Easter Lunch Menu, Your Way
This isn’t your typical Easter lunch menu — it’s more of a relaxed collection of recipe ideas to inspire your cooking, whatever your plans look like this year. Whether you’re hosting a long table with family, planning a cozy lunch for two, or just contributing a side dish or dessert, there’s something here to suit every kind of Easter table. Mix, match, prep ahead — make it your own, and enjoy every bite.
Easter always brings a sense of calm. Wait—really? Absolutely. There’s a certain peacefulness around Easter that just doesn’t exist during the chaos of Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, we love Christmas—but personally, I find that by the time it arrives, everyone’s completely exhausted. It’s been a year, and the wait to finally relax is filled with hope… until you’ve battled with tangled lights and are ready to call Santa himself.
(Yes, I just wrote that—who knew I had a sense of humor too? She smiles.)
The point is, wherever you may be reading this from—your little corner of the world—I wish you a calm Easter. And with these recipes, I’m hoping to contribute to that sense of ease and joy, even if just a little.
There’s something comforting about traditional Easter food that feels both festive and familiar. I’ve put together a collection of recipes that offer a little elegance, a little tradition, and a lot of flavor—always.
When it comes to starters, I like to keep things light and easy to eat, so no cutlery. These are easy to prep ahead, ideal for grazing, and set the tone beautifully while the rest of the meal comes together.
Starters|Appetizers
A caprese bruschetta is always a favorite for its simplicity. The bruschetta which are the thicker bread slices (as in the image above) can also be made as crostini, smaller bite-size bread slices.
Puff pastry is very convenient especially over a busy holiday season or when you just want to minimize all the steps. In come these puff pastry cranberry brie bites which are sweet, melt in your mouth and always disappears first.
If you’re serving seafood, salmon and fruit crackers are delicate and fresh — or go with a full charcuterie board to let guests pick and nibble at their own pace.
Mains & Lunch – Main Dish Recipes
For mains, you’ll find a mix of tradition and comfort here — from a rack of lamb with all the trimmings to South African-style pickled fish, a dish that’s deeply rooted in our Easter table.
I still love and make the traditional version of pickled fish. These recipes have the same method with a few tweaks mainly being the turmeric paste in my later version.
There’s no store-bought pickled fish that comes close to homemade — and it all comes down to freshness. Making it yourself means you’re in control of the ingredients, the balance of flavor, and the quality. Plus, you can easily tweak it to suit your family’s taste perfectly.
Some wonderful feedback below on my pickled fish, take a moment she says, gratitude🙏🏼✨
If you prefer something lighter, the pan-seared salmon or mussels with spaghetti are both elegant yet simple.
And for slow-cooked richness, nothing beats a make-ahead lamb roast or slow-baked beans with bacon for those nostalgic, homey flavors.
Side Dishes
No Easter meal is complete without a few comforting sides. From smashed potatoes with cheese and bacon, golden spiral potatoes and roasted butternut, these are the dishes that round out the table.
I love including something green, something starchy, and something fresh — like a chickpea salad tossed in olive oil, or pesto pasta with tender chicken. And if you’ve got an air fryer, that roast chicken comes together in no time.
Sweet Things & Extras
Whether you’re serving a formal dessert or just something sweet to end the meal, these are my go-to favorites.
Hot cross buns for tradition, cream-stuffed cinnamon pancakes for a cozy brunch feel, and baked feta as a cheesy, savory pre-dessert bite (yes, that’s a thing). Finish with something light like an Amaretto affogato or bold like a rich chocolate pudding.
Bonus Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re still planning or want to add something extra to the table, here are a few more favorites that fit beautifully with an Easter meal.
- Glazed Cherry Ham
- Vegetable Lasagna
- Mediterranean Fish with Tomatoes
- Oven-Baked Chicken & Crispy Rice Casserole
- Spicy Spatchcock Chicken Roast
- Fruit Salad in Glasses
- Crispy Whole Duck Roast
Easter at the Table💛
No matter what your Easter looks like this year — big or small, quiet or full of laughter — I hope these recipes bring joy to your table and warmth to your kitchen. Here’s to slow meals, familiar favorites, and something sweet to finish. Wishing you a happy, peaceful Easter filled with love and good food.
Miranda xx
