Why Lamb Is the Star of Easter: 15 Must-Try Lamb Recipes for a Memorable Holiday Feast

Easter is coming up, and it's all about good food, great company, and an excuse to eat way too much. And at the center of it all? Lamb. A traditional Easter dish — Juicy, tender, packed with flavor, and practically begging to be the star of your holiday feast.

If you’re looking for a classic roast, a cozy stew, or something totally unexpected, you’re in the right place. Here are some recipes for lamb dishes that will wow your guests at your Easter feast.

Let’s talk lamb!? But wait, before we dive into our recipes, let’s hit you with some historical background.

Why do we eat Lamb on Easter?

Long before brunch boards and pastel-colored desserts took over, lamb was the Easter dish. It’s been a symbol of the holiday for centuries, sure, but the real reason it sticks around? It just tastes that good. Lamb loves bold flavors—rosemary, garlic, lemon, mint—and pairs beautifully with all those fresh spring ingredients.

Here are four reasons why we eat lamb on Easter:

Biblical Significance: In Christian tradition, lamb is associated with Jesus Christ, often referred to as the "Lamb of God." This symbolism comes from the idea of Jesus as a sacrificial lamb, representing purity, innocence, and redemption.

The Passover lamb, which was sacrificed in Jewish tradition, which celebrates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. During Passover, lamb was traditionally sacrificed and eaten as part of the Seder meal.
Spring Symbolism: Lambs are born in spring, making them a natural symbol of renewal, rebirth, and new life. Since Easter coincides with the start of spring, lamb ties in perfectly with the season's themes of growth and renewal.

Historical Tradition: In many cultures, lamb was historically a feast food, often associated with religious or seasonal festivals. As Easter became a significant holiday, lamb remained a cherished and special dish to mark the occasion.

Culinary Tradition: Over time, lamb became associated with Easter meals because of its availability and the tradition of feasting. It’s considered a special and luxurious meat, making it a fitting centerpiece for holiday feasts. Its rich, savory flavor and tender texture make it a favorite for celebratory meals.

Now, with all that history under your belt, let’s get to what you really came here for: the lamb recipes!

Classic Easter Lamb Dishes

Tried, true, and guaranteed to impress.

Garlic—Rosmary Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb

A timeless Easter centerpiece, seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and thyme, then roasted to perfection.

Garlic-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb

A Taste of Koko

Mint-Glazed Rack of Lamb

A little fancy, a little unexpected, and a whole lot of delicious. That sweet and tangy glaze? Chef’s kiss.

Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto and Sweet Maple Potato

Chef'd

Slow-Roasted Greek-Style Lamb

Lemon, oregano, olive oil, and a low-and-slow roast that fills the kitchen with pure magic.

Greek-Style Roast Lamb

East After Noon

Lamb with a Twist

Classic is great, but sometimes you want to shake things up.

Lamb-Stuffed Squash

Warm spices, slow-cooked lamb, and sweet dates make this Moroccan-inspired dish a must-try.

Moroccan Lamb Stuffed Squash

Lidey Likes

Lamb Za’atar Panzanella Salad

Juicy lamb, crunchy bread, and a bright za’atar kick come together in this bold, flavor-packed salad.

Lamb Za'atar Panzanella Salad

Climbing Grier Mountain

Lamb and Veggie Skewers

Marinated, grilled, and packed with fresh spring flavors. Bonus: they taste like warmer weather is on the way.

Grilled Lamb Shish Kebobs

Vodka & Biscuits

Flavorful, and Ready in No Time

Not every Easter meal has to take hours. These lamb dishes come together in a flash.

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Seared to perfection, finished with rich, herby crust, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust

Garlic & Zest

Lamb Pita Wraps

Juicy shredded lamb, cool tzatziki, fresh veggies, all wrapped up in warm pita. Fast, easy, and ridiculously good.

Grilled Lamb Pita with Pistachio and Mint Pesto

Vodka & Biscuits

Lamb and Feta Meatballs

Bite-sized, packed with Mediterranean flavors, and perfect for popping straight into your mouth. No judgment.

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki and Couscous

Dixie Chik Cooks

Lamb, but Make It Global

A little inspiration from around the world.

Indian Lamb Curry

Slow-cooked, rich with warming spices, and just the right amount of heat.

Lamb Curry and Turmeric Rice with Cucumber Raita

Chef'd

Italian Lamb Ragu

Deep, meaty, slow-simmered goodness served over pasta or polenta. A true comfort dish.

Lamb Shoulder Ragu with Red Wine

East After Noon

Middle Eastern Lamb Kofta

Spiced ground lamb shaped into kebabs, grilled, and ready for dipping into a creamy tahini sauce.

Mini Lamb Koftas

One Pot Chef Show

Sidekicks That Steal the Show

Lamb may be the main event, but these sides are here to play.

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Crispy, golden, and perfect for soaking up all that lamb-y goodness.

Rosemary Potatoes

Electrolux APAC

Spring Pea and Mint Puree

Light, fresh, and just the right amount of green.

Brown Sugar Lamb Chops with Rosemary Pea Puree

A Wholesome New World

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Bright, sweet, and packed with cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and parsley.

Toasted Couscous Tomato Salad

A Hint of Rosemary

How to Nail the Perfect Lamb Dish

Pick the right cut – Leg of lamb is great for roasting, while shoulder or shank works best for slow-cooking.
Marinate for maximum flavor – Lamb loves big, bold flavors like garlic, rosemary, mint, and lemon. Give it time to soak them all in.
Cooking to perfection – A meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for 145 °F for medium-rare, 160 °F for medium.
Let it rest – Give it 10–15 minutes after cooking so all those juices stay where they belong.

What’s on Your Easter Menu?

So many lamb dishes, so little time. Ready to roast, braise, grill, or sear your way into Easter dinner greatness? Curious and want to try more recipes? Check out all of our lamb recipes.