37 Best Good Friday Recipes for the Whole Family

Even if you’re not observing Lent, these delicious Good Friday recipes are ideal for a family feast.

They might be meat-free, but they’re full of flavor.

Good Friday is a day of reflection, and it’s best observed with loved ones. And there’s no better way to come together than around the dinner table.

So, why not try something new this year, like miso salmon? Or how about a twist on a family fave in the form of truffle mac & cheese?

You and your family will be more than happy no matter which of these Good Friday recipes you choose!

1. Blackened Tilapia Fish Recipe

Cooking for a pious holiday like Good Friday doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor.

This blackened tilapia has plenty of that.

The fish itself is relatively mild, but the spice blend you’ll add is anything but.

It features Italian seasoning, garlic, paprika, chili powder, and more. Every bite is a taste explosion on your tongue.

2. Vegetarian Greek Stuffed Tomatoes

You’ve heard of stuffed peppers, but have you ever tried stuffed tomatoes? They’re fresh, juicy, and more filling than you’d think. 

You’ll stuff them with rice, onions, and plenty of fresh herbs, making them tender and naturally gluten-free.

They’re so yummy that even dedicated meat-eaters will enjoy them. They’re also a scrumptious way to use leftover tomatoes in the summer.

3. New England Clam Chowder

Craving authentic New England clam chowder but live somewhere like Texas or Alabama?

That’s okay! This recipe will give you the thick, creamy, and flavorful chowder you’re dreaming of in just a few steps.

It’s buttery and packed with umami flavor. It’s also chunky and hearty with bacon, potatoes, and whole baby clams.

Top it off with some extra bacon and shredded cheese plus a few slices of crusty dark bread as a side, and you’re all set. 

4. Glazed Honey Dijon Salmon

Sweet and tangy glazed salmon is gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly.

It’s also fresh, mild, and tastes lovely with a side dish of tender asparagus.

Best of all, it takes just 8 minutes to cook. So, if you want something simple but delicious for Good Friday (or anytime), it’s a great option. 

5. Japanese Miso Salmon (Barbecue or Bake)

If you’re looking for an easy way to add some variety to your weeknight dinners, look no further.

Miso salmon is a Japanese dish made with miso paste and sake. The sauce is brushed on the fish before it’s grilled or baked, and the result is delicious.

It’s lightly sweetened and slightly salty. And since you can prepare it either on the grill or in the oven, it’s perfect whatever the weather. 

6. Air Fryer Salmon

I just want to take a moment to say how much I appreciate the inventor of the Air Fryer.

I don’t know who it was, but I’d bet it was someone too busy to cook!

Cooking salmon in the Air Fryer couldn’t be easier! It comes out buttery, garlicky, and perfectly zesty. Plus, it’s ready to go in 15 minutes or less!

You’ll get all the protein and omega-3s without all the grease and oil. It’s hard to beat that.

7. Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Salmon patties do well in the Air Fryer, too.

They’re crunchy, flavorful, and packed with umami goodness. You can also whip up four of them in less than 30 minutes. 

8. Roasted Sicilian Cauliflower with Quick Tomato Jam

Roasted veggies are always a healthy treat. But they could be a little more…exciting.

So, if you want to jazz them up, give this recipe a try.

The cauliflower tastes phenomenal on its own since it’s well-seasoned, tender, and good till the last bite.

However, it’s extraordinary once you smother it in fresh tomato jam. Yum!

9. Cheesy Mexican Black Bean Quinoa Casserole

Let’s switch gears and check out a recipe from South of the Border. This vegetarian-friendly casserole is cheesy and heavenly. 

It features nutrient-rich ingredients like quinoa, black beans, and tomatoes. Plus, it’s super easy to make and entirely customizable.

You could even add meat if you want to have it outside of Good Friday. I like pulled pork for its tangy BBQ taste!

This dish needs about an hour, but only five minutes of that is hands-on work.

So, what are you waiting for? Make this one tonight!

10. Grilled Swordfish with Basil Pesto

Looking for a grilled fish dish that’s healthy and flavorful? Swordfish is a fantastic option.

When paired with basil pesto, it becomes downright irresistible. 

This recipe is easy to follow, and it results in a delicious meal that you and your guests will love.

So fire up the grill and give it a try!

11. Southern Fried Catfish

If you didn’t grow up in the south, you might never have had catfish.

But since there’s nothing else like it, you need to make this dish at least once in your life!

You’ll love its crunchy crust and flaky, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

And that little bit of heat in the spicy cornmeal? That’s just extra yumminess.

12. Seared Ahi Tuna

If your only experience with tuna is from a can, you’re missing out. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried soft and succulent tuna steaks.

The trick to getting these right is in the marinade.

It’s herby, bright, and has a slightly spicy kick. It uses six simple ingredients but infuses the tuna with a massive amount of flavor.

Let it marinate for at least an hour before cooking it. And don’t overcook it; that’s the key. It shouldn’t need more than five minutes in the pan.

13. Soy-Ginger Salmon

Soy-ginger salmon is saucy, juicy, and perfect. It has a beautiful Asian-based flavor and is sweet, spicy, and savory. 

Top it with green onions and toasted sesame seeds when it’s ready, and you’ll have a real hit on your hands.

14. 3 Cheese Zucchini “Ravioli” with Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce 

The first thing you’ll notice about this ravioli is how awesome it looks. It’s colorful and unique, and, luckily, it also tastes incredible. 

It’s cheesy and tangy with plenty of juicy tomatoes, fresh veggies, and herbs.

It’s a nutritious, delicious dish that looks like something from the cover of a magazine.

Give it a try the next time you want to wow your family.

15. Linguine con Vongole (Linguine with Clam Sauce)

Linguine con vongole isn’t as pretty as the ravioli above. In fact, according to some people (my hilarious niece), it looks like a plate of “tossed out food.”

Luckily, it tastes incredible.

You’ll get the umami kick you expect from seafood, though it’s not overly fishy or loud. In fact, it’s pretty mild and very tasty.

16. Mahi Mahi

This tender, flaky fish is always a fan favorite. But if you think you like it now, just wait.

Slather on the lemon garlic butter and see how good it gets.

It almost seems impossible that something this good takes just 20 minutes to make. Fortunately for whoever’s cooking it, it isn’t.

17. Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe

Do you love bread salads as much as I do? They are the perfect way to use up stale bread, and the flavor combinations are endless. 

(And any time I can add carbs to a dish, I’m in!)

This recipe will combine fresh veggies and feta with a simple vinaigrette.

The result is a refreshing and tasty summer salad that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. 

18. Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

With their crispy edges and creamy, cheesy filling, crab rangoons are spectacular.

And since you can pop them in the Air Fryer to cook without a huge vat of hot oil, they’re convenient. 

Serve these as a Good Friday appetizer or side dish. Either way, people won’t be able to get enough of them. 

19. Salmon Wellington

Even if you’ve never eaten Beef Wellington, you’ve probably heard of it, right?

But salmon Wellington may be new to you.

It’s the same concept as its beefy brother, but rather than earthy mushrooms and rich red meat; you get creamy spinach and flaky fish.

It’s a yummy, filling dish that almost seems too decadent for Good Friday.

20. Crabbies

Oh man, these Crabbies are sooooo good. Why did people ever stop eating them?!

Cheesy, garlicky crab meat on a buttery English muffin. What’s not to love?

21. Greek Spinach and Feta Pie (Spanakopita)

You could put spinach and feta on a boot, and I think I’d enjoy it. That’s how much I love this herbalicious and salty combo.

Fortunately, this pie puts them in crunchy, flaky phyllo dough instead. 

Every bite is superb and even better than the last. 

22. Salmon Burgers

Who says you have to give up burgers for Good Friday or Lent? You don’t! You just have to make them with the right ingredients. 

These thick, succulent burgers feature salmon patties, and they’re fantastic. The herby, earthy sauce is terrific, too. 

Once you have all that ready, slap them on buns and load them up with your favorite toppings.

Pick whatever Good Friday side dish works best for you, and enjoy! 

23. Teriyaki Salmon

This thick, sticky teriyaki sauce is scrumptious enough to make anything taste good.

So, even if you’re not a fan of salmon, the sauce will have you reaching for seconds. 

It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook this delicious dish. And once it’s ready, you’ll have flaky and juicy fish that’s full of flavor.

Pair it with grilled asparagus or fluffy rice – it tastes fantastic either way. 

24. Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash

Here’s another recipe that almost seems too decadent for a religious holiday.

It’s like spinach artichoke dip, only better.

The stretchy, creamy cheese, the garlicky, earthy filling…they’re downright addictive. 

This one tastes so awesome that you might want to add it to your regular weekly rotation.

25. Crispy Pan-Seared Halibut

This halibut is crispy on the outside and tender and flaky inside.

Add it to a bed of quinoa with tomatoes, olives, shallots, and more, and you’ve got one helluva Good Friday dinner.

It has a fresh, herby flavor that’s hard not to love. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

It’s hard to argue with that kind of convenience.

26. Potato and Wild Mushroom Burrata Pizza

Oh my goodness – this homemade pizza is something straight from a gourmet magazine.

It’s stunning and features so many savory, rich flavors.

You’ll load it with hearty veggies, burrata cheese, and fresh basil pesto. Every bite is something to appreciate, so be sure to make extra!

27. Celery Root Puree with Balsamic Roasted Beets and Pearl Onions

Looking for a tasty and healthy side dish? This celery root puree with balsamic roasted beets and pearl onions is perfect! 

The tart flavor of the beets is a delicious contrast to the creamy celery root.

Plus, this dish is jam-packed with nutrients – perfect for any foodie looking to eat healthily. 

28. Portobello Vegan Pot Roast

Vegan pot roast sounds impossible – until you remember portobello mushrooms, that is.

These thick, juicy mushroom slices aren’t exactly meat, but they might just be the next best thing.

Add in tender chunks of carrots and potatoes, and you’ve got a pot roast! Of course, no one will mistake it for meat, but it’ll taste so good that they won’t mind.

29. Baked Salmon Foil Packets with Vegetables

These foil packets are so quick and easy, not to mention delicious.

They’re just what you need if you’re feeling a little lazy and don’t want to do the dishes.

Wrap everything – protein and veggies alike – in foil and stick them in the oven. (Or the grill!)

You’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal with minimal effort.

30. Mushroom Risotto

You’ll make this rich and creamy dish with Arborio rice, mushrooms, and parmesan.

It’s an easy weeknight meal, but it’s definitely special enough to impress your guests.

If you want something warm, comforting, and filling for a cool night, this is it. It’s also the perfect addition to your Good Friday table.

31. Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Sea bass is a firm, flaky fish that’s ideal for pan-searing. This recipe uses fewer than ten ingredients and is thick, juicy, and tender. 

And since it’s pretty mild, it would pair wonderfully with any of the sides on this lost, especially the risotto above.

32. Vegan Truffle Mac and Cheese

Vegan truffle mac and cheese is the creamiest, cheesiest dish you’ll ever try. And that’s quite a feat considering there’s no actual cheese in it. 

Instead, you’ll use a homemade sauce that features cashews, garlic powder, almond milk, and more. Trust me; it’s unbelievably good. 

Add a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a wonderful, ooey-gooey dish.

It takes a little time and effort to make, but it’s well worth it. And there won’t be a single bite left in the bowl.

33. Parchment Baked Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

This roasted red pepper salmon is another convenient way to make a complete meal.

The parchment paper traps in the flavors of the salmon and roasted red peppers, making for an exceptionally flavorful dish.

Ready in 35 minutes, it has a sweet, spicy taste the whole family will love.

In fact, it doesn’t even taste like fish! So, if you want to ease someone into eating fish and seafood, this is the way to go.

34. 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp

This shrimp dinner is buttery, garlicky, and terrifically tomatoey.

It’s also creamy and ready in just 15 minutes. Though it looks like it took much longer!

35. Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon

Pan-seared salmon is a phenomenal treat for any night of the weak. It’s even better when you add some sizzling garlic butter to it. 

Now imagine that same garlicky, buttery salmon with a cheesy spinach filling.

It almost sounds too good to be true, right? But that’s precisely what you’ll get with this recipe. 

It’s a ridiculously filling meal that’s low in carbs and high in protein. And the sheer amount of flavor you’ll get in every bite is through the roof!

If you need an all-in-one meal with protein and veggies, this salmon is it.

36. Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Shrimp fra Diavolo is spicy, garlicky, and full of tomatoey goodness. You can make it in one pan in just 20 minutes. 

It’s a saucy shrimp dish with plenty of umami flavor. The whole family will love it.

37. Sardines On Toast

No one said delicious meals have to be fancy. Sometimes, they can be as simple as sardines and veggies on toast.

And even though it’s simple to make, this 30-minute meal is quite elegant.

The shiny fish looks lovely against the red tomatoes and green basil. Meanwhile, the capers and lemon juice add delightful briny and zesty notes.

Whip these up for Good Friday or just a simple weekday lunch. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.