Whatever mains you choose, balance rich dishes with seasonal sides and salads for a complete Easter table that celebrates both tradition and taste.

Here are seven standout dishes.

1. Lamb crown roast with vino cotto-roasted grapes

This impressive centrepiece elevates a classic lamb roast with the addition of sweet, roasted grapes glazed in vino cotto. It’s perfect for a celebratory Easter lunch.

Lamb crown roast with vino cotto roasted grapes recipe

2. Garlicky deboned lamb

A succulent Easter favourite, this deboned lamb is infused with garlic and served with Hollandaise sauce for extra indulgence. It’s a flavourful, modern take on the classic lamb roast.

Garlicky deboned lamb recipe

3. Mushroom-stuffed roast beef

For beef lovers, this roast is filled with savoury mushrooms, offering earthy flavours and a luxurious finish. It pairs beautifully with fresh sides to balance the richness of the meat.

Mushroom stuffed roast beef recipe

4. Asian-style pork belly

A twist on the traditional roast, this Asian-style pork belly is rich and aromatic with sweet tangy citrus and spice notes. It makes a refreshing alternative to classic Easter roasts.

Asian-style pork belly recipe

5. Buttermilk-marinated lamb

This is lamb marinated in buttermilk to keep it moist and full of flavour. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, flavour-packed dish for special occasions.

Buttermilk-marinated lamb recipe

6. Home-made Cape Malay-style pickled fish

Pickled fish makes for a lighter, tangy main course (or star sharable dish) that’s easy to make and full of flavour.

Home-made Cape Malay-style pickled fish recipe

7. Lamb hot cross bun sandwiches

For a fun and unexpected Easter main or lunch option, these slow-roasted lamb sandwiches served in spiced hot cross buns strike the perfect balance between being festive and flavour-forward.

Lamb hot cross bun sandwiches recipe

Find more Easter recipes here.

This content was created with AI assistance. However, it was fact-checked, edited and ideated by actual human beings at TASTE. 

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I like to roast the lamb the night before, then cover it tightly with tin foil to rest and become wonderfully tender. To serve, heat it up in the oven, covered, at 160°C for 40 minutes.

 herby roast lamb with harissa brinjals recipe

2. Roasted red peppers with Hollandaise

You might feel daunted when you hear the word ‘Hollandaise’ but this recipe is flop-proof – even if you double the quantities.

roasted red peppers with Hollandaise recipe

3. Poached leeks with creamy asparagus sauce

This is a great way to add the sweetness of seasonal leeks into a delicious side of greens.

poached leeks with creamy asparagus sauce recipe

4. Lamb ribs with patty pan-and-fennel slaw

The ribs are cooked slowly to render the fat. The freshness of the fennel slaw and dressing cut through all that richness.

lamb ribs with patty pan-and-fennel slaw recipe

5. Roast chicken-and-ham terrine

Making a terrine can seem intimidating but this one, using Woolies’ ready-cooked ham and chicken, is so easy.

roast chicken-and-ham terrine recipe

6. Schwarma-spiced roast lamb

This schawarma-spiced roast lamb is seasoned to perfection and a great addition to any Easter table. It’s also topped with a refreshing fennel salsa.

 schwarma-spiced roast lamb recipe

7. Chunky cabbage salad

This is a great alternative to a regular slaw – and my favourite way to use a large cabbage when I’m feeding a crowd.

 chunky cabbage salad recipe

8. Crunchita with chilli crisp

Chilli crisp turns ice-cold lettuce leaves into a salad packed with punchy flavours.

crunchita with chilli crisp recipe

9. Twice-cooked roast potatoes in tomato salsa

You can also make this with sweet potatoes. Either way, they’ll taste great served with the roast peppers and Hollandaise.

 twice-cooked roast potatoes in tomato salsa recipe

10. Slow-roasted lamb shoulder pie

This lamb pie is rather spectacular and a lovely surprise – no one will expect it on an Easter table.

 slow-roasted lamb shoulder pie recipe 

11. Swan pavlovas on raspberry purée

A different take on a regular pavlova, these cute meringue swans served in pools of raspberry purée add some fun to the table. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

swan pavlovas on raspberry purée recipe

12. Dried fig-and-apple fruit cake

All that fruit makes for a beautifully moist cake. If you have the chance to bake it in vine leaves, please do – you’ll get a great crust.

Dried fig-and-apple fruit cake recipe

13. Pashka semifreddo

I took inspiration from the traditional Easter dessert, pashka, which is loaded with dried fruits, nuts and glacé cherries, to make this ice-cream version. Use any fancy cake mould or a loaf pan. The mixture makes 1 ½ litres, divide between moulds as appropriate.

Pashka semifreddo recipe

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If you usually serve pickled fish with a side of rice or flatbreads, we want you to think outside the box. This sweet-and-sour dish can be enjoyed in many ways, but the important thing is to prioritise flavour and texture. Because it’s pickled for some time, the deep-fried battered fish softens. Pair it with crunchy, crispy textures to balance the dish and lean into the sweet, vinegary, spicy flavour to emphasise the pickled fish.

@wwtaste Hands up: are you a pickled fish fan? How do you enjoy pickled fish? Have you ever eaten it on hot cross buns? Tell us in the comments! Need some fresh ideas for how to serve it? Head to taste.co.za for all our best pickled fish recipes. #pickledfish #southafrica #easter@Woolworths SA ♬ Listen – Official Sound Studio

1. The ultimate pickled fish sandwich

This sandwich is inspired by Vietnamese bahn-mi. We’re obsessed with the combination of savoury, salty, tangy flavours and crunchy textures that a bite of banh mi delivers. The toasted chewy baguette is the perfect vessel for sliced carrot, pineapple, cucumber and pickled beetroot. The thinly sliced chillies give it a spicy kick, while the smoked snoek pâté makes it extra fishy. Each bite promises an explosion of flavours that will undoubtedly make this your new favourite sandwich.

ultimate pickled fish sandwich recipe

2. Hot cross buns with pickled fish

This is a Western and Eastern Cape classic that more people should try. This pairing takes sweet and salty to another level with the addition of the spicy pickled fish. It may seem like an odd combo, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll give it rave reviews.

hot cross buns with pickled fish

3. Home-made steamed buns with pickled cucumber and pickled fish

Want to get creative with Good Friday leftovers? These steamed buns are it! Don’t be intimated, making them at home is super easy. Top with pickled fish and cucumbers or, even better, place everything on the table and get the family to build their own.

 home-made steamed buns with pickled cucumber and pickled fish recipe

4. Pickled fish with noodles and pink pickled radishes

Crunchy cabbage, pickled radishes and pickled fish are served with chewy rice noodles to make a low-effort dish that’s perfect to make when you’re not in the mood for cooking after a busy long weekend. Feel free to add more crunchy raw vegetables to bulk it up.

 pickled fish with noodles and pink pickled radishes recipe

5. Build-it-yourself pickled fish mini pitas

Headed off to a picnic over the long weekend? These pickled fish mini pitas are the thing to pack into your picnic basket. Toss crunchy celery sticks with diced grapefruit and lime juice, and serve with shredded cabbage and pickled fish in toasted pitas. All the elements can be prepped ahead, so all you have to do on the day is pack your basket and head outdoors.

 build-it-yourself pickled fish mini pitas recipe

Woolworths’ pickled fish is made with battered yellowtail or hake fillets in a mild curry sauce with onions and bay leaves. All fish used is responsibly sourced. Woolworths works with local and international organisations to meet sustainable seafood commitments.

Shop at Woolworths

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This year, go all out with your Easter menu. Woolworths’ Best Ever free-range lamb crown roast is French-trimmed to perfection, trussed and finished off with rosemary, garlic and a glaze. All you have to do is roast it according to the easy-to-follow instructions and wait for the applause. While you wait, serve your guests Woolworths’ Wagyu beef biltong and droëwors – a salty snack that’s a teaser for the showstopping mains. And did you know that you can select your own cuts at Woolworths butcher counters and they’ll prepare them for you? It really couldn’t be easier.

Lamb crown roast with vino cotto-roasted grapes

This is your Easter showstopper. If a lamb crown roast seems daunting, don’t let its magnitude fool you. The cooking part is as easy as putting the prepped crown roast on a roasting tray and following the instructions on the packaging to achieve succulent perfection while you prepare the sides. After roasting, the centre is filled with black grapes that have been roasted in vino cotto (a semi-sweet Italian wine) and burnt sage butter. Present the crown roast at the table before carving so guests can marvel at its magnificence.

Get the recipe for lamb crown roast with vino cotto-roasted grapes here.

Wagyu biltong platter

Long weekends are all about snacking, and Woolworths’ Wagyu beef biltong is the star. Its melt-in-your-mouth rich flavour is the perfect accompaniment to creamy dips, sweet fruit and brined ingredients such as olives and caperberries.

Get the recipe for Wagyu biltong platter here.

Photography: Jan Ras
Recipes and Production: Jacqueline Burgess
Food assistant: Lerato Motau

Shop at Woolworths.

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No fuss or frills, this menu is all about easy delicious food the family can enjoy at their leisure.

Snacking starters 

Air-fryer falafel

Once you’ve made the mixture, this falafel takes just 13 minutes to air-fry. Make the mixture the night before and fry them right before your guests arrive, so they’re nice and crispy. If you have leftovers, pair them with lamb in pitas for a Family Day treat.

Find the recipe for air-fryer falafel here.

Find more air-fryer recipes here. 

Salt-and-pepper squid

If you’re doing snacking starters, you need a variety of options for your guests. Our next recommendation is this salt-and-pepper squid created by Acid chef and co-founder Jes Doveton. It may look fancy, but it’s super-easy to make.

Find the recipe for salt-and-pepper squid here.

Main course

Ncinci’s fish pie

This fish pie is one of our deputy editor Khanya Mzongwana’s family recipes. It’s a great option to bring to an Easter potluck or to serve as a main. Khanya added eggs to make the pie a brunch-friendly option, but you can omit them if you prefer.

Find the recipe for Ncinci’s fish pie here. 

Dessert

Chocolate custard tart

A big family lunch needs a nice big dessert to finish off the feasting and this chocolate tart is perfect. It serves 12 people and food director Abigail Donnelly made the base with Romany Creams to give it a nostalgic touch.

Find the recipe for chocolate custard tart here.

WANT MORE EASTER RECIPES? Check out our Easter recipe collection 

Bougie Easter lunch

Up the ante with this fancier menu that’s ideal for a sit-down lunch. The dishes are sure to impress!

Starter

Fresh tomato gnudi

This vegan gnudi is served with a fresh tomato salad and is a great way to kick off your meal on a lighter note.

Find the recipe for Fresh tomato gnudi here. 

Find more vegan recipes here.

Main course

Herb-marinated roast lamb

More than half of you (67% to be exact) said you prefer lamb as your Easter main in our Friday food fight on Instagram stories. So we present to you: Clement Pedro’s herb-marinated roast lamb. Carrots and parsnips are roasted with the lamb and bay leaves are tied to the bone to make it look extra fancy.

Find the recipe for herb-marinated roast lamb here. 

Pearl barley salad

Now that your roast is sorted you need something to serve it with. Sam Woulidge was inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi to make this salad. Since the salad is quite dense, a little goes a long way, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.

Find the recipe for pearl barley salad here. 

Dessert

Plum, marshmallow and chocolate cobbler

Hannah Lewry went hard when she created this masterpiece. She elevates the cobbler by adding marshmallows to the filling and chocolate chips to the dough.

Find the recipe for plum, marshmallow and chocolate cobbler here. 

Coconut cereal snowballs

To make your Easter lunch feel extra special, end the meal with petit-fours. These coconut cereal snowballs take just 15 minutes to make and you can serve them with coffee.

Find the recipe for coconut cereal snowballs here. 

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There’s nothing wrong with steering away from tradition. Sure, roast lamb is an impressive centrepiece on any Easter table, but why limit yourself? Explore all the wonders lamb has to offer this Easter.

1. Lamb potjie

Take things outdoors with a potjie. This stew is slow-cooked over open flames until the meat is tender. The use of stewing lamb great for your wallet and the best thing about a potpie is that you can use your favourite hearty veggies.

Get the recipe for lamb potjie here. 

2. Denningsvleis

If you’re unfamiliar with this Cape Malay dish, you’ve been missing out. This stew is a great example of balanced sweet and sour flavours that are best served with rice or flatbreads.

Get the recipe for denningsvleis here.

3. Inyama namadombolo (lamb shin with dumplings)

With the weather cooling down, we’re all craving comforting meals. What’s more comforting than slow-cooked lamb shins with pillowy dumplings?

Get the recipe for inyama namadombolo here. 

4. Lamb ribbetjies with chimichurri baby potatoes and crunchy radishes

Easter lunch doesn’t have to be formal. Keep things chilled and laid back for the long weekend with a braai. These lamb ribbetjies are ready to serve in no time so make sure you’ve prepped the sides in advance.

Get the recipe for lamb ribbetjies here. 

5. Leftover lamb prego rolls

If you’ve decided to go the classic route with roasted lamb, this is the perfect recipe to make with the leftovers. After all, you don’t want to spend the weekend cooking every day!

Get the recipe for leftover lamb prego rolls here. 

6. Lamb ragù pasta

This recipe is a step up from bolognese. Instead of mince meat, a leg of lamb is braised in wine and tomato until tender and falls off the bone. This is perfect for an Italian-inspired Easter menu.

Get the recipe for lamb ragù pasta here.

For more ideas and tips on what to do with lamb, visit cookingwithlamb.com.

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The mains

The roast [1 hour]

Since you’re on a time crunch, brining the chicken overnight is not an option. Try our butter-basted version instead.  TASTE’s Food Editor, Hannah, swears by this method when shooting Woolies TV ad. The result is a juicy, tender chicken with crispy, golden skin. Trust us: a whole roasted chicken is never boring.

The best-ever roast chicken recipe

The compromise [10 minutes]

If you’re trying to have lunch ready in under 3 hours, a slow-roasted leg of lamb is not going to cut it. But if lamb is a must on your Easter table, you could do a lamb rack, which cooks in only 30 minutes. Or make things even faster and go for chops – they’re easier on the pocket and are cooked in 10 minutes flat. We suggest marinating your chops the night before, if you can. If it’s warmer in your region, you can even braai them.

 lamb chops with rosemary and lemon recipe

Sides and veg

You need some greens [30 minutes]

You’ve probably heard of whole roasted cauliflower, but its brassica cousin, broccoli, is just as delicious roasted whole. Place this in the oven at the same time as the chicken to stay on schedule. Serve on a bed of thinly sliced fennel, Granny Smith apples and citrus slices to add some much-needed acidity to your menu.

whole roast broccoli recipe

Add some crunch [15 minutes]

The best menus have an array of flavours and textures. This carrot salad is dead-easy (ask the older kids to help make the ribbons with a veggie peeler). Keep it in the fridge for an hour or so to allow the flavours to get acquainted while you make the rest. Only dress it when you’re ready to serve to keep it crunchy.

 carrot salad recipe

Amazambane are a must [1 hour]

Just because this is a cheat’s menu doesn’t mean you have to forgo tradition. Spend some time on everyone’s favourite part of a roast meal: crispy, golden roast potatoes.

The crispiest ever roast potatoes recipe

Great grains [45 minutes]

Grains and legumes help bulk up meals, and chances are you already have some in your pantry. This salad may sound pedestrian but trust us: it’s a flavour bomb. Chilli flakes, cumin seeds, red masala, ginger, garlic and tomato paste make it anything but boring. To speed up this recipe to a 10-minute project, use canned lentils instead of dried ones.

The warm lentil salad with couscous and vegetables recipe

Dessert

Hot cross heaven [1 hour]

Turn stale hot cross buns into a dessert that’s worthy of seconds with The Lazy Makoti’s genius recipe.

The chocolate hot cross bun bake recipe

Drinks

On the house[10 minutes]

Maximise a bottle of rosé by making punch – the perfect drink for your guests or family to sip on while you put the finishing touches on your great Easter menu.

The tequila-and-strawberry rosé punch recipe

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