That chicken is amazing — made it twice in the last two weeks to nothing but rave reviews! What a nice thing to do for someone!

Homemade soup and a perfectly ripe avocado to slice over the top.

I'm going to go against the grain here and say something fresh and light--maybe even just some fixings for a great salad. When we've been traveling that usually means eating out a lot and when I get back all I want is fresh fruits and veggies--which is always a bummer because that's the one time there aren't any in the fridge!

Whatever you end up going with, what sweet gesture! Your friends are lucky to have you!

That's so nice! I was also going to chime in for light. Depends on how many timezones they are crossing, but I'm usually feeling pretty messed up digestively after a big trip. I would love to find a simple asparagus salad or other seasonal treat, a soup, and fruit on my return.

NOT something left in a slowcooker only because they could be delayed and that could sit there on and unchecked for a really long while. I would try something to be reheated though left in the fridge though I would be really happy for a salad myself after getting back.

I'm also for a lighter meal - something you wouldn't have to heat up at all would be ideal! Maybe a big greek finger foods platter? Dolmas, marinated olives/feta, sliced-on-the-bias veggies (carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, etc) to dip in baba ganoush, hummous, and some tabbouleh.... and maybe some shredded roasted chicken for a bit of protein.

I would love someone FOREVER if they did that for me. You're a great friend!

Definitely something light. People tend to eat out a lot on vacation and lots of packaged snacks when traveling. They might want to go to bed or take a nap soon after getting home, too, so a big heavy meal would not be appealing. Personally, I would love a nice fresh sandwich. Good bread, good cheese, lots of fresh toppings (sprouts, avocado, cucumbers, etc.), maybe some prosciutto. You could have everything sliced and laid out on a tray for them to assemble (as a bonus, this will be a lot easier to clean up than a big pot and soup bowls). Also, a huge pitcher of iced tea would be lovely- I always get dehydrated when I travel.

I'm with Kat88. Traveling for me means a lot of walking exercise, but not enough to offset the heavy meals and plenty of drinking.

Here are some fun salads with meat (since they're omnivores, and because we all need some energy in the post-vacation slump):

Salad of shrimp, watermelon, goat cheese, basil, tomatoes from Whole Foods -- I like to serve it over mixed greens

Skirt steak salad with mixed greens from Smitten Kitchen

Corn and arugula salad with bacon from Simply Recipes

Something light and quick to eat. Plus fresh milk in the fridge. And muffins on the counter. And a note listing everything!

I suggest you make a light soup (chicken with noodles is always good), and leave a french baguette ready for the oven.

Wow, this is so perfect. Here I am looking for a meal to cook for my partner after her return from vacation, and the answer I need is five posts from the top on thekitchn.com. This site rules.

I guess it depends on where they have been and for how long. We got back from a 65 day trip around South East Asia where many dishes come out different to what you expected. When we came home, we just wanted something familiar to eat. I was actually really itching to cook too but maybe I'm weird. 65 days without my kitchen was really hard for me!

This is so thoughtful!

I suggest a nice antipasto platter.