Celebrating Easter? Discover 637 festive recipes in The Easter Cookbook — everything from holiday brunch to a showstopping Easter dinner.
I love pairing bright, herb‑infused sides with ham to balance its richness, so I start with quick grilled zucchini and summer squash, then a maple‑lemon sautéed carrot medley that adds a glossy, sweet‑tangy pop. Spicy harissa roasted potatoes bring zest, while a strawberry goat cheese salad with candied walnuts offers creamy crunch. Lemon‑garlic asparagus and baby potatoes add crisp freshness, and a light chicken‑and‑wild‑rice salad finishes the spread with a springy bite. Keep going for more tasty ideas.
1. Easter‑Ready Grilled Zucchini & Summer Squash
I’ll start with a quick, 10‑minute grill session that turns zucchini and summer squash into a smoky, colorful side for the ham.
I marinate the slices in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a hint of thyme, then sear them until tender and lightly charred.
The vibrant colors pop on the plate, and the low‑calorie, vitamin‑rich vegetables complement the ham’s richness perfectly.
2. Maple‑Lemon Sautéed Carrots – Quick Spring Side
Sauté the carrots until they’re tender, then toss them in butter, lemon juice, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a bright, sweet‑savory side that’s ready in 10‑15 minutes.
I steam the carrots first, then finish them in the pan, letting the maple‑lemon glaze coat each piece.
The result is a vivid, glossy dish that pairs perfectly with ham, adding color and balanced flavor to your Easter table.
3. Spicy Harissa Roasted Potatoes for Easter
A simple yet bold side for Easter, these spicy harissa roasted potatoes bring a crispy, zesty bite that perfectly balances the richness of ham.
I toss baby potatoes in harissa paste, drizzle lemon juice, then roast them thirty minutes until golden.
The bright citrus cuts the heat, while the North‑African paste adds depth.
It’s quick, colorful, and pairs beautifully with the holiday main.
4. Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad & Candied Walnuts
After the harissa potatoes bring a spicy, citrusy kick, I turn to something bright and fresh: a strawberry goat cheese salad tossed with candied walnuts.
I drizzle tangy balsamic vinaigrette over sweet berries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts, creating a vivid, seasonal side that pairs perfectly with ham.
It’s quick, easy, and adds festive color to any Easter table.
5. Lemon‑Garlic Roasted Asparagus & Baby Potatoes
The bright, zesty lemon‑garlic combo transforms simple asparagus and baby potatoes into a vibrant Easter side that’s ready in just 25‑30 minutes.
I toss the spears and potatoes with olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, then roast until caramelized and crisp.
The green spears and golden potatoes look gorgeous, while asparagus supplies vitamins A, C, E, K and potatoes deliver potassium and lasting energy.
This quick, flavorful dish perfectly complements ham.
6. Light Chicken‑and‑Wild‑Rice Salad for a Fresh Finish
I love swapping the warm, roasted asparagus and potatoes for a chilled, protein‑packed salad that still feels festive.
I toss tender chicken, nutty wild rice, sweet peas, and crisp bell peppers, then drizzle lemon‑olive dressing for bright zest.
Served cold or at room temperature, it balances ham’s richness with fresh, colorful crunch, keeping guests satisfied and energized.
7. Herb‑Vinaigrette Farro Bowls With Spring Veggies
Mixing tender farro with crisp spring vegetables creates a bright, hearty side that perfectly balances Easter ham’s richness.
I toss cooked farro with asparagus, peas, and sliced radishes, then drizzle a parsley‑dill vinaigrette that lifts the dish.
The whole‑grain base adds fiber and protein, while the vinaigrette’s zest cuts the ham’s fat.
I prep it ahead, then assemble quickly for a colorful, satisfying Easter table.
8. BBQ‑Style Chicken Slaw – Tangy Easter Side
One bowl of tangy BBQ‑style chicken slaw can instantly brighten your Easter spread while cutting through the ham’s richness.
I toss shredded chicken, crisp cabbage, and carrots in a smoky‑sweet sauce, then drizzle apple cider vinegar for extra zing.
The vibrant colors pop on the table, and because it can be made ahead, flavors meld and I stay stress‑free during the celebration.
9. Herb‑Honey Roasted Root Vegetables
The sweet, earthy aroma of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes fills the kitchen as I toss them with olive oil, honey, thyme, and rosemary.
Then I spread them on a sheet pan for a high‑heat roast. I roast at 425°F for twenty‑five minutes, letting sugars caramelize into a tender, slightly crisp interior.
The vibrant, herb‑kissed side brightens the Easter table and balances the ham’s savory richness, all ready in under forty‑five minutes.