While we're big fans of everything Easter brings – hot cross buns, roast lamb with gravy and, of course, a chocolate egg or two – we also like to have some lighter options up our sleeve for anyone who is tracking their calories or working towards a personal health goal.

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Below, you'll find a nourishing Easter menu that aims to provide approximately 1,500kcals for the day, which is likely to create a moderate shortfall, supporting steady and controlled weight loss, if that's what you desire. If weight loss isn’t your goal or your lifestyle requires a higher calorie intake, take a look at our healthy Easter lunch menu.

When it comes to Easter or any big celebration, feeling healthy and energised is key. So, give our easy menu a go and focus on what matters: enjoying the long weekend!

Discover our vegan Easter recipes, vegetarian Easter recipes and gluten-free Easter menu. Plus, check out the health benefits of dark chocolate, healthy lamb recipes and our healthy Easter menu.

What's on the menu?

Breakfast

Green shakshuka – 337 calories

Kick-start your day with a healthy portion of eggs, leeks, spinach and peas. Cover the lot with harissa-swirled yogurt and serve with flatbreads or toast, if you like.

Green shakshuka with chillies and spring onions

Make it vegan

Breakfast peppers & chickpeas with tofu – 365 calories

Enjoy this simple vegan breakfast of tofu served on a bed of peppers, tomatoes and smoked paprika which, thanks to the chickpeas, will keep you feeling full until lunchtime.

Breakfast peppers & chickpeas with tofu

Easter lunch

Starter

Beetroot carpaccio – 134kcal

Bring this colourful plate of beetroot to the table for a healthy starter. Served with a tangy dressing, crumbled feta, walnuts and rocket, it's low in calories and gluten-free.

Beetroot carpaccio with feta and walnuts

Or try

Hummus without tahini – 126kcal

Skip the tahini to keep things budget-friendly and slightly lower in calories than regular hummus. Serve crunchy vegetable crudités on the side for scooping.

Hummus without tahini with crunchy veg on the side

For the main

Whole roast chicken with braised roots & peas – 555 calories

Swap the fat-laden roasties and gravy for a lighter main. Layer swede, potato and leeks, then nestle a whole chicken on top to roast until succulent. The herby juices will coat the vegetables as they cook.

Whole roast chicken with braised roots & peas

Make it vegan

Giant couscous salad with charred veg & tangy pesto – 461 calories

Beetroot, red onion and peppers are roasted until sweet and caramelised, then mixed with giant couscous to make this tasty dish. Top with a zingy coriander pesto and you've got yourself a truly delicious vegan lunch.

Giant couscous salad with charred veg & tangy pesto

For dessert

Star anise meringues with mango coulis & raspberries – 158 calories

There's no need to miss out on dessert with our light and fluffy meringues topped with fruit. We've used mango and raspberries, but you could use whatever you've got at home.

Star anise meringues with mango coulis & raspberries

Or try

Raspberry sorbet – 96 cals

Finish your meal with something sweet, light and refreshing with our raspberry sorbet. It's easier than you think to make and still hits the sweet spot, despite being low in fat.

Raspberry sorbet

For your evening meal

Bone broth – 150 calories

Put the chicken carcass to good use with our satisfying bone broth. Simmer with onion, bay leaves, lemon and spices until you have a silky broth. Bone broth is packed with nutrients, too.

Bone broth with chicken and vegetables

On the side

Seeded soda bread – 193 calories

Every soup needs a wholesome bread for dunking. We've used soda bread, but check out our list of the top 10 healthiest breads for more ideas.

Seeded soda bread with hummus and tomatoes

Make it vegan

Veggie yaki udon – 366 calories

Pack in the veg with our Japanese-inspired yaki udon. It takes just 25 minutes to make – just what you want if you've had a long day of entertaining.

Veggie yaki udon

Calorie total: 1,527 kcal

Vegan calorie total: 1,474 kcal

For more, try:

All our Easter recipes
Healthy baking recipes
Healthy dinner party recipes
Healthy chocolate recipes


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All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

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