17 bright and flavorful Easter recipes that’ll make your holiday table shine

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Easter meals tend to bring everyone together, and it helps to have recipes that are easy to enjoy and simple to put together. This group of 17 dishes works well for a spring table, whether you’re hosting or just bringing something along. They cover a mix of ideas that feel special enough for the day but are not over-the-top or too fussy to make.

A pot of Colcannon with Kale, with a wooden spoon lifting a portion.
Colcannon with Kale. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

A black bowl filled with Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon with a spoon on the side.
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Incorporating Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon into your Easter spread brings a comforting touch that families have cherished for generations. Its simple preparation allows the natural flavors to shine, complementing any main dish it’s served with. This recipe guarantees a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, promising a cozy addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad on a wooden table, accompanied by three forks and a blue plaid napkin.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re looking to bring a new favorite to the holiday table, Deviled Egg Pasta Salad might just be the hit you’re looking for. It combines beloved flavors in a novel way, ensuring that each bite is full of surprise and treat. Ideal for those who love a creamy texture with a hint of nostalgia, this dish will have guests asking for the recipe. It’s the perfect side to lighten up your Easter feast without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

A Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is placed on a wooden board, garnished with sprigs of rosemary.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For a centerpiece that draws eyes and appetites, Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is unmatched. Its sweet and savory balance is a testament to the classic combination of brown sugar and pineapple, creating a taste that complements the festive spirit. This ham promises to be as juicy as it is flavorful, making each slice a coveted piece of the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Close-up of a cheesy broccoli and rice casserole in a baking dish, with a serving removed, showing melted cheese, rice, broccoli, and garnished parsley.
Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something about Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box that feels like a warm hug. This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings, where the casserole dish was passed around with smiles. It’s a testament to timeless recipes and the joy they bring to modern tables, enhancing every meal with a taste of tradition.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

A rectangular pan of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese, partially sliced, showing layers.
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese is a dish that promises to disappear as quickly as it’s served. With its creamy sauce and rich flavors, it’s a hearty side that pairs well with both light and robust mains. This recipe offers a scrumptious way to enjoy a classic combination, ensuring that no one has to choose between their favorites. It’s an all-around winner that will easily become a staple in your holiday meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Two Salmon Cakes on a white plate with mixed leafy greens and a lemon wedge.
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Grandma’s Salmon Cakes are not just food; they’re little parcels of joy that remind us of the simplicity and richness of home-cooked meals. These cakes are a wonderful way to start the holiday feast, light yet satisfying, promising a burst of flavor with every bite. They’re equally great as a main dish or a side, offering versatility that is much appreciated in a busy kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No Easter table is complete without a touch of nostalgia, and Old Fashioned Ham Salad offers just that. This dish revives the classic taste of past celebrations, bringing both flavor and history to your feast. It’s a wonderful option for those looking for something light yet fulfilling, ensuring everyone finds something to love. Serving this salad is a beautiful way to honor traditions while enjoying the company of friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Zucchini Bread

Sliced Zucchini Bread.
Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Introducing Zucchini Bread to your Easter menu adds a sweet note that’s hard to resist. This bread is wonderfully moist, making it a perfect companion to your morning coffee or as a dessert. Its subtle sweetness and undeniable flavor promise a fun break from the more savory dishes, providing a well-rounded meal. It’s a recipe that shows that sometimes the simplest dishes can bring the most joy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bread

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A refreshing take on a classic side dish is Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Its vibrant flavors breathe new life into the traditional potato salad, ensuring it stands out in your holiday spread. Perfect for those looking for a lighter side that doesn’t skimp on taste, this dish is bound to become a new favorite. Its freshness is a wonderful counterpart to the rich and savory mains typically found at Easter celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Carver Ham offers a deep, rich flavor that truly makes it the star of the Easter table. The smoking process not only infuses the ham with incredible flavor but also ensures a tender and succulent texture. This dish is an elegant nod to tradition, promising to fill your home with aromas that speak to the heart of the holiday. It’s an exquisite choice that transforms the meal into a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

A serving of Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli on a black plate.
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You’re serving more than just a dish; you’re bringing a burst of spring to the table with Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. This version, with its use of fresh broccoli, offers a lovely crunch and a fresher taste compared to its classic counterpart. It’s a wonderful option for those wanting to infuse their Easter meal with the bright flavors of the season.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy Spinach Orzo is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with any main dish. Its creamy texture and the richness of spinach make every bite a pleasure, ensuring it’ll be a hit with guests of all ages. This recipe is for those who appreciate dishes that can both stand out and complement the flavors of other holiday favorites. Bright and flavorful, it’s a sophisticated addition to any Easter celebration.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Mediterranean Chicken Bake with herbs, cheese and tomatoes in a platter.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re aiming to impress with minimal fuss, Mediterranean Chicken Bake is the way to go. This dish merges a variety of flavors that work together to produce a meal that’s as nutritious as it’s delicious. It’s an effortless way to bring a piece of the Mediterranean to your table, offering a lighter option that’s packed with taste. The vibrant ingredients make each serving a celebration of spring, fitting perfectly into the Easter theme.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Bowl of Roasted Carrot Hummus garnished with green herbs, with a spoon drizzling oil above it.
Roasted Carrot Hummus. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Adding Roasted Carrot Hummus to your appetizer lineup is a surefire way to kick off the festivities with a pop of color and flavor. This twist on traditional hummus brings a sweet earthiness that’s both unexpected and entirely delicious. It’s an excellent way to start the meal, offering a light yet flavorful option that prepares the palate for the feast ahead. Plus, it’s a vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes, promising to catch everyone’s eye.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Hummus

Mom’s Salmon Cakes

Two Salmon Cakes rest on a bed of mixed greens with a lemon wedge on a black plate, set against a light wood background.
Mom’s Salmon Cakes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Just like Grandma’s Salmon Cakes, Mom’s Salmon Cakes carry a personal history that adds depth to every bite. This version might differ slightly in flavor or texture, but the love and care behind the recipe remain the same. Offering these cakes at your holiday meal is a wonderful way to share a part of your family’s story. They’re a testament to the meals that have brought families together for years, blending tradition with the joy of sharing.
Get the Recipe: Mom’s Salmon Cakes

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing Creamed Corn to your Easter table adds a sweet side that complements any main dish beautifully. This dish is all about enhancing the natural sweetness of corn with a creamy texture, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist. It’s a simple yet spectacular side that holds its own amid more complex dishes, promising a taste of simplicity that’s often welcome amidst the holiday’s rich offerings.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Colcannon with Kale

A pot of Colcannon with Kale, with a wooden spoon lifting a portion.
Colcannon with Kale. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A beautiful way to incorporate greens into your Easter feast is Colcannon with Kale. This Irish-inspired dish combines hearty flavors with the nutritional benefits of kale, striking a perfect balance between health and indulgence. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking to add a touch of green to their meal without compromising on taste. With its rich texture and savory notes, it promises to be a refreshing addition to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon with Kale

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