Gather Your Friends and Family for the Ultimate Easter Lunch

easter lunch ideas
What to Eat for Lunch on Easter SundayWill Dickey


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Easter Sunday is filled with activity, but for the Drummond family, it's all about the Easter lunch. "Easter lunch is one of our family's favorite meals," Ree says. And it's no surprise why. If they're not having a big, glazed ham, they're chowing down on biscuits and gravy. Either way, the day is always filled with food and family. (And a massive egg hunt, of course!) So, when it comes time to planning your own Easter lunch menu, check out our easy ideas ahead. We've gathered up all the classics like candied carrots and ham recipes, along with some seasonal spring soups and Easter casseroles. There are even some grilling recipes for anyone who wants to take their Easter lunch to the backyard.

Here, you'll find tons of traditional Easter foods along with creative twists like ham and cheese sliders, chicken fried chicken, and a BLT-inspired pasta salad. Whatever you do, don't forget the deviled eggs—they're a staple at Ree's Easter lunch! If seasonal spring dishes are what you're after, look no further than the show-stopping carrot tart, the strawberry arugula salad, or the creamy pasta primavera. Whichever lunch recipes you choose, just be sure to save room for Easter dinner and, of course, the Easter desserts!

Ham and Cheese Quiche

If you don't want to serve a big ham roast, try making a ham and cheese quiche instead! You'll still get that salty ham flavor you know and love.

Get the Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe.

SHOP PIE PLATES

easter lunch ideas ham and cheese quiche
Caitlin Bensel

Strawberry Arugula Salad

This salad is light, bright, and perfect for springtime! The sweet strawberries and toasted pecans are the perfect pairing for peppery arugula. You can serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken on top to make it heartier.

Get Ree's Strawberry Arugula Salad recipe.

easter lunch ideas strawberry salad
David Malosh

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

This twist on biscuits and gravy is easier than ever thanks to refrigerated biscuit dough. You can prepare most of the recipe ahead of time in a casserole dish to make your Sunday meal prep a breeze.

Get the Biscuits and Gravy Casserole recipe.

easter lunch ideas biscuits and gravy casserole
Caitlin Bensel

Egg Salad

Whether you're having a Sunday picnic, a church potluck, or simply an afternoon on the porch, you can't go wrong with serving up egg salad for lunch. You can serve it on a sandwich, over a bed of lettuce, or simply by the spoonful!

Get the Egg Salad recipe.

easter lunch ideas egg salad
Caitlin Bensel

Ranch Potatoes

These crispy potatoes have an herby spring twist thanks to ranch seasoning mix. You'll want to top them off with extra chopped chives, dill, or both for more fresh flavor.

Get the Ranch Potatoes recipe.

SHOP COOKWARE

easter lunch ideas ranch potatoes
Caitlin Bensel

Spring Pea Tart

This flaky puff pastry tart practically screams "springtime!" That's because it's topped with plenty of green color and seasonal flavor from an herby goat cheese mixture, crisp snow peas, and sweet peas, too.

Get Ree's Spring Pea Tart recipe.

easter lunch ideas spring pea tart
David Malosh

Ham Casserole

Seasonal green peas and bits of salty ham make this casserole dish an Easter favorite. Plus, it's filled with fluffy rice, cheese, and buttery crackers so your kids will love it, too!

Get the Ham Casserole recipe.

easter lunch ideas ham casserole
Caitlin Bensel

Deviled Eggs

For the Drummond family, it wouldn't be Easter without deviled eggs. They're the perfect bite for snacking on before or after the family egg hunt.

Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.

easter lunch ideas deviled eggs
Caitlin Bensel

Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits

You've never had biscuits like this before! They're light and fluffy with loads of flavor from tangy buttermilk and herbaceous ranch seasoning. Don't forget the ranch butter for serving!

Get the Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits recipe.

easter lunch ideas buttermilk ranch angel biscuits
Will Dickey

Sweet Potato Hash

This colorful hash is perfectly charred and packed with smoky bacon so it would be perfect alongside either eggs or ham. Heck, you can even serve it up with a roast chicken or lamb if you prefer.

Get the Sweet Potato Hash recipe.

SHOP SKILLETS

easter lunch ideas sweet potato hash
Caitlin Bensel

Lamb Burgers

Many families like to enjoy lamb for Easter, so these easy lamb burgers are worth a try! They're juicy, spiced, and topped with a Greek-inspired feta sauce.

Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.

easter lunch ideas lamb burgers
Will Dickey

Honey Mustard Chicken

There are so many reasons to love honey mustard chicken! Not only is it tangy and delicious, but it can also be cooked on the stovetop or on the grill! Serve it up with a spring salad for the perfect lunch.

Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.

easter lunch ideas honey mustard chicken
Will Dickey

Sausage Gravy

This sausage gravy is a great way to kick off a holiday weekend, no matter what time of day! Serve it over flaky biscuits for the ultimate comfort food.

Get the Sausage Gravy recipe.

easter lunch ideas sausage gravy
Will Dickey

Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise

Spring is asparagus season! So it only makes sense to feature the green veggie on your Easter menu. A hefty drizzle of spiced hollandaise will make it feel extra-special for the holidays.

Get Ree's Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise recipe.

easter lunch ideas roasted asparagus with cajun hollandaise
Con Poulos

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)

You don't have to be Greek to make this tasty spinach pie! The flaky squares are easy to make ahead and serve a whole crowd on Sunday.

Get the Spanakopita recipe.

SHOP BAKING DISHES

easter lunch ideas spanakopita
Will Dickey

Chicken Primavera

You only need 30 minutes and one pot to whip up this spring-inspired pasta recipe. That means less time cleaning up and more time spent with family and friends.

Get the Chicken Primavera recipe.

easter lunch ideas chicken primavera
Will Dickey

Grilled Potatoes

Potato lovers will appreciate this new twist on how to cook spuds. The baby potatoes are grilled, then topped with garlic butter and parmesan.

Get the Grilled Potatoes recipe.

easter lunch ideas grilled potatoes
Caitlin Bensel

Ham and Cheese Sliders

For a more casual take on Easter ham, try these ham and cheese sliders instead. They're great for a grab-and-go lunch during the egg hunt!

Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.

easter lunch ideas ham and cheese sliders
Will Dickey

Candied Carrots

This classic side dish is always a hit. Maybe it's because they taste as sweet as your favorite Easter candy.

Get Ree's Candied Carrots recipe.

easter lunch ideas candied carrots
David Malosh

Chicken Fried Chicken

This extra crispy chicken is hearty enough to be served on its own with a generous helping of gravy, but it can also be served on sandwiches if you prefer to take your lunch to the park.

Get the Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.

SHOP PLATTERS

easter lunch ideas chicken fried chicken
Caitlin Bensel

Buttermilk Biscuits

Golden, tender, homemade biscuits are a side dish that goes with just about any main course. Whether it's that sausage gravy, ham, or even just a spring salad.

Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.

easter lunch ideas buttermilk biscuits
Will Dickey

Tuna Pasta Salad

This twist on tuna-noodle casserole is lighter and fresher so it's perfect for a spring afternoon. Plus, you'll still have room for dinner and all those delicious Easter desserts.

Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.

easter lunch ideas tuna pasta salad
Will Dickey

Carrot Tart

This seasonal tart looks elegant, but it only takes 30 minutes to make—that's exactly the kind of recipe you want for Easter lunch.

Get the Carrot Tart recipe.

carrot tart on marble board
Will Dickey

Baked Salmon

The key to this perfect baked salmon is in the flavorful marinade. It's made with zippy lemon juice, mustard, and honey. Perfect for serving alongside a simple salad for lunch.

Get the Baked Salmon recipe.

baked salmon with herbs on blue plate lemon
Will Dickey

Carrot Salad

If you're taking your Easter lunch outdoors, consider making this easy carrot salad. It's great for packing up to take on a picnic but it can also be enjoyed with your favorite backyard eats.

Get the Carrot Salad recipe.

SHOP BOWLS

carrot salad in blue bowl
Will Dickey

Quiche Lorraine

This bacon, onion, and cheese-filled quiche is loaded with flavor, but the best thing about it is that you can make it ahead! Perfect for holidays, entertaining, and busy Sundays.

Get the Quiche Lorraine recipe.

quiche lorraine on white plate with pie in back
Will Dicky

Greek Salad with Chicken

A good lunch salad consists of a few very important things: a hearty protein (like grilled chicken) and fun mix-ins (like olives and pita chips). Fresh veggies are always good, too!

Get Ree's Greek Salad with Chicken recipe.

greek salad with chicken overhead on blue linen
con poulos

Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls

Serve your honey-glazed ham alongside slices of cheese, marmalade, onion jam, and seasoned rolls for a fun grazing board that your family can snack on throughout the day. It's the best way to eat lunch during the holidays.

Get Ree's Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls recipe.

honey glazed ham and checkerboard rolls with cheese slices and jam
con poulos

BLT Pasta Salad

Whether you're taking your Easter lunch outdoors or just looking for a fresh side dish to serve with ham, this creative pasta salad is always a hit.

Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.

blt pasta salad in wood bowl
Will Dickey

Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants

A store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this classic creamy salad even easier. To give them it an elegant feel, try serving the chicken salad on mini croissants. It's perfect for spring!

Get Ree's Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants recipe.

SHOP MIXING BOWLS

pesto chicken salad croissants on white and pink plate
Ryan Liebe

Sausage and Kale Quiche

This hearty quiche works just as well for lunch as it does for Easter brunch. Serve it with a salad and your favorite potatoes.

Get Ree's Sausage and Kale Quiche recipe.

sausage and kale quiche on blue plate with salad
Danielle Daly

Potato Leek Soup

To make this hearty soup ahead of time, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Add a splash of stock when reheating—it couldn't be easier!

Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe.

potato leek soup with blue background
Will Dickey

Everything Bagel Casserole

If you're a late riser during the holidays, then lunch might just be your first meal of the day. Whip up this everything bagel casserole the night before so all you have to do on Sunday is pop it in the oven.

Get the Everything Bagel Casserole recipe.

everything bagel casserole
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Ham Sandwiches with Arugula and Pesto Mayo

This ham sandwich will put you in the mood for spring. It has bright and peppery arugula along with an herby pesto mayo that's sure to be a hit.

Get Ree's Ham Sandwiches with Arugula and Pesto Mayo recipe.

ham sandwiches with arugula and pesto mayo green background
Ryan Dausch

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Making lunch on Easter doesn't have to be stressful, especially if you're armed with a handy slow cooker. Toss all the ingredients for this pea soup into the Crock-Pot and you'll have lunch ready in no time.

Get the Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

slow cooker split pea soup in white bowl with blue edge
Will Dickey

Cheesy Asparagus Tart

With the arrival of spring comes the arrival of all the best asparagus recipes—and this cheesy tart is no exception! Serve it with a side salad for the perfect Easter lunch.

Get Ree's Cheesy Asparagus Tart recipe.

cheesy asparagus tart
con poulos

Creamy Pasta Primavera

The word "primavera" in Italian literally means "spring"—so it's perfect for this spring-time holiday. Plus, it's quick to prepare and will be on your table in less than 30 minutes.

Get Ree's Creamy Pasta Primavera recipe.

creamy pasta primavera on green plate
con poulos

Cowboy Quiche

Quiche is a great choice for lunch because it can be served at room temperature. Not to mention, it's a hit with everyone in the family—even cowboys!

Get Ree's Cowboy Quiche recipe.

cowboy quiche on white plate floral background
Ralph Smith

Root Beer Glazed Ham

This traditional glazed ham has a special ingredient that takes it to the next level: root beer! Once you make it Ree's way, you'll be hooked.

Get Ree's Root Beer Glazed Ham recipe.

root beer glazed ham on light blue surface
Ralph Smith

Red Potato Salad

Whether you're heading out to a potluck lunch or just serving up an outdoor Easter feast, this classic potato salad recipe is good to have on hand. We especially love the crispy bacon topping.

Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.

SHOP DISH TOWELS

red potato salad with bacon
Will Dickey

Skillet Biscuits with Cinnamon-Honey Butter

Whether you're hosting a sit-down Easter feast or a quick lunch, everyone will want to get their hands on these homemade biscuits. They're made in a cast iron skillet for the ultimate crispy crust.

Get Ree's Skillet Biscuits with Cinnamon-Honey Butter recipe.

skillet biscuits with cinnamon honey butter
Ralph Smith

Grilled Chicken Sliders

Impress your family with a platter of Cajun-flavored sliders that comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it up with deviled eggs, potato salad, or any Easter side dish.

Get Ree's Grilled Chicken Sliders recipe.

grilled chicken sliders with orange flowerrs in back
con poulos

Pea Salad

Out of all her classic Easter lunch recipes, Ree remembers eating this one the most. "I don't even want to think about how many metric tons of the stuff I must have consumed through the years," she says, "…and I still love it every bit as much today."

Get Ree's Pea Salad recipe.

pea salad in yellow bowl
Ralph Smith

Cobb Chicken Salad

This fun mash-up transforms the flavors of a classic cobb salad (including bacon, avocado, and blue cheese) into a fun chicken salad sandwich.

Get Ree's Cobb Chicken Salad recipe.

cobb chicken salad sandwich with chips
Beatriz da Costa

Ravioli Primavera

This colorful pasta is loaded with fresh green veggies and bits of ham, so it's perfect for spring—and Easter for that matter!

Get Ree's Ravioli Primavera recipe.

SHOP COOKWARE

ravioli primavera on blue linen
Ryan Dausch

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