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18 Dinner Ideas To Spoil Mom This Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s time to show Mom just how much she means to you. And what better way to do that than with a home-cooked meal? Whether she’s a seafood lover, a pasta aficionado or a fan of anything in a Le Creuset, we’ve curated a collection of 18 exquisite dinner ideas that are sure to spoil her taste buds and warm her heart.
Hungry for more? Give Mom the gift she’s been eyeing and shop our Mother’s Day Gift Guide! Shop eye-popping gifts from her favorite brands—including KitchenAid™, Breville, Joseph Joseph, All-Clad and more—and get her smiling from ear to ear.
PAN-SEARED SALMON WITH LEMON HERB PARMESAN SAUCE
Pan-seared, crispy-skinned salmon placed in a creamy lemon mascarpone sauce, elevated by fresh chives and dill marks a memorable Mother’s Day.
Accompanied by roasted zucchini and Israeli couscous tossed with pine nuts, this dish is a culinary masterpiece Mom won’t forget.
CHICKEN PICCATA
Traditionally made with veal, this rustic Italian dish is known for its lemon caper sauce. Here we’ve used chicken breasts for a quick, delicious main course everyone will love. All you need is a skillet and tongs.
Learn how to make this recipe here.
INSTANT POT LINGUINE WITH SHRIMP, ARUGULA AND MASCARPONE SAUCE
Perfectly al dente linguine, combined with a lemony mascarpone sauce, arugula and shrimp—this one-pot wonder is exactly what you want in your back pocket come Mother’s Day.
CRISPY SALMON ON LEMON CAPER WILTED GREENS
Master the art of entertaining with this crispy salmon showstopper by pan-frying the salmon fillets to a light golden-brown and finishing in the oven for a tender, flaky interior.
Use the same skillet to whip up a lemon caper sauce, spooned onto wilted greens for a beautiful visual on a platter.
LEMON HERB COD WITH CRISPY GARLIC POTATOES
Easy but elegant, this delicious twist on a classic ensures moist, flaky fish and browned, flavorful potatoes make their way to the main event. Shingled in four individual portions for an attractive presentation on the pan and impressive tableside plating.
SEARED SCALLOPS WITH GRAPEFRUIT AND CRISPY PROSCIUTTO
The combination of sweet scallops with slightly tangy grapefruit, salty prosciutto and peppery arugula makes this dish an elegant flavor combination.
LINGUINE WITH CLAMS AND CHAMPAGNE
A luxurious dish like linguine and clams with a splash of champagne is perfect for a special occasion. The champagne is, of course, hidden in a heavy cream sauce with thyme, tarragon and lemon, served over linguine and garnished with parsley and grated Parmesan.
MIXED SEAFOOD PAELLA
A Valencian rice dish made for celebration, this colorful combination of seafood and aromatic spices can be simmered and left until the mussels and clams open. A host’s dream.
Pro Tip: Finish cooking your paella on a grill if you want that perfect, crispy-bottomed rice.
ROASTED CHICKEN WITH FARRO AND SPRING PEAS
Need a quick main? You can substitute a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store here—zero judgement.
Just toss some leeks, shallots, garlic, lemon zest, tomatoes and peas in a skillet until fragrant, combine with farro and a little lemon and Parmigiano, and you’ve got an impressive base for your chicken.
BRAISED CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKES
A hearty dinner you can finally use your Dutch oven for.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned and seared until golden-brown then nestled with sautéed garlic and artichokes in the braiser. Add a drizzle of vibrant basil dressing before serving.
TUSCAN ROSEMARY CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK
Grab your cast iron for this one—bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a Tuscan spice blend and grilled skin-side down until crispy. Finish them in the oven, transfer to a serving platter and garnish with grilled lemon rounds.
PAN-ROASTED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH WHITE WINE HERB SAUCE
Deglazed with a dry white wine (pouring out a little for Mom, of course), this creamy herb sauce is the main event for beautifully pan-seared, roasted chicken.
GRILLED STEAKS WITH MARSALA AND SHALLOT PAN SAUCE
Looking for a touch of sophistication? A good New York strip, rib-eye or tenderloin mark a memorable night any day of the year. Generously seasoned, grilled and smothered in a buttery Marsala sauce finished with flat-leaf parsley, this is one Mom won’t forget.
PASTA WITH BABY ARTICHOKES, MASCARPONE AND HAZELNUTS
The only thing that makes a vegetarian dish better is fresh pasta. While baby artichokes are the star ingredient—adding a delicate yet distinct taste—you’ve never seen lasagna sheets like this. Cut into triangles and toss with the artichokes, toasted hazelnuts, marjoram, Aleppo-style pepper and lemon mascarpone. It’s chef’s kiss.
QUINOA PILAF WITH SPRING PEAS AND ASPARAGUS
A light main or beautiful side, this pilaf is full of flavor and celebrates the freshness of spring. Fluffed quinoa, olive oil, parsley and peas, topped with caramelized asparagus and garnished with grated Parmesan—this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
PEA AND SAGE RAVIOLI WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO
The wonderful contrast of crispy prosciutto and tender ravioli makes this an easy choice for a Mother’s Day dinner. Creamy ricotta, fresh blanched peas, grated Parmesan and sage create an earthy ravioli base with a beautiful, salty crunch from the prosciutto.
POTATO GNOCCHI WITH PEAS AND PECORINO
Light and pillowy potato gnocchi complemented by sweet peas and a creamy mascarpone sauce, finished with grated pecorino—this dish embodies the comforting aspects of Italian cuisine while incorporating everything we love about spring.
WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO WITH FRIED SAGE
Make Mother’s Day dinner special with a luxurious blend of earthy flavors and creamy textures, combining wild mushrooms with the comforting creaminess of arborio rice and Parmigiano-Reggiano in a risotto you can let simmer while you entertain.
Get the Wild Mushroom Risotto with Fried Sage recipe!
Hungry for more? Give Mom the gift she’s been eyeing and shop our Mother’s Day Gift Guide! Shop eye-popping gifts from her favorite brands—including KitchenAid™, Breville, Joseph Joseph, All-Clad and more—and get her smiling from ear to ear.
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