Can You Actually Have a Healthy Easter Dinner? Yes, You Can!
Spring is a time for renewal and change. Baby animals are born, plants bloom, and nature awakens with fresh energy. When I was little, Easter season was all about what the Easter Bunny would bring me. I lived for the egg hunt and that white chocolate rabbit in my basket! Now that I’m an adult, I get excited about new recipes and creating a memorable Easter dinner—especially the dessert!
I dream about succulent ham or lamb, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh spring vegetables, and of course, a soft, moist carrot cake. Easter dinner brings us together with family and friends to share not just food, but meaningful connection.
The typical Easter spread usually includes some indulgent dishes alongside healthier options. If you know me, you know I’m all about balance and enjoying occasional splurges. That’s why I’ve created an Easter menu that gives you the best of both worlds! You can decide where to go all-in on health and where to treat yourself.
Eating seasonal foods that grow naturally during spring offers the most nutritional benefits. These foods contain more vitamins and minerals than out-of-season options that may not be as ripe or nutrient-dense.
Menu Options
Main Dish
When I think of Easter mains, ham, lamb, or even a festive casserole comes to mind. Lamb and ham can be nutritious choices when eaten in moderation, and selecting the right quality makes all the difference.
Ham
Look for ham without nitrates or nitrites. I personally prefer organic ham without honey glaze to reduce sugar, but if you love honey ham, choose one that’s all-natural without additives or chemicals. Whole Foods carries several good options.
Brands to look for that are nitrate/nitrite-free:
- Simple Truth
- Applegate
- Greenfield
- Columbus
(Double-check the label says “no additives or nitrates” as some brands offer both conventional and natural options)
For a truly special ham that’s worth the splurge, check out this guide for the best hams.
Ham can be prepared in multiple ways—roasted, baked or smoked. For baked ham, try adding fresh pineapple on top to beautifully balance the savory flavors!
Time-Saving Tip: Purchase a pre-cooked ham and focus your energy on creating a simple, healthy glaze using maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar.
Roast Beef
Roast beef is an Easter crowd-pleaser that rarely disappoints! You can create a one-pan meal by roasting potatoes and carrots alongside your beef. When I prepare a beef roast, I love adding pomegranate juice to the cooking liquid for a subtle sweetness.
For the best quality, look for grass-fed beef raised without antibiotics. Tenderloin, rump roast, or chuck roast all work beautifully. Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods are reliable sources for high-quality cuts.
Lamb
Lamb feels like a special occasion splurge perfect for Easter. The best choice is grass-fed lamb, which contains more beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids.
For the most tender results, choose shank, leg, or loin cuts. Since lamb has a distinctive flavor that isn’t universally loved, I recommend having an alternative option available for guests.
Sides
Rainbow Carrots
These create a stunning, colorful side dish that’s absolutely delicious when roasted. I simply drizzle them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before roasting until caramelized.
Wellness Boost: For extra antioxidants, toss roasted carrots with a teaspoon of raw honey and fresh thyme before serving.
Asparagus
Look for firm stalks, especially at the ends. For an indulgent twist, wrap bundles in nitrate-free bacon and roast until crisp. Try to source bacon from pigs raised on non-GMO pastures for the best flavor and nutrition.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
This crowd-pleaser works for any holiday table. For ingredients, I choose organic sour cream without additives. Simple Truth offers good options, but Good Culture is even better since it contains gut-friendly probiotics. If those aren’t available, Daisy brand sour cream is a clean choice without the extras many other brands include.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare these completely up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, then just reheat before serving!
Au Gratin Potatoes
These creamy, cheesy potatoes are pure comfort food. Many recipes call for heavy cream—look for one without carrageenan. Organic brands like Horizon Dairy typically have cleaner ingredient lists.
Deviled Eggs
This is a tradition in my family! The main ingredient in deviled eggs is mayonnaise, which you can replace with Greek yogurt for a protein boost. If you prefer the classic mayo flavor, look for brands made without seed oils (canola, vegetable, or soybean). The best options contain few ingredients and use olive or avocado oil instead. For eggs, I always choose organic free-range or pasture-raised for superior nutrition and flavor.
Perfect Peel Hack: Add a tablespoon of baking soda to your cooking water to make the shells practically slide off!
Homemade Rolls
Nothing compares to a buttery, soft roll that melts in your mouth. Homemade rolls beat store-bought every time, plus you skip all the preservatives and additives.
When baking, I use organic, non-GMO flour and prefer recipes sweetened with honey instead of sugar. The best roll recipes are surprisingly simple: water, yeast, flour, honey, salt, and olive oil. For a festive touch, shape your dough into little bunnies before baking!
Mashed Cauliflower
This makes a wonderful option if you’re seeking more vegetables and fewer carbs. I make mine with Greek yogurt, sea salt, fresh garlic, and a touch of butter. It’s surprisingly delicious and offers a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Dessert
Carrot Cake
This is the ultimate Easter dessert—a perfect balance of warm spices, shredded carrots, and tangy cream cheese frosting. If you’re looking for a healthier version, try substituting applesauce for oil, using maple syrup or honey for some of the sugar, and incorporating Greek yogurt into the frosting.
If you’re ready to indulge, find a recipe that uses olive oil (if oil is called for) and real cream cheese in the frosting. I recommend either organic cream cheese or one with minimal additives—ideally just milk, cream, and sea salt. Tillamook offers an exceptionally creamy option that works beautifully!
Portion Control Tip: Make individual carrot cake cupcakes instead of one large cake for built-in portion control that still feels festive!
Lemon Cake
This refreshing spring cake brightens any Easter table. I love the vibrant citrus flavor in a soft, moist cake. When making lemon desserts, I find it’s difficult to substitute alternative sweeteners without affecting the flavor. This is one place where I say just go for it and use regular sugar! In my experience, honey can make lemon desserts taste medicinal. For extra flavor and texture, try adding fresh raspberries or strawberries between the layers.
Cheesecake
Traditional cheesecake provides the perfect canvas for spring flavors. You can customize with so many seasonal toppings—lemon curd, fresh strawberries, a colorful berry medley, or even transform it into a carrot cake cheesecake for an Easter twist.
Simple Table Setting Ideas
Create a festive atmosphere without much effort:
- Use potted spring flowers as centerpieces, then plant them in your garden after Easter
- Set out small bowls of colorful fresh fruits that double as decoration and healthy snacks
- Incorporate fresh herbs in small vases for a natural, aromatic touch
Eating with Intention
Being grateful and thankful for your meal actually improves digestion by creating relaxation and supporting healthy gut-brain communication. Eating slowly and mindfully experiencing each bite sets us up for success. Notice when you begin to feel satisfied and honor that feeling. This practice of mindful eating—stopping when you’re comfortably full rather than stuffed—helps us enjoy holiday meals without discomfort.
Mindfulness Moment: Before eating, take three deep breaths and silently note one thing you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your entire dining experience.
Quick Leftover Ideas
- Turn ham into a protein-packed breakfast frittata
- Use roasted vegetables in grain bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg
- Blend leftover cake with Greek yogurt and berries for a special breakfast smoothie
What are you planning to make for Easter this year? Are you focusing on healthier options, planning to splurge, or creating your own perfect balance? Let me know in the comments!