22 Delicious Easter Dinner Ideas That Aren’t Ham

Easter dinner can be more than glazed ham and hot cross buns. If you’re ready to try something different or serve a smaller gathering, here are a variety of Easter dinner ideas. Mix and match to build a full menu, from appetizers through desserts.

Easter Appetizers

Avocado Deviled Eggs

A classic deviled egg with a twist—mayo-free and bright with avocado for a creamy, flavorful starter.

Arbol Chile Salsa

A simple, smoky salsa that works perfectly as a pre-dinner dip with chips and doubles as a versatile sauce for the main course.

A green dish with black and green olives in it and a sprig of rosemary on the top with roasted garlic and dried arbol chiles.

Spicy Marinated Olives

Serve warm for a cozy, flavorful starter—perfect for nibbling while guests arrive.

Green tomatillo salsa verde in a bowl on a marble table with seeds on top and lime wedges. Several tortilla chips are near by.

Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa

A vibrant green salsa that doubles as a dip or a finishing sauce. It pairs especially well with lamb or grilled proteins.

Main Courses

A dish of green mole chicken sitting on a table surrounded by a dish of black beans, guacamole, salsa verde, lime wedges.

Chicken Mole Verde

Herb-forward and bright with tomatillos and chiles. This mole improves when made ahead, making it ideal for a relaxed holiday meal.

An overhead image of a dish of enchilada casserole with a piece sitting on a plate off to the side.

Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

A hearty vegetarian main that’s packed with flavor—great for plant-based gatherings or as a satisfying option alongside meat dishes.

Cochinita Pibil

An easy oven-baked pork that’s rich, citrusy, and perfect for tacos or plated entrees when you want something other than ham.

A person in a pink shirt holding a dish of shredded beef barbacoa with cilantro leaves on top.

Beer-Braised Beef Barbacoa

A crowd-pleasing, hands-off option: brisket braised in a beer marinade until it falls apart tender—great for feeding a larger group.

A plate of carnitas on a rainbow table cloth with a dish of pickled jalapenos and a bunch of cilantro sitting next to it.

Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas

A modern take on carnitas that’s quick and delicious. Crisp under the broiler or in a skillet and excellent with roasted or cheesy potatoes.

Salads

An overhead image of strips of mango and cucumber in a dish with a spoon sticking out of one side and basil leaves sitting next to it.

Mango-Cucumber Salad with Cayenne Dressing

Crisp cucumber, sweet mango, and basil ribbons tossed in a bright, slightly spicy lime dressing—refreshing and colorful for spring.

Two bowls of cilantro lime coleslaw with a half of avocado sitting on a cutting board next to the bowls and a knife on one side.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

A make-ahead slaw brightened with lots of cilantro and a tangy lime dressing—an excellent crunchy contrast to richer mains.

A close up of an asparagus salad with olive dressing in a white bowl with a blue line around the edge and a spoon sticking in one side.

Grilled Asparagus with Olive Dressing

Grilled spears topped with a chunky relish of chopped olives, fresh herbs, and Fresno chiles—savory and herbaceous.

Sides

Pickled Red Onions

Quick-pickled red onions add acidity and color to tacos, salads, and plated mains—easy to make and indispensable at the table.

A white plate with rainbow carrots that have been roasted sitting on top with cream and cheese and a lime sitting near by.

Roasted Mexican Street Carrots

Skip the usual glazed carrots—these are roasted and finished with roasted garlic crema, Cotija cheese, and cilantro for bold flavor.

A ceramic dish filled with green beans tossed with tangerines, shallots, pistachios, dates.

Green Beans with Tangerines and Dates

A sweet and crunchy warm salad that pairs beautifully with lamb chops or roasted meats.

A black crock with pinto beans and cilantro on top with a ladle sticking out of one side.

Crock Pot Borracho Beans

Smoky, flavorful beans that can cook unattended in the slow cooker—perfect for a hands-off side that’s ready when you are.

A bowl of mashed potatoes with chorizo and poblano pepper on top and a spoon sticking into the bowl.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Spanish Chorizo and Poblanos

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a universal favorite. Add chorizo and poblanos as an optional topping to elevate the dish.

Desserts

A pan of banana bread with sliced bananas on top on a cooling rack with a towel wrapped around the pan.

Molasses Banana Bread

Sometimes simple is best—this dairy-free banana bread is moist, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

A dish of capirotada on a blue and yellow tablecloth with cans of sweetened condensed milk and media cream near by.

Cinnamon Roll Capirotada

A traditional Mexican bread pudding with the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll—an excellent way to finish a festive meal.

Two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a waffle dish with someone pouring caramel sauce from a spoon over the top.

No-Churn Cream Cheese Ice Cream

The creamiest homemade ice cream you can make without a churn—rich, smooth, and easy to prepare ahead.

A pan of banana bread sitting on a wood table with two slices cut out of it and a butter knife sitting near by.

Ricotta Banana Bread

Another beloved banana bread variation that’s tender and satisfying—perfect with coffee or as a simple dessert.

A tray of cut strawberries, blueberries, nectarines, mango slices, and cherries with a dish of creamy dip on one side.

Fruit with Sour Cream and Brown Sugar Dip

The easiest dessert: fresh seasonal fruit served with a simple sour cream and brown sugar dip—bright, sweet, and effortless.

The Easter Dinner Menu You’ve Been Waiting For

There you have it—dozens of ideas to help you create a memorable Easter dinner. Mix appetizers, mains, salads, sides, and desserts to suit your crowd and timeline, and choose make-ahead dishes to keep the day relaxed. Enjoy the cooking, and have a wonderful holiday!