices. Make sure your honey is pure (no added corn syrup!) to keep it Kosher.
Get the Honey-Glazed Carrots recipe.
(ETHAN CALABRESE)
Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions pair really nicely with the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes. Did we mention it's great warm or cold (which means you can make it ahead and eat it all Passover week long!)?
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)
If you've always avoided making this hearty meal for your Passover dinner because of how labor intensive it may seem, let us introduce a superhero: the slow cooker. Be prepared—this dish will make your kitchen smell divine.
Get the Slow-Cooker Brisket recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)
This candy has become a post-seder classic and is a great way to utilize any extra matzo you bought. Make a lot and give as gifts!
Get the Chocolate Toffee Matzo recipe.
(ANDREW BUI)
Is there any noodle zucchini can't replace? Have a bounty of zucchini you want to use? Check out our zucchini lattice lasagna or our zucchini lasagna roll-ups too.
Get the Zucchini Ravioli recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)
This quick and easy dinner is high in protein and takes very little effort. We love the Tex-Mex spices here; the chili powder and cayenne add a nice kick that the avocado helps to perfectly offset. Ditch the black beans and corn for Passover—this is so flavorful, you won't miss 'em!
Get the One-Pan Chicken And Quinoa recipe.
(ERIK BERNSTEIN - Hearst Owned)
No noodles here! Pro tip: Dab your zucchini with a towel when the lasagna is done cooking, then broil the cheese on top so it gets extra bubbly and crispy.
Get the Zucchini Lattice Lasagna recipe.
(PARKER FEIERBACH)Our list of Passover dinner recipes includes both classics and innovative recipes so you can truly make the holiday your own.