31 Mother's Day Dinner Ideas for a Special Meal at Home

Treat Mom to some well-deserved rest and relaxation by doing the cooking for her. These mains and sides make it easy.

March 31, 2023

By: Food Network Kitchen

Photo By: Melissa Libertelli Photography

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What Mom Really Wants

Trust us, there’s nothing Mom wants more on her special day than a little time off. Why not let her sleep late, wake up to a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift and then spend the day with her feet up, sipping a cocktail or two while the family whips up a special brunch? Better yet, with the right recipes (like the ones in this roundup) you can easily do the cooking and cleanup all day long, giving her even more time to relax. We’ve included some lighter options like pastas and salads as well as impressive mains worthy of a celebratory dinner so that it's easy to make a meal Mom will enjoy. Wondering where to start? Try these chicken thighs. Laying on a bed of seasoned potatoes and vegetables and topped with lemon slices and fresh thyme they’re as delicious as they are impressive, making them the perfect pick for her special day.

Get the Recipe: One-Pan Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Baked Halibut with Wine and Herbs

This easy-to-make halibut dish is far from ordinary. The fish fillets steam gently in an aromatic broth of fresh herbs and dry vermouth, making them tender and flavorful. A quick olive tapenade topping effortlessly elevates them, so they’re perfect for Mom’s special dinner.

Get the Recipe: Baked Halibut with Wine and Herbs

Moroccan Lemon Chicken

This one-skillet recipe is delicious (who wouldn't want chicken, infused with rich, sweet-and-savory flavors?) and won't leave you with a sinkful of dishes!

Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lemon Chicken

Lemony Ricotta Spaghetti

Remember the days when mom used to make you spaghetti and meatballs? This elegant version has all the homecooked comfort you love, but with a fresh, springtime twist.

Get the Recipe: Lemony Ricotta Spaghetti

Crab Cake-Stuffed Artichokes

We took the classic stuffed artichoke and gave it a boost with all the fun flavors of a crab cake, classic seafood seasoning included.

Get the Recipe: Crab Cake-Stuffed Artichokes

Roasted Chicken with Orange Glaze

A simple, homemade orange glaze does double duty in this impressive recipe. It adds sweetness to both the chicken and a quick, sheet pan-roasted side of asparagus.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken with Orange Glaze

Fusilli alla Caprese

Classic ingredients like fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil complete this simple-yet-stunning side dish.

Get the Recipe: Fusilli alla Caprese

Chicken Alfredo Manicotti

For the perfect amount of chicken, cheese and spinach, pipe the filling into the uncooked manicotti shells. This will help ensure that every bite has plenty of filling.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Manicotti

Arugula, Mozzarella, Roasted Red Pepper and Mint Salad

Giada knows that it’s the small details that make a dish special. Like the little pop of mint that she adds to this savory arugula, mozzarella and red pepper salad.

Get the Recipe: Arugula, Mozzarella, Roasted Red Pepper and Mint Salad

Mahi Mahi with Peach-Cucumber Salsa

Peaches and cucumbers work together to make the perfect, not-too-sweet topping for tender mahi. If Mom likes seafood, this bright and refreshing recipes is a must-try for Mother’s Day.

Get the Recipe: Mahi Mahi with Peach-Cucumber Salsa

Squash and Ricotta Pizza

Toss some of Mom’s favorite salad ingredients (like arugula, butternut squash and shaved parmesan) onto a pizza. The pie will look pretty — and mom will be proud that everyone is eating their veggies!

Get the Recipe: Squash and Ricotta Pizza

Green Gazpacho with Edible Flowers

Don’t forget the flowers on Mother’s Day, lunch and dinner included! Colorful blooms will add a special touch to Mom’s meal – just be sure your flowers are labeled as edible when you buy them.

Get the Recipe: Green Gazpacho with Edible Flowers

Salmon en Croute

We like to think of this savory salmon dish like a hug (but with puff pastry). The fish is lovingly wrapped in flaky, buttery goodness and then topped with a few cutout hearts for good measure.

Get the Recipe: Salmon en Croute

Ravioli Alla Caprese

Treat mom to something truly special: homemade ravioli. Giada’s recipe makes it easy to whip up a batch (completely from scratch!) even if you’re a novice in the kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Ravioli Alla Caprese

Salmon-Fennel Salad

Not sure what to do with fennel? It pairs perfectly with salmon in this pretty salad. Just be sure to cut it into very thin slices. It's crunchy and full of flavor, so a little goes a long way.

Get the Recipe: Salmon-Fennel Salad

Scallop Scampi

Scallops swap in for shrimp in this quick and easy scampi made with butter, garlic, lemon and parsley. Mom’s guaranteed to love it!

Get the Recipe: Scallop Scampi

Artichoke-Mortadella Flatbread Pizzas

Mom will appreciate this delicate flatbread-style pizza with layers of mortadella, artichoke and baby arugula.

Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Mortadella Flatbread Pizzas

Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas

The perfect side for your Mother’s Day meal, Kardea’s creamy risotto has plenty of flavor, thanks to chicken broth, mushrooms and sauteed garlic.

Get the Recipe: Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas

Filet Steak with Shrimp Peppercorn Sauce

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than surf and turf. So, why not treat mom to a tender steak and with a savory shrimp topping?

Get the Recipe: Filet Steak with Shrimp Peppercorn Sauce

Dirty Risotto

Giada adds spicy Italian sausage to her creamy, oh-so-flavorful risotto for a comforting dish that's sure to be a hit at your Mother's Day meal.

Get the Recipe: Dirty Risotto

Chickpeas with Chard

Mom was always reminding you to eat your veggies — so serving her this delicious and nutritious dish (made with plenty of hardy Swiss chard) is sure to put a smile on her face.

Get the Recipe: Chickpeas with Chard

Eggplant Rollatini

Roll thin slices of eggplant around a ricotta-and-herb filling and top with a simple, homemade tomato sauce for an Italian-style dish that’s full of the one ingredient Mom will appreciate most: love!

Get the Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini

Cauliflower Piccata

Mom’s a vegetarian? She’ll love this hearty, vegetable-forward main. Cauliflower steaks are roasted to perfection and then topped with a mouthwatering wine and caper sauce.

Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Piccata

Creamy Peach Salad

Transform basic iceberg lettuce into a sweet-and-savory salad with refreshing chunks of peach, crumbled bits of bacon and a bright, lemony dressing.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Peach Salad

Avocado Salad

Drizzle an oil and honey dressing over chunks of avocado and thinly sliced cucumbers for a simple and delicious salad.

Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Chicken with Pesto Cream

We love Ree’s easy pesto sauce in this dish. It’s thickened with heavy cream, so it has a really luxurious texture. We’re sure Mom’s going to ask you for the recipe!

Get the Recipe: Chicken with Pesto Cream

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Impress mom with a beautiful plate of creamy, cheesy fettuccine. Just be careful; once she realizes what a good cook you are, she'll want you to make dinner more often!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Rosemary-Garlic Pork Chops with Chickpeas

So you want to cook for mom but don’t want to do a ton of dishes? Try this savory sheet pan meal. Everything cooks together on one pan – and is ready in just 35 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Rosemary-Garlic Pork Chops with Chickpeas

Strawberry-Endive Salad with Edible Flowers

Instead of buying a bouquet for mom this year, create an arrangement of edible flowers in a colorful salad featuring bright strawberries and toasted walnuts. Just be sure to use flowers that are clearly labeled "edible".

Get the Recipe: Strawberry-Endive Salad with Edible Flowers