A healthy Passover Recipe Roundup so you don’t have to choose between nutritious and delicious. Traditional recipes with a modern twist! You’ll find something for everyone here.
Growing up, Passover was always something to look forward to. One night we always were at Grandma Evie’s house and I remember that no matter how many people were present for the Seder, we all had to be at one contiguous and long table. It often stretched through many rooms, but we were all together. My cousins and sisters and I would try to figure out how many more people would read from the haggadah before our turns so we could practice what we thought would be our part. But, Grandpa Morrie called on you to read when he did, not when you thought it would happen!! The other Seder we spent at Grandma Blanche and Papa Willie’s house, that was always filled with cousins and laughter and so much good food. Somehow we never felt slighted that we had to eat at the “kids table” in the kitchen.
Because the holidays were always so joyous, it never occurred to me how much work it was to prepare the kitchen and prepare the food. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I don’t mind the work. I just see the end result of the labor—family and friends joining together to carry on the traditions we all grew up with. I think the thought that I am connecting my kids to all generations before them is never lost on me. At each holiday, I remember fondly those that are no longer with us and hope that we are keeping their memories alive by continuing to participate with gusto.
I know you’re all thinking about your Seder menus. And I know there are so many traditional foods that you have to make because they are YOUR connection to generations passed….but I am here to help you bring a little health into your menu and also to remind you that Passover is an 8 day holiday and there are many other meals to make besides the Seder.
So much good food, and only 8 days to enjoy!! How will you ever have time to eat it all? I guess we should begin with dessert. Passover desserts are just about all full of refined sugar, oil or margarine, eggs, and matzo meal—-mostly ingredients we can all do without. Just know that there are options. If you’re trying to stick to your health goals—which usually don’t include refined sugar or processed oils, know that there are other choices out there.
The easiest way to maximize health during Passover is to buy INGREDIENTS to make food…..rather than already made food.
I’ll buy the big bag of almonds at Costco—-kosher for Passover according to the OU without a P—so I can make my own almond milk and almond butter (find the recipe incorporated in this recipe).
A HUGE batch of veggie stock will be on my stove as soon as my kitchen is turned over……in addition to making soup, remember when the pan gets dry (no matter what you’re making) instead of adding more oil, a little stock will moisten the pan with health benefits instead.
Homemade tomato sauce is a must…..you will use this for everything from making brisket to veggie noodle lasagna.
Do yourself a favor and squeeze some lemons—lots of them—into a jar and also some oranges. You will be so happy to have some fresh, organic citrus already squeezed to add into recipes.
Passover Recipe Roundup: More great recipes.
Now onto what matters to most—-the desserts!
I ALWAYS make this strawberry pie. It is so simple to make–no baking necessary—super impressive presentation and it just oozes spring with those berries! Nothing not to like about it.
I make these chocolate zucchini brownies all year round. They don’t taste at all like a “passover dessert” if you know what I mean. The zucchini keeps the brownies super moist plus there is an awesome raspberry sauce if you want to enhance things (not necessary, but simple, fun and yummy)!.
If you’re really into chocolate, I highly recommend this healthy chocolate pie. Just omit the triple sec and the recipe is spot on for a decadent Passover treat with no refined sugar too.
Most people have their main dishes all set for Seder. Grandma’s Brisket, Auntie’s chicken, maybe Mom’s meatloaf….why break with tradition if it’s working? I’ll skip right along to some side dishes that will work well, no matter what else is on the menu.
This brussels sprouts slaw is a great choice because it’s super nutrient dense and you can make it in advance. Just omit the mustard in the dressing and it’s perfect for Passover.
Looking for a burst of color on your table? These roasted root veggies with oranges won’t disappoint. Simple. Delicious. Always a crowd pleaser!
Passover Onion Rolls? Yes, please!
Another great side dish to serve at your Seder—-because you can make this a day or two in advance—is roasted beets vinaigrette. If you don’t have kosher for Passover walnut oil, just use all olive oil. It will still be delicious.
I will make this recipe for veggie pad thai during the week and you should consider adding it to your seder menu as well. Really tasty and vegans will be nutritionally satisfied.
Dips and Spreads:
Let’s talk Matzo for a moment. No matter what type you buy, I think it’s much more palatable when you have something yummy to shmear on top of it. Here are a few great options:
A shmear for your matzo….many suggestions with a recipe for “mock” liver that is vegetarian, made with mushrooms.
Guacamole…..no photo or preamble needed. It’s guac after all!
Arugula Spinach Pesto—which is so delicious, you can shmear that on any(and every)thing, not just matzo. I will make it during the week with spiralized zucchini noodles.
Chimichurri sauce….shmeared here on cauliflower steaks (an awesome vegan addition to your seder menu)….but equally at home on meat, chicken or fish.
A few “must do” salads (IMHO):
Green Goddess-–well, really just the dressing! Make whatever salad you want, but THIS DRESSING….Yum-O!!
The dressing on this lemony detox salad is FAB! What Passover is usually missing is some fresh green salad. Make the dressing. Store some in your fridge for the week! Put it on all the raw and cooked veggies and call it a salad.
Tabbouleh with a twist is a Passover favorite in our house….but there may be some competition with an updated grain-free tabbouleh. They are both super yummy….let me know which one you go for!
Soup
Still cold here in New England. Still need soup on the menu. All the time. Go ahead and make the traditional chicken soup with matzo balls for your seder and then make a batch of Cauliflower Leek, or Vegan Creamy Broccoli, maybe some roasted veggies soup or my favorite for Passover Carrot Ginger for the rest of the week. I love a nourishing bowl of soup for lunch during Passover and these will keep well in a thermos if you’re going to work.
Breakfast and snacks!
Snack time during Passover week? It’s going to happen….you may as well be prepared. These carrot cake muffins are so good….have them for breakfast or for snacks or for dessert with tea….you should make a double batch because they will be gobbled up…and we all know that everyone will be looking for snacks all holiday long!
I don’t think these double chocolate muffins need much selling. Omit the baking powder in the recipe and just enjoy. They are moist and creamy and decadent….oh, and healthy too! No need to feel guilty if you eat more than one at a setting.
When the kids are home and I need to make enough breakfast quickly for all, here’s what I go for because everyone gets fed at the same time (including me)…plus there aren’t any pans to wash. It’s nutritious and delicious and a fun treat that doesn’t have any matzo meal! What we need during this holiday (and every day) is more REAL FOOD.
What was I saying about so much good food and only 8 days to make it?? Manishtana? Why should Passover meal decisions be any different than any other nights? Opt for healthy first….always!
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and sweet Passover. May you find freedom from whatever has been enslaving you and may you delight in the company of family and friends.
For additional recipes and an updated Passover post for 2019, click here.
Leave a Reply