Celebrate Mother's Day with 15 easy lunch ideas mother's day, from fresh salads and chicken sandwiches to spring boards, side dishes, and sweet treats for quality time, ensuring every bite is filled with love and laughter.
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Jump to:
- Sweet Potato and Bean Enchiladas
- Chicken Club Sandwich
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Spring Charcuterie Board
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Mason Jar Chicken Zoodle Soup
- Pizza Stuffed Peppers
- Crisp Spring Salad
- The Best Instant Pot Chicken Salad
- Easy Loaded Vegan Spinach Wraps With Fresh Veggies
- Tex Mex Lunch Bowl
- Quick and Easy Vegan Chickpea Tacos Recipe
- One-Tray Roasted Pepper and Butter Bean Pasta
- California Club Croissant Sandwich
- Chicken Salad Sandwich with Grapes
- Crab Salad
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Roasted Shrimp & Asparagus Scampi
- Strawberry Chicken Salad
- Roasted Beetroot and Butternut Squash Salad Recipe
- A few extra add-ons (if you want to use more of a "menu" vibe)
- Serving ideas
- Some bits that make Mother's Day lunch easier (and prettier)
- Conclusion
Mother's Day always seems to creep up on me, and I'm either super organised… or I'm raiding the fridge 20 minutes before everyone arrives. If you're the same, this roundup is a wonderful way to pull together a homemade meal without spending the whole special day in the kitchen.
Planning ahead and having a few delicious options ready can transform this day into a memorable occasion. Think about the flavours your mother enjoys most; whether it's zesty citrus vibes or rich, warm textures, tailoring your meal to her preferences makes it extra special.
Additionally, consider incorporating seasonal ingredients that are fresh and vibrant. For instance, spring vegetables like asparagus and peas can elevate your dishes, adding both colour and flavour. You might even join your mum in the kitchen for a fun cooking session, where you can share stories and laughter while preparing these delightful meals together.
These lunch ideas mother's day are a mix of fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and a few "that'll really impress her" recipe ideas that still feel doable. Pick one main, add a couple of side dishes, and you've got a complete lunch spread that leaves plenty of time for quality time (which is the best part, really). And if you're doing Mother's Day breakfast or brunch recipes earlier on, you can still use lots of these as lighter mother's day lunch recipes afterwards.
Sweet Potato and Bean Enchiladas
Sweet Potato and Bean Enchiladas with homemade red sauce-easy, cosy vegan dinner that bakes beautifully and freezes well.
Chicken Club Sandwich
If you want the best lunch with minimal faff, a classic club is always a better way to go. Layer it up with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and whatever extras your taste buds love, then slice into triangles so it feels like a proper treat for special occasions.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is ideal when you want a freshly prepared meal without loads of cooking. Add plenty of fresh herbs (dill is lovely), a little red onion for bite, and serve in sandwiches, wraps, or alongside a garden salad for easy mother's day lunch ideas.
Spring Charcuterie Board
A spring board is perfect for a relaxed Mother's Day lunch because everyone can graze as they chat. Pile it with fresh fruit, crunchy veg, dips, and a few sweet treat bits at the end - it's a total crowd-pleaser for a special day.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
This is one of those spring favorites that looks gorgeous on the table. The combo of strawberries, spinach, red onion and a homemade dressing hits all the right notes, and it's an easy side dish if you're serving something more filling.
Mason Jar Chicken Zoodle Soup
If you're doing something a bit lighter, this is a delicious recipe that still feels comforting. It's also handy if you're out and about (or juggling kids' activities) because it travels well and still feels like a homemade meal.
Pizza Stuffed Peppers
This one-dish recipe is a fun twist when you want something hot but not too complicated. Serve with a simple garden salad and you've got a full meal that feels like a treat (especially if you add extra juicy tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh herbs).
Crisp Spring Salad
A fresh salads moment that works brilliantly as part of a complete lunch spread. Add cucumber, radish, leafy greens, and a zingy dressing with lime juice if you like things extra fresh.
The Best Instant Pot Chicken Salad
Make-ahead lunch is a lifesaver on busy weekends, and this one comes together fast. Serve it as sandwiches, with crackers, or alongside creamy rice for a more substantial plate.
Easy Loaded Vegan Spinach Wraps With Fresh Veggies
Easy Vegan spinach wraps loaded with hummus, guac and crunchy veggies - perfect quick meal for lunchboxes.
Tex Mex Lunch Bowl
This is a great option if you want something colourful and filling without it being heavy. Top with fresh tomato salsa, extra lime juice, and plenty of chopped fresh herbs - it's packed with flavour and feels like one of those "new recipes" you'll actually make again.
Quick and Easy Vegan Chickpea Tacos Recipe
If you're seeking a vibrant, quick, and incredibly delicious meal, these Vegan Chickpea Tacos are an absolute must-try. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with zesty, savoury, and spicy notes, these tacos embody a perfect blend of textures and tastes.
One-Tray Roasted Pepper and Butter Bean Pasta
This easy, delicious one-tray roasted pepper and butter bean pasta is the perfect midweek meal-vegan, packed with flavor, and incredibly simple to make!
California Club Croissant Sandwich
Croissants automatically make lunch feel a bit fancy, don't they? This is a lovely Mother's Day lunch idea if you want "café vibes" at home - add a side of fresh fruit and you're sorted.
Chicken Salad Sandwich with Grapes
Sweet grapes + savoury chicken salad is such a good mix for your taste buds. It's also an easy way to make something family-friendly that still feels special for Mother's Day lunch recipes.
Crab Salad
This is light, creamy, and perfect for serving with crackers or in a sandwich. Add a little red onion, extra herbs, and it becomes one of those simple recipes that feels like it belongs at a celebration lunch.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
If you want a fresher, lighter plate, these are ideal - crunchy veg, bright flavours, and a dipping sauce that feels like a total upgrade. They're brilliant as a side dish, or as part of a picky-lunch spread with fruit and salads.
Roasted Shrimp & Asparagus Scampi
This is a quick "special occasion" option that's ready in about 30 minutes. It's delicious served with rice (hello, creamy rice moment) or crusty bread to mop up the sauce, plus a crisp salad on the side.
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Strawberries in salad just scream spring. This one is a great mother's day dinner idea too if you fancy repeating it later - add extra greens, red onion, and whatever dressing you love.
A few extra add-ons (if you want to use more of a "menu" vibe)
If you're building a proper complete lunch spread, these little extras help everything feel pulled together:
- Fresh tomato salsa with lime juice and chopped fresh herbs (perfect with bowls, salads, or tacos)
- A simple garden salad with juicy tomatoes and red onion
- A "something warm" option like slow cooker shredded meat for top of these pork tacos (set it going earlier so you're not cooking during the best part of the day)
- Something indulgent like a beautiful Mother's Day cake for dessert
And if you do want a fish option in the mix, fresh salmon cakes are a lovely swap-in for a special day (crispy edges, soft middle - from the fish's tail to the fork, it's a winner). If your crowd loves creamy dressings, buttermilk dressing pairs really well with crunchy spring salads too.
Serving ideas
Creating a 'menu' vibe not only enhances the experience but allows for a visually appealing presentation. You could even print out a simple menu card listing the dishes, which can serve as a delightful surprise when your guests arrive.
For dessert, consider personalising your treats. A simple cake can be adorned with fresh berries or a light glaze, making it visually appealing and tasty. If baking isn't your forte, opt for local bakery options that offer beautifully crafted cakes, making your dessert selection effortless yet impressive.
These thoughtful touches can make a world of difference. You might also want to consider creating a small gift basket filled with items like her favourite teas, chocolates, or a hand-written note expressing your gratitude.
By introducing these small details, Mother's Day lunch becomes more than just a meal; it transforms into an occasion filled with cherished memories and heartfelt connections.
Some bits that make Mother's Day lunch easier (and prettier)
Here are some practical, UK-friendly ideas you can grab on Amazon to make Mother's Day lunch feel special (without extra effort):
- Charcuterie board / serving platter
- Large salad bowl
- Salad spinner (for crisp fresh salads)
- Citrus squeezer (handy for lime juice)k=citrus+squeezer
- Herb scissors (quick fresh herbs)
- Mason jars / meal prep jars
- Slow cooker (hands-off cooking)
- Cake stand (for a beautiful Mother's Day cake)
Conclusion
However you celebrate, I hope these lunch ideas mothers day help you put together a delicious recipe (or two) that feels thoughtful, not stressful. Whether you go for fresh salads and spring favourites, a hearty sandwich spread (Italian subs would be amazing here), or something warm and comforting, the goal is the same: a freshly prepared meal, a bit of a sweet treat, and plenty of quality time on a special day, making it an unforgettable experience for you and your mother.
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You might also like these other Mother's Day posts...
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15 Easy Mother's Day Breakfast Ideas (or brunch!)
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Free Printable Mother's Day Coupons
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How to Plan the Perfect Mother's Day Brunch at Home
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Free Mother's Day Printable Card Designs: Perfect Gifts for Every Special Woman
To wrap it all up, remember to enjoy the day and the time spent with your loved ones. Here's to making this Mother's Day truly special with beautiful lunch ideas mother's day!













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