40+ Easter Recipes That Are Fresh, Classic and Easy

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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.

Easter recipes.
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! 

1

These are the deviled eggs I make for every single holiday, especially Easter. The little touch of paprika goes a long way for a punch of flavor!

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Honey baked ham on a plate next to a knifeHoney baked ham on a plate next to a knife

2

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!

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Rack of lamb recipe.Rack of lamb recipe.

3

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.

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Honey glazed carrots recipe.Honey glazed carrots recipe.

4

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.

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A white pan with scalloped potatoes.A white pan with scalloped potatoes.

5

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.

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Potato salad with a fork.Potato salad with a fork.

6

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.

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A white baking dish with the best breakfast casserole.A white baking dish with the best breakfast casserole.

7

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!

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Spring vegetable frittata with leeks and asparagus.Spring vegetable frittata with leeks and asparagus.

8

This one is always a crowd favorite for spring, loaded with the best spring vegetables, fresh herbs, and a touch of creamy goat cheese.

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A white plate of beet pickled deviled eggsA white plate of beet pickled deviled eggs

9

For a spin on my classic deviled eggs, there’s nothing like vibrant pink eggs for Easter. They’re a fun and delicious appetizer.

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Hollandaise sauce dripping off a spoon.Hollandaise sauce dripping off a spoon.

10

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!

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Smoked salmon deviled eggs filled on a plate.Smoked salmon deviled eggs filled on a plate.

11

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.

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Gluten-free carrot cake.Gluten-free carrot cake.

12

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.

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A white bowl of egg salad.A white bowl of egg salad.

13

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.

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A white plate of French carrot salad.A white plate of French carrot salad.

14

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.

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Berry spinach salad recipe.Berry spinach salad recipe.

15

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.

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A white tray of lemon garlic baked salmon.A white tray of lemon garlic baked salmon.

16

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!

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A plate of roasted asparagus with lemons.A plate of roasted asparagus with lemons.

17

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.

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Shakshuka in a pan with fresh herbs on top.Shakshuka in a pan with fresh herbs on top.

18

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.

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A skillet with roast chicken and herbsA skillet with roast chicken and herbs

19

My classic roast chicken comes out perfectly golden and juicy. It’s hard to believe there’s just three ingredients in this recipe!

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Best chicken salad recipe.Best chicken salad recipe.

20

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.

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Pan seared scallops with butter sauce.Pan seared scallops with butter sauce.

21

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!

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Broccoli salad recipe in a bowl.Broccoli salad recipe in a bowl.

22

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.

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A lemon cake topped with blueberries on a table.A lemon cake topped with blueberries on a table.

23

Without a doubt, I’d say this is everyone’s favorite spring dessert. The cake is soft and fluffy with a hint of lemon and plenty of fresh blueberries.

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A plate of bacon deviled eggs.A plate of bacon deviled eggs.

24

Little crispy bacon bits always make things taste 10x better, especially on deviled eggs!

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Prime rib sliced on a cutting board.Prime rib sliced on a cutting board.

25

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.

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A bowl of homemade hummusA bowl of homemade hummus

26

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!).

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A plate of pecan stuffed mushrooms.A plate of pecan stuffed mushrooms.

27

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.

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Lemon ricotta protein pancakes recipe.Lemon ricotta protein pancakes recipe.

28

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.

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Green hummus in a bowl with herb toppings.Green hummus in a bowl with herb toppings.

29

Give my classic hummus a fresh, herby twist with this bright and beautiful green hummus. It’s perfect for spring!

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Paleo banana bread in a loaf pan.Paleo banana bread in a loaf pan.

30

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.

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Healthy spinach artichoke dip recipe.Healthy spinach artichoke dip recipe.

31

When can you ever go wrong with a bowl of warm and creamy spinach artichoke dip? This version is incredibly easy and packed with flavor!

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This healthy, smoked salmon frittata is the perfect breakfast (or Sunday brunch recipe). It's naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly and is sure to impress. It can also be made dairy-free.This healthy, smoked salmon frittata is the perfect breakfast (or Sunday brunch recipe). It's naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly and is sure to impress. It can also be made dairy-free.

32

Smoked Salmon Frittata

I always love serving this frittata as a delicious smoked salmon Easter brunch idea. It’s packed with herbs, salty salmon, and perfectly fluffy eggs.

Paleo blueberry muffins stacked on top of each other.Paleo blueberry muffins stacked on top of each other.

33

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.

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A white bowl of creamy coleslaw.A white bowl of creamy coleslaw.

34

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.

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The best lamb chop recipe on a plate.The best lamb chop recipe on a plate.

35

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!

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A white bowl of garlic roasted potatoes.A white bowl of garlic roasted potatoes.

36

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!

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Green beans topped with lemon in a white bowl.Green beans topped with lemon in a white bowl.

37

Give green beans some love this season with shallots and fresh lemon. They pair beautifully with any main course dinner.

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A bowl of white bean dip next to thyme and crackers.A bowl of white bean dip next to thyme and crackers.

38

This spring dip is so easy! White beans are blended with fresh lemon, garlic, and thyme for the best creamy bean dip.

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Garlic herb butter baked cod recipe.Garlic herb butter baked cod recipe.

39

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.

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Almond cake with powdered sugarAlmond cake with powdered sugar

40

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.

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Several avocado guacamole deviled eggs on a white plate.Several avocado guacamole deviled eggs on a white plate.

41

Another wonderful way to get bright green colors on the table are these avocado deviled eggs. The filling is so delicious and creamy.

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Nicoise salad on a big platterNicoise salad on a big platter

42

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.

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A white bowl of Greek saladA white bowl of Greek salad

43

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.

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Lamb meatballs recipe.Lamb meatballs recipe.

44

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.

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Mediterranean cod en papillotes on a sheet panMediterranean cod en papillotes on a sheet pan

45

This is a fun way to serve up individual cod filets with veggies for each of your guests! The flavor is light and fresh, with a Mediterranean twist.

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Ramekins of chocolate pots de cremeRamekins of chocolate pots de creme

46

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!

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Slow roasted salmon with fennel topping next to a large fork.Slow roasted salmon with fennel topping next to a large fork.

47

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.

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More Easter Recipes

  • 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!