22 Easter Dinner Ideas That Aren’t Ham

Easter dinner can mean much more than glazed ham and hot cross buns. If you are looking to try something new or entertaining a smaller crowd, here are a few great Easter dinner ideas! Mix and match for a complete menu with everything from appetizers to desserts!

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easter appetizers

avocado deviled eggs

Because no Easter is complete without a good deviled egg recipe. And this one is mayo-free!

arbol chile salsa

A simple salsa that can be a pre-dinner dip with chips and double as a sauce to serve with dinner.

spicy marinated olives

If your Easter meal MUST start with a warm appetizer, these olives are the way to go.

tomatillo-avocado salsa

You really can’t go wrong with this beautiful green salsa which, again, can double as sauce for dinner. Especially good with leg of lamb, if you’re going that route.

main courses

chicken mole verde

This mole is a celebration of spring with fresh herbs, tomatillos, and chiles. Also, it tastes even better if you make it ahead!

black bean enchilada casserole

If you are keeping things plant-based this Easter this vegetarian enchilada casserole is one of our favorite veggie-filled dinner ideas.

cochinita pibil

If you are hungry for pork, but don’t want ham, try this easy version of Cochinita Pibil that you make right in the oven.

beer braised beef barbacoa

This flavorful crowd pleaser is so simple. Just cover a boneless brisket in the beer marinade and let braise in the oven until fall apart tender.

crispy instant pot carnitas

Not traditional sure, but really simple and equally delicious! Also, goes amazingly with cheesy potato casserole.

Salads

mango-cucumber salad with cayenne dressing

Crisp cucumber, sweet mango and strips of basil all in a spicy lime dressing. What’s not to like?

cilantro lime slaw

The traditional make-ahead salad is punched up with loads of cilantro and bright lime dressing.

grilled asparagus with olive dressing

The dressing for this salad is a chunky relish-like mixture of chopped olives, fresh herbs, and spicy Fresno chiles.

sides

pickled red onions

No meal is complete without a pile of quick-pickled red onions.

roasted mexican street carrots

If you’re looking to move beyond glazed carrots try these roasted carrots topped with roasted garlic crema, Cotija, and cilantro.

green beans with tangerines and dates

This sweet and crunchy warm salad is the perfect partner for lamb chops.

crock pot borracho beans

I love a side dish that is ready when dinner is. Make these smoky beans in the morning and let the slow cooker do the work.

garlic mashed potatoes with spanish chorizo and poblanos

Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are the perfect side for just about anything. The chorizo and pepper topping is optional, but takes them over the top.

desserts

molasses banana bread

You could make a fancy dessert, but you know everyone really wants banana bread. This one is dairy free!

cinnamon roll capirotada

This bread pudding is a traditional way to end a Mexican Easter meal. This version is like the best combination of a cinnamon roll and capirotada mixed into one.

no churn cream cheese ice cream

The BEST and creamiest homemade ice cream you will ever make with no churning necessary!

ricotta banana bread

Again, all anyone wants is banana bread. Trust me.

fruit with sour cream and brown sugar dip

The easiest dessert is one you don’t have to make at all! Look for fresh strawberries, ripe mango, and juicy pineapple this time of year.

the easter dinner menu you’ve been waiting for!

There you go! I know you’ll find all the ideas you’ve been searching for to make a spectacular Easter dinner. Let me know what you end up making by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!