Pesach Menu Ideas That Will Make Your Mouth Water

Preparing Pesach was something that always made me extremely overwhelmed. I’m a mom and work a full-time job, so trying to figure out cleaning, kashering and cooking was really difficult on top of my daily responsibilities. Last year, with COVID-19’s unwelcome arrival, was the first time I did it all on my own, and one thing I learned (among many) is that menu planning is key. If you do it early, you’ll find cooking and planning for the Sedarim and other Yom Tov meals can actually be enjoyable! When you do enjoy it, it brings so much more meaning and simcha (joy) to the holiday.

The first thing to keep in mind for Pesach is to make sure you have all the ceremonial food prepared for the seder plate. This awesome article (s/o to Chabad!) can be your go-to guide for that so you don’t forget a thing and have the basics covered.

Here, I gathered some of my favorite recipes that are all simple to prepare and really delicious, both for seder night and a day meal. Once you choose your favorites, whether it’s using these or others, write down every ingredient you need on a shopping list (here’s a printable planner that could be super helpful), so you won’t be freaking out at the last minute. Have other recipes you love? Let us know in the comments!

Seder Night:

Chicken Soup With Matzo Balls (Jamiegeller.com)

There is nothing better than that first taste of matzo ball soup after a build-up from the Seder — you have to make it classic! This one is unreal.

Seder Pot Roast (By Naomi Nachman at Kosher.com)

Everyone stresses out over not being able to use their ovens for meat and chicken on Seder night*. We got your back! Here’s a great juicy roast you’ll fall in love with. 

Skillet Chicken (By OU Kosher at Kosher.com)

Here’s an easy chicken recipe that will be sure to please the non-meat-lovers at your meal! 

Simplest Roasted Veggies (By Sylvia Fallas at Kosher.com)

These roasted veggies taste absolutely amazing and require very little prep. I highly recommend whipping up a batch! I serve them both hot and cold. 

Rosemary Baby Potatoes (By Tamar Teitelbaum at Kosher.com) 

Let’s get real, potatoes step onto center stage during Pesach. These classic baby potatoes are also super easy and sooo delicious.

Almond Blondies (By Shifra Klein at JamieGeller.com)

Don’t worry about feeling deprived dessert-wise on Pesach — these blondies will hit the spot! 

Day Meal:

Don’t worry, you can totally do leftovers for day one, but to mix it up and have some lighter alternatives for the day, these recipes will hit the spot.  

Honey-Dill Salmon (By Debby Segura at Kosher.com)

You’ll fall in love with this salmon recipe—it’s both healthy and refreshing!

Eggplant Spread (By Estee Kafra at Kosher.com)

Dips can often be time-consuming, so they often get the boot because they’re not a priority. This dip will make it back on the list. It will add something special to your Yom Tov meal, tastes great on matzo and is so easy to prepare.

Carmelized Onion Dip (jamiegeller.com)

Because caramelized onions are always a yes please!

Avocado Salad (By Shifrah Devorah and Zipporah Malka at JamieGeller.com)

A classic avocado salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Unstuffed Cabbage Soup (jamiegeller.com)

If you want to change it up from your normal meat dish at lunch, this soup/stew is super easy and can be kept in a Crock-Pot!

Pesto Chicken (By Bracha Serle at BetweenCarpools.com) 

This is a simple and easy pesto recipe you can use on any type of chicken. Marinating some chicken breast in it and then grilling would be so delicious on a salad.

Zucchini Kugel (By Tamar Ansh at Kosher.com)

If you’re looking for a kugel that’s a bit lighter than the traditional potato, try zucchini!

Chocolate Avocado Mousse (jamiegeller.com)

After a big meal, something light and healthy (yet still totally yum) is perfect!

What are your favorite recipes? Tell us in the comments! Then, for more Pesach tips, click here!

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_{*The custom not to eat roasted meat at the Seder is an ancient one, mentioned in the Talmud (MishnaPesachim 4:4). The reason is because since the Paschal Lamb was roasted (Exodus 12:8), eating roasted meat gives the appearance of eating a sacrifice which was not properly offered in the Temple. In Talmudic times the custom existed but was not universal, but today it is universal among Ashkenazi Jews as well as most Sephardim (Aish).}