How to Host an Effortless Easter Feast with Fresh Salads & Sides

Easter is a time of celebration, family, and—let’s be honest—a fair bit of food planning.

But if you’re the host, that usually means hours in the kitchen while everyone else enjoys the sunshine. That’s where we come in.

Autumn in Australia is a dream for outdoor entertaining. The weather’s still warm, produce is in abundance, and alfresco feasting just feels right. Our range of pre-prepared salads and hot meals means you can set up a beautiful spread with minimal effort—and maximum impact.

Whether you're planning a relaxed lunch, a picnic-style gathering, or a long table feast, here’s how to serve up a festive Easter meal without the fuss.

A Fresh Take on Easter: Fish, Veg & Fabulous Salads

Traditionally, Good Friday leans pescatarian, which is great news for lovers of fresh, vibrant food. Whether you're keeping it classic or just prefer seafood and veggies over red meat, you can build a beautiful Easter menu that’s light, delicious, and satisfying.

Start with a centrepiece like:

• Whole baked snapper with lemon and herbs

• Grilled salmon fillets or BBQ prawns

• Roast chicken or a rack of lamb (if you're not observing religious tradition)

 

Then layer on flavour with a few of our go-to salad picks:

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – hearty, zesty and protein-rich

• Corn & Coriander Slaw – fresh, crunchy and perfect with seafood

• Roast Vegetable Couscous – sweet and smoky with roasted capsicum, pumpkin and eggplant

• Potato, Bacon & Egg Salad – always a crowd favourite (if you're not observing religious tradition). Keeping it meat-free? No worries—choose one of our other potato salads instead.

Serve with warm crusty bread, lemon wedges, and a big jug of something sparkly—no fancy table setting required.

Hot Sides for Autumn Comfort

The air’s getting cooler, so a few warming dishes go a long way. Our hot meals are perfect for rounding out your Easter feast and are delivered ready to heat and serve.

Add to your spread:

• Roasted Butternut Pumpkin – sweet, soft and comforting

• Rosemary & Garlic Roast Potatoes – crispy-edged and full of flavour

• Classic Potato Bake – creamy, cheesy and golden on top

Want to take it up a notch? Slice and slowly caramelise some onions in olive oil and balsamic vinegar until they’re jammy and sweet—or grab a ready-made portion of our Caramelised Onions to spoon over grilled meats, toss through a salad, or serve as a warm condiment on the side.

Smart Leftovers: The Easter Monday Hack

After a big day of entertaining, the last thing anyone wants to do is cook again. That’s why we always recommend planning ahead with a few extra portions (and some low-effort reinventions).

Our favourite day-after combo:

• Toss our Lentil Salad with a few handfuls of fresh rocket

• Add any leftover seafood, roast veg or sliced lamb

• Serve with crusty bread or leftover roast potatoes

You could also reheat a serving of our Vegetarian Lasagne and pair it with a side of Corn & Coriander Slaw for a simple, satisfying Monday meal.

No prep. No planning. Just heat, toss, and serve.

Set the Scene Without the Stress

When it comes to presentation, it’s the little touches that make the moment feel special:

• Transfer salads to serving bowls and garnish with herbs, lemon wedges or edible flowers

• Serve drinks in jugs or carafes

• Use a linen tablecloth or pastel napkins to soften the look

• Add a fresh bunch of herbs or flowers to the centre of the table

Easter Done Right

Easter doesn't have to mean chaos in the kitchen. With fresh, chef-prepared salads and sides from Salad Servers Direct, you can enjoy the long weekend as much as your guests do.