57 Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas (Because Your Mom Totally Deserves a Top-Notch Meal)
Of course you would fly in sashimi from Blue Ribbon Sushi or spring for that 12-course tasting menu at that Michelin-starred speakeasy hidden in the back of a Tire Kingdom for Mom. She’s worth it. But alas, what the heart wants and what your bank account allows may be two different things. That doesn’t mean you can't celebrate her awesomeness with an epic meal. Whether you’re planning to cook a multi-course feast or searching for a quick-yet-elegant main dish, these 57 Mother’s Day dinner ideas are sure to impress. (And yes, we have a variety of options, whether your mom’s vegan, a pasta fanatic or a classic steakhouse dinner kind of gal.)
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Katherine Gillen
1. Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Corn and Burrata
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly
Trade the usual jarred red sauce for juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy, dreamy burrata. It’s the best way to say “I love you,” no?
Katherine Gillen
2. Green Goddess Pasta
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, low sugar
Alternatively, ditch the tomatoes altogether and opt for a gorgeous green sauce. This dish calls for 11 ingredients (including salt and pepper) and is ready in less than an hour.
KRISTEN KILPATRICK/THE COMFORTABLE KITCHEN
3. Salmon Al Pastor
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Mom orders the salmon at just about every restaurant, but…yawn. On a day like this, it's time to pull out all the stops (without letting a recipe take over your life). Warm, smoky spices and sweet-tart pineapple make for an unforgettable riff on her fave.
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
4. Baked Feta with Garlicky Kale and Chickpeas
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, under 500 calories
Your mom called us and said she wants cheese for dinner. No other Mother’s Day presents needed.
Amanda Frederickson/Simple Beautiful Food
5. Seared Scallops with Green Peas, Mint and Shallots
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, <10 ingredients, high protein
If you’re a little intimidated by cooking seafood at home, take solace in the fact that this dish takes 20 minutes to make.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
6. Cacio e Pepe
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
This classic Italian pasta calls for just six ingredients, but it tastes like something from a restaurant.
JESSICA IN THE KITCHEN
7. Crispy Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Crema
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, crowd-pleaser
Pro tip: Be sure to really pat dry the cauliflower florets so the breading sticks better. And make a double batch of the crema—you'll want to drizzle it on everything.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
8. Pistachio-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Escarole Salad
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, low carb, keto
Forget about dry, overcooked pork tenderloin. This one is so buttery, it’ll practically melt in your mouth.
Half-Baked Harvest
9. Simple Thai Yellow Chicken Curry
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, special occasion-worthy
"You made this?" Uh, don't sound too shocked, Mom. (Trust us, this recipe is worth stocking up on fish sauce, Thai red curry paste, lemongrass paste and yellow curry powder, if you don't already have them on hand.)
Erin Kunkel/The Vibrant Life
10. Pan-Seared Scallops with Citrusy Corn Succotash
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <500 calories, special occasion-worthy
This recipe seems fancy but it’s actually foolproof.
Christopher Hirsheimer/Canal House Cook Something
11. Chicken Thighs with Pancetta and Green Olives
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, one pan, low carb, keto
The secret to impossibly crispy skin (which is, in our opinion, the best part) is to start with a cold pan. It works every time.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
12. Pomegranate-Maple Glazed Lamb Chops
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: low carb, high protein, special occasion-worthy
These chops are as easy to cook as chicken, we promise.
RELATED: 24 Hilarious Mother’s Day Quotes to Brighten Any Mama’s Day
Sarah Copeland/Every Day Is Saturday
13. White Risotto with Corn, Carrots and Kale
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Grab the prettiest produce you can find at the farmers market (carrots, corn and kale are our go-tos), then customize this dish as you please.
Ed Anderson/Food of the Italian South
14. Orecchiette with Burrata, Tomatoes and Almond Pesto
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <500 calories
It’s not quite a vacation to Italy, but it’s the next best thing. Finally inscribe the heartfelt note you've been meaning to write in her Mother's Day card during that 90-minute roasting time.
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
15. Whole-Wheat Feta Tart with Caramelized Onions and Herbs
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit salty and completely delicious.
Quentin Bacon/Cook Like a Pro
16. Ina Garten’s Updated Chicken Marbella
Time Commitment: 8 hours, 55 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Your mom will think you took private cooking lessons from the Barefoot Contessa herself. (Don't be afraid of that nearly 9-hour time commitment; it includes letting the chicken marinate for 8 hours or so overnight.)
A New Way to Food
17. Salmon and Fennel Dinner Salad
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, high protein
If brunch was a little too filling, keep dinner light but satisfying with this protein-packed salad.
A New Way to Food
18. Whole Roasted Chipotle Chicken
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein
Would you believe this beauty is made with just four ingredients?
The Clean Plate
19. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Easy Frittata
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <500 calories, <10 ingredients
It’s healthy yet filling and uses up leftover vegetables—just what Mom likes.
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen
20. Pomegranate-Sumac Chicken with Roasted Carrots
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe
Pull this sheet pan meal out of the oven and prepare for the oohs and ahhs.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
21. Bacon-Wrapped Black Cod with Spinach and Capers
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, low carb, keto
Our mantra: Everything is better with a little bacon. Even fish.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
22. Cheater’s White Pizza with Béchamel Sauce
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Careful: This pie is so impressive, your mom might ask you to make it every Sunday after Mother’s Day too.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
23. Cheater’s Vegetarian Pizza with Zucchini and Bell Peppers
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <500 calories
If she’s more of a veggie-pie person, make this 30-minute number with all the fixings.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
24. Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, high protein
This one-skillet dish is the ultimate trifecta: It’s easy to make, pretty to serve and so damn delicious.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
25. Bruschetta Chicken
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, low carb, high protein
This chicken dinner tastes indulgent, thanks to a generous dusting of Parm. In reality, it’s pretty healthy (not to mention ready in 40 minutes).
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
26. Pasta Florentine with Grilled Chicken
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
Creamy pasta, smoky chicken. What’s not to love?
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
27. Mini Lobster Rolls
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <500 calories, special occasion-worthy
There’s really no such thing as a *bad* lobster roll, but somehow, these cuties taste even better since they’re bite-size.
The Minimalist Kitchen
28. Chicken Tinga Tacos
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser
It starts with a store-bought rotisserie chicken but shh, don’t tell anyone.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
29. Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, vegetarian
Serve this one with a bottle of white wine and you’ll instantly become the favorite at the table.
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
30. Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <500 calories
This spicy pasta is pretty simple to make, but it tastes like a million bucks.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
31. 30-Minute, One-Pot Cheater’s Bouillabaisse
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, one pot
Splurge on high-quality seafood for this one—you won’t regret it.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
32. Foolproof Cheater’s Confit
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein
Excuse us, is your name Julia Child? (Psst: If you're not into duck, you can use chicken legs instead.)
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
33. Skillet Steak with Asparagus and Potatoes
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: high protein, low sugar, crowd-pleaser
Homecooked steak that’s better than at a restaurant? Yep, it’s a thing.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
34. Cheater’s Skillet Paella
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: high protein, one pot
The traditional version of this hearty Spanish rice dish is delicious but time-consuming. Our version isn’t exactly authentic, but it tastes just as good.
Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest Super Simple
35. Potato and Burrata Pizza
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, kid-friendly
If your mom doesn’t love both potatoes and burrata, then you two might need to have a chat.
Cook Beautiful
36. Pan-Roasted Chicken with Shallots and Dates
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, high protein
It’s sweet-salty and bright, thanks to an ingenious combination of olives, dates, shallots and lemon.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
37. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, but go ahead and pretend you spent the whole day in the kitchen.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
38. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
We’re sometimes wary of salad for dinner, since it can verge on snoozy. But this plate has both fresh fruit and melty cheese, so it’s impossible not to love.
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
39. Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Nothing says, “I love you, Mom,” quite like a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
40. Sweet-and-Sour Pork Skewers with Pineapple
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, <500 calories, crowd-pleaser
Fire up the barbecue and show everyone your grilling skills.
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
41. Spicy Pineapple Prosciutto Tarts
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
If appetizers for dinner is her Mother’s Day dream, serve a platter of these with a fresh salad on the side. They’re like Hawaiian pizza, but better.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
42. Skillet Pasta with Summer Squash, Ricotta and Basil
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, one pan
It’s spring, so save the spaghetti and meatballs for another day. This pasta skillet (which gets dolloped with fresh ricotta!) is what the warm weather calls for.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
43. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, <30 minutes
They’re sweet, spicy and best eaten alfresco. Might as well prep a batch of margaritas while you're at it.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
44. Pork Scallopini with Lemon, Capers and Radicchio
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, <30 minutes
The name makes this dish sound ambitious, but it’s actually super approachable. Set your timer for 20 minutes.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
45. Orecchiette with Spring Greens
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <500 calories, vegetarian
With a bunch of seasonal produce, you don’t need to try hard to make an amazing meal.
Photo: Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell
46. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon-Herb Sauce
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: high protein, <500 calories, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
For maximum flavor, this steak gets marinated for a few hours before it hits the grill. Plan accordingly.
Donna Griffith/The Primal Gourmet Cookbook
47. Piri Piri Chicken
Time Commitment: 4 hours, 55 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, low sugar, low carb, keto
The potatoes soak up all those glorious juices from the bird. Mom’s going to be *so* impressed.
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
48. Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Fancy enough that if you put it down in front of Mom, it will elicit oohs and ahhs.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
49. Creamy Chicken, Corn and Tomato Skillet
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, 10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
A handful of ingredients and just three simple steps are all it takes.
Erin McDowell
50. Spaghetti with Avocado Pasta Sauce
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients
This recipe is rich but totally virtuous, and the whole meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare. (Cue singing angels.)
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
51. Pasta Alla Norma
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: high protein, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Best of all, you can make four servings for less than $10. Salute!
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
52. Skillet Lasagna with Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, skillet recipe, crowd-pleaser
Corn and cherry tomatoes have the same cheesy goodness you crave (and then some), minus the hours of assembly time.
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jodi Moren
53. Grain-Free Mushroom, Spinach and Leek Pasta
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, vegan, 10 ingredients, <20 minutes
One of our favorite ways to get our greens is to sauté them until meltingly tender, then toss them into a hearty bowl of pasta. Even better, this one happens to be grain-free.
Kristin Teig/Eat Better, Feel Better
54. Fusilli with Pesto and Green Beans
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, low sugar, special occasion-worthy
We’re no stranger to the old pesto switcheroo—you know, adding additional green vegetables to the traditional basil-based sauce for a flavorful and nutritious upgrade.
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
55. Cherry Tomato Galette with Garlic and Herbs
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, <500 calories
It’s like a fancy, ultra-impressive version of a pizza. Serve it with a big salad to complete the spread.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
56. One-Pot, 15-Minute Pasta Limone
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, one pot, vegetarian
This one doesn’t even require an extra trip to the grocery store—you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now.
Christopher Testani/Instant Family Meals
57. Instant Pot Coconut Salmon with Fresh Herbs and Lime
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: Instant pot recipe, <30 minutes, high protein, low sugar
Look, another 20-minute seafood stunner—can you tell we have a type?
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