The New Ladies Lunch

By Produced by Mary Allen Perry / Compiled by Megan Holley

We developed a classic lunch-with-the-girls menu, complete with tea sandwiches, chicken salad, and—hold on to your napkin, honey—the dessert cart.

Lunch with friends is a delight, and these luncheon recipes make midday dining a delicious pleasure. When your friends are dropping in, here are our favorite ladies lunch recipes that are quick, appetizing, and simple.  With our light lunch recipes you’ll be making Southern classics like Neiman Marcus Cheddar Cheese Biscuits, and Tarragon Chicken Salad. For something sweet, you will love The Dessert Cart, the Lemon-Chiffon Cake, and our Vanilla-Buttermilk Tarts. These light lunch recipes will have your guests enjoying just one more bite. So invite them to linger a little longer over one of your Chocolate-Espresso Pots du Crème, and share these ladies lunch recipes with them.

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The Dainty & Delicious Menu

Photo: Jennifer Davick
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Neiman Marcus Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Neiman Marcus Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Cheddar cheese biscuits are the perfect addition to this dainty and delicious menu.

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Tomato-Basil Bisque

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tomato-Basil Bisque

Canned tomato soup gets a boost in this satisfying version, served warm or cold.

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Tarragon Chicken Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tarragon Chicken Salad

This creamy chicken salad pairs perfectly with the crunch of pecans, Granny Smith apples, red onions, and celery.

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Cranberry-Strawberry Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cranberry-Strawberry Salad

This congealed salad is a cool, delicious twist on a retro luncheon staple.

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Crowd-Pleasing Tea Sandwiches

Photo: Jennifer Davick
Recipe: Ham Salad Recipe: Curried Shrimp Recipe: Cucumber and Strawberry Recipe: Goat Cheese and Pecan Recipe: Orange and Cranberry Recipe: Egg Salad

Choose your favorite fillings, and prepare up to a day ahead. Plan on 1⁄4 cup filling for each whole sandwich. Freeze bread slices until firm. (This makes it easier to trim and cut the sandwiches.) 

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Caramelized Onion Quiche

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caramelized Onion Quiche

Flat-leaf parsley, chives, and mint add a fresh, pretty finish to this tasty dish.

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The Dessert Cart

Photo: Jennifer Davick

What is it about this rolling relic that delights us so much? Maybe it's the sound of the squeaky wheels that signifies sweets are a-comin', the colorful assortment of confections that makes us feel like a kid in a candy shop, or the irresistible invitation to linger just a little longer over a shared slice of—oh, forget it, your own slice of something sinful. Whatever it is, we'll have the cheesecake, please.

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Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Banana Pudding Cheesecake

This sinfully sweet dessert is the perfect blend of fresh bananas, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy vanilla wafers.

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Lemon-Orange Chiffon Cake

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon-Orange Chiffon Cake

Serve this decadent dessert at your next ladies' luncheon and wow the crowd with edible flowers. Take your pick at crystallizedflowerco.com or sweetfields.com.

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Vanilla-Buttermilk Tarts

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Vanilla-Buttermilk Tarts

Garnish with fresh fruit and basil sprigs for a darling dessert.

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Chocolate-Espresso Pots de Crème

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chocolate-Espresso Pots de Crème

It cannot get much better when chocolate and coffee are in the same dessert. Top with edible flowers for the perfect touch. Take your pick at crystallizedflowers.com.

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