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It’s time our moms get the recognition they deserve, and Mother’s Day is one of the perfect times to do that.
Have you prepared your surprise for mom this Mother’s Day?
If you haven’t, it’s not too late!
There’s plenty of time to plan what you’ll do to show your love and gratitude for the strong woman who’s cared for you all these years.
20 Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas
When we think of how to let our moms know we love them, we think of bouquets, out-of-town trips, or a full spa day.
But instead of spending so much money, what if you stayed at home instead and whipped her up a complete Mother’s day lunch or dinner?
Not only are homecooked meals healthier for you and mom, but it shows that you took that extra time and care for her special day.
There’s a lot to prepare for, from appetizers to desserts for Mother’s Day. This can leave you wondering what to whip up as the main course!
So, if you want to win your mom’s love, consider making any of these dinner ideas for your mom.
On top of pampering mom with these nice homemade recipes, you may even want to unleash your creativity and make these beautiful Mother’s Day crafts for adults and this version here for kids.
Pin these images to your favorite Pinterest board:
1. Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Photo by Delicious Meets Healthy
Are you on a budget and need an easy and cheap meal under $5? This flavorful tuna salad is the way to go!
It looks fancy and tastes so bright and fresh with an overload of veggies.
Plus points because this doesn’t have any mayo at all, making it a light meal for the health-conscious.
2. Crockpot Roast Dinner
Photo by Mom Makes Dinner
Crockpot recipes for moms really save the day because they are almost effortless.
Just throw your ingredients in your handy slow cooker and head back to preparing for the rest of the Mother’s Day festivities!
This slow cooker pot roast is perfect for dinner with its super tender beef and veggies doused in a rich gravy.
3. Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Photo by Gimme Some Oven
This is a healthy crockpot Chicken meat recipe that will surely impress without spending hours in your kitchen.
All it takes is two ingredients to create a fantastic dinner you can pair with rice or tortillas.
It literally only takes a minute to prepare your salsa and chicken in the Crockpot!
4. Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Photo by Jo Cooks
Chicken breasts are a healthy protein but are unfortunately regarded as a “boring” ingredient.
However, this fast Instant pot dinner idea makes the chicken breast more exciting and loaded with flavor! These tender chicken breasts are a must-have with mashed potatoes or fried rice.
5. Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Photo by Well Plated
The Crockpot is my life, you can’t change my mind!
It can even make a delicious Chinese dinner like this sweet and sour chicken.
Panda Express who? We don’t know that!
Replace Chinese takeout and serve your mom a delicious and lighter version of the crowd favorite.
6. Turkey and Vegetable Skillet
Photo by Recipe Runner
This is a perfectly healthy dinner to cook on busy nights, filled with veggies and healthy protein from ground turkey. The cheese binds everything together and gives it even more flavor!
If you were caught up on planning other Mother’s Day activities and forgot about dinner, whip this healthy dish up!
7. Coconut Curry Noodle
Photo by Pinch of Yum
Noodle dishes don’t have to be seen as unhealthy or loaded with calories!
This is a healthy noodle recipe perfect for the busy mom as it only takes an hour to prep and cook everything.
Prepare yourself with a lot of spice and mouthwatering Thai flavors in every bite.
8. Sesame Soba Noodles
Photo by Love & Lemons
Healthy vegetarian recipes can be delicious and easy to make!
Your mom will adore this Asian-inspired noodle dish, featuring a light sesame-ginger dressing that reflects Japanese cuisine.
9. Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowls
Photo by Bowls are the New Plates
This is one of the healthy burrito bowls for mothers I can’t get enough of because it combines Mexican and Caribbean cuisines excellently.
Your mom will fawn over the spicy Caribbean chicken, which goes well with the sweet and savory fruits and veggies.
10. Healthy Grilled Pizza
Photo by Joyful Healthy Eats
This is one of the best Mother’s Day dinner ideas because… Well, because who doesn’t love pizza?
Skip ordering from your usual pizza joint and surprise mom with a healthy grilled pizza made entirely from scratch!
11. Healthier Thai Green Curry
Photo by Kitchen Sanctuary
Stuck thinking of different Mother’s Day meals to serve?
Check out this Thai green curry, a suitable dinner if your mom’s craving Asian food on her special day.
This is a healthier version too, so no need to worry about calorie overload!
12. Lemon Roasted Salmon with Asparagus
Photo by Natasha’s Kitchen
You probably came across this recipe while checking dinner ideas for Mother’s Day from Pinterest and great reasons.
This is a fancy, restaurant-worthy dish your mom will be so proud of you for.
Bring the luxury treatment to your mom in the comforts of your home!
13. Lemon Basil Risotto
Photo by Live Eat Learn
You might think risotto’s too fancy and a challenge to make, but I found it easy when I made it the first time.
This is a delightful risotto recipe that has a nice bite from the tangy lemon and sharp cheese!
14. Shrimp Scampi
Photo by Inspired Taste
Shrimp scampi is another restaurant-worthy dish worth taking the time to make for mom.
It’s so easy to make and you won’t get enough of it as you take a bite of the garlic buttery shrimp.
15. Pan-Seared Scallops
Photo by This Healthy Table
This is one of the top Mother’s Day food ideas for dinner because of how healthy it is!
Not only do you have the tender, buttery flavor of scallops, but the nice snap from the peas and edamame.
16. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Photo by Healthy Fitness Meals
Soup as an appetizer? What about soup as a main course?
This creamy chicken tortilla soup has everything you want and need in a filling meal!
It’s an awesome dish to serve if your mom loves spicy Mexican flavors.
17. Southern Fried Chicken
Photo by Lana’s Cooking
This is one of the ultimate comfort foods your mom may have served you as a child, so this dish will surely hit the soul.
Don’t forget to serve it with the classic sides, like mashed potatoes and greens!
18. Sweet Chili Pesto Sliders
Photo by Happy Foods Tube
Whether you’re throwing a party or an intimate dinner for mom, these sliders are a fun main course bursting with a balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
I guarantee that your mom will be asking for at least two more after tasting that creamy pesto.
19. Baked Pork Chops
Photo by Kristine’s Kitchen
Keep it simple yet delicious with this pork chop recipe!
These baked pork chops are so tender and juicy, proving that you can make a mouthwatering meal in half an hour and with just a few ingredients.
20. Ratatouille Sheet Pan Dinner
Photo by The Modern Proper
Making ratatouille isn’t as difficult as you’d think, taking only 40 minutes!
What makes the recipe unique is the addition of snappy sausages for texture and added flavor.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of all the veggies and herbs featured in this classic French dish!
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