Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Easter Easter Recipes and Menu Ideas 35 Easy Easter Dinner Ideas That Are Totally Celebration-Worthy No need to spend half the holiday in the kitchen! By Phoebe Fry and Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Instagram Website Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 9, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Caitlin Bensel If you're searching for some easy Easter dinner ideas, we've got you covered! One of the things we love most about the April holiday is that there's room to be creative. You could go the more traditional route with a hearty ham or leg of lamb (nothing wrong with that!), but there's definitely room to play, if you feel so inclined. Keep the meal cozy and decadent, or lighten things up and experiment with spring produce; it's up to you.Scroll down for 35 tried-and-true recipes that are sure to delight your Easter Sunday guests and leave them feeling full and happy. Easter Brunch Recipes for Every Type of Eater 01 of 35 Fast Italian Fish Stew Caitlin Bensel Low on time and eager to impress? This elegant fish stew was made for you. Tender halibut fillets rest on a bed of burst tomatoes and white beans, infused with flavor from garlic, capers, and lemon. Sprinkled with fresh parsley and basil, this filling stew is full of color and nutrients. Make sure to have plenty of crusty bread on the table to sop up every last bit! get the recipe 02 of 35 Spring Minestrone Caitlin Bensel If you plan to have vegetarians around your table this Easter, look no further than this vibrant, spring soup, which comes together in 30 minutes and can be scaled up easily to feed a crowd. Minestrone is an Italian soup made with vegetables and often pasta, and you can find endless versions of the recipe. This one plays up the produce with leeks, celery, green beans, and Swiss chard, while maintaining its comforting profile courtesy of ditalini pasta and Parmesan cheese. get the recipe 03 of 35 Slow-Roasted Citrus Salmon CAITLIN BENSEL Trust us: slow roasting is a foolproof method for making melt-in-your-mouth salmon. Our recipe includes thin slices of lemon and orange, which lend beautiful, citrusy flavor and an explosion of color. While your fish is in the oven, throw together an orange dijonnaise and cucumber salad to dress it up. A few sprigs of dill are the final touch of this show-stopping main course. get the recipe 04 of 35 Italian Easter Pie Antonis Achilleos Sometimes there's nothing better than spending a day in the kitchen with your loved ones, so if you're looking for a project for Easter, here's a fun idea. Full of cured meat and cheese, this savory pie is not for the faint of heart, but it's an undeniably delicious and celebratory meal. A buttery homemade crust encases a rich filling, balanced with roasted red peppers and spinach. This pie needs to cool for a minimum of three hours before serving, so plan to make it the day before Easter so you don't stress. Don't worry; it heats up well. get the recipe 05 of 35 Ham and Leek Quiche Jennifer Causey This easy recipe nods to tradition by including ham, but also embraces vegetables with Swiss chard and leeks. Melted Gruyère is a welcome addition, uniting the ingredients with its nutty savoriness. There's no point in making your own pie crust if you're not feeling motivated to do so; you can buy a store-bought pie crust with fantastic, flaky results, and save yourself a lot of time. Then, go ahead and make a green salad to serve on the side; the brightness and acidity will cut through the rich quiche. get the recipe 06 of 35 Honey-Ginger Ham Jen Causey Glazed ham is an Easter classic, and this recipe is our take on the Coca-Cola-glazed ham of yore. We swap Coca-Cola with ginger ale and add crystallized ginger to pump up the warm spiciness. Honey keeps things sweet and mellow, while orange zest and rosemary provide a fresh dimension. Last but not least, this ham will make your home smell incredible and is sure to delight your Easter guests! get the recipe 07 of 35 Quick Spring Lamb and Vegetable Stew Quentin Bacon If you want to go the lamb route this Easter but you're not ready to roast an entire leg, opt for this one-pot meal, which includes lamb, carrots, onions, green beans, and more. The result is a cozy, nutrient-dense dinner that won't disappoint. Serve the stew with a starchy side, like scalloped potatoes or couscous, to absorb the broth. get the recipe 08 of 35 Simple Shepherd's Pie Greg DuPree We'd be hard-pressed to come up with a recipe more comforting and satisfying than shepherd's pie. Hailing from the United Kingdom, shepherd's pie is a casserole filled with minced meat and vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes. Our interpretation has ground beef, cremini mushrooms, and thyme, and comes out of the oven bubbling and golden. get the recipe 09 of 35 Skillet Spanako“pea”ta Greg DuPree Take a cue from the Greeks and make a skillet for Easter that's inspired by spanakopita—the beloved savory Greek pie made with phyllo pastry and spinach. We take some creative liberties in our recipe (the inclusion of fresh spring peas, for example), but the overall result is as flaky, buttery, and earthy as ever. This skillet could be the main event for a light Easter dinner, or it can be served alongside a protein, like lamb. get the recipe 10 of 35 Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder Antonis Achilleos Lamb is an Easter classic, but if you’re hosting a smaller group and don’t want to make an entire leg of lamb, give this dish a try. Here, lamb shoulder meat is seasoned and roasted until tender in a sweet and slightly sour sauce, which provides a welcomed acidic balance to the rich meat. Serve with mashed potatoes and some cruciferous vegetables, and your Easter feast is complete. get the recipe 11 of 35 Two Lemon-Coriander Roast Chickens Caitlin Bensel On the other hand, if you’re welcoming a larger group into your home on Easter Sunday, consider this recipe that calls for roasting two whole chickens. Each bird is bathed in a bold lemon-coriander oil before roasting, which brings bright, spiced flavor and ensures extra-juicy meat. When you’re doing your Easter shopping, just be sure to pick two, equal-sized birds so they cook evenly and at the same rate. get the recipe 12 of 35 Slow-Grilled Leg of Lamb James Baigrie You can't go wrong with slow-grilled lamb. Our version is flavored with garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh rosemary leaves. Serve it with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables, and you're golden. get the recipe 13 of 35 Pea-Mint Pesto Fusilli Jennifer Causey If your goal is to fill your Easter table with color, this pasta dish gets the job done. The pesto in this dish is made with peas, which gives it a slightly sweet taste, silky texture, and a vibrant hue. Meanwhile, the mint in the pesto brings that burst of spring freshness that everyone will love. Opt for a curly pasta, which will soak up all of the delicious sauce. get the recipe 14 of 35 Roasted Spiced Salmon Greg DuPree In this celebration-worthy recipe, roasted spiced salmon relies on a low temperature and a foil-covered water bath to get to a perfectly pink medium in the center. And we can’t forget to mention the compound butter made from turmeric and cumin that coats the fish, thereby infusing it with flavor. You’ll serve the salmon alongside lemony spinach and a spiced rice pilaf, making this a filling, balanced meal. get the recipe 15 of 35 Pickle-Brined Pork Tenderloin With Dill Sauce Victor Protasio If you’ve got a jar of pickles in your refrigerator, resist the urge to throw it away once you’ve consumed the last pickle. Why? The briny pickle juice is a culinary superstar that can add flavor to tons of dishes, including this one. Here, it marinates pork tenderloin for succulent and flavorful results. A simple, stir-together dill sauce spiked with even more pickle juice completes the meal. get the recipe 16 of 35 Smoky-Sweet Steak Supper Caitlin Bensel This recipe, which combines a brown sugar-and-paprika rubbed steak with a fresh green salad, takes just 25 minutes to make. The green beans in the salad provide plenty of satiating fiber, while the anchovy-spiked vinaigrette adds a punch of umami. Serve this meal with a light red wine, like pinot noir, or a medium-bodied white, like Chardonnay. get the recipe 17 of 35 Sausage and Fontina Spaghetti Pie Victor Protasio For a hearty Easter main that all your guests are bound to love, consider this spaghetti pie. As its name suggests, this dish is made with sausage, cheese, and noodles, but it’s a tad more sophisticated than that. More specifically, creamy vodka sauce marries flavorful Italian sausage, kale, and fragrant sage, while eggs and creamy fontina cheese with dollops of ricotta bind everything together. Serve with a side of leafy greens and you’re all set. get the recipe 18 of 35 Gabriella’s Pot Roast Caitlin Bensel Nothing says Sunday night dinner like a pot roast, and this one doesn’t disappoint. In this recipe, chuck roast is seasoned and roasted with carrots, celery, onion, and thyme. Tomato paste adds richness, while dry white wine helps to create a hearty sauce to spoon on top of the meat. Be sure to serve this with bread or rice so you can sop up every last bit of the tasty sauce. get the recipe 19 of 35 Lemony Fish With Orzotto Antonis Achilleos If you’re intimidated by the idea of cooking risotto, give this similar-yet-easy fish dish a try. Here, mahi-mahi filets are seasoned with coriander, and quick-cooking orzo takes the place of rice. However, the grains are still as creamy as can be thanks to the inclusion of Parmesan cheese, a touch of cream, peas, and fresh lemon zest. get the recipe 20 of 35 Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Greg DuPree Not only is this take on fettuccini alfredo capable of feeding a group of eight, you can also whip it up in under 45 minutes. In this savory dish, spaghetti is joined by nutty, salty Asiago cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, and plenty of fresh herbs. The squeeze of lemon juice adds a brightness that balances all of that irresistible creaminess. get the recipe 21 of 35 Baby Lamb Chops With Mixed Olive Relish and Roasted Carrots Jennifer Causey Lamb chops might not be an Easter staple in the same way that other lamb dishes are, but we think they should be. These chops take just 4 minutes to cook, and develop a perfectly browned crust that’s hard to resist. This recipe pairs ‘em with roasted carrots and a savory olive relish, and we suggest adding rice or couscous so you’ll have something to soak up all that briny goodness. get the recipe 22 of 35 Smoky Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes Caitlin Bensel Since you’ll likely have plenty of dishes to wash once Easter is over, make things a tad easier on yourself by whipping up this one-pan main that’s filled with flavor. First, you’ll make a dressing out of bright orange zest, olive oil, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to season both the potatoes and salmon before they're roasted on a single baking sheet. Then, you’ll toss orange slices with creamy avocado, cilantro, and lime to make a bright, chunky salsa to serve alongside. get the recipe 23 of 35 Crunchy Baked Chicken With Ham and Swiss Jen Causey While chicken is technically the star here, the addition of ham means this quick dish is Easter-approved. First, you’ll cook the chicken cutlets and place them in a baking dish to be blanketed by a thick thyme-and-Swiss cheese sauce. Then, you’ll top everything with slivers of prosciutto and panko breadcrumbs for even more flavor and crunch. Serve this dish with a vegetable side to balance out the rich flavors. get the recipe 24 of 35 Skillet Pork Chops and Beans Greg DuPree This one-pot meal, which is inspired by an often laborious French cassoulet, comes together in just 30 minutes and is a great holiday dish. Here, you'll find seared pork chops nestled in two cans of aromatic cannellini beans and a medley of chopped vegetables. Crushed, seasoned croutons add a satisfying crunch. get the recipe 25 of 35 Linguine With Cherry Tomato Sauce Greg DuPree No matter what the occasion is, you can’t go wrong with pasta and tomato sauce. This version calls for a sauce made with salty pancetta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and garlic. Mash a few of the tomatoes as they cook to make things extra-saucy, and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and basil before serving. get the recipe 26 of 35 Grilled Skirt Steak With Squash Ratatouille Greg DuPree Though this meal looks very impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to make and bound to impress. You’ll start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper and grilling it. Then, while the meat rests, you’ll go ahead and grill some squash, zucchini, eggplant, and onion. Once the veggies are tender, you’ll remove them from the grill, chop them up, and season them with parsley and vinegar. get the recipe 27 of 35 Lemon-Coriander Roasted Chicken With Leeks and Squash This one-skillet meal is a great option when you have something to celebrate. In this recipe, the chicken is flavored with a butter that’s spiked with fresh cilantro, ginger, lemon zest, and ground coriander. The bird rests on a bed of protein-rich acorn squash and leeks, and everything is roasted at the same time. get the recipe 28 of 35 Sheet Pan Salmon With Potatoes and Broccolini Victor Protasio Keep things simple for Easter with this nourishing meal. A quick vinaigrette with lemon, shallot, and mustard gets drizzled on top of the salmon and vegetables at the end for brightness and flavor. When shopping for salmon filets, look for ones that all have the same thickness, which will help them to cook evenly. get the recipe 29 of 35 Lamb Chops With Charred Asparagus Caitlin Bensel This dinner, which is basically spring on a plate, stars juicy, golden lamb chops and crisp-tender asparagus. You’ll tie everything together with a vibrant four-ingredient pan sauce to coat the veggies, and serve the meal over a bed of creamy Greek yogurt with toasted French bread on the side. What’s not to love? get the recipe 30 of 35 Fettuccine With Asparagus, Leeks, and Mint Victor Protasio Ready in just 20 minutes, this spring pasta is perfect for a low-key Easter meal. Here, fettuccine mingles with fresh lemon zest, mint, buttery leeks, and thin slices of asparagus to create a light and vibrant dinner that will undoubtedly impress your guests. Kick things up a notch by adding a sprinkle of high-quality Parmesan cheese and a dash of crushed red pepper, and don’t forget to serve the pasta with a dry, medium-bodied white wine. get the recipe 31 of 35 Paprika Pork Tenderloin With Roasted Potatoes and Dill Cream Jennifer Causey A quick DIY spice rub of kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper flavors this pork tenderloin, while crispy roasted potatoes mingle alongside. A seasonal dollop of dill cream brings the two components together. Serve this dish with simply sautéed tender greens, and you’ve got a tasty, balanced meal. get the recipe 32 of 35 Greek Meatball Pitas With Feta Caitlin Bensel To bring some Greek flair to your Easter table, give this dish a go. Here, lamb meat is seasoned with onion, mint, cumin, and garlic, and formed into bite-sized meatballs. Then, you’ll pile the meatballs, cucumber, and tomato onto a warm pita that’s slathered with a zippy lemony mint and yogurt sauce. Crumbles of briny feta complete the meal. get the recipe 33 of 35 Orzo With Shrimp and Olives Fred Hardy This pasta dish, inspired by Greek salad, calls for shrimp, sweet peppers, plump sun-dried tomatoes, and toothy orzo. Lemon and olives make the meal bright and briny, while a sprinkle of oregano adds a pop of freshness. Spoon a dollop of store-bought tzatziki on top to make the dish even richer and more impressive. get the recipe 34 of 35 Pork Tenderloin With Fresh Corn Polenta Caitlin Bensel When you bathe pork tenderloin in a chili-and cumin-spiked lime marinade, the result is as delicious as you would expect. Serve the meat alongside a decadent polenta that's studded with corn kernels, and you’ve got an Easter meal that’s bound to become a classic. get the recipe 35 of 35 Salmon With Sautéed Cabbage and Bacon Fred Hardy The oven does the bulk of the work for this meal, which is ideal if you’re focused on Easter desserts. You’ll start by cooking the bacon, and will then braise the cabbage with a mixture of chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, whole-grain mustard, and light brown sugar. Meanwhile, the heart-healthy salmon gets its own mustard-sugar glaze with a schmear of sour cream on the side. get the recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit