80 Mother’s Day Lunch Recipes
Updated: Apr. 13, 2021Treat mom to something special with these delicious Mother's Day lunch recipes. From soups to sandwiches to salads, we have ideas for the perfect menu.
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Fontina Asparagus Tart
This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It’s a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Grilled Romaine Salad
For a great-tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill! It's equally good with any dressing of your choice.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Simple Shrimp Chowder
Shrimp fans will be bowled over by this tasty take on chowder. The creamy broth is chock-full of vegetables. Chop up leftover cooked potatoes or use canned ones. —Carolyn Schmeling, Brookfield, Wisconsin 4 / 80
Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches
These fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to any fall function. The cranberry mayo lends a unique flavor twist, and the apples add crunch. These sammies will be the life of the party! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 5 / 80
The Best Quiche Lorraine
Nestled in a buttery, rustic crust, this quiche is filled with sweet onions, bacon bits and cheese. It’s truly the best quiche Lorraine recipe. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin 6 / 80
Fresh Corn & Arugula Salad
This fresh-tasting salad is known as Aunt Pammy's salad in my family. It's so colorful that it will take center stage. — Pamela Damm, South Beloit, Illinois 7 / 80
Jamaican Jerk Turkey Wraps
After tasting these spicy wraps at a neighborhood party, I got the recipe. The grilled turkey tenderloin and light jalapeno dressing make them a hit. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 8 / 80
Mango Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
An abundant planter full of mint inspired me to create this summery salad. The flavors pair together so well, and really let the freshness of the mint shine. —Natalie Klein, Albuquerque, New Mexico 9 / 80
Mushroom Corn Chowder
Chock-full of veggies, ham and cheese in every spoonful, this thick, creamy chowder will take the chill off even the nippiest of fall evenings. Serve it with crusty French bread. —Elaine Krupsky, Las Vegas, Nevada 10 / 80
Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing
This Thai salad is very fresh and flavorful. The peanut garnish adds a satisfying crunch. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor 11 / 80
Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps
I first made these slow-cooker chicken Caesar wraps for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family while on vacation. It's such an easy meal—perfect for times when you'd rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts 12 / 80
Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes
Stuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies – or in this case, orzo. — Jenni Dise, Phoenix, Arizona 13 / 80
Roasted Veggie Quesadillas
I am always looking for recipes that will encourage children to eat vegetables and this one has been a huge success. You can also use other vegetables, such as mushrooms, eggplant, asparagus and broccoli. Just remember to roast your vegetables before making the quesadillas. —Kathy Carlan, Canton, Georgia 14 / 80
Strawberry-Avocado Tossed Salad
Delicious and beautiful! Strawberries and avocado on top of romaine drizzled with a honey vinaigrette dressing. Perfect with a grilled steak and crusty bread.—Pam Nordahl, Edina, Minnesota 15 / 80
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana 16 / 80
Chunky Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri 17 / 80
Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon
A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas 18 / 80
Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey 19 / 80
Garlic Shrimp & Orzo Salad
I enjoy cold pasta salads and rice salads, so I decided to make one with orzo, a rice-shaped pasta. Feel free to add other favorite veggies—like asparagus and green beans—and serve with rolls or pita bread.—Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California 20 / 80
Prosciutto Pesto Pizza
I developed this prosciutto pesto pizza for my young grandson who hasn’t acquired a taste for veggies yet. He scarfs it up and doesn’t even notice the edamame. It’s also a hit with my other grandkids and nieces—not to mention all of their parents! —Don Manzagol, Campbell, California 21 / 80
Sparkling Oranges
We were living in Texas when I found the recipe for this simple yet elegant salad. I was thrilled— we had a surplus of fresh oranges! All you do at the last minute is garnish and serve. —Janie Bush, Weskan, Kansas 22 / 80
Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington 23 / 80
Creamy Herbed Tomato Soup
No one will ever guess that a soup this smooth and creamy could be low in fat! The savory herb flavors make this soup a keeper. 24 / 80
Fresh Asparagus Soup
We have a large asparagus patch and are able to freeze a lot for the year. My recipe highlights the flavor of the vegetable and is very easy to make. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 25 / 80
Cool and Creamy Fruit Salad
My mom found this recipe in a magazine 25 years ago, and my family has been enjoying it ever since. I refrigerate it overnight before serving. It looks especially pretty in a trifle dish. —Susan Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin 26 / 80
Blue Cheese and Blueberry Tossed Salad
In this deliciously different salad, fresh herbs mingle with arugula to create a flavorful bed for ripe blueberries and crunchy almonds. Drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette, it's simply divine! —Diane Davis, Venice, Florida 27 / 80
Three-Cheese Quiche
Try eggs and cheese at their best. Guests often comment on how tall, light and fluffy this crustless entree is. You’ll love it! —Judy Reagan, Hannibal, Missouri 28 / 80
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts
This classic salad goes with just about anything you’re serving. The juicy berries add a pop of color to the greens, and the sweet, crunchy nuts are good enough to eat all on their own! —Susan Howell, Royal Oak, Michigan 29 / 80
Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Frozen broccoli speeds preparation of this warm and satisfying soup. —Louise Beatty, Amherst, New York 30 / 80
Ground Beef Gyros
If your family likes gyros as much as mine, they'll love this easy version that's made with ground beef instead of lamb. I found the recipe in a newspaper and adapted it to fit our tastes. They're very much like the ones served at a local restaurant. A cucumber yogurt sauce adds an authentic finishing touch. —Ruth Stahl, Shepherd, Montana 31 / 80
Cioppino-Mixed Green Salad
Living in California, the "salad bowl" of the United States, I’m inspired to cook nutritious meals like cioppino. Whenever my friends and I get together, this salad—a spin on the classic seafood stew—is the top request. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California 32 / 80
Cumin-Spiced Lentil Burgers
My lovely Turkish daughter-in-law has shared many recipes with our family. I transformed her original lentil log recipe (a traditional Turkish appetizer) into these lentil burgers. For a spicier burger, you can add hot chili powder or crushed red chili peppers. —Sheila Joan Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania 33 / 80
Summer Squash Salad
Packing a perfect crunch, this salad is a tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is an amazing way to use our fresh produce. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida 34 / 80
Hearty Muffuletta
Famous in Louisiana, muffulettas are cold cuts, cheese and olive salad layered into an Italian bread shell. I was happy when a friend and co-worker gave me this recipe so I could make them myself. More than a meal, it’s a dining experience! —Ruth Hayward, Lake Charles, Louisiana 35 / 80
Wilted Endive Salad
The blend of seasonings, greens and warm bacon dressing makes this endive salad a sure hit. My guess is that it'll be a favorite at your next gathering. —Mildred Davis, Hagerstown, Maryland 36 / 80
Chunky Potato Leek Soup
My family and I crave a steaming bowl of potato leek soup on a cold winter evening, but we don't want the butter and fat content of regular soup recipes. So I created this lighter version. I have shared it with many folks, and everyone who has tried it loves it for the robust, satisfying flavor. —Christine Frye, Odessa, Missouri 37 / 80
Mango Jalapeno Sloppy Joe Sliders
I've loved sloppy joes since I can remember. In an attempt to give them a makeover, I thought of this idea, which was a big hit with my family, friends and co-workers! If you can't find a mango, chopped pineapple should work just as well. —Shea Goldstein, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 38 / 80
Farro Salad with Charred Shishito Peppers and Corn
This farro salad can be enjoyed warm or cold. I am lucky that my mom has an amazing garden every summer and gives me all kinds of vegetables to try—I use many of them for this recipe! —Tracy Kaifesh, Laguna Niguel, California 39 / 80
Dutch Oven French Onion Soup
I’ve also made this savory soup in a slow cooker for a fuss-free meal. It cooks on low for 3 to 4 hours. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, WI 40 / 80
Grilled Salmon Salad
For a cool summer supper, try this fresh-tasting grilled salmon salad. Lightly dressed with tangy raspberry vinegar, it gets a little crunch from onion and celery. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 41 / 80
Spring Pea Soup
Truly a soup for the pea lover, this recipe originated with an idea in an old cookbook about eating better to live longer. Sauteed potatoes add body to an easy soup with good texture and superb pea flavor. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio 42 / 80
Fruity Chicken Salad Pitas
I found this handwritten recipe tucked inside an old community cookbook I bought more than 40 years ago. I made a few changes over the years to suit my family’s tastes. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York 43 / 80
Bok Choy Toss
Chop some fresh veggies, add a gingery bottled dressing and savor this unique bok choy salad that’s big on flavor and crunch. How cool is that? —Andrew McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois 44 / 80
Grilled Elote Flatbread
Here’s a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down this summer by grilling this summery, fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon 45 / 80
Pea 'n' Cheese Salad
Radish slices add color and crunch to this fresh-tasting English pea salad. I often serve it in a bowl lined with romaine leaves, then garnish it with radish roses. —Inez Orsburn, DeMotte, Indiana 46 / 80
Cashew Chicken Salad Sandwiches
I think this is the best cashew chicken salad sandwich recipe around. It’s good for you and quick to make, and it has wonderful flavor. —Peggi Kelly, Fairbury, Nebraska 47 / 80
Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
My sister-in-law introduced me to this colorful mandarin chicken salad with a delicious homemade dressing. I reduced the oil and salt and switched to light soy sauce. Sometimes I substitute toasted sesame seeds for the nuts. —Renee Heimerl, Oakfield, Wisconsin 48 / 80
Club Roll-Ups
Packed with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties. 49 / 80
Shrimp Cobb Salad
This shrimp cobb salad is quite healthy. I often use a grill pan, but you can simply saute, too. Feel free to use any greens you like. — Nicholas Monfre, Hudson, Florida 50 / 80
Pulled Turkey Tenderloin
Not your ordinary pulled turkey sandwich, this one shines thanks to its unique yogurt sauce. Serve the turkey by itself or stack on sweet pickle slices and jalapenos to echo the dressing. 51 / 80
Peach Bavarian
Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey 52 / 80
Mini Ham Quiches
These quiches are delightful for brunch when you don’t want to fuss. Replacethe ham with bacon, sausage, chicken or shrimp, or use chopped onion, red pepper or zucchini instead of olives. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
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Corn and Green Bean Salad
I love the crunch of veggies, so I combined them with a buttermilk Caesar dressing in this corn and green bean salad. It's good served immediately, but it's even better after chilling for a few hours. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois 54 / 80
Green Chile Grilled Cheese Melt
My daughter created a masterpiece with her ultimate grilled cheese and chiles. Want more heat? Use a 4-ounce can of diced jalapenos instead of chiles. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming 55 / 80
Ambrosia Salad
Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina 56 / 80
Chicken Florentine Panini
Chicken Florentine Panini, from Lee Bremson of Kansas City, Missouri, brings an Italian flair to this speedy meal. The grilled sandwich combines chicken with provolone cheese, spinach and red onion. 57 / 80
Grilled Tuna Salad
I love serving this tuna spinach salad! Tuna steaks are quick to cook and delicious, and although they’re pretty inexpensive, they always seem a little more elegant than canned tuna. You can find them at most meat and seafood counters. Try this salad with fresh bread and tall glasses of lemonade. —De'Lawrence Reed, Durham, North Carolina 58 / 80
Luau Pork Lettuce Wraps
I first made this recipe when our family took a trip to a beach house in Florida. On my night to cook, I did a luau theme and used this recipe as the appetizer. These are still a favorite today! —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio 59 / 80
Special Fruit Salad
Dress up a sweet fruit salad with this drizzle of citrusy flavor.—Alice Orton in Big Bear Lake, California. 60 / 80
Toasted Clubs with Dill Mayo
Simple to prepare, eye-appealing and loaded with flavor, this bistro-style sandwich couldn't be better! —Jenny Flake, Gilbert, Arizona 61 / 80
Fruit Salad in a Pineapple Boat
A sweet, summery treat that looks as good as it tastes! No one, young or old, will be able to resist this healthy fruit salad. Amy Short, Lesage, WV 62 / 80
Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado Salsa
Try this quick and easy entrée for a fun, different Southwest meal idea. A splash of lime in the black beans balances the rich avocado salsa and shrimp. —Karen Gulkin, Greeley, Colorado 63 / 80
Fennel-Jicama Salad
This crunchy jicama salad contains no mayonnaise, making it a great dish to pass. Mint adds a refreshing flavor, but can be omitted if you don't have it on hand.—Stephanie Matthews, Tempe, Arizona 64 / 80
Deli Turkey Lettuce Wraps
I used to make these during my training days when I worked at a restaurant in Hawaii. They're low-fat, low-carb, high-protein, quick and delicious—a great choice before or after a workout. —Duncan Omarzu, Astoria, New York 65 / 80
Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad
My family and friends all love this salad, which they've referred to as "the Greek salad." The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it's a perfect bring-along for a big party. No matter what you're looking for—something with the Greek flavors you love, or just a healthy, simple salad—it will not disappoint! If you'd like, substitute orzo for the rice. —Sarah Hawkins, Wanatah, Indiana 66 / 80
Caribbean Island Coleslaw
After trying a similar version of this coleslaw while visiting the island of St. Kitts, I returned home and wanted to make it myself. I've taken it to so many events, and it's always a hit. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut 67 / 80
Apricots with Herbed Goat Cheese
After ending up with bunches of apricots one summer, I created this quick and simple dish. My friends were blown away with its fresh taste and uniqueness. —Wendy Weidner, Ham Lake, Minnesota 68 / 80
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California 69 / 80
Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad
For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington 70 / 80
Blackberry Balsamic Spinach Salad
This lightly dressed salad is packed with superfoods! When I have time, I make my vinaigrette from scratch. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona 71 / 80
Apricot Fluff
When we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it's become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It's sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania 72 / 80
Couscous Tabbouleh with Fresh Mint & Feta
Using couscous instead of bulgur for tabbouleh really speeds up the process of making this colorful salad. Other quick-cooking grains, such as barley or quinoa, also work well. —Elodie Rosinovsky, Brighton, Massachusetts 73 / 80
Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple Sandwich
In this stepped-up version of a ham and cheese sandwich, melty cheeses, crispy apples and smoky ham are the ultimate combination. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist 74 / 80
Edamame and Soba Noodle Bowl
Toothsome soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin 75 / 80
Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad
This is a quick and delicious salad that can be made special for guests—or yourself—by grilling fresh tuna steaks instead of using canned. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida 76 / 80
Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana 77 / 80
Shrimp and Avocado Salad
This Mexican shrimp cocktail's bright, fresh flavors and colors entice even my little ones. I like to serve it alongside a scoop of lime-cilantro rice for a light meal. —Carly Terrell, Granbury, Texas 78 / 80
Chickpea 'n' Red Onion Burgers
When chilly days arrive and we retire the grill to the garage, I bake a batch of chickpea veggie burgers. Even die-hard meat eaters can't resist them. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia 79 / 80
Edamame Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
This bright baby kale salad is packed with a little bit of everything: hearty greens, a nutty crunch, a zip of citrusy goodness and a big protein punch. It's pure bliss in a bowl. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas 80 / 80
Warm Cabbage, Fennel and Pear Salad
This crunchy salad makes an elegant first course or side, but it's hearty enough to be an entree when paired with a crusty artisan bread. We love it served warm. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut Originally Published: April 24, 2019
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