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

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 meal? With the right recipes (like the ones in this roundup) you can easily do the cooking and cleanup, giving her plenty of 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. (We've even rounded up some Mother's Day dessert ideas for you, too.) 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.

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.

Layers of hearty portobello mushrooms, rich sauce and tender pasta come together in this comforting, flavor-packed lasagna. It’s a satisfying, meatless main that feels both cozy and elegant.

This Greek dinner salad is loaded with crisp vegetables, briny olives and tangy feta for a bold, refreshing bite. It’s a hearty, no-fuss option that works beautifully as a light main or a vibrant side.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

It doesn't get better than Ina's chicken piccata. She fries chicken breasts until golden and crispy, then drizzles a beautiful lemon sauce over top. Mom will love this classic recipe, which is always reliable — just like her.

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.

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!

Tyler's Chicken Francese is just what you need for a refined meal that's not overly complicated. The light lemon flavor makes it a nice main dish for lunch, when you don't want something too heavy. Serve it with whatever you like — the chicken pairs equally well with a salad or pasta.

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

Flank steak is a relatively lean cut of meat but full of flavor. This preparation is low on the fussiness factor: Put your seasoned steak on a preheated broiler pan and cook, no flipping needed. Just be sure to cut the meat against the grain-across, not parallel with, the visible lines of muscle fibers-so the steak will be tender, not chewy.

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.

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.

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.

Why serve mom a simple Caesar salad when you can serve her one topped with Ree’s garlic knot-inspired fried pizza dough? Mmm!

Pomegranate lends its sweet-tart essence and ruby hue to this impressive main dish in two ways: First, pomegranate molasses is the base of a fruity glaze for the salmon fillets, resulting in perfectly caramelized exteriors. While the fish cooks, we toss together a bold and colorful relish of pomegranate arils, cilantro and spicy serrano chiles to cut through the richness of the salmon. And since it's ready in just about 20 minutes, you'll have plenty of time for Mom.

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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".