Mom Deserves an Extra Special Mother's Day Dinner
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It doesn't matter how old you get, Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to say, "Thanks, Mom!" for just about everything. And if she's the one who prepared your family dinners over the years, you might want to return the favor with a Mother's Day dinner that's just as special as her! Whether she's a fan of grilling recipes or simple chicken dinners, there's something for every type of mom on this list. There are even extra-special main courses like lobster and steak along with spring salads and fun appetizers to pair with a Mother's Day cocktail that's perfect for a heartfelt toast. Heck, if you're a mom yourself, you can even send this list of Mother's Day dinner ideas along to your husband and kids (hopefully, they get the hint).
This list of Mother's Day dinner ideas also includes some of Ree Drummond's family favorites, including the tomato tart that she first made with her sister Betsy. For more Pioneer Woman winners, try the lemony chicken piccata, the chile-lime steak salad, or the pasta with peas that's simple, yet decadent. There are even a few recipes that'll take you and Mom back to your childhood, like Ree's bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Whichever Mother's Day dinner menu you choose, don’t forget to finish the night with something sweet—she deserves a scrumptious Mother's Day dessert.
Chicken Piccata
Ree's variation on this chicken and pasta dinner is covered in a luscious sauce that's made with white wine, butter, lemon juice, and heavy cream. It's bursting with bright spring flavor and dreamy decadence.
Get Ree's Chicken Piccata recipe.
Asparagus Quiche
The best part about this quiche—aside from the asparagus, green onion, dill, and feta filling—is that you can make it ahead! Serve it at room temperature with a spring salad on the side.
Get the Asparagus Quiche recipe.
Pasta with Peas
Don't be fooled by the name, this dish is so much more than just pasta with peas! It's also has a silky mascarpone cheese sauce, crispy pancetta, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Add extra black pepper for that added kick.
Get Ree's Pasta with Peas recipe.
Deviled Eggs
It wouldn't be a party without deviled eggs! This classic recipe is no-frills, but perfectly creamy. You can make it your own by topping each one with fresh chopped herbs or even a BBQ potato chip for added crunch!
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Grilled Pizza
Take pizza night outdoors with this fun dinner that doubles as a Mother's Day activity. Once you grill the pizza dough, you can get the whole family to add the toppings, with options like caprese and arugula-prosciutto.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
Chile-Lime Steak Salad
There's something about grilled steak served over a crisp salad that's so refreshing. It's just enough for a holiday, yet still light enough for spring. Add a spicy-sweet dressing and you won't be able to resist!
Get Ree's Chile-Lime Steak Salad recipe.
Avocado Dip
Smooth and creamy—this party dip is unlike anything you've ever seen before. It's a blend of avocados, Greek yogurt, basil, green onion, lemon, and spices.
Get the Avocado Dip recipe.
Upside-Down Radish Tarts
These easy tarts are pretty, pink, and delightfully flaky! They look impressive, but they're surprisingly simple thanks to store-bought puff pastry.
Get the Upside-Down Radish Tarts recipe.
Homemade Chicken Burgers
These chicken patties are leaner than your average beef burger, but that doesn't make them any less flavorful! In fact, the garlic, chives, mustard, and hot sauce deliver a powerful punch, while the sour cream ensures the burgers stay nice and moist.
Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.
Lemon Pasta
This creamy, silky, lemony pasta is like a burst of sunshine on a spring day. It only takes 25 minutes to make so you can have plenty of time to spend with mom.
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Coconut Shrimp
These succulent shrimp are coated in a mixture of crispy panko breadcrumbs and shredded unsweetened coconut for a crunch that's out of this world. Serve them up with a Thai sweet chili sauce for dunking!
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
Cowboy Steak
Don't be fooled by the name—this steak is fit for a cowgirl, too! It's actually referring to the extra-thick-cut of the ribeye that's bone-in with some of the bone left exposed. It's meltingly tender and topped with an herby ranch butter.
Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.
Tomato Tart
Ree first made this tart with her sister years and years ago, but it's been a family favorite ever since! Between the flaky crust, the caramelized onions, and the juicy tomatoes, what's not to love?
Get Ree's Tomato Tart recipe.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Adding juicy spring strawberries to this fresh salad makes it both elegant and sweet. The fruit also pairs so well with the crunchy toasted pecans, tangy goat cheese, and lemon poppyseed dressing.
Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
The combination of ooey-gooey mac and cheese and fresh lobster tails is both nostalgic and comforting, yet luxurious at the same time. It's even better with a cheesy, buttery breadcrumb topping!
Get the Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe.
Chicken Marsala
These golden chicken cutlets are covered in a decadent mushroom and marsala wine sauce that's so good, you'll want to pour it over the whole plate—pasta included! Of course, you can also serve it up with mashed potatoes, rice, or even just a crusty piece of bread for sopping up all that flavor.
Get the Chicken Marsala recipe.
Grilled Mahi-Mahi
Mahi-mahi is a type of white fish that's mild and flaky, but firm enough to cook on the grill. Here, it gets seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, pepper, and fresh thyme, which is simple enough to come together in just 15 minutes!
Get the Grilled Mahi-Mahi recipe.
Greek Pasta Salad
There are endless combinations of pasta salads, but this one is bright, fresh, and great for feeding a crowd! If you want to make it even heartier, just add grilled chicken or steak on top.
Get the Greek Pasta Salad recipe.
Asparagus Pasta
This creamy, lemony pasta just screams "springtime!" The tender asparagus is delicious, but it could also work well with broccoli, kale, or your mom's favorite veggie!
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
Chicken Florentine
Between the luscious cream and white wine sauce, the tender wilted greens, and the crispy breaded chicken, this dish tastes as impressive as it looks! Luckily, it comes together in one skillet so it's surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Chicken Florentine recipe.
Grilled Salmon
Grilling fish might seem intimidating, but this recipe makes it easy to do. In fact, you can have the grilled salmon on the table in less than 10 minutes!
Get the Grilled Salmon recipe.
Avocado Salad
This gorgeous salad is a gift in itself! The heirloom tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and salsa verde dressing are sure to make mom smile.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Grilled Flank Steak
Steak isn't just for Father's Day! It's also delicious for mom served with fresh mango salsa or herby compound butter.
Get the Grilled Flank Steak recipe.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Caesar salad fans will love this hearty pasta salad twist! It's everything you know and love about classic Caesar, including the croutons, parmesan, and creamy dressing.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes take this chicken pasta to the next level. It's perfect for when tomato season hasn't quite kicked in yet.
Get the Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Take dinner outdoors for Mother's Day this year! Along with your classic cookout foods, like burgers and hot dogs, these shrimp skewers are a fun addition to the mix.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Kick off your holiday meal with an elegant appetizer, like prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. Of course, you can also serve it as a side dish or even just a dinner party snack!
Get the Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus recipe.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that's typically stuffed, but this casserole version layers all the ingredients into an easy casserole instead. It's a delicious way to bring the flavors of a restaurant dish home.
Get the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe.
Corn Soufflé
This light-as-air dish combines two panty staples (boxed corn muffin mix and canned creamed corn) with fresh corn kernels and spicy jalapeño peppers.
Get the Corn Soufflé recipe.
Spinach Casserole
This cheesy, spinach dish can go with just about any main course—from chicken to steak to fish. Plus, mom will be impressed that you're eating your greens.
Get the Spinach Casserole recipe.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Seasonal strawberries add a pop of juicy sweetness to this arugula salad. Whether you serve it with steak or chicken, it's sure to brighten up the meal.
Get the Strawberry Arugula Salad recipe.
Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak
This lovely steak dinner can be on the table in 15 minutes flat! Just be sure to double the recipe if you're serving more than two.
Get Ree's Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak recipe.
Layered Salad
If you're planning a Mother's Day picnic, this pretty and delicious salad is a must-make. It includes plenty of yummy mix-ins like bacon, hard boiled eggs, and shredded cheese.
Get Ree's Layered Salad recipe.
Grilled Pork Chops
By May, barbecue season will be in full swing and Mom will feel like the queen of the cookout when you make her these mouthwatering grilled pork chops. They're super easy to whip up, thanks to a simple marinade made from pantry ingredients.
Get the Grilled Pork Chops recipe.
Grilled Lobster Tails
Is there anything more impressive than cooking lobster at home? This elegant main course will make any mom feel special.
Get the Grilled Lobster Tails recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
If meatloaf was a staple in your house growing up, return the favor by making Mom this tasty twist on the classic recipe. You'll wrap the meatloaf in bacon and top it off with a tangy-sweet sauce.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf recipe.
Pesto Pizza with Arugula and Prosciutto
Who needs marinara sauce anyways? This mouthwatering pizza recipe starts with an herby pesto base topped off with layers of fresh arugula, salty prosciutto, and mushrooms.
Get Ree's Pesto Pizza with Arugula and Prosciutto recipe.
Green Goddess Potato Salad
Treat your favorite goddess to this colorful potato salad topped with a tangy mayo-based dressing.
Get Ree's Green Goddess Potato Salad recipe.
Chicken Saltimbocca
Are you in your dining room or a fine Italian restaurant? Mom won't be able to tell when you whip up this delicious seasoned chicken wrapped in prosciutto. This recipe is also the perfect excuse to serve one of Ree's favorite sides: buttery parsley noodles.
Get the Chicken Saltimbocca recipe.
Lemon Chicken-Orzo Soup
This citrusy soup recipe is comfort in a bowl! It's the perfect thing to sip on while you and Mom catch up and reminisce about good times together.
Get Ree's Lemon Chicken-Orzo Soup recipe.
Spanakopita
This buttery, flaky spinach pie will have Mom coming back for seconds, whether you serve it as a side or the main dish. Check out this recipe for tips on how to keep phyllo sheets from breaking.
Get the Spanikopita recipe.
Greek Lemon Potatoes
If you need a side for your spanakopita, these Greek lemon potatoes would make a perfect pairing. Lemon and fresh herbs make it a lovely light bite.
Get Ree's Greek Lemon Potatoes recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
If you've been raving about your air fryer to your mom, now's the time to show her what it can really do. Serve these cheesy chicken cutlets with her favorite pasta for a meal that'll make Mom say, "Grazie!"
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.
Carrot Tart
This elegant spring tart would look just as beautiful on your Mother's Day dinner table as it would at a spread for brunch or lunch. The puff pastry makes it easy to prepare so it's ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the Carrot Tart recipe.
Olive Tapenade
Impress Mom before dinner has even begun by serving up this fancy appetizer. It's actually so easy to make if you take a shortcut and blend it up in the food processor
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
If you're taking dinner outdoors, consider making a pasta salad as a tasty side dish. It's loaded with fresh spring veggies and it can be made up to three days ahead.
Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe.
Beet Hummus
Start your dinner with pretty-in-pink hummus that's made from beets and chickpeas. It's a fun and colorful way to celebrate Mom.
Get the Beet Hummus recipe.
Baked Ziti
Ree's baked ziti is everything you want in a baked pasta dish: It's cheesy, saucy, meaty, and just plain delicious.
Get Ree's Baked Ziti recipe.
Spinach Lasagna
This variation on lasagna uses a creamy white sauce and layers of fresh spinach. But the best part is the cheesy topping that gets crisp from the broiler.
Get Ree's Spinach Lasagna recipe.
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Pasta will always be one of Ree's favorite foods. Pair it with pesto and it's a match made in heaven. "Pesto is and will always be my love language," Ree says.
Get Ree's Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan
This vegetarian casserole is one that everyone in the family will love. After all, it's loaded with crispy, fried eggplant, plenty of good tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Get the Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
Chicken Spaghetti
Ree's family is a big fan of this easy casserole dish no matter the holiday! It makes sense since it's loaded with yummy mix-ins like tender chicken, noddles, pimentos, and plenty of cheddar cheese.
Get Ree's Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Make your own lemon pepper seasoning for this chicken dinner. Mom will be impressed you took the extra effort (just don't tell her how easy it was to do!).
Get the Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe.
Chicken Primavera
Seasonal spring veggies like peas, asparagus, and carrots give this simple dinner a ton of color (and fresh flavor). Best of all—it's made in one pot!
Get the Chicken Primavera recipe.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Here's something new that mom will love—a healthy green veggie that's made in an air fryer! It still has that crispy, crunchy breadcrumb topping she'll love.
Get the Air Fryer Asparagus recipe.
Bowtie Pasta
Anyone pasta loving mom will appreciate this scrumptious dish. It's made with bowtie noodles, Italian sausage, broccoli, and a creamy sauce to tie it all together.
Get the Bowtie Pasta recipe.
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Celebrate asparagus season! A simple, fresh-from-the-garden soup is always appreciated, whether it's the appetizer or the main event.
Get Ree's Cream of Asparagus Soup recipe.
Rack of Lamb
If you want to make mom something fancy-ish this Mother's Day, look no further than rack of lamb! It's elegant enough to impress the family, yet easy enough to cook up in just 30 minutes.
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
Spring Salad with Radishes
Bring on all the springy flavors! This veggie-loaded salad sweetens the deal with a unique dressing made up of olive oil, parmesan, sugar, paprika, lemon juice, and garlic.
Get the Spring Salad with Radishes recipe.
Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach
Conjure up steakhouse vibes right in your own home with this peppercorn-crusted steak recipe.
Get the Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach recipe.
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