12 Dinners That Make Easter Feel Like a Nostalgic Hug

Easter dinners used to be about full plates, familiar flavors, and passing dishes around the table. These 12 recipes bring that same feeling without the stress. They’re simple, filling, and built on ingredients you actually recognize. If you’re aiming for comfort, this list has what you need.

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad. — Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

California Steak Salad

Salad with sliced steak, avocado, strawberries, lettuce, and crumbled cheese in a bowl. — California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

California steak salad takes 30 minutes and includes grilled steak, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh greens. It’s hearty but light with a clean flavor that works for spring. The mix of warm steak and cool veggies hits a nice balance. It’s the kind of meal that feels like Sunday lunch at home.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish. — Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro lime chicken and rice takes about 45 minutes and uses chicken thighs, lime, cilantro, and seasoned rice. The chicken is tangy and tender, and the rice picks up all the flavor. It’s simple but feels complete in one bowl. It brings that kind of comfort you remember from family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic herb pork and potatoes takes 45 minutes and features boneless pork, potatoes, garlic, and rosemary. The pork is juicy and the potatoes come out golden and soft. The flavor is savory and familiar. It’s the kind of no-fuss dinner that always made its way to the Easter table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

A grilled chicken breast served with a side of mixed greens on a dark plate that tastes like a million bucks. — Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled maple mustard chicken takes 30 minutes and combines chicken, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and herbs. The sauce is tangy and just sweet enough to caramelize on the grill. The flavor is simple but layered. It feels like the kind of recipe that’s been passed around a few family cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans. — Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled pork chop surf and turf takes 45 minutes and uses bone-in pork chops, shrimp, and a seasoned butter sauce. The pork is smoky and tender, and the shrimp adds a little extra. It’s hearty without being too heavy. It’s a backyard-style meal that works well for Easter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken pot pie with tarragon gravy takes about an hour and includes chicken, carrots, peas, and a flaky crust. The filling is warm and creamy with a hint of tarragon. The crust bakes golden and holds everything together. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Garam masala cedar plank salmon takes about 30 minutes and uses salmon, garam masala, and lemon. The flavor is warm, slightly sweet, and deeply savory. The salmon stays moist and picks up a bit of smoke from the plank. It’s a fresh twist that still feels like a special holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Closeup of salad in a wooden bowl. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ chicken salad takes 25 minutes and features shredded chicken, Carolina mustard sauce, greens, and crunchy toppings. The sauce is tangy and sharp without being overwhelming. The salad has good bite and feels satisfying without being too much. It’s a casual plate that still tastes like Easter afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Brown butter scallop pasta takes 40 minutes and uses scallops, browned butter, garlic, and herbs over pasta. The butter adds richness, and the scallops are seared until just tender. The flavor is nutty and savory without being too heavy. It feels like a fancier dish that doesn’t overdo it.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Chicken shawarma plate takes about an hour and features spiced chicken, rice, salad, and a yogurt-based sauce. The meat is bold and juicy, and the sides keep everything balanced. It’s filling, fresh, and easy to plate family-style. It’s a solid pick when Easter dinner feels more casual.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes. — Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus glazed pork chops take 30 minutes and use bone-in pork, orange juice, and garlic. The glaze is sticky, slightly sweet, and bright without being too bold. The pork stays juicy and finishes with a golden crust. It’s the kind of main that fits right in next to spring sides.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Creamy balsamic chicken skillet takes 35 minutes and includes chicken breasts, cream, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. The sauce is rich but tangy, and the chicken stays tender. Everything cooks in one pan with little cleanup. It’s the type of comfort food that doesn’t try too hard and doesn’t need to.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet