Eggs are a staple food for decorating and eating during the Easter holiday. But this year, consumers may take a different approach to set their holiday table. Egg prices are predicted to increase 41.1% in 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Moreover, a FinanceBuzz survey reports 72% of people say rising food costs will affect their Easter plans.Making healthy food at home can be a budget-friendly way to celebrate.
Easter is a time for celebration, joy and, of course, food. If you’re looking for light and delicious recipes to serve this Easter, we’ve got you covered with three fresh ideas:
Herbaceous Crudité Cups
Crudité cups are an easy appetizer that everyone can enjoy at the table or when socializing. These individual cuts of blanched and fresh vegetables, paired with an herb-based dipping sauce, are light and refreshing.
Asparagus and carrots get a perfect bite with blanching while cucumbers and bell peppers are served fresh. The mayonnaise-based sauce is lightened up with a protein-packed serving of Greek yogurt. The tarragon adds a unique flavor profile to the herbaceous dip and is served at the bottom of small cups or shooters to make a perfect, easy-to-eat appetizer.
Serves: 6
Difficulty: easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch Asparagus spears
- 2 carrots, cut to sticks 1/3 -inch thick
- ½ English cucumbers, cut to 1/3-inch-thick spears
- 1 bell pepper, cut into spears
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp. dried tarragon
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp. fresh chives
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil with 1 tsp. salt. Prepare an ice bath.
- Boil the asparagus and carrots separately as they have different cooking times. Thin asparagus should take 1.5-2 minutes. Thicker asparagus may take 2.5-3 minutes. Test for tenderness throughout. Carrots should boil for 1.5-2 minutes.
- Once boiled, move to an ice bath using tongs. You can use the same water for both veggies.
- Prepare the sauce in a blender or use an immersion blender. Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dried tarragon, fresh chives and parsley, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
- In shooters or small glasses, add a dollop of the sauce at the bottom. Stick
Glazed Roasted Carrots over Zesty Yogurt with Crunchy Pistachios
Carrots are in season during the spring, making them perfect to incorporate as an appetizer or side at an Easter celebration. These glazed carrots are roasted until fork tender and served with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce for a dose of protein. The pistachios add a nice contrasting crunch and flavors that work so well with this spring crop.
Strawberries and Cream Whole Wheat Waffle Platter
Waffles are a classic celebratory breakfast. Their health value can be elevated by skipping the syrup, making them whole grain, topping them with fresh strawberries and a light creamy topping. This healthier twist on a traditional favorite will satisfies the sweet tooth while providing fiber and nutrients. Serving them with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with vanilla extract adds a bit of protein, calcium and vitamin D.
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 whole grain waffles, toasted
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp. maple syrup
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- Optional – a couple of dollops of whipped cream
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Add a little more maple syrup according to sweet preference if desired, mixing in a little at a time.
- Halve the toasted homemade or store-bought whole wheat waffles and serve on a platter with cut strawberries, Greek yogurt sauce and optional dollops of whipped cream.
Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.