Easter Dinner Menu | Classic and Delicious Dishes for a Perfect Holiday Feast

Easter is a time for gathering with loved ones to celebrate and enjoy a festive meal together. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or an intimate gathering, having a well-thought-out Easter dinner menu can help set the tone for a wonderful celebration. From savory mains to decadent desserts, here’s an Easter dinner menu that’s sure to impress your guests and make your meal unforgettable.

1. Starter: Roasted Carrot Soup with Ginger and Coconut Milk

Start your Easter dinner with a light yet flavorful starter. This roasted carrot soup is rich and velvety, with a slight kick from ginger and a creamy texture from coconut milk. It’s a perfect way to kick off the meal in a healthy and vibrant way.

Ingredients:

• 6 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the carrots, onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
2. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a pot. Add ginger, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve with fresh cilantro on top.

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2. Main Course: Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb

Lamb is a traditional Easter main course, and this herb-crusted roast lamb is sure to be a showstopper. It’s succulent and flavorful, with fresh herbs and garlic creating a fragrant, crispy crust that will have your guests coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 leg of lamb (about 5-6 lbs)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb, coating it evenly.
4. Roast the lamb in a roasting pan for 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
5. Let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
6. If desired, deglaze the pan with red wine and pour the sauce over the sliced lamb.

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3. Side Dish: Roasted Spring Vegetables

Celebrate the season with a medley of fresh spring vegetables. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to their flavor, making them the perfect side dish for your Easter dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup baby carrots, peeled
• 1 cup radishes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the asparagus, baby carrots, and radishes with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
5. Serve warm as a vibrant side dish.

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4. Side Dish: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a classic side dish like garlic mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, they pair perfectly with roast lamb or any main course you choose for your Easter dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring potatoes and garlic to a boil in salted water. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot.
3. Mash the potatoes and garlic with a potato masher or hand mixer.
4. Add butter and heavy cream, and continue mashing until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

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5. Salad: Spring Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A light, refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to your Easter meal. This spring green salad features mixed greens, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette that adds a burst of brightness to balance the rich flavors of the main dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

For the lemon vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

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6. Dessert: Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

End your Easter dinner on a sweet, refreshing note with a light and citrusy lemon poppy seed cake. This cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with a simple glaze for the perfect finish to your holiday meal.

Ingredients for the cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, oil, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Fold in the poppy seeds and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

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7. Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits

These individual parfaits are a fresh, light dessert that combines layers of sweetened strawberries, whipped cream, and sponge cake. They’re easy to make and look beautiful on the plate, making them a great choice for Easter dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 sponge cake or shortcake biscuits, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.
2. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
3. In parfait glasses, layer cubed sponge cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.
4. Repeat the layers and top with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Conclusion

This Easter dinner menu is designed to offer a variety of flavors and textures, with dishes that are both nutritious and indulgent. From the fresh and vibrant roasted spring vegetables to the rich herb-crusted lamb, and the light yet flavorful lemon poppy seed cake, each dish is carefully crafted to make your Easter celebration special. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a smaller intimate dinner, these recipes will help create a memorable meal that brings joy, flavor, and health to the table. Enjoy your Easter with these delicious dishes that everyone will love!