On the day-to-day, avoiding dairy (and other animal products) is relatively simple thanks to the plethora of quality alternatives. However, when these foods are a part of your culture, heritage, or religion, they can be harder to give up, especially during seminal holidays. Passover is one such occasion that can present challenges, but with a little research and planning, you can participate in the celebration without compromising your dietary values. Whether you identify as Ashkenazi or Sephardic, here are seven dairy-free recipes perfect for Passover.
1. Matzah Ball Soup
Here’s a recipe for the most conservative members of your Passover celebration. Unlike many others, this plant-based matzah ball soup does not contain any legumes, beans, or soy, but it is still hearty enough to serve as a meal or a substantial first course. Tip: make a double batch of the recipe for a go-to meal for all eight days of Passover (just store the matzah balls separately).
Find the recipe here.
2. Matzah Lasagna
Nothing feeds a crowd like a lasagna! This hefty noodle-free casserole is a clever play on the Italian American classic, but far more nutrient-dense. It’s brimming with a medley of fiber-rich veggies layered between crispy sheets of matzah and a creamy homemade cashew cauliflower dairy-free ricotta. Bring this to a family gathering and you won’t have to worry about leftovers; the dish will be scraped clean!
Find the recipe here.
3. Creamy Cauliflower Horseradish Soup
Use the traditional Seder foods to inspire your meals. This cauliflower horseradish soup is light and creamy, but definitely has a kick! Blend in fresh horseradish or find a nondairy sauce here. Top with savory caramelized onions for an additional flavor bomb.
Find the recipe here.
4. Quinoa-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Where do you get your protein? Quinoa. This seed has 8 grams of protein per cooked cup, and it has become a staple amongst those who adhere to plant-based Passovers. These healthy zucchini boats are a delicious and nutritious way to feed a crowd (or just a few hungry athletes).
Find the recipe here.
5. Roasted Beets
Keep it simple with a side dish of perfectly roasted whole beets. This humble root vegetable can be elevated when served atop a schmear of nondairy gourmet cashew cheese, such as Kite Hill, Jule’s Truffle Cashew Brie, or Treeline Cheese (which is a certified kosher brand).
Find the recipe here.
6. Charoset
Perfect for an appetizer, light dessert, or snack, this raw dairy-free charoset is both flavorful and refreshing. Just be sure to prep it a few hours ahead of serving—it gets better as it sits.
Find the recipe here.
7. Golden Milk Cashew Cheesecake Bites
No celebration is complete without dessert! This dairy-free cheesecake packs an anti-inflammatory punch thanks to the addition of turmeric. This healing spice also adds a pretty hue to this otherwise plain-looking treat. Bonus: these decadent parfaits are naturally sweetened with whole food ingredients. We’ll have two!
Find the recipe here.
