Getting ready to host a get-together with friends and need some luncheon party menu ideas? It doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, you can relax, knowing that you’ve got this.
These luncheon party menu ideas are ideal for small or large groups. Whether you send out invitations or make an impromptu phone call to invite people over, these luncheon recipes give you an easy way to share your hospitality without too much stress.
It’s always a great idea to consider everyone’s taste and food sensitivities. I like to offer gluten-free options as well as low calorie foods so everyone can enjoy the party. If any of the guests are following a Keto diet plan, you may want to offer a couple of low-carb options. Something they may enjoy is a charcuterie board with a variety of meats and cheeses.
You probably already know what your best friends can eat. However, if you’re inviting guests you don’t know very well, please ask. That way, you can rest assured that you’ve taken everyone into consideration.
Dinner or Luncheon Menus
You don’t even have to stick to having serving these foods at lunch. In fact, many of them are great ideas for your next dinner party. Casual lunches and formal dinner parties are both events that allow you to show off some of your favorite foods.
These simple lunch recipes are just as good in the evening or for any special occasion. I’ve been known to offer them during Christmas dinner, at bridal showers, or even on game day. I’m sharing some light lunch recipes as well as a decadent dessert … or two or three. The best part about any of these recipes is that you can pick and choose the ones you like.
Luncheon Menu Ideas
Pick and choose a variety of foods from this list. I always recommend choosing mostly uncomplicated recipes so you can enjoy your guests without stress.
Taco Salad Recipe with Catalina Dressing
When you want a meal that's packed with flavor, you'll love this delicious Catalina taco salad!
Salmon Macaroni Salad
When you want a light and refreshing meal, make this delicious salmon macaroni salad.
Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings
These oven-baked chicken wings are the perfect addition to a snack table for any event.
Easy Southern Egg Salad Recipe
Egg salad is a delicious treat, on either a sandwich or a bed of lettuce.
Pork Chop Casserole with Tomato Gravy
Packed with flavor, this pork chop casserole with tomato gravy is so delicious!
Chicken Salad Basic Recipe
This basic chicken salad recipe is delicious as-is, but you can add more ingredients for a delightful flavor explosion.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast
Air fryer boneless chicken breast is an easy way to enhance any lunch menu items. Use it in a salad or make it the man dish. This recipe calls for just a few ingredients and a little bit if time.
Mama's Potato Salad
Serve this delicious potato salad at any family dinner, picnic, or special event.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Refreshing and delicious, this watermelon cucumber salad is so satisfying!
Pesto Chicken Recipe
This recipe from Back to My Southern Roots has become one of my favorite go-to main dishes. It's easy and totally delicious!
Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Serve this broccoli slaw as a salad or a side dish at any family meal, potluck, or buffet.
Zesty Rotini Pasta Salad
This is the perfect dish to serve with dinner at home. It's also great for potlucks and picnics.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
These air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders are perfect for a main dish, snack, or appetizer!
Creamy Cool Fruit Salad
This refreshing creamy cool fruit salad is delicious and perfect for a special occasion or celebration.
Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli
If you like one-pan meals, you'll love this delicious stir fry beef and broccoli.
Mediterranean Salad Recipe
This flavorful Mediterranean salad is a hearty but healthy option for a family dinner.
Air Fryer Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks
Air frying delivers crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken that the family will love!
Easy 3 Ingredient Sausage Balls Recipe with Bisquick
These sausage balls couldn't be any easier to make, and they only have 3 ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. Put them out for munching before the meal or serve them alongside the other dishes.
Oven Baked Pot Roast
This oven baked pot roast is a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for a family dinner.
Crock Pot Lasagna
This Crock Pot lasagna is delicious, filling, and easy to make. Don't be afraid to use your slow cooker for your next luncheon. Sometimes it's the easiest way to create a wonderful meal!
Homemade Chow Chow Relish
Adding this delicious chow chow to the table is a great idea for those who enjoy enhancing their food with something special.
Sausage and Peppers
Seasoned sausage and peppers that can be served in a variety of ways. Delicious for dinner and makes great leftovers the next day for lunch. It's also a great meal on busy days when you want something delicious to feed a group of people.
Oven-Fried Salmon Cakes Recipe
Salmon cakes are a delicious main dish that your family will enjoy. You might also know them as salmon patties or salmon croquettes.
Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Chips
These delicious crispy zucchini parmesan cheese chips are not only delicious, but they're also easy to make and nutritious!
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole
This delicious classic baked mac and cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These roasted Brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish because they're easy to make, nutritious, and delicious.
Easy Keto Breakfast Casserole (Low Carb Recipe)
Breakfast for lunch? Absolutely yes! This delicious casserole is low carb and keto friendly. And it is so yummy that it will disappear quickly!
Best Frozen Burrito Casserole Recipe with Cheese
When you want to serve something super easy but loaded with flavor, this is an excellent option. Serve it with a side of chips and a salad, and everyone will be happy!
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup with Velveeta
This amazing broccoli cheese soup is so easy to make, and it's absolutely delicious! You and your friends will love the creamy texture and wonderful blend of flavors.
Easy Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe
These easy-to-make mint chocolate brownies are refreshingly delicious. They make a great dessert of afternoon snack.
Apple Butter Cake with Maple Frosting
All of the delicious flavors come together in the sweetest way! You'll love this yummy cake from Miz Helen's Country Cottage!
2-Ingredient Cherry Chocolate Cake
This 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake is a delicious dessert or sweet treat for any occasion.
Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
This delicious pineapple dump cake is perfect for a family dessert, afternoon snack, or potluck. You'll love how easy it is to make. It's extra delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Easy Sweetened Condensed Milk Chocolate Pie
When you need a deliciously impressive dessert quickly, this is one you need to try from Back to My Southern Roots.
Peanut Butter Cream Pie
You can count on Stacey from Southern Bite to deliver a delicious dessert! This one is totally yum!
Easy No Bake Pineapple Pie Recipe with Cool Whip
Refreshing and delightfully light, this is a dessert that everyone will appreciate! It has just the right amount of tart and sweet to make the taste buds very happy.
Easy Peach Fluff Dessert Salad
You'll love the refreshing flavors in this easy peach fluff dessert salad. Serve before, with, or after the meal. Regardless of the timing, it will be a humongous hit!
Delicious Lunch Made Even Better
Don’t forget the importance of a pretty table setting. In fact, sometimes this makes the difference between a so-so lunch party and one that people remember. I’ve found that the best way to do this is to choose a theme—either a color scheme or more obvious theme and run with it.
Even a simple recipe looks stunning when you have a pretty place setting. When serving a tuna salad, consider having a nautical theme. It’s easy to come up with a game plan for a special lunch based on the season, your favorite foods, or even something special to honor one of your guests.
Appetizers and Snacks
Don’t forget to offer appetizers and snacks when your guests first arrive. Here are some of my favorites that are super easy and delicious. Most of these are finger foods that are so fun to eat!
I make this with all gluten-free ingredients, but no one realizes it unless I tell them. It’s delicious and fun for any event!
Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Chickpeas
As the name implies, these chickpeas are crispy and crunchy. They only take a few minutes of prep before you put them in the air fryer. Guests love them!
Serve this salsa with your favorite tortilla chips to show everyone how special this luncheon is! My favorite chips are these crispy homemade corn tortilla chips. They’re easy to make, and they taste delicious when they’re freshly made!
My friend Julie has this on her blog, Back to My Southern Roots. That girl can cook!
Oven Fried Plantain Chips with Zesty Dip
Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a plantain or two. You’ll be a big fan of this often overlooked treat after you try it! And I bet a lot of your guests will too!
Delicious Drinks for the Luncheon Party Menu
When I host a luncheon for friends, I like to have several drink options. Some of my favorites are iced tea, hot tea, lemonade, and of course water.
If you’re serving alcohol, consider white wine or red wine. Just remember to encourage responsible drinking and don’t allow anyone to drive home if they’ve had too much.
Here are more drinks your guests might enjoy:
Mango Smoothie – This easy drink is delicious and nutritious!
Pineapple Smoothie – Pineapple lovers will enjoy this one … obviously!
Coffee Smoothie – This quick pick-me-up is a delicious addition to any meal!
Better Hot Chocolate from a Mix – Start with a mix and add a few more ingredients to enjoy this absolutely decadent treat!