Skip crowded restaurants and treat your mom to a home-cooked meal. The Mother's Day dinner ideas here range from light vegetarian options to slow-cooked meats.

There are all sorts of Mom-approved ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. Some may like kicking off the day with a brunch recipe and Mother’s Day gift, while others might prefer sleeping in and doing dinner. If the latter sounds like your mom, there are plenty of Mother’s Day dinner ideas to make the evening special. To help you out, this collection is filled with possibilities, from simple pasta recipes to elegant main dishes, that will make Mom feel pampered and special.

To ensure there is something for everyone, this roundup includes vegetarian, seafood and meat recipes. Some of the recipes serve two people because small-scale Mother’s Day celebrations are just as wonderful as big parties. Several dinners can be made in the slow cooker or require just one pan or skillet to make things easy for the cook. And, there are plenty of delicious budget-friendly dinners because cooking for your mom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Small touches, like garnishing dishes with edible flowers, can go a long way so that the meal you cooked looks as beautiful as it tastes!

1/35

Tam To’s Lemongrass Pork Chops with Broken Rice & Shrimp Bean Curd Rolls

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:2
From the Recipe Creator: Vietnamese broken rice is a humble dish made from fractured rice grains, but it’s filled with flavors of comfort. Growing up, this was a meal I ate often with my grandpa, and my family would prepare a huge batch to enjoy around the table. Traditionally, it’s served with a variety of sides, but my favorite combination is lemongrass pork chops and shrimp bean curd rolls. This version keeps all the classic flavors while making it easy to prepare at home using the air fryer. —Tam To, Los Angeles, California

Fresh pork chops are more versatile than you might think. If you usually default to simple seasonings, this recipe offers something different without adding difficulty. Lemongrass, green onions, garlic and oyster sauce offer a lovely balance between aromatic and savory that pairs perfectly with pork.

2/35

Creamy Lemon Pasta Primavera

1 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator:

This pasta primavera is loaded with pretty green peas and asparagus. Tossed in a light lemon cream sauce, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself craving even when it's not spring! You can also cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. If you do, double the saute time. —Grace Vallo, Salem, New Hampshire

Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 422 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.

If your mom is a pasta lover, this lemony, veggie fettuccine recipe is an easy but impressive Mother’s Day dinner she will love. Instead of a flour-based sauce, the pasta is coated with silky heavy cream, which will thicken as it cools. Save half a cup of hot pasta water and toss in a spoonful at a time to thin the texture to your liking.

3/35

Grilled Sirloin Tip Roast

2 Reviews
Total Time:2 hours 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a flavorful cut of meat that's still pretty lean, give this sirloin tip roast a try. I like to cook it slowly over indirect heat, mopping it frequently with red wine sauce. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked beef: 262 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1027mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.

The horseradish-thyme butter takes an already delicious sirloin tip to the next level. While you’re at the grill, throw on a couple veggie kabobs and corn on the cob for a complete meal.

4/35

Marry Me Salmon

1 Reviews
Total Time:40 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Often we catch enough of our delicious Northwest salmon to send some to Michigan for my sister to enjoy. This crisp, lemony recipe is a tasty way to enjoy it. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 698 calories, 55g fat (25g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 1387mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.

Fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic come together in a silky, cheesy sauce for pan-seared salmon fillets. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a glass of crisp white wine, and mom is in for a real treat.

5/35

Greek Lemon Chicken

3 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This grilled chicken recipe is so full of flavor! The lemon and oregano flavors shine in this simple dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a side salad. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh: 359 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.

The way to my heart on Mother’s Day involves firing up the grill and cooking a huge mix of vegetables and meat, including flavorful, marinated chicken like this Greek lemon chicken recipe. The marinade has a generous amount of lemon juice and zest in addition to garlic and spices, which tenderizes the chicken while imparting flavor. Don’t let it marinate for too long or the acidity will start to break down the integrity of the meat.

6/35

Grilled Shrimp Pasta

4 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This pasta came about one night when I started making up dinner as I went along, using what I had on hand. We knew it turned out amazing with the very first bite. —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 445 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 3 fat.

This light shrimp pasta recipe is full of fresh herbs. It is perfect for a springtime Mother’s Day dinner. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so have all your ingredients ready to go before starting.

7/35

Beef Tenderloin Roast

7 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love the simplicity of this easy beef tenderloin recipe. All you need are olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, then just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. You'll have more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked beef: 294 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.

Roasting a whole beef tenderloin is a smart choice if you’re hosting a group for Mother’s Day dinner. The large cut can serve a crowd but requires little hands-on work. To promote even cooking, tuck the thin ends under the roast and secure it with a few pieces of butcher’s twine.

8/35

Dutch Oven Whole Chicken

12 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family's favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 525 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1399mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 52g protein.

If you have never roasted a whole chicken in a Dutch oven, you are missing out on a tender, juicy way to enjoy chicken. The aromatics here stick to classic flavors like onion, celery, dried thyme and parsley. You can easily switch things up by using other herbs or maybe your mom’s favorite!

9/35

Salmon Steak

7 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After our children were married and gone, I prepared salmon steaks often for my husband and myself, especially on our anniversary. It was one of our favorites. We found that one of the nicest ways to enjoy each other's company was to have a lovely meal together. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 salmon steak: 461 calories, 33g fat (12g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.

Salmon is one of the best-tasting fish. This salmon steak recipe is an example of how easy it is to cook. Coat salmon steaks with lemon and butter, sprinkle them with herbs and seasonings, and then bake them until just cooked through for a simple meal. This dish will give you confidence to cook more fish at home.

10/35

Pappardelle Bolognese

2 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 50 min
Servings:12 (2-1/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My robust ragu combines ground beef, sausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pasta, or baked or fried polenta. It's even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread. —Caroline Brody, Forest Hills, New York
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 461 calories, 35g fat (16g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.

This pasta dinner features a long-simmering, lightly creamy three-meat sauce. The sauce cooks for over three hours total, so plan enough time for it to be ready by dinner. Or, make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Like a lasagna recipe, it gets better as it sits.

11/35

Chicken Cacciatore

33 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's also inexpensive and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.

This recipe takes an old-world Italian dish and adapts it for a slow cooker. Dinner can gently simmer all day for a special Mother’s Day meal with minimal effort. Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay tender throughout the lengthy cooking time. Or, you can use regular chicken thighs and remove the skin and bones before serving.

12/35

Spinach Tortellini

8 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy all things pasta, and tortellini is my favorite. The flavor of this dish is amazing. Even my husband, who hates pasta of any kind, loves it! It's a great recipe for non-spinach fans to try too. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 404 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.

Tortellini is a fantastic way to infuse a simple pasta dinner with a huge boost of flavor because each tortellini is packed with a savory filling. This recipe calls for frozen chopped spinach and cheese tortellini, but you can use fresh spinach or another type of leafy green and whatever kind of tortellini you like.

13/35

Lobster Tail

2 Reviews
Total Time:35 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: No matter where you live, these succulent, buttery lobster tails are just a few minutes away. Here in Iowa, we use frozen lobster with delicious results, but if you're near the ocean, by all means use fresh! —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 lobster tail: 211 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.

Sure, lobster comes to mind for Valentine’s Day dinners, but moms like lobster too. For this straightforward recipe, all you need are lobster tails, butter and a few minutes under the broiler to create a delightful meal. To avoid overcooked lobster, keep a close watch. Broiler strengths can vary drastically between different ovens. Also, use an instant-read thermometer to double-check if the lobster is ready.

14/35

Stuffed Shells

26 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 30 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a rich and comforting dish that’s terrific right away or made ahead and baked the next day. Pesto makes a surprising filling for these cheesy and satisfying shells. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed shells: 405 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

Creamy and cheesy, this ground beef-stuffed manicotti upgrades regular pasta into a divine meal for Mother’s Day. The filling is well seasoned with pesto and onions, but you can add some additional heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

15/35

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

35 Reviews
Total Time:45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: There are no complicated steps to follow when preparing this roasted medley of tender pork and veggies. Just season it with herbs, then pop it in the oven for less than an hour. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 301 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.

Mother’s Day dinner can be as easy as a sheet-pan meal of tender roasted pork and vegetables. This recipe features potatoes, carrots and onion wedges nestled around a seasoned pork tenderloin, but feel free to swap in other sturdy root vegetables like turnips or parsnips.

16/35

Seafood Mac and Cheese

Total Time:55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I wanted to try a luxurious version of mac and cheese with two of my favorite ingredients: lobster and cavatappi pasta. The result features Gruyere, cheddar cheese and the perfect mix of seasonings—a little cayenne and nutmeg. —Rose Muccio, Methuen, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 742 calories, 36g fat (21g saturated fat), 260mg cholesterol, 1555mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 47g protein.

My mom loved seafood for dinner more than anything else and would have appreciated how this recipe combines shrimp and lobster—her favorite—with macaroni and cheese—a family favorite. There is just a touch of cayenne and hot sauce in the creamy cheese sauce to add warmth, but you can always leave it out or replace it with a pinch of smoked paprika to add flavor without heat.

17/35

Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes

155 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 55 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Mom always managed to put a delicious hearty meal on the table for us and for our farmhands. This all-in-one comforting pork chops recipe reminds me of home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 574 calories, 29g fat (11g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.

Saucy potatoes and juicy pork chops all baked in one dish? Yes, please! Unlike au gratin potatoes, the scalloped potatoes in this recipe don’t have cream or cheese, which helps prevent curdling while baking. But if you still want a hit of cheese, remove the cooked chops to a cutting board to rest, sprinkle the top of the potatoes with cheese and return them to the oven for a few minutes.

18/35

Chicken Piccata

58 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 382 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.

It’s simpler than you think to make restaurant-worthy chicken piccata, complete with a bright and briny lemon caper sauce, at home. This recipe starts with boneless skinless chicken breasts split horizontally into two pieces. Or, you can buy thin-sliced boneless chicken breasts as a shortcut.

19/35

Pasta with Sausage and Peas

11 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.

Get Mom settled in a relaxing seat and tell her that dinner will be ready in 30 minutes! Whipping up a saucy skillet of rigatoni takes hardly any time and it is best served piping hot.

20/35

Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies

108 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 357 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

Avoid some common sheet-pan dinner mistakes when cooking for Mother’s Day dinner, and pick up a new sturdy baking sheet if your current ones are worn out or prone to warping in the oven. In this recipe, we use bone-in skinless chicken thighs, which stay juicy when roasted. You can use other cuts of chicken instead, but you may need to adjust the time so they are cooked through and not dry.

21/35

Lemon Herbed Salmon

11 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We sometimes send our Washington salmon all the way to Michigan for my sister to use in this family-favorite dish! The tasty topping can be used on other types of fish as well. Fresh thyme from your garden really sparks the flavor. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked salmon: 446 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.

A flavorful crumb coating with garlic, fresh herbs and lemon zest transforms salmon into a Mother’s Day-worthy dinner. Serve with a grilled panzanella salad or potatoes and creamed spinach for a well-rounded meal.

22/35

Seafood-Stuffed Shells

34 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Inspired by my love of lasagna, pasta shells and seafood, I created this recipe that's easy to make but special enough to serve company. I serve it with garlic bread and a salad. —Katie P. Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 3 stuffed shells: 448 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.

Making homemade stuffed shells does take some time, between cooking the sauce, mixing up the filling, assembling and baking it all together. But it’s well worth the effort for a special meal that feeds a crowd. Shell pasta comes in various sizes, but you need jumbo shells for this recipe. The jumbo shells are big enough to stuff with the crab- and shrimp-studded filling without tearing.

23/35

Eggplant Parmesan

41 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it’s much healthier than other versions of this dish! The prep time is a little longer than for some recipes, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 305 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 912mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 9g fiber), 18g protein.

Eggplant is a satisfying and hearty vegetable to use instead of meat in this take on classic eggplant Parmesan. There is no frying required in this recipe. The sliced and breaded eggplant is baked until crisp, making the dish a little lighter and quicker to assemble.

24/35

Seafood Thermidor

1 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here in the Midwest, lobster can be pricey, so I found this recipe that tastes like lobster thermidor but costs a lot less. —Sandi Laskowski, Rapid city, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 365 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 829mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.

Lobster thermidor is a classic French dish and one of those vintage recipes that’s hard to find at restaurants nowadays. With this recipe and some helpful modifications, you can make it at home. It’s even more affordable since it uses white fish and shrimp instead of lobster. Still, the creamy, lightly cheesy sauce is rich and decadent. Since this serves two, it’s a perfect treat for just you and your mom.

25/35

Pancetta Pasta

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 378 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.

In this recipe, bits of pancetta crisp in oil, garlic and onions before being tossed with hot cooked pasta and tomatoes for a comforting dinner. Top the dish with torn fresh basil or parsley if you have it for an herbaceous pop of flavor.

26/35

Marry Me Chicken

6 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With a name like marry me chicken, this dish has people falling head-over-heels. It's all about the comforting sun-dried tomato cream sauce, loaded with herbs, fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 313 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.

This recipe for swoon-worthy chicken will definitely show your mom you love her! Although this one-skillet meal is simple to make, the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, Parmesan and spices creates an elegant and sublime sauce that outshines your typical chicken dinners.

27/35

Crab-Stuffed Tilapia

17 Reviews
Total Time:45 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Make a reservation for four at your dining room table. With this elegant, restaurant-quality dish, you can turn an ordinary Tuesday night into a supper celebration. —Linda Stemen, Monroeville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 608 calories, 47g fat (21g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 894mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.

For a double hit of seafood, you can’t go wrong with this lovely fish dinner. The tilapia isn’t stuffed exactly but topped with a savory crab mixture and then rolled up. No fancy knife work is required. If you secure the rolled fish with toothpicks, be sure to remove them before serving. Twisting them to loosen rather than pulling will prevent tearing the delicate fillets.

28/35

Tortellini Alfredo

8 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When we're having company, I prepare this dinner shortly before guests arrive, put it in a casserole dish and keep it warm in the oven. —Chris Snyder, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 579 calories, 45g fat (27g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 812mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.

This recipe combines convenient supermarket shortcuts—frozen peas and refrigerated tortellini—with homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s an easy but impressive dinner. If you are feeling ambitious or have extra time, try your hand at homemade pasta instead of using tortellini. Making homemade pasta was an activity my mother and I loved to do together.

29/35

Seared Scallops with Polenta and Avocado Cream

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a really impressive dish. It's beautiful but simple and a wonderful dinner party entree. If you can find them, peppadew peppers add a bit of zing. If you can't find them, roasted red peppers work just fine. Substitute shrimp for the scallops, if you prefer. —Katie Pelczar, West Hartford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 2 scallops with 1 cup polenta and 2 tablespoons avocado cream: 467 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1773mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.

This recipe feels fancy thanks to the different colors and textures from the cheesy polenta, the silky avocado sauce and the tender scallops. Yet, each part of the meal is simple to prepare. For well-browned scallops, pat them very dry before seasoning. Also, make sure the skillet is piping hot so that they sear instead of steam.

30/35

Roasted Cornish Game Hen

18 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 30 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for an elegant dinner for two, we suggest these delightful Cornish game hens. As a bonus, crisp and tasty potatoes cook right alongside the meat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 984 calories, 68g fat (22g saturated fat), 381mg cholesterol, 1239mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 64g protein.

Cornish hens look like little chickens and have a similar mild flavor. They are fun for a special occasion dinner because everyone gets their own little bird to enjoy. To flavor them, pack the cavity with lemon and onion, and tuck fresh sage leaves under the skin. This will infuse the flavors into the meat without the risk of burning during cooking.

31/35

Cioppino

30 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 40 min
Servings:8 (2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp. This stew is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.

Cioppino isn’t just any classic soup recipe. It’s an elegant, thick celebration of seafood that is hearty but light at the same time. This recipe has haddock, shrimp, clams and crab. But you can use almost any combination of seafood you like. This cioppino is made in the slow cooker so it can gently simmer all afternoon while you spend time with your mom.

32/35

Macadamia-Crusted Mahi Mahi

8 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Turn mahi mahi fillets into fancy company fare with a crunchy coating of macadamia nuts and panko, then drizzle with a yummy, gingery sauce. Our judges raved about the flavor of this fast-fixing fish entree—so will your family and friends! Idana Mooney - Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 466 calories, 29g fat (4g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.

This tropically-inspired macadamia mahi mahi is way easier to make than it looks, and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Pair the fish and its ginger-soy sauce with some fried rice or Hawaiian mac salad.

33/35

Steak au Poivre

Total Time:35 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Have an elegant restaurant experience right at home with this steak au poivre. Peppercorns season the steak to create a peppery, light crust. Then, butter, shallots, garlic, Cognac and heavy whipping cream combine to create a thick brown sauce that lathers the steak, creating a delightful bite. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked steak with 2 tablespoons sauce: 376 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 884mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.

Yes, moms love a steak dinner, especially one based on a classic steakhouse recipe. This one features a peppery, tender steak topped with a creamy Cognac-spiked sauce. Freshly crushed peppercorns are the key to getting the right bold flavor without any peppery dust that burns your throat. This recipe recommends a mortar and pestle. If you don’t have one, put the peppercorns in a thick plastic food storage bag and crush them with a meat mallet.

34/35

Veal Scallopini

11 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I found the original version of this dish in a magazine and adjusted it to suit my family’s tastes. Because delicate, fine-textured veal comes with a short cooking time, this simple entree is even more attractive. —Ruth Lee, Troy, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 435 calories, 35g fat (16g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.

Thin slices of veal cook quickly in this easy one-skillet recipe. The simple pan sauce has sliced mushrooms. While white button mushrooms work just fine, we find that combining other types of mushrooms like oyster mushrooms, cremini and shiitake deepen the flavor.

35/35

Dill Sauce for Salmon

88 Reviews
Total Time:35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked salmon with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 418 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.

This elegant salmon recipe doesn’t require any knife work beyond slicing a few pieces of onion and lemon. Even a kitchen novice can make this special dinner. Make the dill sauce while the salmon bakes (or earlier in the day) so the flavors have time to meld.

Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas FAQ

Which foods are associated with Mother’s Day?

Since Mother’s Day is in May, springtime fruits, vegetables and herbs are naturally associated with the day. Bright, light dishes like salmon dinners or other seafood, as well as lemon desserts or pink recipes, really stand out. Try some new spring flavor combinations from what’s in season, including strawberries, rhubarb, peas, asparagus and tender herbs like tarragon.

What is a special entree to cook for my mother?

As a mom myself, I feel the most special entree is prepared with care and full of my favorite flavors and ingredients. For example, if your mom likes steak, visit a butcher shop and pick a cut that is well-marbled and tender. Or, tackle a cooking project and create an impressive dinner that makes her feel extra-pampered and appreciated. It’s less about the exact entree you make and more about the intention.

What are some good side dishes to serve for Mother’s Day dinner?

When choosing a good side dish for Mother’s Day dinner, you can take a few approaches. Lean into the season, visit a local farmers market for inspiration and create a fresh vegetable side dish. Sides like sauteed peas, raw or cooked asparagus, or a big green salad are all versatile options regardless of the main course. For a heartier side dish, bake fresh homemade dinner rolls or make a savory herbed rice pilaf.