Easter Weekend Recipes: 16 Dishes For A Luxurious Long Lunch

These salads, sides and sharing plates are total crowdpleasers.

Many of us will look to our Easter Weekend meals as an opportunity for togetherness, as we look to gather with guests and loved ones.

The long lunch is unique in what it affords us on these festive occasions. Of course, it presents the promise of delicious plates of food (sometimes crowdsourced, sometimes lovingly prepared by a hero home cook). But, there’s also the possibility for toasts, jokes and games.

These dishes are here to fill that table, from leafy salads to fried fish and crunchy cheese-topped bruschetta.

Rustic tuna, tomato and rocket salad

Lofty and crunchy croutons are a divine pairing with flaky tuna. This salad is sharpened with a lemon and Dijon mustard dressing.

Black spaghetti with fennel and prosciutto

Pan-fried snapper with passionfruit salsa

Crispy, pan-fried snapper finds a lift in end-of-season passionfruit and start-of-season lime. You could pair this fish dish with crispy potatoes or a super-green salad.

Roast florets with two cheeses

Seeking a simple side dish pairing for your table? These crispy and cheesy oven-baked florets will have you covered.

Peri peri chicken skewers and flatbreads

These chicken skewers can be cooked on the barbecue if you’re lucky with the weather. If not, they’re equally delicious grilled in a cast iron pan.

Fig and mozzarella bruschetta

If you prefer that your lunch be made up of lots of nibbles, these honeyed fig bruschetta are the ideal pick.

One-pan pork fillet

This one-pan pork dish (brightened with herbs and citrus) minimises your washing-up, so you can spend more time with your loved ones.

Butterbean hummus, vegetables and crispy lamb

Grab your favourite loaf of bread to pair with this smokey lamb dish — you’ll want to scoop up all the homemade hummus and juice you possibly can.

Parmesan-crusted chicken thighs

If you’re getting intrepid, turn to these crunchy, panko-crumbed chicken thighs. They’re best served with baby beetroot and rocket and are transported easily.

Potato, fennel and Havarti tart

This tart will delight vegetarians, with smooth potatoes, aromatic fennel and a flaky pastry. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.

Greek lamb kebabs with mint pesto

A vibrant pesto is a fresh pairing to these moreish kebabs. Serve with garlicky flatbreads or pita.

Barbecue chicken banh mi

Fresh bread is a must-have for this super-savoury lunch serving. You could build with your guests or family around the table.

Crayfish and parmesan spaghetti

This seafood pasta is tossed with plenty of parmesan, cherry tomatoes and baby spinach.

Barbecued lamb, green bean and mushroom salad

This luscious lamb, cooked on a barbecue and seasoned with chermoula, finds company in fresh vegetables and salty stuffed olives.

Roast pumpkin and garlic tart

Turn to this tart if you’re seeking autumnal fare. It’s a blend of pumpkin, paprika and feta. Top it with caramelised onions or your preferred chutney for added punch.

Brussels sprouts and cauliflower with miso glaze

This miso sauce is glossy and deeply savoury — it can be bookmarked as a staple for your side dishes. It’s delicious drizzled over sprouts and cauliflower, though you could also try carrots and courgettes.