22 Traditional Passover Foods for the Seder
Kosher-friendly main courses, sides, and even desserts.
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For many families, the excitement of springtime is paired closely with Passover. The Jewish holiday is full of tradition, reflection, and, of course, good food. In fact, the food plays a big part in preparing for Passover. It often means cleaning out your kitchen to get rid of any products made from grains or wheats, and making Passover-friendly changes to your typical meals. Then, there's the Seder itself—a holiday dinner that kicks off the eight days of observance in the Jewish faith.
So, what are the do you eat during the Passover dinner? And why are some foods not allowed? Whether you celebrate Passover yourself or you're invited as a guest, you'll want to know exactly what to expect from the traditional Passover foods. First, it's customary to follow kosher guidelines and eliminate any grains that can be leavened from your diet (think: bread, bagels, and even pizza). But don't let the dietary restrictions fool you! You'll still get to enjoy traditional brisket, spring salads, healthy chicken ideas, and potato sides.
You'll likely see many snacks and recipes featuring matzo, the traditional unleavened bread. You will also find a few flourless Passover desserts like coconut macaroons, which you'll find on this list. Along with the classics, there are also some creative ideas like the quinoa-stuffed squash and the horseradish deviled eggs to add something new to your Seder menu. Just be sure to look for the "kosher for Passover" symbol on all your ingredients and keep in mind the included tips for substitutions.
Roasted Chicken Matzo Ball Soup
A comforting bowl of matzo ball soup is the perfect way to kick off your Passover dinner. It's traditionally made with chicken, carrots, and fluffy dumpling-like matzo balls, but this variation adds lots of fresh dill and lemon zest for a springy twist.
Slow Cooker Brisket
Brisket is one of the more popular cuts of meat served on Passover. Not only is it considered kosher, but it's incredibly tender and flavorful when made in a slow cooker. For this recipe, you'll want to swap the cornstarch for potato starch, but don't leave out the hearty potatoes, carrots, and celery.
Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe.
Macaroons
These gluten-free coconut mounds are crispy and golden on the outside with a soft and chewy center. Dip them in luscious chocolate and serve them all week long!
Get the Macaroons recipe.
Radish Salad
Want more round veggies? Try this crunchy, fresh salad! It's perfect for spring and can come together in just 15 minutes. The fresh dill really brightens it up.
Get the Radish Salad recipe.
Melting Potatoes
Picture this: Thick slabs of Yukon gold potatoes are tossed in butter (kosher-approved in this case) and roasted. But then, they're braised in a flavorful chicken broth mixture for a luscious and creamy result.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless chocolate cake is a very popular choice for dessert. Why? Well, because it has no leavener, it becomes dense and super fudgy. If you want to add the sprinkle of powdered sugar on the top, just make sure it's kosher.
Get Ree's Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe.
Ratatouille
You'll often see round foods served at lifecycle events (births, deaths) and holidays. They symbolize the circle of life! So, why have one when you can have a bunch of delicious veggies artfully displayed?
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
Carrot Soup with Carrot Top Pesto
Use the whole carrot in this dish! The creamy soup is paired with a pesto made from the carrot tops for double the flavor. Just make sure you look for kosher parmesan or skip it altogether.
Get Ree's Carrot Soup with Carrot Top Pesto recipe.
Sautéed Asparagus
A simple spring side dish is just what you need to make your Passover meal complete. If you're serving meat, just be sure to leave off the parmesan cheese.
Get the Sautéed Asparagus recipe.
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
This springtime celebration deserves an equally impressive main course, like a whole roasted chicken! Luckily, making it is easy using just one pot. For extra flavor, serve the chicken on a platter with all those roasted veggies and pan drippings for good measure.
Get the Dutch Oven Roast Chicken recipe.
Rosemary Hasselback Potatoes
What goes well with brisket or chicken? Potatoes, of course! This crowd-pleasing side dish gets an extra touch of elegance (and crispy texture) from the hasselback preparation. It also allows the spuds to get more of that tasty rosemary flavor.
Get Ree's Rosemary Hasselback Potatoes recipe.
Rack of Lamb
Lamb serves as a reminder of the lamb that God instructed the Israelites to prepare the night before they were freed so it's a symbolic (yet also delicious) additional to your dinner menu.
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
Watercress Salad
The peppery flavor of watercress will resemble the bitter herbs that are often represented on the symbolic Seder plate at Passover. They'll also add some lightened-up freshness to the hearty meal.
Get Ree's Watercress Salad recipe.
Candied Carrots
Sweetened veggies, known as tzimmes, are often found on a Jewish holiday table. This version made with only carrots is easy to whip up.
Get the Candied Carrots recipe.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Making this pot roast in a slow cooker lets it get meltingly tender without taking up that precious oven space. Even the onions, potatoes, and carrots will soak up all that delicious flavor.
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Potato Galette
No, that's not a giant latke, but it sure does look like one! Make this crispy potato dish for a fun, new twist on a Jewish classic.
Get the Potato Galette recipe.
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
Many traditional Seder tables will have both hard-boiled eggs (as a symbol of the cycle of life) and horseradish (as a symbol of the bitterness of ancient times). This recipe combines the two for a creative twist that your whole family will love. Be sure to use kosher for Passover mayo or make your own homemade mayo.
Get Ree's Horseradish Deviled Eggs recipe.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
There's no limit when it comes to side dishes on Passover. For this recipe, you'll add a burst of sweetness (and candied flavor) to the many savory dishes on the table.
Get the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Baked Salmon
Passover-friendly salmon is a healthy alternative to brisket for your dinner. The best part is that it can be served during the week after the Seder even when you're serving dairy.
Get the Baked Salmon recipe.
Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates
Want a more modern take on sweetened vegetables? Try this colorful dish! Herby green beans get a colorful burst of pomegranate in each bite.
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