Today is the beginning of Passover. If you celebrate Passover, you already know that there is a wide variety of traditional foods typically eaten during this holiday. But not all of these dishes are healthy—if you’re trying to eat better or watch your weight, traditional holiday meals might not be the right choice for you. If you are hosting a Passover dinner, or are simply responsible for bringing a dish or two to a meal that someone else is hosting, consider making one or several of these healthier ideas!
Healthier Matzo
- Homemade Matzo. Making matzoh is easier than you might think! This recipe features simple ingredients (just flour and water), and all you have to do is a little mixing, cutting, rolling, and baking.
- Gluten-Free “Matzo” Ball. If you have someone who is gluten-intolerant or who has Celiac disease attending your Passover meal, they will surely appreciate these matzo balls that are made from potatoes, potato starch, an egg, and almond meal. Be sure that your potato starch and almond meal are certified gluten-free, and that anything you’re combining your “matzo balls” with (such as soup broth) is also gluten-free.
Side Dishes and Snacks
- Carrot Kugel. This side dish, featuring eggs, almond flour, carrots (of course!), and delicious spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, is so simple to make.
- Zoodles. These zucchini noodles are a healthy alternative to noodles made with flour.
- Passover Granola. This delicious granola mixes whole wheat matzos with nuts and dried fruit for a great “anytime” snack.
- Grain-Free Banana Bread. This bread uses almond flour in place of white flour, plus olive oil and honey to keep the bread moist.
- Amazing Charoset. This healthy spin on a traditional dish is made with raisins, figs, dates, and nuts like pecans and almonds.
Main Dishes
- Smoked Salmon Omelet. If you’re missing bagels with lox and cream cheese, this is your best alternative. This filling breakfast or brunch meal is full of flavor!
- Poached Salmon Salad with Beets. This salad is full of bright colors and delicious flavor!
- Braised Brisket and Roots. This delicious meal incorporates earthy root vegetables with tasty brisket.
- Mediterranean Olive Chicken. This main dish features tasty but unexpected ingredients, like lime juice and red pepper, to tickle your taste buds.
- Matzo Pizza. This tangy Passover-approved pizza includes a matzo crust, tomatoes, olive oil, and mozzarella cheese.
- Eggplant Parmesan Stacks. This vegetarian dish stars eggplant breaded with matzo meal.
Desserts
- Almond Pear Blueberry Cake. This scrumptious dessert is packed with fruits and other healthy ingredients, like ginger and almonds.
- Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies. These fudgy cookies will surely satisfy your chocolate cravings!
- No-Bake Chocolate Macaroons. These easy-to-make, allergy-friendly treats are free of nuts, gluten, and dairy. They’re also Kosher and vegan. Dig in!
For Health Advocate Members
If you are a Health Advocate member with access to our Wellness Coaching program, call your coach for more great nutrition tips and meal ideas!
From all of us at Health Advocate, we hope you and your family have a happy, healthy Passover.
