3 Christmas Lunch Menu Ideas (Ditch The Boring Roast Routine)

Down under, we all love a good festive feast, but sometimes a grand roast with all the trimmings - the traditional centrepiece for a Christmas banquet - can be a bit too hearty and heavy for our Aussie Christmas heat! In a land where the holiday season coincides with summer, the conventional Christmas roast seems a bit out of sync. That's why this year, we're helping you break away from the predictable and embrace a lighter, more summery approach to festive feasting. We've got three Christmas lunch menu ideas that ditch the usual roast routine, offering a lighter twist that's easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying the holiday under the Aussie sun. Let's ditch the ordinary and make this Christmas feast one to remember.

Christmas Menu Idea #1: Seafood Christmas Lunch

Each dish in this menu captures the essence of seaside flavours, perfect for an Aussie Christmas by the coastline. By sourcing quality ingredients and planning ahead, you can make your Christmas day preparation enjoyable and efficient, allowing you more time to revel in the holiday cheer.

Christmas Starter: Fresh Catch Ceviche

Get started with a beautiful share platter of ceviche, a zesty blend of citrus-marinated raw seafood, such as kingfish and tuna. For the freshest ingredients, visit your local seafood market and ask about their sashimi-grade fish options.

To make your Christmas day preparation a breeze, chop and marinate the fish the night before, refrigerating it for enhanced flavour. On Christmas Day, assemble and serve for a stress-free starter.

Christmas Main Course: Christmas Salmon

Now it's time for the star of the show- a delectable Christmas Salmon. Grilled to perfection and generously brushed with a tantalising citrus glaze, this dish encapsulates the essence of a seafood-centric Christmas celebration. To streamline your Christmas day cooking and ensure a stress-free experience, prepare the citrus glaze in advance. This not only enhances the flavours but also allows for a smoother cooking process. A few hours before grilling, generously coat the salmon with the citrus glaze and let it marinate. This step not only infuses the fish with delightful flavours but also frees up your time to partake in the festivities, making the holiday celebration even more enjoyable.

Christmas Side Dish: Mango Avocado Salad

Complement your fish feast with a tropical-inspired side - our Mango Avocado Salad-a vibrant medley of ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, cherry tomatoes, and rocket, drizzled with a zesty lime dressing. Head to your local farmers' market or grocery store for the freshest produce. Choose ripe but firm avocados and sweet, juicy mangoes. To save time on Christmas day, wash and chop the ingredients ahead of time, storing them separately. Toss the salad together just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Christmas Dessert: Tropical Pavlova Delight

Conclude your feast on a sweet note with the Tropical Pavlova Delight. For the best tropical fruits, explore your local farmers' market or specialty grocery store. Opt for fruits that are in season for optimal flavour. To streamline your Christmas day, prepare the pavlova base a day in advance, leaving only the assembly for the festive day. This ensures a stress-free dessert that still wows your guests.

Tip: Ensure you have a reliable grill and tongs for the Christmas salmon. A good set of knives will come in handy for chopping ingredients, especially for the mango avocado salad. For the dessert, a stand mixer for the tropical pavlova will make your job easier.

Christmas Menu Idea #2: Classic Aussie Christmas Barbecue

It doesn't get more Australian than this! Menu #2 is designed to be a laid-back barbecue celebration. From the smoky aroma of the barbecue-glazed chicken skewers to the simplicity of an Australian Christmas dessert favourite - the chocolate ripple cake - every dish embodies the relaxed, easygoing spirit of an Aussie Christmas. The beauty of a Christmas BBQ is that alfresco dining means a much easier cleanup, and encourages us to spend time in the beautiful weather outside. So, fire up the grill, enjoy the outdoors, and savour the festive, summery flavours with family and friends.

Christmas Starter: Grilled Prawns with Chilli Lime Butter

Begin your barbecue feast with the explosive flavours of grilled prawns with chilli lime butter. Fresh prawns, marinated in a tantalising blend of chilli and zesty lime, are expertly grilled to perfection. The result is a delightful combination of smokiness and citrusy brightness, complemented by the richness of the chilli lime butter. It's a refreshing and bold start that will leave your guests craving more.

Christmas Main Course: Barbecue-Glazed Chicken Skewers

Keep the barbecue vibes going with some barbecue-glazed chicken skewers. This is a tried-and-true Aussie classic that all ages will love, even the pickiest of eaters! Succulent chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers and generously glazed with a smoky barbecue sauce. The skewers are then grilled to achieve a perfect char, infusing the meat with a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The result is a tender and flavourful main course that captures the essence of a classic Aussie barbie.

Christmas Side Dish: Pomegranate Christmas Salad

Lighten up the barbecue feast with the vibrant pomegranate Christmas salad. A colourful medley of mixed greens provides the perfect backdrop for juicy pomegranate seeds and creamy feta cheese. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad offers a refreshingly sweet contrast to the smoky and savoury notes of the barbecue. It's a palate-cleansing side dish that adds a burst of freshness to the meal and infuses the gorgeous Christmas colours of red and green into the dining table.

Christmas Dessert: Classic Aussie Easy Chocolate Ripple Cake

Conclude your barbecue celebration with a classic chocolate ripple cake. Layers of chocolate ripple biscuits, generously slathered with whipped cream and dusted with a hint of cocoa, create a decadent and fuss-free dessert. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity, allowing you to indulge in the sweet finale without the need for intricate preparation. Everyone loves it and it's the perfect ending to your laidback Christmas lunch.

Tip: Barbecue supplies and skewers are must-haves for the grilled prawns and barbecue glazed chicken skewers. A spacious platter for the Mezze platter presentation and a sturdy plate for the Chocolate Ripple Cake are essential. Keep it simple with basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, whisk, and electric beaters for the chocolate ripple cake.

Christmas Menu Idea # 3: Mediterranean Christmas Lunch

Bring the heart of the Mediterranean to your Australian Christmas table! From the communal mezze platter that brings people together to the aromatic herb-crusted lamb rack and the refreshing Greek orzo salad, each dish captures the essence of the Mediterranean. These selections reflect the simplicity and robustness that make Mediterranean food a staple in Australian culture. Enjoy a Christmas feast that combines the best of both worlds, celebrating the joy of the season with a touch of Mediterranean flavour.

Christmas Starter: Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Begin your Mediterranean feast with the enticing flavours of a mezze platter. This assortment includes a vibrant mix of hummus, tzatziki, marinated olives, feta cheese, and stuffed grape leaves. Served with warm pita bread, it's a communal and inviting start that brings everyone together and captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality.

Christmas Main Course: Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack

Upgrade your Christmas dinner with a herb-crusted lamb rack-an impressive centrepiece that brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to your table. Imagine succulent lamb racks, coated in a mix of aromatic herbs and spices for a crispy, savoury crust. Roasted just right, the result is a tender and juicy cut of lamb that captures the hearty essence of Mediterranean cooking.

The straightforward preparation ensures each bite is packed with flavour, from the well-seasoned outer layer to the moist, flavourful interior. This lamb rack not only takes centre stage at your Christmas lunch or dinner table but also reflects the straightforward, robust flavours of Mediterranean dishes. It's a dish that invites everyone to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean, where simplicity and savouring the moment reign supreme.

Christmas Side Dish: Greek Orzo Salad

Complement the main course with A refreshing Greek orzo salad. This vibrant dish features orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzled with a lemony dressing, it's a light and zesty side that adds a burst of Mediterranean freshness to your Christmas feast.

Christmas Dessert: Honey Panna Cotta with Berries

Conclude your Mediterranean extravaganza on a sweet note with a delicious panna cotta. Silky panna cotta infused with honey is adorned with a medley of fresh berries. The result is a light and indulgent dessert that perfectly balances the richness of the meal, offering a delightful conclusion to your Mediterranean-inspired Christmas feast.

Tip: Ensure a good set of roasting pans for the herb-crusted lamb rack and a reliable salad spinner for the Greek orzo salad. A blender or food processor can be useful for creating the smooth texture of the honey yogurt panna cotta with berries. Make preparation a breeze with standard kitchen tools like cutting boards, mixing bowls, and measuring cups.

Australia's Best Christmas Menu Ideas + Plans

In crafting these Christmas menus, we've aimed to provide not just delicious ideas but also an experience that's easy to achieve. Each menu's uniqueness lies in its flavours, whether it's seafood freshness, Aussie barbecue simplicity, or the robustness of Greek cuisine. We encourage you to step out of your culinary comfort zone this Christmas, try something new, and create lasting memories around a different kind of festive table. May your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and the delightful tastes of these diverse and refreshing menus.

Still on the hunt for last-minute Christmas gifts? Our ultimate holiday gifting guide has got you covered. Check out our hub of Christmas inspiration to find great ideas for Christmas table settings, Christmas home decorating, the top Christmas trends of 2023 and more.