80 Mother’s Day Lunch Recipes

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

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

Find more of our favorite recipes for Mother’s Day.

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

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

If you want to have brunch recipes ready in advance, consider our make-ahead Mother’s Day brunch recipes.

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

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

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

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

Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing

This Thai salad is very fresh and flavorful. The peanut garnish adds a satisfying crunch. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

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

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

Potato 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Frozen broccoli speeds preparation of this warm and satisfying soup. —Louise Beatty, Amherst, New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Club Roll-Ups

Packed with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties.

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

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.

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

Mini Ham Quiches

These quiches are delightful for brunch when you don’t want to fuss. Replace
the ham with bacon, sausage, chicken or shrimp, or use chopped onion, red pepper or zucchini instead of olives. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Special Fruit Salad

Dress up a sweet fruit salad with this drizzle of citrusy flavor.—Alice Orton in Big Bear Lake, California.

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

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

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

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

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

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

My family and friends all love this salad, which they refer to as the Greek salad. The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it’s a perfect take-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—this will not disappoint! If you’d like, substitute orzo for the rice. —Sarah Hawkins, Wanatah, Indiana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edamame and Soba Noodle Bowl

Toothsome soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

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

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

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

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

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

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