Easter is a holiday that I look forward to as there is reason to celebrate. But what I don’t usually look forward to is all of the calories – is can be hard to avoid all the chocolate and everything being absolutely packed with refined sugars and processed foods.  Most of the sweets and chocolates that kids beg for are terribly unhealthy and contain far more chemicals than natural ingredients.  But enough negativity!  This year, I’m going to fight back by making natural, gluten-free, sugar-free and additive free Easter treats that look great and taste delicious!  Here are some ideas I’m really excited about.  What do you think.

Pink Pickled Easter Eggs

This is one of my favourite ideas as it combines the beautiful colour and natural sweetness of beetroot with the traditional Easter egg.  This is a very easy recipe, but it will take a few days to do the pickling, so make sure you start early.  On Easter Sunday, take the yolks out of the pickled eggs and whip them up with some oil and spices to make festive devilled eggs that pop with colour and flavour!

Roasted Salmon with Citrus

And now on to the roast!  I know, fish isn’t the classic English roast, but I don’t exactly have the classic English diet!  I love combining aromatic spices with fresh citrus, and this recipe does it wonderfully.  This zesty salmon dish is incredibly easy to prepare—just chop a few pieces of fruit, an onion and a pepper, and you’re ready to stick it all in the oven.  What emerges will have everyone at the table in awe: a colourful mosaic of fruit, veg, and fish with an aroma that is only bested by its taste.

Bunny’s Favourite Carrot Cake

The Easter bunny will by hopping with joy at this fantastic paleo carrot cake by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.  Organic carrots are combined with coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate chips to create a wide range of fresh and delectable flavours.  This recipe would work great as an Easter Sunday breakfast with tea, or as a dessert for after the evening roast.  To satisfy your sweet tooth a little more, try adding a glaze of raw honey!

Roasted Artichoke Flowers

Eating seasonal foods is a big part of my diet, and in the spring there aren’t as many veggies to choose from as other parts of the year.  Luckily, one of my favourites is available in abundance: artichokes.  This recipe features roasting the delicious little bulbs with salt, lemon and garlic until they look like blooming violet roses, and to be honest, I’d prefer a bouquet of these to anything from the florist’s!

All these recipes are easy and delicious, but if cooking isn’t your thing, it doesn’t mean you can’t avoid unhealthy foods and have an Easter all your own.  Many affordable and paleo-friendly restaurants offer takeaway and delivery options online, and if you can’t find one in your area, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants are all great for avoiding gluten and processed ingredients. This Easter, break the routine and do something fun and healthy for your family!

*collaborative post