Top Easter Main Courses for a Memorable Holiday Meal

Featuring comforting pasta dishes, slow-cooked roasts and fresh seafood, this collection showcases The Best Easter Main Courses. These recipes are straightforward to prepare, ideal for entertaining, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Photo Collage of Four Easter Main Courses: lamb shoulder, tuna pasta bake, side of salmon and spinach pasta shells.

Easy and Delicious Easter Main Course Recipes

Each Easter I enjoy hosting a relaxed family lunch or dinner. Cooking for loved ones is one of my favourite ways to celebrate, and this collection brings together many of my go-to recipes.

Whether you want a hearty, slow-cooked roast like Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb or a lighter option such as Herb and Panko Crusted Salmon, you’ll find food to suit every table. Each recipe includes serving suggestions to help you plan sides and accompaniments.

This collection features:

Hearty roasts and comforting pasta dishes.
Slow-cooked meats alongside quicker seafood and weeknight meals.
Plates designed to share with family and friends.

1. Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder

This Mediterranean-style Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder is seasoned with garlic and fresh oregano and roasted with onion, fennel, lemon and a splash of stock. The low-and-slow method produces meat so tender it falls from the bone—no carving skills required.

Serving suggestions: Marinated Tomato Salad and Crispy Smashed Roasted Potatoes.

Large white platter with the Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder, garnished with the roasted lemon, fennel and fresh oregano.

2. Marmalade Glazed Ham

This easy Marmalade Glazed Ham makes a striking centrepiece. A glaze of orange juice, marmalade, brown sugar, Dijon and ginger gives the ham a sticky, caramelised finish while keeping the meat juicy and flavourful.

Serving suggestions: Cauliflower Gratin and Charred Corn Salad.

Marmalade Glazed Ham, sitting on a round white plate, with some slices of ham cut, and orange slices around the edge.

3. Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

This comforting Tuna Pasta Bake is simple and satisfying. Canned tuna, sun-dried tomatoes and pasta are folded into a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a great weeknight dish and reheats well.

Serving suggestions: Radicchio Salad or Spinach Salad.

Large white rectangular dish of Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake, sitting on a wooden board, with a gold serving spoon on the edge.

4. Braised Chicken Thighs

This one-pot Braised Chicken with Lemon, Olives and Fennel offers bright Mediterranean flavours. The method yields tender chicken with golden, crispy skin, infused with herbs, lemon and briny olives—an easy, impressive family meal.

Serving suggestions: Baked Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Butter Rice.

Round dish with the Braised Chicken,, Lemon and Olives, with a spoon resting in the dish.

5. Mediterranean Side of Salmon

This Mediterranean Side of Salmon is quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes—yet elegant enough for entertaining. A whole side of salmon is roasted with colourful Mediterranean vegetables and served with a simple yoghurt sauce for a bright, impressive dish.

Serving suggestions: Roasted Broccolini and Kale and Apple Slaw.

Sheet pan with side of Mediterranean Salmon and vegetables around the edge, with serving utensils.

6. Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Fennel is an easy, elegant meal. The pork is rubbed with herbs and spices, seared, then roasted with apple, fennel and onion so everything caramelises and becomes full of flavour. It’s ideal for weeknights or special occasions.

Serving suggestions: Baked Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus Gratin.

Platter of sliced Roasted Pork Tenderloin, surrounded by pieces of apple, fennel, onion and sage, with a black towel on edge.

7. Tuna and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

These baked pasta shells are filled with tuna and ricotta, baked in a creamy tomato sauce until bubbling. They make a great make-ahead dish and are perfect when entertaining or feeding a crowd.

Serving suggestions: Garlic Bread and Rocket and Pear Salad.

8. Grilled Lamb Cutlets

Grilled Lamb Cutlets with Mint Pesto are quick to prepare and full of Mediterranean flavour. Lightly seasoned and seared, the cutlets pair beautifully with a bright mint pesto for an easy, elegant meal.

Serving suggestions: Roasted Red Pepper Salad and Sautéed Zucchini and Onions.

Oval white plate with Grilled Lamb Chops, some fresh mint leaves, two forks and a small dish of Mint Pesto.

9. Creamy Garlic Prawns

Creamy Lemon Garlic Prawns come together in about 30 minutes in one pan. The prawns are coated in a garlic butter and cream sauce brightened with lemon—perfect with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Serving suggestions: Crusty Bread or Garlic Butter Pasta.

Frying pan with Creamy Lemon Prawns, and a wooden spoon resting in the pan.

10. Mediterranean Pulled Beef

Slow-cooked Mediterranean Pulled Beef becomes meltingly tender as it soaks up garlic, onion, rosemary, oregano and tomatoes. It transforms humble cuts into a flavour-packed dish that’s largely hands-off—serve over polenta, pasta or with crusty bread.

Serving suggestions: Creamy Polenta and Sautéed Peppers and Onions.

Round dish of Mediterranean Pulled Beef garnished with fresh basil, sitting on a white cloth.

11. Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters

Roasted Chicken Marylands (leg quarters) yield tender meat with crisp skin and require minimal hands-on time—just a few minutes of seasoning before the oven does the work. Herbs and lemon help create a deeply satisfying roast chicken.

Serving suggestions: Garlic Butter Peas and Sautéed Asparagus.

Roasted Chicken Marylands on a baking tray, surrounded by some cubes of potatoes, peas and green beans.

12. Herb and Panko Crusted Salmon

Herb and Panko Crusted Salmon is both quick enough for weeknights and elegant for special occasions. A herbed breadcrumb crust bakes until crisp and golden; serve with a simple spicy mayonnaise for contrast.

Serving suggestions: Butter Bean Mash or Roasted Baby Potatoes.

Baking tray with cooked Herb Panko Salmon, garnished with some parsley leaves and lemon wedges.

13. Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder becomes fork-tender with garlic, rosemary, oregano, onion and fennel seeds. It’s a comforting roast that pairs well with a fresh apple salsa and simple homemade gravy—great for special occasions or family dinners.

Serving suggestions: Peach Salsa, Apple Chutney and Roast Pumpkin and Feta Salad.

Platter with Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder being drizzled with gravy, with some rocket leaves and potatoes around the edge.

14. Maple Syrup Glazed Ham

This Maple Syrup Glazed Ham uses a glaze of maple syrup, orange juice, Dijon, brown sugar and ginger to create a glossy, flavourful finish. The glaze caramelises while the ham stays tender and juicy—an eye-catching addition to any table.

Serving suggestions: Potato Salad with Peas and Mint, Pear Chutney and Sweet and Sour Roasted Carrot Salad.

Maple Glazed Ham, sitting on some orange slices on a round white plate.

15. Dry Brine Roast Chicken

This Perfect Dry Brine Roast Chicken uses a simple dry brine to achieve juicy, flavourful meat and crisp, seasoned skin. A classic roast chicken delivers ultimate comfort and impressive results with minimal fuss.

Serving suggestions: Homemade Chicken Gravy, Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips, and Mediterranean Baked Eggplant Slices.

White oval plate with Roast Chicken in the centre, and some vegetables around the edge.

16. Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb

Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb is roasted gently with garlic, onions, lemon and fresh rosemary and oregano. The low temperature cooking results in succulent meat that falls apart and is full of Mediterranean flavour.

Serving suggestions: Brussels Sprouts Gratin and Kale and Chickpea Salad.

Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb, surrounded by fresh herbs and pomegranate, on a grey oval platter, with two forks on the edge.

17. Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells are a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dish for entertaining. Filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked in sauce and served hot, they’re one of the favourites on the blog.

Serving suggestions: Spelt Focaccia and Grilled Zucchini Salad.

Dish of Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells, with a spoon.

18. Marinated Lamb Loin Chops

Marinated Lamb Loin Chops are tender, quick to cook and full of Mediterranean herb flavour. A simple marinade transforms loin chops into an easy, impressive meal the whole family will enjoy.

Serving suggestions: Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad, Spinach and Cheese Portobello Mushrooms and Mediterranean Lentil Salad.

Round white plate with cooked Marinated Lamb Loin Chops, with a small bowl of yoghurt sauce on the side, and white cloth.

19. Creamy Herb Chicken Tenderloins

Creamy Herb Chicken Tenderloins are a quick, comforting dish ready in about 30 minutes. Fresh herbs lift a simple cream sauce into something aromatic and luxurious—easy comfort food without the fuss.

Serving suggestions: Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables and Garlic Mashed Potato.

Large frying pan with Creamy Herb Chicken, ready to serve.

20. Marinated Lamb Backstrap

Marinated Lamb Backstrap is a lean, tender cut that cooks quickly and carries Mediterranean flavours beautifully. Sear it to develop a crust and serve with tzatziki or a fresh salad for a tasty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Serving suggestions: Roasted Cauliflower Salad and Baked Parmesan Tomatoes.

Round grey plate with a serving of sliced Lamb Backstrap, sitting on yoghurt sauce, with a chickpea cucumber side salad.

For more inspiration, see our recipe collections for The Best Easter Brunch Recipes and The Best Easter Dessert Recipes.

I hope this collection gives you plenty of ideas and new recipes to try for your Easter table. Let me know which dishes become your favourites in the comments below.

Alex xx

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