Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Ham may be synonymous with Easter dinner for many families, but it’s not the only main dish that’s worthy of your time and the center of the table on this special holiday. In fact, for many families, ham is a dish of a bygone era, left behind to make way for new family classics like sides of salmon, lamb chops, and even pasta. This year, whether you can’t find ham at the store or just want to change things up, consider one of these Easter dinner ideas that aren’t ham.
01 of 20
Cedar Planked Salmon
Credit: Simply Recipes / Mike Lang
Salmon filets are a presentation-worthy Easter dinner idea. It’s just as beautiful as it is delicious, too. This version uses a tangy marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fresh ginger to infuse the fish with flavor.
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02 of 20
Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“My family loved it! I used a Dutch oven so we didnt have that one dish to wash. It turned out excellent, we didn’t have rosenary so I used Italian seasoning. Half way through cooking I added some potatoes and brussel sprouts. It turned beautifully, the meat falling off the bone.” —sonshaun
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03 of 20
Chef John’s Grilled Lamb with Mint Orange Sauce
Lamb is almost as common at Easter as ham, and outside the U.S., it’s often the preferred Easter dinner main. This version boasts loads more flavor than you might expect. “Using a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices and a touch of cinnamon, these tender grilled lamb chops are served with orange and fresh mint sauce,” writes recipe creator Chef John.
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04 of 20
White Cheese Chicken Lasagna
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Your idea of an Easter dinner might not include pasta, but it should. These dishes are easy to prepare and often provide enough servings in one recipe to feed a large family. For a springtime take on the classic baked lasagna, opt for this one with its creamy white sauce and tender spinach.
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05 of 20
Roasted Pork Loin
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Pork loin is succulent and tender. This roasted pork loin recipe keeps things basic—so you can make the sides a bit more fancy, if you wish.
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06 of 20
Juicy Roasted Chicken
Credit: Meredith Food Studio
Easter dinner ideas don’t have to be complicated, like racks of lamb or sides of salmon. The humble roasted chicken will be welcome on your holiday table. “I never have had a chicken this juicy before; this little trick works and makes the people eating it go silent,” writes recipe creator ROBINROCKINGBIRD.
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07 of 20
Spring Vegetable Tart
Credit: Chef John
“This spring vegetable tart only looks hard to make and would be a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion,” writes Chef John. “Just put it out on the table a little bit early so everyone can get their Instagramming in.”
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08 of 20
Asparagus Carbonara
Credit: lutzflcat
If your Easter table is just a handful of people, you may want to keep the menu more simple and special. Replace a meaty Easter dinner main with this light, fresh spring pasta.
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09 of 20
Barbacoa-Spiced Easter Lamb
Credit: John Mitzewich
“For this barbacoa-spiced Easter lamb, we’re using the flavors of Central Mexican barbacoa, but not the traditional cooking method. This lamb will taste incredible sliced on a plate, and the leftovers make great tacos. And by the way, this method—slow, moist roasting—gives you melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, flavorful lamb leg roast, no matter what seasonings you use.” —John Mitzewich
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10 of 20
Garlic Prime Rib
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Be prepared for a standing ovation—and requests for this Easter dinner idea year after year. “I’ve never been so sure that a recipe deserved five stars,” writes reviewer dani. “This is the absolute perfect prime rib.”
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11 of 20
Air-Fried Sesame-Crusted Cod with Snap Peas
Fish may not be in your regular recipe rotation, but it should be on your list of Easter dinner ideas this year. That’s because it’s quick-cooking and goes beautifully with a host of side dishes. This recipe, made with meaty but mild cod, is cooked in the air fryer so it stays succulent and juicy. The peas are a fresh, spring side, so you can leave the dish like this, or add a few other things to round out the plate.
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12 of 20
Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
Credit: recordaras
There’s no meat here—and absolutely no one will care. This rich pastry is stuffed with spinach, creamy ricotta, tangy feta, and tender onions for a meatless Easter dinner that’s truly special.
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13 of 20
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I just made this, absolutely delicious and turned out looking like the picture. I served it with baked potato and green beans with mushrooms. My husband said put a star by this recipe!” —Kathy B
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14 of 20
Chele’s Halibut
Credit: naples34102
Green onions and dill add loads of flavor to this delicate fish dish. But a coating of sour cream infused with these herbs keeps the fish moist and tender while cooking.
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15 of 20
Beef Stroganoff III
Credit: DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Elevate a weeknight dinner to a Easter dinner feature with a deeply indulgent sauce. “This is some of the best beef stroganoff ever! I used sirloin instead of chuck roast,” writes reviewer Jillian.
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16 of 20
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake
Credit: fabeveryday
“This was delicious! I especially loved the creamy, cheesy sauce. The only change I made was that I used 12 ounces of pasta (instead of 10) since that’s the size pack I had. The sauce was still enough with those few extra ounces of pasta.” —fabeveryday
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17 of 20
Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie
Credit: Yoly
“What’s better than a chicken pot pie? A chicken pot pie topped with a flaky puff pastry!” says recipe creator Yoly. You could amp up this Easter dinner idea by using puff pastry cut-outs for a take on a decorated pie crust.
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18 of 20
Rosemary Braised Lamb Shanks
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Lamb shanks are slowly simmered until perfectly tender and juicy, with warm and invigorating ingredients like tomatoes, rosemary, garlic, and red wine. You can serve this with any starchy side, but you’ll be a true hero if you serve it with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
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19 of 20
Duck Breasts with Raspberry Sauce
Credit: Allrecipes
This duck recipe for an Easter dinner is easier than a confit or roasted duck, and it takes less than an hour, so it can come together quickly after church.
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20 of 20
Quiche Supreme
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I’ve used the same ‘crustless’ quiche recipe for years but decided to look for something new. This was so delicious with the crust! I think the cream and the spices were also what elevated this recipe above my old one. Definitely a keeper.” —PlumStir1781
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Read the original article on Allrecipes
Dining and Cooking