Meat and Dairy Meal Ideas for Your Shavuot Table

For weeks now, we’ve been counting up the days during the period called the Omer, which takes place between Pesach and Shavuot. Every day we get just a little bit closer to commemorating one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar. Soon—in less than a week—we’ll, G-d-willing, be celebrating the holiday of Shavuot, when we received the Torah at Mount Sinai. Each year, we reaffirm our commitment to the Torah and the laws Hashem gave us on that day (or two days if you live outside of Israel). (If you want more on the specifics on the holiday, click here!)

Now we all know that when a festival arrives, there is a need for physical preparation as well as the spiritual. On Shavuot, they really combine as the seudah is the main mitzvah of the holiday! While many festivals are filled with lavish meals, this one gives dairy a little time to shine. One of the many reasons we eat dairy on Shavuot is because the laws of kashrut were given at Mount Sinai. Because it was Shabbat, no meat could be slaughtered and no utensils could be kashered in celebration, so we ate dairy. (Chabad.org)

That being said, some nevertheless have the custom to eat a meat meal because it is a festive holiday. Those that do often opt to have a dairy kiddush before the meal, usually after a whole night of staying up to learn Torah. So here we have options for everyone. Whether you indulge in meat or dairy on Shavuot, these recipes will ensure that your table is festive and your food delicious. Wishing everyone a sweet Shavout—one that allows you to accept the Torah again and see all the beauty in your life.

Dairy Ideas:

Creamy Cauliflower Soup (Mara Strom at Kosheronabudget.com)

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon (Esty Wolbe at Kosher.com)

Cauliflower and Butternut Squash “Risotto” (Vera Newman at Kosher.com)

Fettuccine Alfredo with Chestnuts and Mushrooms (Chaia Frishman at Kosher.com)

Hash Brown and Tomato Pie (Eileen Goltz at Kosher.com)

Cheesecake Brownie Bars (Kitchen Art at Kosher.com)

No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake (Sweet Moments: Rega Matok at Kosher.com)

Mini Oreo Cheesecakes (Jewlish by Jamie at JamieGeller.com)

Meat Ideas:

Non-Dairy Cream of Broccoli Soup (Tamar Genger at JamieGeller.com)

Sweet and Smoky Brisket (Ariella Lazaros at Kosher.com)

One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken (Ally Mawhirter at Kosher.com)

Sweet Potato and Carrot Bake (Jamie Geller at JamieGeller.com)

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes (Jamie Geller at JamieGeller.com)

Rainbow Veggie Platter (Naomi Hazan at JamieGeller.com)

Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake (Jamie Geller at JamieGeller.com)

No Bake Fudge Balls (Naomi Hazan at Kosher.com)

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For more meal ideas, click here!