8 Delicious Passover Recipes Everyone Will Love

Passover meals can be much more than matzo pizza and hard-boiled eggs. With a little creativity—and strict attention to chametz-free ingredients—you can serve show-stopping dishes that honor tradition while delighting modern palates. Below you’ll find eight Passover-friendly recipes (meat, dairy, and pareve), complete with tips for keeping them fully kosher for the holiday.

1. Zesty Citrus & Herb Roast Chicken (Meat)

Why It Works

• Bright lemon-orange marinade cuts through rich holiday fare

• One pan—less cleanup between Seder courses

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lb)

• Juice & zest of 1 orange + 1 lemon

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme

• 1 tsp paprika, salt & pepper

Directions

1. Whisk citrus juice/zest, oil, garlic, herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Rub marinade under skin and over chicken. Refrigerate 2 hours (or overnight).

3. Roast at 400 °F (200 °C) for 1 hr 15 min, basting once, until juices run clear (165 °F internal). Rest 10 min; carve and serve.

2. Matzo Ball Soup—Two Ways (Pareve)

A. Classic Fluffy Floaters

• 4 matzos, 2 eggs, 2 Tbsp schmaltz or oil, 2 Tbsp seltzer, ¼ tsp salt

• Process matzos to crumbs; mix with eggs, fat, seltzer, salt. Chill 30 min.

• Form walnut-size balls; simmer in salted water 30 min.

B. Dill & Lemon Twist

Add 1 Tbsp minced dill + zest of ½ lemon to the batter for a subtle brightness.

Serve either style in piping-hot chicken broth with carrot coins and celery.

3. Sweet Potato & Caramelized Onion Kugel (Pareve)

Why It Works

• Earthy sweet potatoes replace traditional noodles or potatoes

• Caramelized onions add savory depth

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes, grated

• 2 onions, thinly sliced

• 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided

• 3 eggs

• ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, salt & pepper

Directions

1. Sauté onions in 1 Tbsp oil over low heat 20 min until golden. Cool.

2. Combine grated sweet potatoes, onions, beaten eggs, spices, remaining oil.

3. Pack into greased 9×13-inch dish; bake 375 °F (190 °C) 45 min until top browns.

4. Sheet-Pan Za’atar Salmon with Asparagus (Dairy-Free)

Ingredients

• 6 salmon fillets

• 2 Tbsp olive oil + 2 tsp za’atar + ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed

• Salt, lemon wedges

Directions

1. Toss asparagus with 1 Tbsp oil, salt; spread on sheet pan.

2. Place salmon; brush with remaining oil mixed with za’atar & garlic.

3. Roast 12–15 min at 400 °F. Squeeze lemon juice before serving.

5. Cauliflower “Rice” Pilaf (Pareve)

Why It Works

• Grain-free side that feels substantial

• Toasted almonds & dried fruit echo classic Sephardi flavors

Method

1. Pulse 1 large cauliflower into rice-size bits.

2. Sauté 1 diced onion in 2 Tbsp oil; add cauliflower “rice,” 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook 5 min; stir in ¼ cup chopped toasted almonds and ¼ cup diced dried apricots.

6. Chimichurri Brisket (Meat)

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb brisket, trimmed

• 1 cup broth (Passover-certified)

• Rub: 1 Tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper

Slow-Roast

1. Rub spice mix on brisket; place in roasting pan with broth.

2. Cover tightly; bake 300 °F (150 °C) 3 hours until fork-tender.

3. Rest, slice, and spoon over quick chimichurri: parsley, cilantro, garlic, red-wine vinegar, olive oil, and minced jalapeño.

7. Flourless Chocolate-Almond Torte (Pareve)

Why It Works

• Decadent yet simple, using ground almonds in place of flour

• Make ahead—flavor deepens overnight

Ingredients

• 8 oz dark chocolate (K for P), melted

• ½ cup olive or coconut oil

• ¾ cup sugar

• 4 eggs, separated

• 1 cup almond meal

• Pinch salt

Directions

1. Beat yolks with sugar; stir in chocolate, oil, almond meal, salt.

2. Whip whites to soft peaks; fold into batter.

3. Bake in greased 9-inch springform 350 °F (175 °C) 25 min. Cool; dust with cocoa.

8. Coconut-Lime Macaroons (Pareve)

Quick Treat

• Mix 3 cups shredded coconut, ⅔ cup sugar, 3 egg whites, zest of 1 lime, ½ tsp vanilla.

• Scoop heaping teaspoons; bake 325 °F (165 °C) 15 min until edges toast.

• Optional: dip bottoms in melted chocolate.

Final Blessing

These recipes prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavor—or spend all day cooking—to serve a memorable Passover spread. Select a few dishes that fit your family’s traditions, prep as much as you can before Yom Tov, and focus on the joy of gathering together in freedom. Chag sameach and happy cooking!