Contents
- 1 10 Best Mother’s Day Lunch Recipes to Make Mom Feel Special
- 1.1 Why Lunch Is the Perfect Mother’s Day Celebration
- 1.1.1 1. Quick & Easy Salad: Strawberry Spinach Salad
- 1.1.2 2. Gourmet Sandwich: Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich
- 1.1.3 3. Hearty Soup: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- 1.1.4 4. Elegant Quiche: Spinach & Gruyere Quiche
- 1.1.5 5. Pasta Dish: Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas
- 1.1.6 6. Mexican-Inspired Fiesta: Chicken Tinga Tacos
- 1.1.7 7. Mediterranean Mezze Platter
- 1.1.8 8. Asian Noodle Bowl: Sesame Ginger Soba Noodles
- 1.1.9 9. Mini Pizzas: Margherita Pita Pizzas
- 1.1.10 10. Dessert Charcuterie Board
- 1.2 Make This Mother’s Day a Flavorful Celebration
- 1.3 Related posts:
- 1.1 Why Lunch Is the Perfect Mother’s Day Celebration
- 2 10 Best Mother's Day Cupcakes to Bake for Mom
- 3 Top 10 Mother’s Day Dinner Recipes For Every Type of Celebration
- 4 Top 6 Easter Cookie Recipes for the Perfect Spring Treat
- 5 Top 10 Fat Tuesday Recipes - Festive & Flavorful!
10 Best Mother’s Day Lunch Recipes to Make Mom Feel Special
Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the amazing women who nurture, inspire, and support us every day! What better way to show your appreciation than with a mouthwatering meal made just for her? Whether you’re planning a festive family gathering or just want to treat Mom to something scrumptious, these crowd-pleasing Mother’s Day lunch recipes will help you serve up a celebration to remember.
From crisp, colorful salads to decadent dessert boards, this list is packed with easy lunch recipes and creative lunch ideas that are sure to delight every mom (and her taste buds!).
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Why Lunch Is the Perfect Mother’s Day Celebration
Breakfast in bed might get all the glory, but lunch is the true star of Mother’s Day! Why? Lunchtime hits that sweet spot in the day, when everyone can relax, savor good food, and linger over laughter-filled conversations. There’s also more room to get creative with lunch recipes, mixing lighter fare with hearty favorites for a vibrant, delicious meal.
Plus, hosting a Mother’s Day lunch gives you plenty of time to prep a thoughtful spread without the pressure of an early morning wake-up call. Sounds like a win-win!
1. Quick & Easy Salad: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this salad is a celebration on a plate! The combination of juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the baby spinach and strawberries.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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2. Gourmet Sandwich: Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich
Elevate the humble sandwich into brunch-worthy territory! Succulent chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, peppery basil, and zesty pesto, all stacked on toasty ciabatta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-fancy.
Ingredients
- 2 ciabatta rolls
- 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- Olive oil (optional for toasting)
Instructions
- Slice the ciabatta rolls in half and lightly toast them (optional: brush with olive oil before toasting).
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the bottom half of each roll.
- Layer the sliced chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves on top of the pesto.
- Finish by placing the top half of the ciabatta roll on the sandwich.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich!
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3. Hearty Soup: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
There’s something so comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade soup. This creamy tomato basil soup is silky, rich, and wonderfully aromatic. Add a slice of crusty bread, and you have a simple but stunning lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14 oz) cans of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes (including their juice), breaking them up with a spoon. Stir in the vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and sugar if desired.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from heat, and using an immersion blender (or transferring to a standard blender), blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil, then return the pot to low heat for 5 minutes to warm through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a slice of crusty bread on the side.
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4. Elegant Quiche: Spinach & Gruyere Quiche
Want to impress Mom? Whip up a golden, custardy quiche! This spinach & gruyere version is packed with creamy cheese, sautéed spinach, and flaky pastry yumminess.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or make your own)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, sautéed and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch tart or pie pan and press evenly into the sides. Trim excess dough and prick the bottom with a fork. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Spread the sautéed spinach evenly over the bottom of the pie crust, followed by the shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and cheese, ensuring everything is evenly covered.
- Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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5. Pasta Dish: Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas
This pasta dish, bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, is sure to brighten Mom’s day! It’s as easy as tossing cooked pasta with a luscious lemon-ricotta sauce and popping sweet green peas.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sweet green peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by mixing ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- If using frozen peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute and drain. If fresh, cook them in the same pot as the pasta for the final 2 minutes of cooking.
- Toss the drained pasta with the ricotta sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy consistency.
- Mix in the peas, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
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6. Mexican-Inspired Fiesta: Chicken Tinga Tacos
Who wouldn’t smile at a taco bar for lunch? Chicken tinga tacos bring a little spice to the party, but they’re mild enough for everyone to enjoy. Top with guac and fresh cilantro for extra flair!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) shredded cooked chicken
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: guacamole, fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the sliced onion until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by adding the chicken tinga mixture to the tortillas and topping with guacamole, fresh cilantro, and other desired toppings. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
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7. Mediterranean Mezze Platter
A mezze platter is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and truly effortless! Pile a gorgeous board high with creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, marinated olives, fresh veggies, and warm pita. It’s light, colorful, and makes a stunning centerpiece for your Mother’s Day table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 cup tzatziki
- 1 cup marinated olives (green and black mix)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced into sticks or rounds
- 2 carrots, sliced into sticks
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup feta cheese cubes
- 1/2 cup stuffed grape leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
- 4 pieces of warm pita bread, cut into triangles
Instructions:
- Start by placing bowls of hummus and tzatziki in the center of a large platter or board.
- Arrange the marinated olives, feta cubes, stuffed grape leaves (if using), and roasted red peppers around the bowls.
- Add the fresh veggies (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and bell pepper), spreading them out evenly for color.
- Place the pita triangles around the edges of the platter.
- Garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra pop of color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this simple, stunning Mediterranean mezze platter!
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8. Asian Noodle Bowl: Sesame Ginger Soba Noodles
These nutty, tangy soba noodles sing with flavors of sesame, fresh ginger, and zippy lime. Toss with crunchy veggies for a nourishing, slurp-worthy lunch.
Ingredients
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked soba noodles with the dressing until well coated.
- Add the shredded carrots, bell peppers, and green onions. Mix gently to combine.
- Serve in bowls, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Asian Noodle Bowl!
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9. Mini Pizzas: Margherita Pita Pizzas
A pizza party, but make it bite-sized! These Margherita pita pizzas use fluffy pita as the base and are loaded with melty mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil. They’re great for little hands (and grown-up cravings).
Ingredients
- 4 small pita breads
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pita breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each pita.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Add fresh basil leaves on top (as much as you like).
- Drizzle a little olive oil, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve warm.
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10. Dessert Charcuterie Board
No Mother’s Day lunch is complete without a little something sweet! A dessert charcuterie board lets everyone nibble on their favorites, from berries to chocolate and everything in between.
Ingredients
- Assorted fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Chocolate truffles or squares
- Mini cookies or biscuits
- Pretzels (plain or chocolate-covered)
- Marshmallows
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios)
- Caramels or toffee pieces
- Small bowls of honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel dip
- Optional: slices of pound cake or brownies
Instructions
- Choose a large wooden board or platter as your base.
- Arrange the small bowls with sauces or dips evenly across the board.
- Place larger items like cookies, slices of cake, or brownies around the bowls.
- Fill in the gaps with berries, chocolates, pretzels, marshmallows, and nuts.
- Balance colors and textures to make the board look visually appealing.
- Serve immediately and let everyone pick their favorites!
Read More: Top 10 Mother’s Day Dinner Recipes For Every Type of Celebration
Make This Mother’s Day a Flavorful Celebration
With these ten easy lunch recipes, you’re ready to make Mom’s day extra delicious. Select a standout main dish or combine several to create a festive and vibrant lunch spread. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just finding your kitchen confidence, these recipes are simple, beautiful, and absolutely loaded with love.
Wishing you and your family a joyful Mother’s Day, full of laughter, happy tummies, and cherished memories!
Are you in search of additional lunch ideas or inspiration for special occasions? Check out our full collection of Mother’s Day recipes, or sign up for our newsletter for fresh ideas delivered straight to your inbox.
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Hello, my name is Mary. I’m a passionate food and drink enthusiast, sharing flavorful recipes, creative drinks, and culinary inspiration from around the world. With a love for exploring new tastes and traditions, I bring a mix of easy-to-follow guides and expert tips to make every meal an adventure. Follow along for delicious discoveries and a toast to positive living!