39 Best Passover Recipes For A Seder (2022)
We update this post every year with several of our new 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 and best 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 (some are now changed)
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 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.
What are the traditional dishes for a Passover seder?
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)
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.
Company Chicken with Citrus Sauce and Pistachios
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.
Simple Herb Stuffed Salmon Recipe
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.
Reverse Sear Prime Rib (Mouthwatering)
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.
One Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Roast chicken is pretty traditional for a Passover seder. I suggest using chicken pieces instead of whole chickens to make it easier on yourself.
Make ahead: and keep in a warm oven. If making gravy, serve in a coffee thermos to keep it hot.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Make ahead: This simple but really tasty chicken can be marinated the day before and popped in the oven before dinner time. The chicken can also be fully cooked and kept in a warm oven for up to an hour. Finish off under the broiler for a few minutes for a nice finish.
Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe
For a large group at a seder, consider serving a full side of skinless salmon (or two) instead of fillets.
Potluck is possible if you serve it at room temperature. Under 30 minutes.
Bone-In Turkey Breast with Pear Chutney
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.
Sous Vide Tri Tip
With prime rib so expensive these days, tri tip is a great alternative. The sous vide cooking process is perfect for this cut of meat.
Make ahead: You have a window of a couple of hours, making this an ideal option for a seder meal. You can even do a sear for a nice presentation, then keep it warm in a water bath before slicing.
Serve with beef gravy without drippings or peach chutney.
Veal Stew with Wine, Zest and Thyme
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.
Sous Vide Short Ribs (Boneless Beef)
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.
Grilled BBQ Chicken
I know this sounds weird for a Passover sedar, but I actually do this one all the time.
Under 30 minutes once marinated.
Make Ahead and Potluck: The marinating can be done the day before or a few hours before cooking. You can grill the chicken an hour before dinner and keep it warm in a pan, well wrapped with foil or in a warm oven.
Canadian Maple Cedar Plank Salmon
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.
How To Smoke A Brisket
OK, not your typical brisket recipe. And not your ‘whip this up in 30 minutes’ recipe. But if you want to bring something sensational…
Make ahead (needs a whole day and a half) and Potluck.
Sous Vide Chicken Breast (Citrus Glazed)
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.
Baked Fish Fillets with Cherry Tomato Sauce
Not exactly traditional for Passover, but a nice change and great for those who eat fish but not meat.
Make ahead: Make the sauce ahead and just roast the fish for 10-12 minutes before serving. 30 minutes. Pescatarian.
Moroccan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
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.
Side Dish Recipes for Passover
Party Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa
The vegetables can be roasted instead of grilled. Vegetarian.
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.
Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cinnamon Dressing
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.
Spinach Quinoa Salad With Beets
Under 30 minutes (actually 12 minutes!). Vegetarian.
Make ahead: Add dressing at least half hour before to meld the flavors. Potluck
Grilled Carrots With Balsamic Glaze
I love that you can use the grill and save precious oven space for these carrots. Under 30 minutes. Vegetarian.
Make ahead. Potluck: These carrots are easy to bring to a seder. Just warm up for a minute in the microwave.
Vegetable Stuffing with Quinoa
We recently discovered that quinoa can be eaten during Passover.
Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes. Make ahead. Potluck
Roasted Glazed Carrot Tzimmes
This tzimmes recipe is roasted instead of using the more traditional stewed method.
Make ahead – see two options in the post. Vegetarian.
Easy Roasted Bok Choy Recipe
If you need an easy and healthy 12 minute low calorie option, this is a good one. Under 30 minutes.
Make ahead: Everything can be prepped ahead of time on a pan and roasted for 6 minutes before serving. Or just warm the completed dish in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving. (in fact 12 minutes).
Potluck: Bring sesame seeds and balsamic reduction , if using, in separate containers. Vegetarian.
Roasted Head of Cauliflower with Grape Relish
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.
Oven Roasted Vegetable Recipe
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.
Quinoa and Glazed Butternut Squash Salad
Vegetarian. Make ahead: Serve warm or at room temperature. Potluck.
Red Quinoa Salad with Roasted Carrots Recipe
Hey, substitute the beets with prunes and you practically have a modern Passover tzimmes! Vegetarian.
Make ahead: Prepare the salad and add the dressing just before serving.
Potluck: take dressing separately in different container and add just before serving.
Best Citrus Salad With Greens
This is a light refreshing salad that goes well with a heavier meal. Under 30 minutes.
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. Vegetarian.
Simple Thai Mango Salad
This will take a little longer to double or triple the recipe. It makes an excellent refreshing condiment for brisket, roast chicken or tri tip. Skip the bean sprouts for Passover. Under 30 minutes.
Make ahead: Everything can be prepped ahead of time, but add the dressing just before so the mango doesn’t get watery. Vegetarian.
Lemon Risotto with Grilled Vegetables (Instant Pot)
Based on the new 2016 rules, rice is now allowed for Passover. You might want to skip the Parmesan cheese for the Passover Seder though unless you’re serving fish. 30 minutes.
Make ahead: The risotto will keep warm in the instant pot for up to an hour. Or, just make the dish ahead and warm it in the microwave or stovetop, adding extra broth to loosen it up.
Tomato and Onion Salad
Love the vibrant colors! And there’s no need for a salad plate. Easy (especially with a shortcut) and very popular. A family favorite. Vegetarian. Make ahead. Potluck.
Passover Desserts and Treats
Matzo Chocolate Toffee Bar (trademark recipe)
Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes (plus chill time). Gift/loot bag.
Crunchy Caramel Pecan Matzo Crack
Similar to the treat above, but even easier. Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes. Loot bags.
Berry Crumble (No Bake)
Try this fresh dessert instead of the usual fruit or berry bowl after dinner.
Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes
Orange Polenta Cake (gluten free)
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.
Chocolate Mousse Dessert with Warm Caramel Sauce
To die for. Contains dairy. A wonderful alternative to a flourless chocolate cake. Make ahead; Vegetarian; Potluck.
Chocolate Toffee With Hazelnuts
A bit more effort, but worth it for a special person or occasion. Outrageously good. Don’t be intimidated to make this treat like we were. We’ve provided clear simple instructions.
Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Gift/loot bag.
White Chocolate Bark (5 minutes prep)
This treat is perfect for Passover. So easy to make and everyone loves it. Great for Potluck and Loot Bags. Also make ahead, under 30 minutes and vegetarian. A winner!
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.