Fresh spring side dish ideas to serve with your Easter lamb or beef centrepiece
Lighter evenings, brighter mornings, longer days… the clocks are about to go back, and Spring is knocking on the door!
That can only mean the Easter bunny isn’t running far behind. But there comes a time in everyone’s life when the foodie focus of Easter shifts from chocolate to a hearty roast and thoughts of a show-stopping centrepiece: perhaps a succulent, grass-fed leg of lamb studded with rosemary and garlic, or a beautifully marbled rib of beef.
However, any chef will tell you that while the meat is the star of the show, it is the supporting cast – the side dishes – that truly defines the meal. This year, we are moving beyond the standard boiled greens and roast potatoes to explore sides that bring vibrant textures and bold flavours to your holiday table.
To help you master the art of the accompaniment, we look to our Chef Ambassador, Rosie Dicker, for inspiration. Rosie’s approach to seasonal cooking perfectly mirrors our own philosophy: start with the finest ingredients and let the natural flavours do the heavy lifting. Her recipes offer a modern twist on traditional favourites.
One standout suggestion for this spring is her take on vibrant, seasonal vegetables. Instead of over-processing, Rosie often emphasises bringing out the sweetness of carrots or the crunch of spring greens through clever pairings – think, honey glazes or toasted nuts. If you are serving our classic lamb, consider a side that cuts through the richness, such as a pea and mint smash or charred asparagus with a zest of lemon.
The key to a sensational side is balance. If your main roast is deep and savoury, look for sides that offer acidity or freshness. Rosie’s recipes often utilise fresh herbs and high-quality fats to ensure that every forkful is as exciting as the first. By focusing on these details, you transform a traditional Sunday lunch into a true gastronomic event. And despite being a festive favourite (there’s no way we can say the C word yet!), we can’t resist adding Rosie’s super simple red cabbage recipe to the table.
Planning your Easter menu shouldn’t be a chore. By pairing a Lakings centrepiece with one or two moreish sides, you ensure a meal that is balanced, beautiful, and – most importantly – delicious. Head over to our recipe section to find the step-by-step guides for Rosie’s latest creations and give your sides the spotlight they deserve this Easter.
