The best Easter recipes highlight fresh spring flavor! And whether you’re planning the perfect Easter brunch or dinner menu, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Photo: Gayle McLeod
Easter Recipes Everyone Will Love
While I’m now a bit too old for Easter egg hunts, Easter is still one of my favorite holidays! Perhaps it’s the combination of warmer weather, beautiful spring produce, and vibrant plates of food. In my family, Easter brunch often starts with a crustless quiche or vegetable frittata (with lots of greens!). Deviled eggs are a required snack that always look so festive on a platter. And for dinner, classic options like my honey baked ham, rack of lamb, prime rib, or roast chicken are usually served, with plenty of colorful spring sides. Just remember to save room for my gluten-free carrot cake for dessert (that cream cheese frosting is my favorite!). Here’s what you’ll love about my family’s Easter recipes:
They’re foolproof recipes. Each of these has been made many times over the years, and they’re much loved by the Downshiftology community (look at all those positive reviews).
Everything is easy yet impressive. While I love a stunning table full of food, I also prefer easy, unfussy recipes. So that’s what you’ll find here. It’s the only way I’ll cook for the holidays!
If you're celebrating with a large group, I always recommend this honey-baked ham. It's much easier than you think and tastes as good as the store-bought version! Side note: Make this ham salad or split pea soup if you've got leftovers!
My family requests this rack of lamb every year! We're from New Zealand after all, so lamb is always loved. This version is easily baked in the oven and coated with the best herb Dijon crust.
This is the best way to jazz up roasted carrots! They're coated in the most delicious honey glaze punctuated with garlic, ginger,and a pinch of cinnamon.
A side of potatoes belongs on every holiday table, but these scalloped potatoes are a must-have for Easter. They give that cheesy, creamy oomph you're looking for.
This is my mom's signature potato salad recipe that always gets rave reviews for any holiday, but especially Easter. It's the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures, and is packed with such fresh flavors.
This breakfast casserole, loaded with sausage, bacon, and hearty veggies, is my favorite way to serve a crowd for the holidays. Plus, you can always make it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven!
My family always requests this creamy hollandaise sauce to make my sweet potato eggs Benedict for Easter brunch. Plus, it's foolproof to make in a blender!
Smoked salmon is an ingredient I love incorporating into my Easter menu, and these deviled eggs are a great way to do it. Just add smoked salmon, fresh herbs, and briny capers for the final touch.
I think it goes without saying that a carrot cake belongs on every Easter dinner table. This version has three layers of perfectly spiced carrot cake with an irresistible cream cheese frosting.
If you're not making deviled eggs, a batch of this egg salad is the next best thing! You can serve it for brunch, as a side dish, or even with lettuce wraps for a fun dinner alternative. And if you want to get creative with this, you can make my avocado egg salad or curried egg salad.
This vibrant salad is another delicious way to get carrots on the table! The grated carrots are tossed with the best honey Dijon mustard dressing, sliced green onions, and plenty of fresh herbs.
This mixed berry salad is my favorite for incorporating colorful fruit on the table! It's very simple, but so delicious, especially with my homemade raspberry vinaigrette.
If you're thinking about serving salmon, you're guaranteed to get perfectly tender and flaky filets with this recipe, every time. You can also try my orange glazed salmon for a citrusy flair!
You'll always find a platter of roasted asparagus on my Easter table! It's a given since it's peak asparagus season, and they turn out perfectly crispy and tender. And if you have an air fryer, my air fryer asparagus is another great way to cook them.
This dish has become a brunch staple over the years! Not only is it so easy to make with minimal ingredients, but it lets tomatoes have a shining moment on the breakfast table. And for an extra green spin, you can try my green shakshuka.
I love making this chicken salad for a super fresh yet hearty dish that everyone loves. It's the perfect combination of juicy chicken, crisp celery, green onion, fresh grapes, and a light creamy dressing.
I love how easy these scallops come together on the stovetop. The lemon garlic butter sauce takes it over the top! And for a citrusy variation, give these citrus ginger scallops a try!
This crunchy broccoli salad is a non-negotiable for my family's Easter spread. It's layered with all the good stuff, including bacon, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, goat cheese, and a light creamy dressing.
This beautiful hunk of meat is one of my favorite holiday dinners, especially for Easter. It's got a delicious garlic crust, and it comes out of the oven perfectly tender and juicy.
A hummus crudité platter is one of the best ways to serve fresh-cut spring veggies. But skip the store-bought hummus because my recipe will taste far better (and fresher!).
Whenever I need a bite-sized appetizer guaranteed to be a hit (that's not deviled eggs), these stuffed mushrooms are always on the menu. They're the perfect bite of tender, umami mushroom filled with cheesy, herby, garlicky goodness.
A stacked plate of these fluffy lemony pancakes is my favorite way to incorporate a sweeter breakfast option (that's also high protein!). But if you want a regular gluten-free pancake, you can't go wrong with my classic paleo pancakes.
Sweet and fluffy banana bread is always a great addition to a brunch table. And if you want muffins instead, I've got these paleo banana nut muffins that will hit the spot.
These delicious and fluffy muffins are studded with blueberries for a sweet and juicy bite! Plus, they're incredibly easy to make and can be made a day in advance.
You can never go wrong with a giant bowl of this creamy colelsaw for a refreshing side dish. My homemade coleslaw dressing is unmatched! But if you prefer a no-mayo slaw, this vinegar coleslaw is second best.
Being a New Zealander, grilled lamb chops have always been an essential part of our Easter spread. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make. And instead of using store-bought mint jelly, I'm pairing it with my fresh mint apple sauce that elevates this dish!
This side dish is always one of the first to go, so I would make a double batch if you have a big crowd! They're perfectly roasted and seasoned with herbaceous flavor. If you prefer mashed potatoes, though, you can follow my creamy mashed potatoes recipe!
Besides salmon, cod is my second favorite fish for holidays and dinner parties. And this lemony garlic herb version is the perfect way to serve it for spring.
My almond cake is one of those effortlessly elegant desserts I love bringing out for spring holidays. It has a delicate almond flavor and a soft, tender crumb, and is so easy to make. I'll also add a few fresh berries and whipped cream on top so that it instantly becomes a beautiful Easter dessert.
If there's one salad to impress guests, it's this Nicoise salad. It's a fun way to include a “make your own” salad with all the fresh ingredients on a giant platter.
Fresh Mediterranean flavors always deserve a spot on your spring table. Just don't forget to make a batch of my homemade Greek dressing, it beats the store-bought version any day.
If you have a smaller crowd, these lamb meatballs with a mint chimichurri sauce are perfect! I'd even say this would make for a great Easter appetizer as well.
This is everyone's favorite chocolate custard that's decadently rich and ultra creamy. But the good news is that it's really easy to make and can be prepped in advance!
For a larger filet of salmon, this is quite the show stopper. Not only is it slow-roasted for the most tender salmon. But, the citrus fennel herb topping gives this major spring vibes.
Easter Brunch Ideas: Looking for more ideas to satisfy hungry bellies first thing in the morning? Check out this list of ideas!
Easter Desserts for Spring: Whether you’re craving chocolate, berries, or creamy custard, I’ve got something for everyone.
Potluck Salads: Are you bringing a dish to a family event? Check out my list of make-ahead durable salads perfect for an Easter buffet table.
If you make any of these Easter recipes, I’d love to hear how they turn out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more food inspiration, join my free newsletter.
Recipe roundup originally published April 2023, but updated with new recipes and information for your benefit!
About the author
Lisa Bryan
Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.
Hi Lisa, which of your Recipes do you suggest I use to make healthy Hot Cross Buns, I was thinking of one of your Bread recipes and adding some spices to make them taste like Traditional Hot Cross Buns then making them into rolls or using a muffin tin and putting or cutting a cross on the top. It has been a Tradition in our Family to have them at Easter but the Commercial ones are not suitable for me now. Thank you :-)
Hi Lisa, which of your Recipes do you suggest I use to make healthy Hot Cross Buns, I was thinking of one of your Bread recipes and adding some spices to make them taste like Traditional Hot Cross Buns then making them into rolls or using a muffin tin and putting or cutting a cross on the top. It has been a Tradition in our Family to have them at Easter but the Commercial ones are not suitable for me now. Thank you :-)
Hi Priscilla – unfortunately, I’ve never made hot cross buns so I’m not much help. Sorry!
Thank you for sharing these recipes. This year Easter bunch will be hugging the ones closest to us. Stay safe everyone.
Hi Jayne – I hope some of these recipes can bring some joy this upcoming weekend amidst the craziness.
All of these Easter recipes looked great, and so easy to make! I found a few I need to make for my family ASAP, thank you!
Hi Jordin – Wonderful! I hope you and your family enjoy a few of these recipes :)
What a great collection of Easter recipes, love all the delicious desserts that you included!
Hi Biana – Hope this list helps you prepare for Sunday :)
I love all of the many delicious Easter Meal Ideas! I am excited to make the Green Shakshuka for brunch with my family. Thank you!
Hi Capri- The green shakshuka will be a great and unique brunch option to serve :)