Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite wins over taste buds.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
“I fix this saucy skillet dish often, especially when I’m running late, because it takes so little time to prepare,” reports Emma Magielda from Amsterdam, New York. “The recipe won first prize in our local paper some years back.”
Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon
A pretty orange color, delicious hint of citrus and garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Fruity Chicken Salad Mini Sandwiches
Chicken salad ranks among the classics, and this version is a hit at parties of all kinds. Feel free to substitute green grapes for the red, or toss in extra strawberries when they’re in season. The filling can also be served on a bed of salad greens. —Marcy Kamery, Blasdell, New York
Roast Chicken with Creole Stuffing
I’ve used this recipe ever since I roasted my first chicken. Our whole family looks forward to it. The combination of shrimp, sausage, ham, vegetables and seasonings makes the stuffing unique and delicious.
Minted Beet Salad
We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Ham and Leek Pies
I’ve been making these pies for years, so lots of friends and family now have the recipe. If you can’t find leeks, a sweet or mild onion works just as well. —Bonny Tillman, Acworth, Georgia
Roasted Asparagus & Tomatoes
I have a habit of buying too much asparagus when it’s in season, but it doesn’t go to waste! I toss the spears with cherry tomatoes and goat cheese for this side. Be sure to use good quality goat cheese because it makes all the difference.—Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed Tenderloin
Here’s my go-to entree for just about any special occasion. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty from an upscale restaurant. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad
Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Buttermilk Biscuit Ham Potpie
As part of my job, I got to help concept a bunch of food trucks, and Biscuit Box was our first. We spent months coming up with recipes. This is an Easter play on our chicken and tarragon potpie. —Michelle Clair, Seattle, Washington
Smoked Sausage & Potato Dressing
I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving. My husband is a picky eater, but he ate more of the stuffing than the turkey! If you have leftovers, top some with an over-easy egg for breakfast. —Adriana Torres, El Paso, Texas
Creamy Fresh Asparagus Soup
Tangy lemon and sweet tarragon give this creamy asparagus soup a springtime flavor you’ll savor and share. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Slow-Cooked Lemony Spring Veggies
These spuds do a slow simmer with carrots and onion for a comfort side that bucks up any entree. Finish with a sprinkle of chives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cioppino-Mixed Green Salad
Living in California, the “salad bowl” of the United States, I’m inspired to cook nutritious meals like cioppino. Whenever my friends and I get together, this salad version is the top request. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Pork and Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Serving this entree salad gives me hope that warmer days aren’t too far off. If strawberries aren’t in season yet, use thawed frozen in place of fresh. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Sweet Potato Panzanella
This is my favorite fall lunch dish. It is filled with flavor and texture but isn’t too high in calories. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Crab and Asparagus Soup
I always get rave reviews from family and friends whenever I make this soup, but the biggest compliment was when my son called to ask for the recipe so he could make it for his roommates. —Patti Bogetti, Magnolia, Delaware
Pasta with Asparagus
Many terrific recipes change hands at my ladies’ bridge group’s monthly get-togethers. That’s where I discovered this zippy, tempting dish. The garlic, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes create an irresistible taste combination. —Jean Fisher, Redlands, California
Ham Salad
I first made this for a shower…everyone raved about it. Now when I go to a potluck, I take it, and copies of the recipe. —Patricia Reed, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Savory Leek Soup
There’s no mistaking that savory is the main herb seasoning this rich and creamy soup.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
I adore shrimp, so discovering it in this pasta salad recipe was a real treat for me. The lemon-dill sauce is light and bright. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Cheddar Ham Soup
I knew this ham soup recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The hearty soup, chock-full of leftover ham, veggies and cheese, is creamy and comforting. And even though the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd of post-holiday guests, don’t look for leftovers! —Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens.—Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Vegetable Strata
We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Greek Zucchini & Feta Bake
Looking to highlight your meal with something light, indulgent and golden on top? Turn to this Greek-style egg bake. —Gabriela Stefanescu, Webster, Texas
Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken
The lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario
Garlic-Sesame Green Beans
Sauteed bits of garlic and shallot, with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, turn ordinary beans into something special. Keep the recipe in mind for your garden crop in summer. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Peach Gelatin Salad
My mother always asked our family what we wanted to eat for holiday dinners. Without exception, our requests included this refreshing gelatin. Toasted walnuts give it a little crunch. —Dennis King, Navarre, Florida
Festive Three-Grain Salad
Wholesome ingredients and a festive appearance make this colorful side one of my holiday staples. Plus, I can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. —Teri Kreyche, Tustin, California
Shrimp & Feta Cucumber Rounds
I love the contrasting tastes and textures of these rounds. Each bite balances the refreshing burst and crunch of cucumber with the rich flavor and creaminess of the filling.—Donna Pochoday, Morristown, New Jersey
Tzatziki Potato Salad
My son has an egg allergy, so this potato salad is perfect for him. For extra color, add radishes, apple and garlic dill pickles. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Carrot Puree
Carrots pair beautifully with anything from roasted meat to grilled fish. Cook the carrots fully to ensure a velvety smooth puree. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Spring Green Risotto
Once a week, I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish
Salmon and basil take a sweet new approach when topped off with a relish of strawberries, honey and pepper. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
I jazzed up the quintessential tea-time cucumber sandwich to suit my family’s tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant and it hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Ham & Collards Quiche
I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my southern roots, so I came up with this version. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collards, it’s a meal in one. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
Split Pea Soup with Bacon & Crab
Many split pea soups use ham and bacon for good, smoky flavor. Taking it one amazing step farther-add crabmeat. Freeze this one without toppings (freeze the cooked bacon separately), then reheat soup in a saucepan. Feel free to add more chicken stock or broth when reheating if you need it. Sprinkle bacon and fresh crab on top of bowls of hot soup. —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Illinois
Mushroom & Leek Pie
In the Pacific Northwest, we make a savory pie with mushrooms and leeks. We prefer chanterelle, but baby portobello or oyster mushrooms will also delight your diners. —Vickie Woods, Salem, Oregon
Crispy Smashed Herbed Potatoes
Golden brown and buttery, these spuds live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio
Summer Squash & White Bean Soup
I love using summer squash in soups. This one’s hearty as is, but stir in chopped ham for an extra wallop of flavor. Serve this warm or chilled. —Sara Hornbeck, Knoxville, Tennessee
Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad
I created this colorful salad when I was invited to a friend’s Easter egg hunt and potluck picnic. The guests were begging to get my recipe. Let the flavors infuse overnight for the best taste. —Cheryl Magnuson, Apple Valley, California
Ham & Veggie Casserole
I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around the dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Spinach & Chicken Phyllo Pie
For a brunch showstopper, we make chicken pie with phyllo and spinach. Our kids go for it, too, especially when we serve it with a minty fruit salad. —Katie Ferrier Gage, Houston, Texas
Lemon Salmon with Basil
At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon
Hearty Chickpea Potpie
You won’t miss the meat in this savory veggie potpie! The spring veggies, easy prep and impressive presentation make this a perfect addition to Easter or other family dinners. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
The post 48 Easter Lunch Menu Recipes appeared first on Taste of Home.
Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor