31 Best Passover Recipes For A Seder (2023)
We update this post every year with several new or updated recipes to help you plan a wonderful Passover Seder menu or help out the host with a potluck dish.
We’ve gathered our family favorite Passover recipes for main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Not necessarily traditional, but all Passover friendly.
Many are vegetarian, take 30 minutes or less and perfect for potluck. We even have a few food gift ideas.
Those who celebrate this special Jewish holiday will fall into one of two camps.
- hosting a Passover Seder or
- bringing a dish or two to someone else’s Seder.
While many stick to traditional foods, some of you might want to change it up a bit – or at least mix old and new.
Passover food restrictions
The recipes below do not include bread, flour, grains and legumes that are not eaten on Passover. Those who are more observant will only eat products and ingredients that are kosher for Passover.
In my experience, almost everything is available now, labeled ‘kosher-for-Passover’. Here’s a good guide to foods that can be eaten during Passover.
Changes since 2016: Passover restrictions have changed according to the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS), the legal body of the Conservative movement. Kitniyot such as rice, corn, sesame seeds, etc are now allowed.
Some may disagree, so be sure to check with your guests or host before using previously restricted foods.
Information to help plan your menu
All the Passover recipes included here can be used in your sedar menu because they all adhere to the customs for eating during Passover.
To help hosts and guests, we have also noted the following for each recipe:
- Vegetarian Passover recipes: These will be helpful if you have vegetarians at the seder table.
- Potluck-friendly: This means the dish can be made ahead and transported. We offer a few tips for reheating and serving where needed.
- Make-ahead: This is critical for larger group gatherings and to reduce the stress.
- Under 30 minutes: Who doesn’t want a few dishes that can be made quickly?
- Gift or Lootbag appropriate: If I have the energy, I like to give out loot bags at the end when I host.
Traditional Passover foods
Every family has its own Passover traditions and favorite Passover recipes. Traditional dishes will vary. Here are a few common ones, especially for Ashkenazi Jews.
- chicken soup with matzo balls (matzo ball soup)
- gefilte fish
- brisket
- roast chicken
- potato kugel (casserole)
- tzimmes (carrot/prune stew)
- kosher wine (red wine)
- Passover cakes (essentially flourless cakes)
Every family will also have a version of the seder plate with symbolic foods.
Main Course Passover Recipes
Apricot Chicken (Easy Semi-Homemade)
Sticky, sweet, tangy deliciousness. This semi-homemade apricot chicken is a step up from that old recipe with onion soup, jam and Catalina dressing.Make ahead: Cook chicken to 155F/68C (read with an instant read thermometer) up to an hour ahead. Cover well with foil. Before serving, spoon sauce on top and broil for 4 minutes 8-10 inches from the heat.
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Citrus Chicken with Carrots, Prunes and Pistachios
This company chicken with citrus, carrots, prunes & pistachios is a treat for the eyes, taste buds and cook (make-ahead). The flavors blend beautifully.Make ahead: The whole recipe can be prepped a day ahead (or in the morning) and popped into the oven before serving. Potluck: Transport the cooked chicken in a large roaster. Either complete the cooking and keep warm in the host's oven or just do the broiling before serving at the host's house. Bring the parsley and pistachios in a separate container to sprinkle on before serving.
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Simple Herb Stuffed Salmon Recipe
This herb stuffed salmon recipe is infused with green herbs, lemon and wine to create a delicious main dish. Succulent, healthy and ready in 20 minutes.For a Passover or holiday menu, use a skinless whole side of salmon (instead of individual fillets) for a beautiful presentation. Make ahead: The salmon can be made a couple hours ahead or refrigerated the day before and brought to room temperature the next day. Sprinkle additional chopped herbs on top before serving along with lemon wedges and preferred garnish.  Potluck: This recipe is perfect for potluck, particularly if you serve it at room temperature (no reheating needed). Under 30 minutes.
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Reverse Sear Prime Rib (Mouthwatering)
This classic prime rib recipe uses the reverse-sear method to create mouth watering, medium-rare meat throughout the entire roast. It doesn't get better than that. The method is also perfect for a seder meal because it allows for a long rest time. Make ahead: Once the slow cook portion of the roasting is done, it can sit on the counter covered for up to 90 minutes. Just before serving, roast it at very high heat for 6-10 minutes, slice and serve.
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Easy Ground Chicken Meatballs (Sweet and Sour)
Kids love these ground chicken meatballs in sweet and sour sauce. Adults do too 🙂. Soft, tender meatballs in sweet tangy sauce that only take 10-15 minutes to prep with a few simple ingredients in one pot. Replace the breadcrumbs with matzo meal for Passover. Make ahead: the meatballs can be made 2-3 days ahead of even frozen for 2-3 months. The reheat well on the stove or microwave so are good for potluck.
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Bone-In Turkey Breast with Pear Chutney
A simple roasted bone-in turkey breast with pear chutney makes for a surprisingly no-fuss, healthy and delicious family or company dinner. Substitute a tzimmes (see below) for the pear chutney if you like. Make ahead: Cook turkey to 160F or a little less. Cool down, then slice across the grain.  Set slices in a pan and add a 1/4 broth to the pan. Cover tightly and reheat at 325F for about 10-15 minutes. Or, much simpler and more fool-proof, just keep warm for up to an hour loosely covered with foil, especially if you're making hot gravy. Potluck: Transport in pan for reheating, covered with foil. Bring chutney on the side and serve warm or at room temperature. Sous Vide Option: If you have sous vide equipment, you can make incredibly moist delicious sous vide turkey breasts. Just slice before serving.
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Veal Stew with Wine, Zest and Thyme
This veal stew, made with wine, lemon zest and thyme, is rich, flavorful and full-bodied. Perhaps a bit more rustic for a Passover meal, but still delicious. And perfect for potluck. Perhaps try this recipe instead of brisket? Make-ahead: Absolutely. It's even better the next day warmed up. Instant Pot Option: Make Instant Pot Veal Stew if you prefer. Potluck: Bring the stew in a large pot and heat on low, stirring occasionally. Add parsley just before serving.
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Sous Vide Short Ribs (Boneless Beef)
If you own a sous vide machine or are planning to get one, do not miss these boneless beef Sous Vide Short Ribs. Beyond easy and mouth watering! Definitely worth the 48 hour cook time. This would be a fantastic alternative to brisket if you have sous vide equipment. Make Ahead: Yes, in fact 48 hours ahead. You can finish the sous vide part hours ahead and finish it off before serving. Or complete the dish and keep it in a warm oven. Mouth watering! Potluck: Easy to transport.
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Canadian Maple Cedar Plank Salmon
This rich, mildly smoky Canadian Maple Cedar Plank Salmon is glazed with maple syrup, balsamic, grainy mustard, butter & garlic. Â Easy and mouthwatering!Make ahead and Potluck: Make it a couple of hours ahead with a full side or two of salmon. Place the planks on a large pan to transport, covered in foil. Serve at room temperature, cutting it into smaller serving pieces on the planks. Wickedly good.
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How To Smoke A Brisket
How to smoke a brisket in a smoker includes all the best research, experience and tips by guest chef Bob to get you to a tender, mouth watering smoked brisket. We included a great shortcut and step by step instructions that even a novice can follow.OK, not your typical brisket recipe. And not your 'whip this up in 30 minutes' recipe. But if you want to bring something sensational…Â Make ahead (needs a whole day and a half) and Potluck.Â
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Sous Vide Chicken Breast (Citrus Glazed)
This tender, juicy citrus glazed sous vide chicken breast is bursting with flavor from a sweet, tangy glaze of maple syrup, orange, lemon and lime. Company worthy. This is a lovely and simple recipe for a Passover seder. Make ahead: You have a window of a couple hours which takes the stress right out. Or, make the chicken a day or two ahead, cool it, place in the fridge and rewarm it in a sous vide water bath at 135F for up to an hour before serving. The sauce can also be made ahead and rewarmed. So it's all manageable for potluck too.
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Moroccan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Experience incredible aromas and juicy spiced Moroccan chicken with the most scrumptious sweet potato, prune, onion, garlic and apple medley ever. No special equipment needed.Perfect for a small group. Or use a larger pan instead of a skillet. No tagine is needed. Make ahead: Prep veggies the night before. The entire recipe can be cooked ahead and kept warm, loosely covered, for up to an hour without cutting up the chicken.
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Passover side dishes
Roasted Vegetable Salad With Quinoa (3 sides in 1)
We love this Party Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa, loaded with eggplant, corn, peppers and maple-balsamic dressing. Three sides in one colorful dish. The vegetables can be roasted instead of grilled. Make ahead: All the components for this salad can be made ahead. You just need to assemble the parts and drizzle on the dressing before serving. Potluck: Assemble, cover and transport the salad with the dressing in a container to be added just before serving.Vegetarian
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Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cinnamon Dressing
Beautiful, delicious and satisfying as a vegetarian main or side, butternut squash salad with caramelized onions, toasted pecans and warm cinnamon dressing will get rave reviews at your Passover dinner.Make Ahead: All components (squash, onions, dressing) can be made up to a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge, covered. Bring the butternut squash and onions to room temperature before serving or warm them for a minute in the microwave. Potluck: Assemble the salad before transporting. Bring the dressing in a separate container. Before serving, heat the dressing in the microwave, drizzle over the salad and serve. Vegetarian
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Grilled Carrots With Balsamic Glaze
These vibrant, sweet, tender, caramelized Grilled Carrots with Balsamic Glaze add a little drama to the table. I love that you can use the grill and save precious oven space for these carrots. Make ahead. Potluck: These carrots are easy to bring to a seder. Just warm up for a minute in the microwave. Under 30 minutes. Vegetarian.
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Vegetable Stuffing with Quinoa
You won't miss the bread in this delicious, super healthy, Vegetable Stuffing with quinoa. It's a great alternative to a traditional stuffing, dressing or any side dish. And takes only 30 minutes to make.Quinoa can be eaten during Passover. Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes. Make ahead. Potluck
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Roasted Glazed Carrot Tzimmes
A perfect side for a Jewish holiday, Roasted Glazed Carrot Tzimmes fuses the delicious, rich flavors of balsamic, maple, orange & cinnamon. A twist on the more traditional version.This tzimmes recipe is roasted instead of using the more traditional stewed method. Make ahead – see two options in the post. Vegetarian.Â
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Roasted Head of Cauliflower with Grape Relish
This company-worthy roasted head of cauliflower, crowned with a bright zesty-sweet grape relish, makes a beautiful centerpiece for a special occasion like Passover.Make Ahead: Earlier in the day, make recipe, then warm cauliflower before serving, topped with relish (also made earlier). Or, do the covered part of the cauliflower roasting ahead of time, then the final uncovered roasting before serving. Potluck: Make and bring the fully roasted cauliflower and grape relish separately. Reheat in a 350F-375F oven for 10-15 minutes and top with relish. Vegetarian.Â
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Oven Roasted Vegetable Recipe
This oven roasted vegetables recipe is simple comfort food. Sweet potatoes, peppers, eggplant, apples and rosemary create a delicious side dish. Not to mention healthy and colorful. And never mind that an apple is not a vegetable. It works perfectly. Make ahead: Just follow the directions for roasting several hours ahead or in the morning. Reheat at 375-425F for about 5-10 minutes. Potluck: Bring to host in pan to reheat before serving (make sure your host has oven space to spare). Vegetarian.Â
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Simple Parsley Potatoes With Zest
Buttery, zesty parsley potatoes are a great side dish for Passover if you are serving fish as the main course. Easy, packed with flavor and made in about 20 minutes.Make ahead: Make several hours or even a day or two ahead, only adding parsley after reheating to keep its vibrant green color Reheat the dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered, stirring in between.Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes. Potluck.
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Quinoa and Glazed Butternut Squash Salad
Simple, hearty and healthy, Quinoa and Glazed Butternut Squash salad with spinach, cranberries and toasted sesame seeds is a delicious vegetarian main dish or side.Make ahead: Serve warm or at room temperature. Potluck. Vegetarian.Â
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Microwave Green Beans (that everyone loves)
Microwave green beans have to be one of the easiest ways to make green beans. Dress them up the way you like – or don't. Use oil instead of butter for Passover or serve with fish. Make Ahead: Wash and trim the beans the day or hours before and store them in the fridge. Add 1-2 tablespoons water before microwaving.Potluck (if host has a microwave), Vegetarian
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Best Citrus Salad With Greens
Sweet oranges and tangy grapefruit tossed in vinaigrette over salad greens make this delicious citrus salad a lovely all-season salad. Quick, easy and beautiful. Under 30 minutes. Vegetarian. Make ahead: Everything can be prepped ahead of time, but keep the citrus sections, dressing and salad greens separate until serving time to avoid a soggy salad.
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Tomato and Onion Salad
This sweet, tangy Marinated Tomato Salad with homemade Catalina dressing creates a colorful side dish even when tomatoes are not at their best.Love the vibrant colors! And there's no need for a salad plate. Easy (especially with a shortcut) and very popular. A family favorite that we always serve at the Seder.Vegetarian. Make ahead. Potluck.Â
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Passover Desserts and Treats
Matzo Chocolate Toffee Bar (trademark recipe)
Looking for a special treat for Passover? Try this easy Marcy Goldman trademark recipe for chocolate toffee matzo.  It's addictive, especially during Passover when no cake or cookies are eaten. Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes (plus chill time). Gift/loot bag.Â
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Crunchy Caramel Pecan Matzo Crack
We dare you to eat just one handful of this Crunchy Caramel Pecan Matzo Crack. It's an addictive twist on the famous Passover treat and we love to eat it as a snack or as a topping for ice cream or berry crisp. Similar to the recipe above, but even easier. Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes. Loot bags.
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Berry Crumble (No Bake)
If you're looking to serve something healthy and light and a few notches above plain berries, this no-bake Berry Crumble is the ticket. Fresh berries topped with a rich nut-date mixture (and whipped cream if you like) – ready in 10 minutes.Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes
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Orange Polenta Cake (gluten free)
This delicious golden gluten-free Orange Polenta Cake is moist, rich and bursting with zesty orange flavor. It's easy to make as it has no layers, no filling and no icing. In the past, corn was not allowed on Passover. Since 2016, it has now been approved. Make Ahead: the cake can be made ahead and kept  covered in the fridge. We suggest bringing it to room temperature before serving or warming it for a few seconds in the microwave. The cake can also be frozen. Potluck friendly. Vegetarian.Â
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Chocolate Mousse Dessert with Warm Caramel Sauce
Elegant and sinfully rich, this Chocolate Mousse Dessert with Warm Caramel Sauce is simply sensational. Your guests will groan with pleasure. A great no-flour Passover dessert. To die for. Contains dairy. Make ahead; Vegetarian; Potluck.
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Chocolate Toffee With Hazelnuts
Chocolate Toffee – buttery, nutty, chocolate-y, crunchy and scrumptious. Like Skor bars, but way better. And much easier to make than you think. A bit more effort, but worth it for a special person or occasion. Outrageously good. Don't be intimidated.. We've provided clear simple instructions. Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Gift/loot bag.Â
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White Chocolate Bark (5 minutes prep)
White Chocolate Bark (or any bark for that matter) is pretty much the easiest sweet treat you can possibly make. Endless flavor possibilities, 2-3 ingredients, 5 minutes to put together and 20-30 minutes to chill. Creamy, melt in your mouth, deliciousness.This treat is perfect for Passover. So easy to make and everyone loves it. Potluck and Loot Bags. Make ahead, under 30 minutes and vegetarian.
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Easy Tropical Fruit Salad (4 ingredients)
Make this vibrant tropical fruit salad as a gorgeous, refreshing ending to a meal or as an appetizer served in mini cups. Just 15 minutes prep time.Make ahead: (one day). Keep in covered container, Only add mint to taste and the orange juice when ready to serve. Potluck, Under 30 minutes. Vegetarian.
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Passover FAQs
What is a traditional meal for Passover?
A traditional meal at Passover – at a Seder – includes matzo (unleavened bread) and a seder plate of charoset (a mixture of chopped apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon), a bitter herb, a boiled egg, salt water and a lamb shank. Other traditional foods might include matzo ball soup, roast chicken, beef or lamb, and side dishes and desserts that comply with Passover rules (no flour for example).
What food is Passover friendly?
Passover friendly foods typically include matzo, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, charoset, kugel, brisket, and roasted chicken. And no foods such as bread, pasta, cake and cookies made with flour.
Tips for Hosting
- How to keep foods warm
- Hosting a Dinner Party
- If you have Sous Vide equipment, why not try some of our best sous vide recipes? Stress free! (Obviously not the pork recipes for Passover).
Wishing those who celebrate a wonderful Passover seder!
Cheryl and Jenna
Love all the healthy choices, ease of preparation, and look. Ty ty
Thanks so much Terri! If you make one of the recipes and like it, we’d love to hear from you.