Let's face it: Between decadent brunches and confectionary desserts, dinner often takes a backseat on Easter Sunday. After all, why wait for the main course when there's a basket full of egg-shaped chocolates and rabbit-inspired marshmallows waiting to be devoured? However, a new crop of recipes makes a case for saving room for dinner come Sunday.
Feast your eyes—and okay, your tastebuds— on the recipes below. From signature dishes from across the globe, to modern takes on Easter classics, to seasonal entrées, these dinner ideas will be the perfect finishing touch to any festive tablescape.
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1
Cacio e Pepe Broccolini
Looking for a guilt-free way to indulge in some cacio e pepe? Try Arthur Street Kitchen's broccolini iteration, complete with pearl barley.
Recipe via Arthur Street Kitchen
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2
Watermelon, Halloumi and Quick-Pickled Shallot Salad
Give the traditional house salad a fresh spin with this flavorful option from Arthur Street Kitchen. While the juicy watermelon will taste particularly refreshing after an Easter egg hunt, the grilled halloumi will add a savory kick.
Recipe via Arthur Street Kitchen
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3
Slow Roasted Pork and Creamy Horseradish Skyr Sauce
Keep it classic with this Easter platter from No Crumbs Left. From the slow-roasted pork, to array of vegetables, to the flavorful horseradish dish, this dinner has plenty of options to appeal to your tastebuds.
Recipe via No Crumbs Left
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4
Gazpacho
As the temperature rises, cool down with a cup of gazpacho. With notes of garlic, basil, and red bell pepper, the Spanish dish will pair nicely with a lean chicken or pasta.
Recipe via Cookie + Kate
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5
Harissa Lamb Meatballs
Hello Fresh reimagined the typical Easter lamb with the North-African spice blind. The dish is finished with a creamy yogurt sauce and easy-to-eat meatball formation.
Recipe via Hello Fresh
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6
Cranberry Pork Chops
Cranberry sauce-smothered pork chops are balanced with citrusy, orange-glazed carrots, and paired with buttered thyme rice.
Recipe via Hello Fresh
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7
Heirloom Carrot Salad
The Easter bunny will be jealous of this exquisite and colorful heirloom carrot salad, topped with an infused honey and cumin yogurt dressing.
Recipe via Honey Salt Food & Drink
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8
Fig and Quinoa Salad
This colorful, delicious, and nutrient-packed arugula salad provides a nice break from all the Easter sweets. Plus, it's completely vegetarian.
Recipe via Hello Fresh
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9
Breadcrumb-Topped Mac & Cheese
If you want to be the star of the Easter potluck, this gooey, breadcrumb-topped mac & cheese is for you. Made with four decadent cheeses and a little bit of kale, your stomach—and tastebuds—will be fully satisfied.
Recipe via Honey Salt Food & Drink
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10
Butter-Basted Chicken Breast
Sweet potatoes and candied bacon brussels sprouts kick this chicken dish into flavor overdrive, topped with a garlic butter, demi-glace, and sour cream.
Recipe via Hello Fresh
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11
Root Vegetable Frittata
This hearty and healthy frittata is made with egg whites, potatoes, rutabaga, onion, Swiss cheese, and green onion—all served up in a tabletop-worthy skillet.
Recipe via Cooking with Ruthie
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12
Cherry Ancho Duck Breast
Rich and juicy duck is topped with a sweet, cherry-based sauce and paired with pistachio-studded rice and hearty roasted carrots. A dash of ancho chili powder gives the dish a subtle kick with smokey undertones.
Recipe via Hello Fresh
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13
Lemon Thyme Mashed Purple Potatoes
Gone are the days of ordinary mashed potatoes, as we welcome this beautiful springtime alternative. A lemony twist on the classic dish, this holiday favorite is zesty and fragrant, yet creamy and decadent.
Recipe via Hello Fresh
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14
Lemony Potato Salad
Embrace the light and zesty flavors of spring with a vegan lemony potato salad. If you're mayo-phobic, this is the potato salad for you!
Recipe via Dini Klein
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15
Short Rib Ragu
Shake up your Easter menu with a decadent pasta dish packed with rich flavor and lively spring seasonings. This recipe calls for slow cooked short ribs, shredded over broad, flat noodles, and topped with fresh parsley.
Recipe via From Jessica's Kitchen
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16
Farmer's Market Tart
Take advantage of all the fresh spring produce at your local market and pull together this quixotic phyllo dough tart, packed with all manner of veggies from fiddleheads to broccolini.
Recipe via Living McTavish
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17
Little Gem Caesar
An unconventional twist on the classic Caesar, this sprightly spring salad contains chickpeas, purple new potatoes, and spring onion—perfect for a refreshing Easter side!
Recipe via Plated
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18
Crispy Baby Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Radishes and Beets
Bridge the gap between winter and springtime with this fresh, light dish that combines earth root vegetables, like beets and potatoes, with crisp, airy greens like asparagus.
Recipe via Living McTavish
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19
Savory Gruyère Bread Pudding
This creamy, savory take on a traditional bread pudding is Easter's answer to Thanksgiving stuffing. It hits on the same satisfying combination of texture and flavor, amply studded with crisp spring vegetables.
Recipe via Plated
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20
Potatoes Fondantes
A hearty, warm addition to any Easter dinner soirée, these spuds are smashed for a savory, crisp-on-the-outside but soft-on-the-inside texture. Bonus: They'll make great leftovers (even eaten cold!) on Monday.
Recipe via Life Currents