65 Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas (Because Your Mom Totally Deserves a Top-Notch Meal)
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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 this May 12th with an amazing meal. Whether you’re planning to cook a multi-course feast or searching for a quick-yet-elegant main dish, these 65 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.)
The 65 Best Gifts for Mom, from $7 to $1000 (Even Though She’s Totally Priceless)
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? The trick to getting a glossy, saucy result is all in the pasta water. Make sure to save some before draining the noodles—it’ll cook down with the vegetables to coat the strands of pasta just so.
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. (Don’t worry, the addition of tender, sautéed kale and chickpeas makes it hearty enough to be the star of the table.)
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. The key to success lies in a hot pan and really dry scallops.
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. Pecorino Romano, a sheep’s milk cheese, is traditional, but if you only have Parmesan, that’s just as delicious.
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. A crust of bright-green ground pistachios and spices adds a festive touch, and the whole things cooks on one sheet pan.
Chelsea Kyle/For the Table
9. Lemongrass-Ginger Coconut Grilled Steak
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 1o minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
“You made this?” Uh, don’t sound too shocked, Mom. (Trust us, this recipe is worth stocking up on fish sauce, coconut milk, lemongrass and chili crisp, 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. The scallops require just two minutes of cooking per side, and lime juice livens up the entire dish.
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. Place the thighs skin side down and resist the urge to fiddle with them until they’re golden. 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. Just throw them on the grill for about eight minutes (or use a searing-hot skillet if the weather won’t comply).
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. Even if you’re a baking beginner, don’t stress—you can handle this recipe, thanks to the easy, press-in crust.
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. The creamy dressed vegetables feel indulgent, but the dressing is made with plant-based yogurt.
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? Pair it with a big green salad (and perhaps a potato side dish) for a complete feast.
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. If you don’t happen to have beet greens lying around, you can totally sub in two cups of any other chopped veggies.
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. Pomegranate molasses adds a sweet-tart note, while sumac is sour enough to cut through the fat of the chicken.
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. It doesn’t hurt that the entire meal can be cooked and on the table in a matter of 40 minutes.
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. (Don’t tell her the crust is actually store-bought naan.)
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. The combination of olives, lemon and feta can have that effect.
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 and white wine. What’s not to love? Grilling the meat isn’t traditional, but it adds a certain je ne sais quoi that no one can resist.
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. (If you want to make them full-scale, however, just divide the salad among four large rolls.)
The Minimalist Kitchen
28. Chicken Tinga Tacos
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser
These savory tacos start with a store-bought rotisserie chicken but shh, don’t tell anyone. The sauce comes together in your blender with a mix of chipotles in adobe and fire-roasted tomatoes.
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—which comes together in one skillet—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. The traditional Italian version uses guanciale, a salt-cured pork product. It’s worth seeking out at an Italian grocery, but it can be hard to find, so substitute with pancetta or bacon in a pinch.
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
How did we shave 90 minutes of cooking time off of this delicious Provençal seafood stew? Easy: Cook it in one pot with a smaller selection of seafood. Splurge on high-quality ingredients 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? This one’s got a long time commitment—but most of that is completely hands-off baking in the oven. (Psst: If you’re not into duck or can’t find it at the store, 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
Home-cooked steak that’s better than at a restaurant? Yep, it’s a thing. You’ll sear the meat on the stovetop, then finish it in the oven until it’s your ideal level of doneness.
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 and comes together in half the time.
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
Store-bought dough is the trick to making a pizza with just seven ingredients. And 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 green olives, caramelized Medjool dates, shallots and lots of fresh lemon juice.
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
This skillet number takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, but go ahead and pretend you spent the whole day in the kitchen. One bite, and your mom might actually believe you.
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 (not to mention it never seems to fill us up). 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. The vodka helps loosen up the flavorful brown bits at the bottom of the pan and tames the sweetness of the tomato. While it wouldn’t really be vodka sauce without it, you can skip the ingredient if you don’t have it on hand.
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. The homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is easy to whisk up with pineapple juice and a few pantry staples.
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. Making the mango salsa is an extra step, but we think it’s worth it for the fresh flavor.
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 “scallopini” makes this dish sound ambitious, but it’s actually super approachable. Basically, it just means thin slices of meat that get breaded and pan-fried. 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 and a batch of pasta, you don’t need to try hard to make an amazing meal. The recipe calls for peas and spinach, but you could swap in another fresh green if desired.
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, and do the rest of the hands-on prep while you wait.
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
You can never have too many roast chicken recipes in your back pocket. Here, 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
It’s fancy enough that if you put it down in front of Mom, it will elicit oohs and ahhs, but it’s easy enough for any skill level to tackle in the kitchen. The only thing you have to cook is the fritters.
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
As it turns out, a handful of ingredients and just three simple steps are all it takes to make an impressive Mother’s Day dinner in one pan.
Erin McDowell
50. Spaghetti with Avocado Pasta Sauce
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients
With a luscious avocado sauce, this recipe is rich but totally virtuous (not to mention, dairy free). Even better, the whole meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Cue the 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
This Sicilian dish traditionally stars eggplant, tomatoes, basil and ricotta salata—we sub in pecorino because it’s easier to find stateside. 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
This mélange of pasta, corn and cherry tomatoes has the same cheesy goodness of the original 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—like this blend of bitter greens—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 (yep, all eight of them) 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? This one comes together in the Instant Pot, so the salmon is perfectly cooked at the press of a button.
Matt Armendariz/Everyday Grand
58. French Onion Sheet Pan Chicken
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, crowd-pleaser, low carb
Bring on the caramelized onions and bubbly Gruyère cheese of the beloved soup, but in a sheet pan format that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.
Suech and Beck/A Generous Meal
59. Lamb Loin Chops Over Minty Pistachio Butter
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy, gluten free, dairy free
Loin chops are just as delicious as the lollipop rib chops you’re already familiar with, but slightly larger and with more meat. These are seasoned with vinegar and garnished with a creamy, nutty sauce.
Suech and Beck/A Generous Meal
60. Crispy Chicken Thighs Over Vinegar Beans
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: low sugar, dairy free, gluten free
Look no further for a Mother’s Day dinner that’s equal parts straightforward and elegant. This dish starts and finishes in the same pan, so you don’t have to spend the evening doing dishes.
Deb Perelman/Smitten Kitchen Keepers
61. Deb Perelman’s Carrot Tarte Tatin
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, vegetarian
For an impressive vegetarian meal, make this savory tart—which is hiding goat cheese under those glazed veggies—the main course and pair it with a big, green salad.
Quentin Bacon/Go-To Dinners
62. Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, one pan
According to the Contessa, this is a really easy entrée to prepare while still being special enough to serve to company. Put it on our list immediately.
63. Garlic Shrimp Over Parmesan Risotto
Amy Neunsinger/Magnolia Table, Volume 3
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free
Yes, risotto requires that you stand watch pretty much constantly throughout the cooking process. But we can’t think of a better reason to endure the stir than to shower your mom with affection. (Oh, and it tastes delicious, too.)
64. Lamb Chops With Buckwheat and Black Pepper Strawberries
EE Berger/Pulp
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion–worthy, one pan
Combine sweet and savory in this seasonally appropriate, seven-ingredient entrée. By using the same pan to roast the lamb chops and sear the strawberries, you’re using the juice in the berries to deglaze the flavorful fond into the sauce and creating one less pan to wash.
65. Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Radishes and Olives
Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment:
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, special occasion–worthy
While it sounds fussy, spatchcocking is the secret method that allows you to cook a whole chicken in less than an hour. By flattening out the bird on the pan, it exposes the meat to more heat, making it cook faster, crispier and more evenly.
The 65 Best Mother’s Day Desserts to Treat Mom to on Her Big Day
