If you haven’t decided what to get your mom this Mother’s Day yet, here’s an idea: prepare a special meal just for her. From appetizers to sides to main entrees, I have 30 recipes for you to choose from or mix and match. If you’re a newbie in the kitchen, worry not! These recipes are spectacular, yet so easy, anyone can manage. Our dear moms, as well as the mom figures in our lives, deserve nothing but the best. Let them know how much you appreciate them through these sumptuous dishes.
1. Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad
Let’s start things off with a light and refreshing salad. I know that for some of us, the thought of salad is boring, but this one is far from that. From the crunch of the asparagus to the juiciness of the tomatoes to the creaminess of the cheese, this salad is a fantastic way to start any meal!
2. Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Chicken breast is unfavored by some because it tends to be tough dry. This recipe takes those problem areas and makes a ridiculously moist, tender, and flavorful chicken! The secret lies in the topping – a glorious combo of mayo, parmesan, and seasonings. It forms a nice crust over the chicken as it bakes, giving you delicious chicken so tender, it melts in your mouth.
3. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Honestly, the idea of eating Brussels Sprouts raw didn’t excite me. But when I tried this salad, it completely changed my mind. This salad is complete with thinly-shaved Brussels Sprouts and apples, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, parmesan, and a sweet and tangy maple mustard dressing. The color, flavor, and texture all get a 10 out of 10.
4. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish of fried chicken cutlets cooked in a lemon butter sauce. Butter and lemon are already an irresistible combo, but the infusion of white wine makes it even more divine. The dish is also loaded with capers, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. Yum!
5. Steak
Nothing beats the goodness of a well-seasoned and perfectly cooked steak. Tender, juicy, and oozing with fatty juices, this hunk of beautiful meat is legendary! The blend of garlic, rosemary, and butter makes it all the more irresistible. And yes, you can pull this off! Steak is actually a lot easier to make than you think.
6. Baked Salmon
If you’re looking for a lighter dinner that won’t compromise flavor, salmon is the answer. With its richness and lovely omega-3s, salmon makes for a wholesome yet delectable dinner. This baked salmon is flavored with lemon and garlic and baked to perfection. With this dish, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal while at the same time giving your body the nourishment it needs.
7. Mississippi Pot Roast
The Mississippi pot roast features tender and succulent roasted beef in a savory gravy. It’s cozy comfort food at its best, and I’ll bet your mom is gonna love it. While the meat is the star of the dish, the gravy is also just as impressive. Made with ranch dressing, au jus, and pepperoncini peppers, it has playful flavors that complement the beef wonderfully well.
8. Green Salad
For a side dish or appetizer that’s both wholesome and full of flavor, try this green salad. I promise you, there’s nothing dull and boring about this one! Loaded with apple slices, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it’s definitely not your ordinary salad.
9. Crab Cakes
If your mom is a fan of seafood, crab cakes are the way to go. With only 7 ingredients, you’ll have sweet and flaky crab cakes with a nice and crispy outer crust. It’s everything you can ask for in a crab cake.
10. Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet
With this hearty dish, you won’t have to worry about sides and appetizers. This one-skillet garlic butter steak and potatoes is all you’ll need. It sounds like such a complex recipe, but it couldn’t be easier to make. Both the steak and the potatoes are cooked and baked in the same skillet, so trust that there’s very minimal work involved. And the result? Well, let’s just say you really can’t go wrong with juicy steak and crispy roasted potatoes.
11. Grilled Pork Chops
Pork chops sometimes get a bad rap for being tough and dry. But when cooked the right way, they’re actually seriously tender and juicy. With this recipe to guide you, you’ll have super soft and delicious grilled pork chops worthy of the occasion.
12. Lasagna
If your mom loves pasta, why not impress her with this lasagna? This recipe is a simplified version of old-school lasagna, but trust me, the resulting dish tastes nothing like one. With layers of ground meat, marinara, and melty cheese, it’s so good your mom will think you’ve suddenly turned into a pasta pro!
13. Lemon Butter Chicken
Lemon butter chicken – these three words are music to my ears. I love how with only these three ingredients, you can make the most mind-blowing meal. The chicken is ultra-soft and tender, and the sauce is ridiculously lemony and buttery! To say it’s delicious is an understatement.
14. Meatloaf
If you hate dry and bland meatloaf just like I do, then this recipe is for you! This meatloaf is tender and moist, but not at all mushy. The simple combination of ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper gives it the most awesome flavors. It’s perfect for Mother’s Day, but also easy enough to make any day.
15. Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This salad features tender chicken, sweet and juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, and crisp celery tossed in a creamy dressing. Sure, it’s not as guilt-free as other salads, but flavorwise, it gets an A+. It’s also versatile! You can serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or use it as a sandwich filling.
16. Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad
For something unique, make your mom this Moroccan carrot and chickpea salad. With its vibrant colors, wonderful flavors, and heavenly aroma, this carrot-raisin salad with a twist will definitely be a hit.
17. Mashed Potatoes
Give the classic mashed potatoes an Irish twist! Colcannon is just like the beloved side dish but made creamier and richer by butter and half-and-half. This decadent dish makes for a hearty side dish to steak, fried chicken, or pot roast.
18. Beef Stew
Beef stew is a delectable warming comfort food ideal for cold winter days, but it’s also perfect for Mother’s Day! This stew features tender beef, hearty vegetables, and an umami-rich broth. It sounds complicated, but with a quick 20-minute prep time, it’s quite the opposite.
19. BBQ Chicken Burger
Just because you can’t eat beef doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good burger! This BBQ chicken burger will definitely satisfy that burger craving. Apart from the perfectly seasoned chicken patty, this burger also features sweet caramelized onions and ooey-gooey melted gouda. Who can say no to that?
20. Fried Chicken
When it comes to chicken dishes, the fried chicken reigns supreme. Every cook has a recipe for the perfect fried chicken in their pocket. This absolutely has to be yours. The meat is insanely tender and juicy, while the skin is perfectly crunchy! The flavor both inside and out is spot on.
21. Pasta with Steak and Spinach
Pasta, steak, and spinach all in one dish? I’m listening! Complete with tender steak, spinach, pasta, and a mustard-balsamic dressing, this dish is definitely a meal on its own.
22. Chicken Pot Pie
Cubed chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce all rest inside a golden pie crust. I mean, how amazing is that?! While the filling is the star, the crust is also just as good. It’s crisp and flaky and does a fine job in sealing all that creamy chicken deliciousness.
23. Roasted Eggplant Salad
Add a Middle Eastern flair to Mother’s Day dinner with this roasted eggplant salad. The eggplant is packed with warming spices, giving it such a unique and enjoyable flavor. It’s delicious, but also vegan, paleo, and Whole30, which means everyone can get in on the fun.
24. Salmon Cakes
This recipe for salmon cakes gives you 3 flavor options, Asian, Mediterranean, and Nordic. They’re all superb and easy to make, so I suggest you surprise your mom with all three!
25. Scalloped Potatoes
Mashed potatoes may be the most popular potato side dish, but scalloped potatoes deserve the spotlight just as much. Slicing the potatoes very thinly gives this dish such a unique and lovely consistency. Butter, milk, and cheese make it even more irresistible, too!
26. Yakisoba Chicken
Don’t let the long ingredients list deter you! Yakisoba chicken is surprisingly easy to make. More importantly, it’s ridiculously delicious. Give your mom a special Japanese treat with this noodle dish that’s rich in color and flavor!
27. Steak Salad
Here’s a sure-fire way to make salad exciting: top it with steak. The dish is still healthy, but 10 times more delicious.
28. Chicken Alfredo
Is your mom a fan of all things rich and creamy? Chicken Alfredo is your best bet. Tender and succulent chicken and an outrageously creamy garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce are tossed in al dente pasta. That’s what I call umami heaven!
29. Potato Wedges
They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re as delicious as fries, but are baked, not fried. You know what that means: you can eat more but without the guilt!
30. Glazed Carrots
They’re sweet, crunchy, and 100% addictive. The carrots are drenched in a sticky brown sugar and butter glaze, making them a fantastic side dish that even the kids would gladly eat. Click on a star to rate it!
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