PART OF Easter

44 Ideas for a Ham-Free Easter Dinner

Planning an Easter dinner or lunch, but not a big fan of the classic glazed ham? From chicken, fish and lamb to vegetarian stews and sides, here's some inspiration for a ham-less holiday meal. Don't forget to pick an Easter dessert!

Spinach- & Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

"I will definitely make this again. The breading came out crunchy and the chicken was moist. I used basil-and-tomato-flavored feta which worked perfectly. Baked it on parchment paper which saved me the clean-up."

-manrat

Sheila's Peppered Lamb Chops

"Absolutely lovely, wonderful flavors, with tender juicy meat. I used French trimmed lamb chops as that is what I had on hand, so I did cut back on cooking time. The end result was gorgeous and this will become a regular on our table."

-The Flying Chef

Kevin's Best Corned Beef

"You're right, Kevin! This WAS the best corned beef I've ever tasted. The meat was tender and juicy and the cabbage was a good accompaniment. Next year, when we make this recipe, we will try putting all the seeds into an infusion ball so we don't have to pick them off the veggies and meat."

-MMers

Crispy Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Caper Mayo

"Very good! Made it as written. Served on a bed of spinach along with some homemade coleslaw. Yum! Might have to double the recipe next time so that we DO have leftovers."

-nknu19

Lamb Chops

"This was absoultly exceptional. Quick, easy, darn near foolproof. With enough complex flavor to serve to guests."

-Lord Neuf

Awesome Baked Pork Chops

"Fantastic recipe! We've been making these for a couple years now, and it comes out delicious every time."

-SaraJoy

Slow-Cooker Ratatouille

"The is the best ratatouille recipe I have tried. Smelled really good as it cooked. I made this with vegetables from my garden and used everything the recipe called for."

-wyldflower

Basic Quiche

"Finally... the best basic recipe for quiche...the eggs, the milk and then two cups of whatever. I am in heaven."

-Craig Shrum

Pan-Fried Asparagus

"It was so great! I did remove the minced garlic after it was sautéed so it wouldn't burn. Delicious!"

-Kmilesmarsh

World's Best Baba Ganoush

"This is possibly the best baba ghanoush I've ever had. I made this with eggplants fresh from my garden and it came out fantastic! I was going to keep the skins on but I'm glad I didn't. I followed the recipe exactly as written, and it came out so light and fluffy and absolutely delicious."

-Goody2shz

Simple Baked Sea Bass

"The sea bass was amazing. I made this tonight during the big pandemic with frozen fillets because that’s all I could find near me. It was pronounced by my partner as a restaurant quality meal and one of the best either of us has made this year."

-Maura D.

Spanakopita

"This turned out perfect, and although I've never worked with phyllo, I have tucked my children into bed at night. Kinda the same thing, I thought. Little bit of care and it works itself out."

-gary7

Patti Labelle's Mac & Cheese

"Awesome recipe! I used milk instead of half and half to cut down on fat and it was just delicious. Everyone at my dinner party raved over it."

-Tab Smith

Cross Rib Roast

"By far the best roast I’ve ever made!! Came out medium rare. Felt like this could have been on a cooking show, it was absolute perfection! Followed recipe exactly as written."

-Allison J.

Quinoa Pilaf

"This was really tasty! I served it with tzatziki and grilled shrimp when a friend came over, and the meal was a huge success. I'm making this again today for lunch, and will be using this recipe more often, 'cause it's just that tasty and healthy."

-ATeenageChef

Sauteed Collard Greens

"Made these yesterday with some jerk chicken. Used collards and they came out really good, not bitter and not covered in fat. Added a full teaspoon of red pepper flakes since we like our green a little spicy. I will definitely keep this and make it again."

-maria.hakanson

So-Easy Salmon Patties

"These are nice and tender. I have made salmon patties many times over and don't believe I have pre-cooked the onions before. The full recipe made four nice servings. They were served with fresh green beans and roasted poatotes."

-PaulaG

Oven-Fried Cheddar-Garlic Chicken Breasts

"No one wanted a homemade dinner, until they tasted this. Success."

-sabrina miguel r.

Greek-Style Lemon & Parmesan Potatoes

"These potatoes were absolutely delicious, and the leftovers make the best home fries I've ever had for breakfast."

-Marie729

Roasted Carrots

"Let me tell you, these are the best carrots you will ever eat. This is simplicity at its best. I also have to say, if your carrots did not shrink and did not turn golden to dark brown around the edges, then you haven't roasted them long enough!"

-shimmerchk

Perfect Pork Tenderloin

"Okay, I have never been able to cook a pork tenderloin that was moist. Whenever I tried to make it, my kids would all cringe. So I decided to give this one a try since the reviews were so good, well I am so glad I did! My pork was a complete success!"

-melis1377

Pea & Peanut Salad

"This was a little different, but I thought it was very good. I didn't have spanish peanuts, so I used party peanuts. It was great with these nuts."

-Alice Robertson Cla

Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad

"This is a very pretty salad! Tastes great, too. I used angel hair pasta, but next time I will probably use the rotini for easier mixing. This also made a lot of dressing, which is fine with me since I like my pasta salad drenched!"

-Clovis Ann

Asparagus Lasagna

"I am sure this is on the menu in heaven. I skipped the whipped cream and it was still amazing."

-FLKeysJen

Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

"I made these delicious scalloped potatoes for Easter dinner. I sprinkled smoked paprika on top. I also used goat cheddar cheese which was delicious."

-KatyYvette

Pork Roast

"I'm banging fists and stomping feet... YOU MUST TRY THIS MARINADE! My husband seared the roast on the BBQ until it was "almost" charred, then wrapped it in aluminum foil with reserved marinade and continued to cook 'til done. The results were stellar."

-gailanng

Eggstatic Egg Salad

"Well, I have to agree with everyone else. This is the best egg salad I've ever tasted. It's also the ONLY egg salad I've ever tasted. I've always been grossed out by the idea of it. Let's just say we all ate it with gusto—even my three-year-old."

-Evil Genius

Glazed Carrots

"Delicious! Used baby carrots right out of the bag and added a sprinkle of red and black pepper. Not a carrot left on anyone's plate."

-Candy C

Seven-Layer Salad

"Terrific in every way! My wife made this in the morning for an extended family dinner later that day. Cooled down wonderfully in the fridge, and made us all think of summer when we shared it at dinner."

-RedJim

Creamy Sweet Peas

"This dish was rich and creamy. I felt as though I was whisked back into my mother's kitchen again. She made this exact recipe as a child which I had long forgotten. It is the best side dish that we've had in a long time."

-Suzy9725

Rack of Lamb Persillade

"Just a little short cut: spread the softened butter on the bread before making the breadcrumbs in the food processor. Works great!"

-Lovestocook

Creamy Parmesan Leeks

"A truly fabulous leeks recipe and, once you've thoroughly washed your leeks, so easy to prepare! We immensely enjoyed these leeks as a main course over steamed rice, and I'm SO looking forward to making them again soon."

-bluemoon downunder

Grilled Lemon Salmon

"Very good recipe. I didn't have time to marinate, so I just used the dry spices, drizzled on some olive oil, and covered it with the lemon. Wrapped that in foil and stuck it on the charcoal grill over indirect heat, and it was great in 15 minutes."

-stephfunk

Delicious Chicken Pot Pie

"This is without a doubt the best chicken pot pie I've ever made or eaten in my life! My boys said, 'it was da bomb,' (meaning excellent)."

-kfinkle

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

"Great recipe, definitely five-star. If you are using one pound of pasta, I agree with so many of the other reviews: double the sauce!"

-bad kitty 1116

Confetti Orzo Salad

"Made this just as written and it turned out so delicious! It was light and perfect for dinner. I like how versatile it is and you can really add whatever veggies you have on hand!"

-Jonathan Melendez

Pesto Pasta with Peas

"This is an amazing pasta dish. Bold flavors. Time consuming if you make Ina's pesto but so, so worth every minute. This is my son's favorite pasta dish and requests it whenever he comes home from college."

-deliciousdish

Fanny Farmer's Scalloped Potatoes

"I personally think this recipe is awesome. My grandmother has made THE BEST Scalloped potatoes since I was little. I mean really good ones. I asked her for her recipe about a year ago only to my surprise to find out this Fannie Farmer was the same recipe."

-Grace7

Asparagus Risotto

"This was my first time making risotto and it was so easy! The results were outstanding and my hubby asked, 'Why did you make a main dish? I'll just have the risotto.'"

-Autism Mommy

Marinated Veggie Crunch

"Wowee! We really enjoyed this. I made this for Easter, together with turkey breasts and some mashed potatoes, with hot cross buns. Very tasty, and we liked the little kick from the pepper in the dressing. I added green beans and asparagus because they represent spring to me."

-strangemk1

Wine-Glazed Rack of Lamb with Cherry Reduction

"This a such a show-stopper! It look longer than mentioned to make the reductions and glaze, but that was fine with me, because the amount of taste and flavor was outstanding."

-Meghan

Roasted Asparagus

"Fabulous and easy; how much more could you ask for in a recipe? I have always steamed my asparagus, but this is my new favorite way to eat it."

-moxie

Pasta Carbonara

"Great easy satisfying and super quick recipe. My whole family loved it. I'm making it again tonight and adding some sun-dried tomatoes as well, just to try."

-asil2809

Scalloped Potatoes

"Hooray! This was awesome, and by slicing my potatoes with the food processor, it was really quick to make (seriously, it only took me, like, one minute to slice all my potatoes—and they were evenly thick). I split the casserole into two 8x8 dishes and put one in the freezer for another dinner."

-Robyns Cookin

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