Kansas City is in full bloom and I feel like I’m living in an Easter basket. I spy shades of light purple, pink and yellow from my window. The neighbors’ daffodils and tulips are so cheerful.
We’re hosting our families for Easter brunch this weekend, and I thought you might be planning your menu as well. I limited each category to my top five to help you narrow your selections. These recipes are all great candidates for Mother’s Day and the spring weekends in between, so you might want to bookmark this page.
You’ll find many options below, including a list of vegan options at the end. Gluten-free recipes are denoted as (GF) throughout. Wishing you a happy and delicious weekend!
Muffins & Breakfast Sweets
These breakfast sweets are perfect for a special occasion.
Muffins
- Banana Muffins or Banana Coconut Muffins
- Blueberry Muffins
- Carrot Muffins
- Lemon Raspberry Muffins
- Strawberry Oat Muffins
French Toast, Pancakes & Waffles
Eggs
You could count these egg-y options as your main dish, if you’d like.
- Arugula and Cremini Quiche with Gluten-Free Almond Meal Crust (GF)
- Baked Asparagus Frittata (GF)
- Healthy Breakfast Casserole (GF)
- My Favorite Frittata (GF)
- Scrambled Eggs with Goat Cheese, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes (GF)
More Main Dishes
Don’t want to make eggs the main event? These are all great options:
- Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano (GF)
- Lemony Green Pasta with Peas & Ricotta
- Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Crème Fraîche
- Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Marinara or Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables
- Vegetable Lasagna or Spinach Artichoke Lasagna
Salads
Freshen things up with a salad. Here are a few of my favorites:
- French Carrot Salad (GF)
- Italian Chopped Salad (GF)
- Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs (GF)
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios
- Vibrant Orange & Arugula Salad (GF)
Simple Homemade Salad Dressings
Vegetable Side Dishes
These irresistible roasted vegetables will round out your meal.
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans (GF)
- Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Balsamic Drizzle (GF)
- Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Breakfast Potatoes (GF)
- Roasted Carrots (Three Ways!) (GF)
Desserts
Here are a few perfect desserts for springtime:
- Almond Cake with Berries on Top (GF)
- Citrus Olive Oil Cake
- Naturally Sweetened Carrot Cake
- No-Bake Greek Yogurt Tart (GF)
- Simple Blueberry Cake
Cocktails, Coffee & Tea
Prepare cold brew coffee or cold brew iced tea a day in advance. They’re both delightful. You could also serve brunch-worthy cocktails:
- Aperol Spritz
- Bloody Marys
- Earl Grey French 75 or Classic French 75 Cocktail
- Kir Royale Cocktail
- Mimosas, plus variations
Vegan Options
Some of these recipes require easy substitutions to be made vegan. Check the recipe notes!
- Blueberry Muffins
- Whole Wheat Vegan Pancakes
- Lemon Raspberry Muffins
- Vegan Banana Nut Scones
- Buddha Bowls with Carrot-Ginger Dressing (GF)
- Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Crème Fraîche
- Chickpea Salad with Carrots and Dill (GF)
- Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Balsamic (GF)
- Favorite Quinoa Salad (GF)
- French Carrot Salad (GF)
- Fresh Mint Salad Dressing (GF)
- Herbed Avocado Salad (GF)
- Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs (GF)
- Avocado Toast (Plus Tips & Variations)
- Quick Collard Greens (GF)
- Lemony Roasted Asparagus (GF)
- Roasted Breakfast Potatoes (GF)
- Roasted Carrots (Three Ways!) (GF)
More resources you might appreciate: 23 healthy make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You might also like my monthly seasonal produce guides and healthy kitchen essentials. View all roundups and resource posts here.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Lauren
Congratulations on getting picked up by Anthro! I am beyond excited for your cookbook.
I was just thinking this morning that I need to have some friends over for brunch soon so this post is a great starting point for menu planning.
Kate
Perfect! I’m so glad this post came just in time. And I’m so jazzed up about Anthro! A real dream come true for me. Thanks so much, Lauren!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
This is such a beautiful collection of brunch recipes — and everything is so healthy. Love that!
Kate
Thank you, Lisa!
kay berquist
Kate,
So excited for you and your upcoming cookbook. Although I have downloaded most of the recipes you have shared, I just ordered two copies of your book. Congratulations and thank you for delicious healthy eating options!! All the best, Kay
Kate
Thank you so much, Kay! The recipes in my book will all be brand new, so you’ll have some new ones to try!
Analida's Ethnic Spoon
Goat cheese and egg on toast? Yes please. These are the perfect addition to my family brunch on Sundays.
Kate
Right? So simple and filling. Thanks, Analida!
KR
Wonderful ideas :) And I love these colors :) Yellow and green like spring on the plate :)
Kate
Thanks, KR!
Tori//Gringalicious.com
Wow, such a great list of inspiration for Springtime!
Kate
Thank you, Tori!
Sara @ Last Night's Feast
This is a great list! Thank you =)
Kate
Thanks, Sara! Hope you enjoy the recipes!
Stephanie
Congrats. I love Anthropologie. Your cookbook will be perfect there!
Kate
Thank you, Stephanie! I love Anthro, too, which is why I am beyond elated about this.
Omigy
What a nice place to have opened your email in Madrid and finding out that you have been shortlisted by Anthro. So happy for you Kate. I hope this is just the beginning of a long book, television, radio interviews etc. I’ll keep watching TV till I see you there. Thanks for sharing all of the nice recipes too and your dog eating the crumbs is interesting too ;) take care
Kate
Thank you so much for the kind words, Omigy! Cookie says hi, too. :)
Daniel
You’re welcome Kate – I love the bit about the cookie ;)
Patricia Hornbeck
Dear Kate, I make your wonderful banana bread & muffins, I have needed to go gluten free, do you have a recommendation for a gluten free flour that would work in your recipes?
P.S. I’m from Kansas City also.
Kate
Hi Patricia! I typically have tried Bob’s Red Mill Gluten free in the past and has worked well. My assistant uses this too(she is gluten free) and recommends it.
liz
Perfect timing! Just came here for Easter bunch ideas.
Kate
You’re welcome, Liz!
Candice Muneoka
I just got your book and I love it and I love your doggie! Thank you, Aloha!
Kate
I hope you enjoy my book!
Todd
I’ll be right over! Sounds beautiful and special.
Alessandro Cipriano @ dacipriano.com
Hi Kate, congratulations!! your blog is awesome and I love your recipes. Thank you for sharing your work.
Debra Hille
Happy Easter, Kate to you and your family. I keep feeding people your good recipes and they buy your book and give it as gifts. Thank you, for sharing your love of real food!
Kate
Thank you so much, Debra! That means so much! Happy Easter to you as well. :)
JJ
What a great collection of recipes. Thank you!
Kate
Thanks, JJ! Enjoy!
Lin Finger
OMG, please PLEASE tell us what is that magnificent salad, with who’s picture you began the installment (picture includes title What to cook this April) but neither identified nor listed the recipe!!! Such an explosion of color! I feel like if I had that to eat for lunch, life could only be wonderful….
Lin
Kate
Are you referring to Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach?
Di
HI Kate, on your home page there is a photo of tacos with broccoli and chick peas in it but I don’t see how to find the recipe. It would be great if you would include a link to recipes with the photos. thanks.
Kate
Hi Di! Lemony Broccoli, Chickpea & Avocado Pita Sandwiches