40 Mother’s Day Lunch Ideas for an Elegant Afternoon
A homemade meal is what Mom wants on Sunday.
There are so many wonderful ways to make Mother's Day special. Of course, breakfast in bed is the classic tradition and a bouquet of flowers is a nice gesture. But why not serve her a memorable Mother's Day lunch? 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? 😉)
If your mom is anything like Ree Drummond, she'll appreciate a good spring pasta dish like pasta primavera, shrimp pesto pasta, asparagus pasta, or even 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. So, go ahead and whip up one of the sandwiches, salads, or homemade quiche. You could also set up a mimosa bar to make it even more celebratory!
Looking to take your lunch outdoors? Try the grilled salmon or the Waldorf salad that's perfect for a picnic in the park! Or maybe you want an elegant sit-down meal. Plenty of these Mother's Day lunches fit the bill like crab cakes and pesto chicken salad croissants. There are also quick and easy lunch ideas so you can get back to spending quality time with Mom instead. No matter what you decide, don't forget to serve her a sweet Mother's Day dessert to make her meal complete.
Tuna Melts
Mom will love this throwback! Ree’s version starts with a flavorful tuna salad made with chopped bell pepper, red onion, sweet gherkins, jalapeño, hard-boiled eggs, mayo, Dijon, and a splash of pickle juice, all piled onto English muffins and topped with melty cheese.
Get Ree’s Tuna Melts recipe.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Prosciutto
Here’s a bright dish that feels just right for springtime. Tossed with a silky ricotta-parmesan sauce, fresh lemon juice and zest, sweet peas, and crisp bites of prosciutto, it strikes that perfect balance of light and indulgent.
Get Ree’s Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Prosciutto recipe.
Salmon Niçoise Salad
Packed with flaky salmon, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, briny olives, and jammy eggs, this salad brings together plenty of fresh flavor and texture in every bite. It’s finished with a zippy vinaigrette for a light, colorful, and special spread.
Get Ree’s Salmon Niçoise Salad recipe.
Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats
If Mom prefers brunch to lunch, try these flaky croissants! They’re filled with eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese, then baked until warm and golden. They’re equal parts comforting and celebratory.
Get Ree’s Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats recipe.
Farro Salad
This salad works beautifully as a side dish, but it’s satisfying enough to stand on its own, too. It’s hearty thanks to hearty farro, crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a bright vinaigrette.
Get the Farro Salad recipe.
Loaded Egg Salad Sandwich
Take a classic lunch idea and make it feel extra special. Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, and a little Sriracha are folded into the filling, and piled onto soft country white bread with crisp lettuce.
Get Ree’s Loaded Egg Salad Sandwich recipe.
Pasta Primavera
A lovely option for a Mother’s Day meal, especially when you want something simple, seasonal, and full of flavor. It’s loaded with tender pasta and a mix of fresh vegetables—all coated in an extra creamy, luscious sauce. Sprinkle with basil and serve with extra parmesan.
Get Ree’s Pasta Primavera recipe.
Easy Broiled Salmon with White Bean Salad
Here’s a simple, elegant main that comes together with minimal fuss. The salmon is coated in a zippy mustard and lemon mixture, then cooks quickly under the broiler for a flaky and flavorful finish. Serve it alongside a white bean salad that has crisp radishes, peppery watercress, and fresh herbs.
Smashed Falafel Pitas
Looking for a fun way to shake up the menu? Try this recipe where a chickpea mixture is spread right onto soft pitas and cooked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s topped with a bright red cabbage slaw and a creamy, garlicky tahini sauce.
Get Ree’s Smashed Falafel Pitas recipe.
Crustless Quiche
Skip the hassle of making pie dough and try this crustless quiche instead! It's an easy and delicious way to serve up eggs, sausage, hash browns, veggies, and cheese.
Get Ree's Crustless Quiche recipe.
Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad
Make a restaurant-quality meal right at home! Crab cakes feel extra special, though they only take about 30 minutes of prep. A simple salad on the side is a perfect accompaniment.
Get Ree's Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad recipe.
Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants
Sandwiches, but make 'em fancy for Mom! Don't worry, store-bought croissants, rotisserie chicken, and pesto make them a cinch to put together.
Get Ree's Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants recipe.
Asparagus Salad
This salad proves that it is possible to make asparagus even better. It gets mixed with bacon, parmesan, walnuts, radishes, and fresh herbs. Then it all gets tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Take lunch outdoors with this easy recipe for grilled shrimp skewers. You can serve them up over a salad or pair them with a bowl of rice or pasta.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Waldorf Salad
Nothing says "ladies lunch" quite like this classic 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.
Spinach, Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Strata
You'll get so much flavor in each bite of this hearty casserole. Best of all, you can assemble it the night before and bake it off on Mother's Day for a piping hot meal.
Green Goddess Salad
The combo of sliced cabbage, cucumbers, snap peas, and green onions will stay crunchy for days. But the real star of a show is the herby, lemony dressing that you can also use for a marinade for shrimp or burgers.
Get the Green Goddess Salad recipe.
Tea Sandwiches
Surprise Mom with a tea party for the afternoon. It's easy to do with these mini finger sandwiches featuring curried chicken salad, smoked salmon and cucumber, or ham and cheddar.
Get the Tea Sandwiches recipe.
Grilled Salmon
Don't be intimidated by grilling salmon. It only takes a couple of minutes and it comes out flaky and perfectly cooked every time. The Dijon marinade ensures optimal flavor!
Get the Grilled Salmon recipe.
Lobster Rolls
Treat Mom with lobster for lunch! The chilled lobster salad-style rolls will make her feel like she's on a vacation to coastal New England―no travel required.
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes
Homemade Lemonade
Peaches and Cream Shortcakes
Strawberry Pavlova
