Treat Mom to a Special Mother's Day Lunch
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There are so many wonderful ways to make Mother's Day special. Of course, Mom deserves to be treated in more ways than one so we've rounded up the best Mother's Day lunch recipes that will make her afternoon one she never forgets. After all, nothing will make her feel more pampered and special than a relaxing day filled with all her favorite foods. (And maybe an at-home manicure? 😉 ) So, go ahead and whip up one of the sandwiches, salads, or quiche recipes ahead. Then, don't forget to serve her one of our sweet Mother's Day desserts.
If your mom is anything like Ree Drummond, she'll appreciate a good pasta recipe like the shrimp pesto pasta, the asparagus pasta, or even the chicken Caesar pasta salad. While some of these recipes lean towards comfort foods, others are great for a lightened-up meal or a Mother's Day tea party. Looking to take your lunch outdoors? Try the grilled salmon, turkey burgers, or the Waldorf salad that's perfect for a picnic in the park! While many of these Mother's Day lunches are elegant enough for a sit-down meal, they're also quick and easy lunch recipes so you can get back to spending quality time with Mom.
Crustless Quiche
Skip the fuss of making pie dough and try this crustless quiche instead! It's such an easy and delicious way to serve up eggs, sausage, hash browns, veggies, and cheese.
Get Ree's Crustless Quiche recipe.
Tabbouleh
This colorful salad is like a celebration of fresh herbs! You can serve it up with grilled steak, chicken, or fish. The options are endless.
Get the Tabbouleh recipe.
Chicken BLT with Pimento Cheese
Moms are special so they deserve a special sandwich. And this BLT will do the trick. Along with the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato, it's made hearty with grilled chicken cutlets and pimento cheese.
Get Ree's Chicken BLT with Pimento Cheese recipe.
Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls
Treat mom like the goddess she is with this recipe for green goddess grain bowls. They're filled with flaky oven-roasted salmon, snap peas, avocado, and sunflower seeds.
Get Ree's Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls recipe.
Oven BBQ Chicken
Sometimes all Mom wants is a sweet and smoky BBQ chicken! And this recipe is sure to satisfy her cravings. You can make it in the oven so you don't even have to bother with firing up the grill.
Get Ree's Oven BBQ Chicken recipe.
Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
It's fresh, it's herby, and it's packed with crispy prosciutto! There are so many reasons to love this springy pasta salad. But the lemon-parmesan breadcrumbs might just be our favorite.
Get the Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
Lemon-Herb Chicken with Snap Pea Salad
These chicken thighs are bright and herby thanks to a marinade made with lemon, parsley, basil, and garlic. Serving them up alongside a fluffy bed of couscous and a crunchy salad of sliced sugar snap peas is perfect for spring.
Get Ree's Lemon-Herb Chicken with Snap Pea Salad recipe.
Lobster Rolls
Make Mom feel special with lobster for lunch! The chilled lobster salad-style rolls will make her feel like she's on a vacation to coastal New England.
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
Caprese Frittata
This frittata made with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and herby pesto is so simple. It only takes 35 minutes to make.
Get Ree's Caprese Frittata recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Take lunch outdoors with this easy recipe for grilled shrimp skewers. You can serve them up over your favorite salad or pair them with a bowl of rice or pasta.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Avocado Toast
Here's a fun way to get creative with lunch: Prepare an assortment of toppings to pair with classic avocado toast. You can set out bowls of pico de gallo, chopped mango, or scrambled eggs and bacon. Then, let Mom build her own.
Get the Avocado Toast recipe.
Waldorf Salad
Nothing says "ladies lunch" quite like this New York City-inspired salad. It's an ode to the big apple with chunks of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp, along with grapes, celery, and a creamy dressing.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
Asparagus Quiche
Tender spring asparagus is the star of this beautiful quiche. You can make it ahead of time and serve it at room temperature for an easy afternoon feast.
Get the Asparagus Quiche recipe.
Grilled Salmon
Don't be intimidated by grilling salmon. It only takes a couple of minutes and it comes out flaky every time. Plus, the dijon marinade ensures optimal flavor.
Get the Grilled Salmon recipe.
Avocado Salad
Buttery avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber make this salad a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. For an extra pop of flavor, there's also a zesty salsa verde dressing.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Tea Sandwiches
Surprise mom with a tea-themed party for the afternoon. It's easy to do with an assortment of teas, your best dishes, and these mini finger sandwiches featuring curried chicken salad, smoked salmon and cucumber, or ham and cheddar.
Get the Tea Sandwiches recipe.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
If comfort food is what you're after, look no further than this twist on biscuits and gravy. It all comes together in a casserole dish so it's great for making ahead.
Get the Biscuits and Gravy Casserole recipe.
Radish Salad
You can make this crunchy side dish with just about any main course! Try it with grilled steaks, chicken, fish, or even just your mom's favorite sandwich.
Get the Radish Salad recipe.
Asparagus Pasta
This pasta recipe is simple yet so flavorful thanks to the creamy, lemony, cheesy sauce. Oh, and the crispy bits of bacon don't hurt either!
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
Egg Salad
There are so many different ways to spin homemade egg salad. You can play around with different combinations of celery, bell peppers, herbs, and spices. Then, serve it over a salad or even on sandwiches. The options are endless!
Get the Egg Salad recipe.
Upside-Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts
This recipe gets its inspiration from TikTok, but in a whole new way! The thinly sliced radishes make it look elegant, pink, and perfect for Mother's Day.
Get the Upside-Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts recipe.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This fun pasta salad is sure to become your family's favorite! It has hearty chicken and pasta, crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a homemade Caesar dressing that's cheesy and delicious.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Flank Steak
Any cowgirl will appreciate steak for lunch! After a quick marinade, it's grilled to perfection, then served up with anything your heart desires. (Mango salsa is highly recommended!)
Get the Grilled Flank Steak recipe.
Deviled Eggs
You can't go wrong with classic deviled eggs. They're easy to make and will turn any get-together into party. This version is creamy and tangy thanks to a filling of pickle juice, mayo, and mustard.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
This old-school salad will give mom a burst of nostalgia. It's sweet and fruity—and doubles as a Mother’s Day dessert!
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Spring Pea Tart
This spring tart is so dadgum pretty. Just look at that perfectly browned, flaky puff pastry, the herbed goat cheese, the colorful peas, and that final drizzle of balsamic glaze!
Get Ree’s Spring Pea Tart recipe.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Strawberries are the best juicy sweet touch to add to a spring salad. Ree's recipe is exceedingly refreshing with toasted pecans, peppery arugula, feta, mint, and a honey-dijon dressing.
Get Ree's Strawberry Arugula Salad.
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Almost everyone loves chicken, especially when ute’s elevated with that classic blend of zippy lemon and spicy pepper. Here is a simple yet filling dish that will make your mama proud.
Get the Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe.
Quiche Lorraine
This flaky, savory brunch pie is all about the bacon and perfect for Mother's Day lunch. Pair it with a mimosa and Mom will be swooning.
Get the Quiche Lorraine recipe.
Carrot Salad
Crunchy, sweet, and perfect for backyard cookouts—this carrot salad is great for making ahead. Serve it with your favorite burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken recipes.
Get the Carrot Salad recipe.
Turkey Burgers
Leaner than ground beef, but just as tasty—these turkey burgers are a great alternative for your backyard barbecue. Serve them up with pesto mayonnaise, sliced avocado, and Swiss cheese.
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
When you're in need of a tasty spring lunch, look no further than Greek spinach pie. The herby creamy spinach center will fill you up! Don't worry about finicky phyllo—this recipe calls for pre-made frozen sheets.
Get the Spanakopita recipe.
Chicken Florentine
Talk about easy yet impressive! With just one skillet, you can make chicken thighs with a crispy golden crust, a cream and white wine sauce, and a final flourish of sun-dried tomato and parmesan.
Get the Chicken Florentine recipe.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Opt for this colorful spring salad when you need a pretty side dish or light lunch! It has an elegant flavor combo with fresh sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and lemon-poppy seed dressing. Just add s0me grilled chicken if you want a bit more oomph to the meal.
Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Corned Beef Sandwich
Sandwiches are magical creations. If your mama loves a good hearty sandwich for lunch, homemade corned beef is the way to go!
Get the Corned Beef Sandwich recipe.
Easy Tomato Pie
Looking for a show-stopping main course that'll impress Mom and all your guests? This tomato pie will do the trick! It's not just pretty to look at, it's also packed with juicy tomatoes, cheese, and herbs.
Get the Tomato Pie recipe.
Lamb Burger
Try something new this Mother's Day—like lamb burgers topped with creamy feta sauce. The juicy patties are loaded with flavor thanks to cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
Get the Lamb Burger recipe.
Sausage and Kale Quiche
Quiche is such a versatile dish because it can be served at any time of day! Make it ahead and slice it up at room temperature for whenever the craving strikes.
Get Ree's Sausage and Kale Quiche recipe.
Greek Salad with Chicken
A salad topped with chips? Yes, please! This classic Greek salad gets two fun and hearty mix-ins: grilled chicken and crunchy pita chips.
Get Ree's Greek Salad with Chicken recipe.
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
You don't have to spend all day in the kitchen to show Mom just how much you care. This quick, 30-minute meal will save you time and put a smile on her face.
Get Ree's Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe.
Chicken Salad
This is chicken salad is the way Ree likes it and it is darn good. Make a tasty lunch sandwich with a tasty side salad or fries!
Get Ree's Chicken Salad recipe.
Red-and-Green Fruit Salad with Mint Syrup
Whether you're serving up sandwiches or a quiche as the main course, you can't go wrong with a simple fruit salad on the side. This one has a fresh, minty syrup that makes it extra special.
Get Ree's Red-and-Green Fruit Salad recipe.
Spinach Lasagna
This creamy white sauce lasagna is loaded with fresh spinach—so you know Mom will approve!
Get Ree's Spinach Lasagna recipe.
Baked Salmon
Who wouldn't want gorgeous filets of salmon on Mother's Day? This baked salmon recipe looks incredibly impressive, but it's so easy to prepare: It's seasoned with salt and pepper, then drizzled with a flavorful marinade of mustard, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Get the Baked Salmon recipe.
Cream of Asparagus Soup
This soup is easy to make (and even easier to eat)! The central ingredient—asparagus—has the distinct taste of spring and is perfect for May.
Get Ree's Cream of Asparagus Soup recipe.
Baked Feta Egg Casserole
You're going to want some warm bread to dip in this lunch/brunch favorite. The sauce is incredibly easy, just throw jammy tomatoes, creamy feta, and roasted red peppers in the pan! A pro-tip is to bring the eggs to room temperature before baking to ensure perfectly runny results.
Get the Feta Egg Casserole recipe.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Grab a chip and get ready to dip! Corn and black bean salsa is a quick and easy appetizer that will be devoured in moments. Pair it with shrimp tacos and you've gone above and beyond.
Get the Corn and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
Greek Pesto Pasta Salad
Any Mother's Day picnic needs at least one pasta salad. This recipe has all your favorite fresh greek fixings, including pesto, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, feta, and olives.
Get Ree's Greek Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
Pesto Caprese Panini
Take it from Ree herself: "Pesto is everything. I'm not exaggerating either—I truly believe it makes life worth living!" If that's not a raving review of this sandwich, then we don't know what is!
Get Ree's Pesto Caprese Panini recipe.
Arugula and Three-Pea Salad
This spring green salad is just the side to go with your meal. If the three types of pees don't get her excited, it's also loaded with fresh herbs, creamy goat cheese, and colorful radishes.
Get Ree's Arugula and Three-Pea Salad recipe.
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