Passover seders are steeped in rich, vibrant traditions that include reading aloud from the Haggadah and searching for the afikomen. When it comes to the main meal at a Passover seder, most revolve around a meat-centered dish, such as brisket. Because Passover dictates that no leavened bread can be eaten, meat is often the go-to centerpiece, especially since common vegetarian dishes like pasta are out of the question. But rest assured, there are plenty of vegetarian Passover recipes that are both kosher for Passover and meat-free. The key is to choose meatless Passover meals that have innovative vegetable combinations and feature an array of spices.
Although Passover centers on strong traditions, Jewish families can and often do decide how they want to conduct their seders. But no matter how you choose to conduct your seder, one thing you can count on is that there are always people around the table who anxiously await the main meal. If you have vegetarians attending your seder, there is a wide range of tasty and kosher dishes you can prepare for Passover. Whether you opt for one of the bright and fresh salads on the following list, or one of the hearty grilled vegetable dishes, you can feel confident that everyone around your Passover dinner table will enjoy their meal.
Steve Giralt
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Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo ball soup is one of the most classic Passover recipes available. To turn this tried-and-true meal into a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. It's really that simple!
Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole recipe is the perfect way to use up the boxes of matzo you bought in bulk for the holiday. The ricotta and feta cheese filling mixed with spinach and scallions will have your vegetarian guests asking for the recipe.
This salad gets its brightness from pomegranate seeds, a palpable heartiness from charred cauliflower, and a delectable freshness from spinach. And you can choose to skip the lentils if your family doesn't eat them on Passover.
If you're not opposed to eggs for dinner, these skillet eggs are actually quite hearty and filling. Plus, cooking them in a large skillet means that there's easily enough for people to get seconds. To make vegetarian and kosher, skip the bacon.
Instead of lettuce, choose shredded Brussels sprouts as the base of your salad. Toasted hazelnuts, pecorino shards, and dried cranberries make this a satisfying side dish for your seder.
This crustless quiche is so tasty you'll forget you ever cared about crust in the first place. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you get to the dinner break in your seder.
No need to use traditional rice when making this cauliflower-centric dish. Mix in your favorite veggies, such as peas and carrots, and add in scrambled egg for extra protein. Viola! You'll have a delicious vegetarian Passover meal in no time.
These cheesy zucchini bites are seasoned with mint and lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor. You can easily double or triple this recipe depending on the size of your seder.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
For a basic yet impressive side dish, try this tomato and cucumber salad that combines champagne vinegar, buttermilk, and avocado to form an upscale ranch dressing you can drizzle over the fresh veggies and herbs.
This salad is bursting with different flavors and textures, setting it apart from your run-of-the-mill lunch salad. Thanks to the chopped walnuts, sliced fennel, and crisp Bartlett pear, this will be a salad you're sure to remember.
Spaghetti squash is another great unleavened alternative for your Passover seder. Broccoli florets offer added nutritional value to this grain-free lasagna that promises to delight even the pickiest of eaters.
For a sweet but vegetable-based side, roast these multicolored carrots that are seasoned with honey, fresh ginger, and chives. Not only do they taste great, but they also look professional without the hassle — ready to eat in just 20 minutes!
Eight large eggs make this skillet meal a generous side for your vegetarian guests. Swap toasted bread for matzo to dip in the stewed peppers and tomatoes.
Red Citrus Salad with Berries, Pears, and Pomegranates
If you are craving a sweet side for your Passover meal, try this elevated fruit salad with blood oranges, raspberries, pears, and pomegranates. Greek yogurt and honey mean it could also make for a delectable, healthy dessert.
You know what they say: Sour, sweet, gone! This vegetable side with chopped shallot, sliced red chile, and sautéed Brussels sprouts will have your guests scooping seconds onto their plate.
This recipe brings a whole new meaning to ratatouille—and salads, for that matter. Filled with all of your favorite vegetables, from eggplant to zucchini, this dish can be easily made Passover-friendly by swapping out toasted sourdough for crunchy matzo.
Spice up your basic potato salad with this 30-minute recipe. Whole-grain and Dijon mustard, plus watercress, dill, and chives, make this salad a fun twist on the classic.
Roasted vegetables are always a good idea for a vegetarian side dish. But this recipe takes the cake (or sweet potato, in this case) for the best roasted sweet potatoes due to its nutty spices and creamy yogurt drizzle.
This recipe won't replace your matzo ball soup, but who says you can't have two soups at your seder? The broccoli is roasted prior to being added to the soup mixture, giving it a subtle smokey flavor.
Baked potatoes are a great vegetarian option to include in your seder spread. This recipe is super simple: Just season the small new potatoes and pop in the oven for 40 minutes.
Brighten up your Passover meal with this fresh salad. Watermelon, grape or cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and crumbled feta combine to compose a light side dish bursting with flavor.
Slow-Roasted Orange Bell Peppers with Walnut Relish
These orange bell peppers are roasted for a whopping 80 to 90 minutes. Once the timer dings, you won't be able to resit their tenderness, never mind the walnut, parsley, and shallot relish.
While this recipe may not be as filling as roasted veggies or a spring salad, it is a Passover-friendly appetizer your guests can nibble on throughout the seder. It will be hard to save room for the main course with these nutty delights on the table.
Though this is definitely not a "classic" Passover dish, it's an innovative creation that could turn even the most skeptical eater into a full-on matzah lover.
Kelsey HurwitzAssistant Digital EditorKelsey Hurwitz is the assistant editor of WomansDay.com, and covers entertainment, holidays, pets, and good news.
Elizabeth BerryEditorial AssistantElizabeth Berry (she/her) is the digital editorial assistant for Woman’s Day, where she covers seasonal recipes, holiday gift ideas, and other lifestyle topics for the website.
