This collection of luncheon recipes, featuring salads, light sandwiches and desserts, strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease, perfect for small afternoon meals or lively weekend get-togethers.
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The Best Quiche Lorraine
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 671 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 308mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
2/33
Cucumber Canapes
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
3/33
Vol-au-Vent
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and I have been getting together for "ladies lunches" for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled pastry: 669 calories, 45g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein.
4/33
Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
5/33
Berry Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring spring flavors together in these delectable miniature tarts. Raspberries and blueberries both work well with the whipped cream and lemon curd mixture—or choose your favorite berries instead. These sweet treats are great for a ladies tea, brunch or spring holiday celebration. —Mary J. Walters, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 241 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/33
Shrimp Cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
During the '60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It's the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cooked shrimp with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
7/33
Savory Crepes
From the Recipe Creator:
The crepes used in this dish come from my mom's special recipe, and can be made ahead of time, refrigerated to assemble the next day. Cooked rotisserie chicken is a real timesaver when making this savory brunch specialty. —Mary Sloan, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled crepe: 264 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
8/33
Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Five simple ingredients, including fresh rosemary, create these tender, delicate sweets. —Amavida Coffee, Rosemary Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 42 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
9/33
Cranberry Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these simple yet special cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches for a birthday party. Tangy cranberries and crunchy celery pep up the chicken. Leftover turkey works well too. —Shannon Tucker, Land O' Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 411 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
10/33
Caprese Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 256 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
11/33
Smoked-Almond Cheese Toasts
From the Recipe Creator:
I created my recipe for appetizer toasts while planning the menu for a friend's bridal luncheon. Smoked almonds add a special touch to the chunky cheese spread.—Laura Murphy, Columbus, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 81 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/33
Ginger Mint Julep
From the Recipe Creator:
Mint juleps aren’t just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for baby shower or luncheon. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 238 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/33
Broccoli Quiche Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Make this crustless quiche in muffin cups or in a regular-size pie tin. Either way, there's plenty of bacon-y, cheesy goodness to go around. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 quiche cups: 291 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 243mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
14/33
Pina Colada Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
15/33
Yellow Squash Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Delicate and lemony, this yellow squash soup recipe would set the stage for a memorable ladies' luncheon. It's the best of late summer in a bowl. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 90 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 377mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/33
Classic Cobb Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
17/33
Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an eye-catching salad that my mother makes for Christmas dinner each year. You can choose different flavors to make other color combinations for specific holidays or other gatherings. —Jan Hemness, Stockton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
18/33
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
19/33
Black Bottom Brandy Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for these bite-sized tarts started with little chocolate bottles of brandy. For an extra dash of fabulous, I place chocolate in the bottom of each pastry cup. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 244 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
20/33
Creamy Chive Rings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I brought this savory ring to an extension luncheon, club members let me know how much they enjoyed it. Next meeting I had to bring copies of the recipe for everyone there! —Pamela Schlickbernd West Point, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 118 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
21/33
Pear Waldorf Pitas
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
22/33
Strawberry Riesling Wine Spritzer
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says spring like strawberries and wine spritzers. The tarragon and black pepper in this refreshing cocktail complement the strawberry flavor and really make it taste special! The syrup is also delicious in lemonade, iced tea, club soda, and gin and tonics. —Zoe Ann McKinnon, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 228 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
23/33
Aunt Marion’s Fruit Salad Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
Aunt Marion, my namesake, is like a grandma to me. She gave me this luscious salad recipe, which goes to all our family reunions, hunt club suppers and snowmobile club picnics...and I go home with no leftovers! —Marion LaTourette, Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 218 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
24/33
Sauteed Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
These sauteed green beans with garlic and a variety of herbs and spices come together in no time at all for a well-seasoned side dish you'll make on repeat. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/33
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple yet delicious dish is terrific for dinner, and the leftovers are a bonus for lunch. So you may want to double the recipe! —Janet Zoss, Jackson, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 668 calories, 40g fat (18g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 771mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
26/33
Sweet Potato Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
For party time, I turn this sweet potato side dish into an appetizer by serving it on slices of a French baguette. — Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/33
Lemon-Lime Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy lime bar recipe is a dessert that will wow your guests. I baked these bars for a luncheon on a hot summer day. A gentleman made his way to the kitchen to compliment the cook who made them. —Holly Wilkins, Lake Elmore, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 88 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
28/33
Herbed Tuna Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking for two is a challenge for us, since my husband and I do not care for leftovers. This well-seasoned salad with distinctive dill flavor is my favorite lunch recipe. —Rebecca Schweizer, Chesapeake, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 170 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
29/33
Artichoke and Onion Frittata
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh flavors make this pretty egg bake a delightful entree for a special occasion brunch or light luncheon. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 192 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
30/33
Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 120 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
31/33
Rainbow Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
With plenty of veggies and a creamy egg-cheese filling, this tasty quiche gets rave reviews every time I make it! —Lilith Fury, Adena, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
32/33
Mini Chocolate Wafer Cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made these cakes for a friend when I lived in the dorms at college and had no access to appliances. Little did I know I would be making them 20 years later for my children! —Lara Pennell, Mauldin, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake: 251 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/33
Pina Colada Molded Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 331 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Luncheon Recipes FAQ
What are the best seasonal luncheon dishes for summer?
The best seasonal luncheon dishes for summer are light and feature fresh ingredients like tomatoes, berries and tender greens. Crisp salads, chilled soups and a few small appetizers, like deviled eggs or cucumber sandwiches, are easy to prep and highlight the season’s flavors. Add a classic cocktail, and lunch is complete.
What are the easiest make-ahead lunch recipes for a luncheon party?
Quiches, grain salads and fruit bowls are excellent make-ahead options for a luncheon party. Quiches can be baked the day before and served at room temperature, while grain-based salads often taste better after a night in the fridge. Try making sandwich fillings, like chicken or tuna salad, in advance and assembling just before serving to avoid soggy bread.
How many dishes do I need for an elegant menu for a lunch gathering?
For an elegant lunch gathering, plan to make around four dishes, depending on the size of your party, with a range of flavors and textures that complement each other. Start with a main dish like quiche or sandwiches and add a few sides, like grilled veggies, seasonal fruit or a couple of hors d’oeuvres. A light dessert, like lemon bars or mini berry tarts, adds a sweet finish without making the meal feel too heavy. A mimosa or Champagne bar will make the gathering even more festive.
