South African Easter Lunch Menu: Classic Pickled Fish, Lamb & Festive Recipes
A relaxed collection of traditional South African Easter recipes to mix, match, make your own and enjoy.
From traditional South African Pickled Fish to slow-roasted lamb, comforting sides, and sweet bakes like homemade Hot Cross Buns, these recipes are designed to feel festive without feeling overwhelming.
Because if any holiday should feel calm… it’s Easter.
The Easter Classic: Pickled Fish
For many South African homes, Easter begins with pickled fish.
Tangy, gently spiced, and even better made a day ahead, this is the dish that quietly anchors the table.
I still make the traditional version — and I’ve also shared a later version using a turmeric paste for deeper flavor. Both follow the same trusted method.
There’s simply no comparison between homemade and store-bought. Freshness makes all the difference.
Pickled Fish Recipe
Tender fish fillets marinated in a fragrant curry-spiced onion sauce, finished with a rich turmeric blend that gives this Easter favourite its signature golden glow.
Starters & Appetizers
I like to keep starters simple and easy to eat — minimal cutlery, maximum flavor.
- Caprese bruschetta (or crostini for bite-size servings)
- Puff pastry cranberry & brie bites
- Salmon and fruit crackers
- A relaxed charcuterie board
Prep-ahead friendly and perfect for grazing while the main meal comes together.
Bruschetta
Italian-Style with Fresh Tomatoes, Cheese & Basil, with a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Mains for Easter Lunch
Whether you prefer tradition or something lighter, there’s a main dish here to suit your table.
- Rack of lamb with peas and potatoes
- Slow-roasted lamb (overnight style)
- South African-style pickled fish
- Pan-seared salmon
- Mussels with spaghetti
Elegant but approachable. Special, without being stressful.
Side Dishes
Every Easter table needs balance — something golden, something green, something comforting.
- Smashed potatoes with cheese & bacon
- Golden spiral potatoes
- Oven Roasted Butternut
- Holiday Side Dishes
- Bok Choy Side Dish – Quick and Easy!
These are the dishes that make the table feel abundant.
Sweet Things & Extras
Because Easter always ends sweetly.
- Hot cross buns
- Cream-stuffed cinnamon pancakes
- Rich chocolate pudding
- Amaretto affogato
- Fruit salad in glasses
💛 Easter at the Table
No matter what your Easter looks like — big or small, quiet or lively — I hope these recipes bring ease to your planning and warmth to your kitchen.
Here’s to slow meals, familiar favorites, and something sweet to finish — the kind of traditional South African Easter recipes that bring everyone back to the table.
Miranda xx
If this Easter menu helps make your planning easier, and you’d like to support my work, you can do so here → [Ko-fi link]
