Ultimate Mother’s Day Menu: 22 Recipes That Say ‘I Love You’

Mother’s Day calls for something a little extra special, and food is one of the best ways to show it. Whether you’re planning a relaxed brunch, a light lunch, or a full-on dinner spread, these recipes offer something thoughtful and homemade.

You’ll find plenty of fresh produce, bright flavors, and a mix of savory and sweet ideas worth lingering over. These dishes don’t just taste great—they feel like a celebration.

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1. Cinnamon Roll Casserole

A serving spoon lifting a piece of cinnamon roll casserole, topped with cream cheese frosting. — Photo credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This cozy breakfast casserole layers refrigerated cinnamon rolls in a rich custard, then bakes to golden, gooey perfection. It’s simple to prep and easy to make ahead, which means less stress and more time at the table.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

2. Chicken Salad

A collage showing chicken salad sandwiches on croissants, one stacked and one sliced. — Photo credit: Princess Pinky Girl

Sweet grapes and crunchy pecans add great texture to this creamy chicken salad, which comes together in minutes with cooked chicken. Serve it in croissants, lettuce cups, or over greens.

Get the recipe: Chicken Salad

3. Mini Cheesecakes

Several mini cheesecakes topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. — Photo credit: Boston Girl Bakes

With a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth vanilla filling, these mini cheesecakes are just the right size for individual servings. A simple sour cream topping adds a subtle tang.

Get the recipe: Mini Cheesecakes

4. Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts topped with bruschetta and balsamic glaze on a white platter. — Photo credit: Nourish and Fete

Juicy chicken breasts are topped with a tomato-basil mixture and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a fast dinner that looks elegant on the plate.

Get the recipe: Bruschetta Chicken

5. Lavender Shortbread Cookies

A close-up overhead shot of several lavender shortbread cookies, topped with white icing and lavender buds. — Photo credit: Bakers Table

These slice-and-bake cookies are delicately flavored with culinary lavender and finished with a thin vanilla glaze. The dough can be prepped ahead and kept in the fridge.

Get the recipe: Lavender Shortbread Cookies

6. Strawberry Spinach Salad

A strawberry spinach salad with feta cheese, almonds, and a strawberry vinaigrette. — Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday

Fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and goat cheese sit over a bed of baby spinach with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It’s light, colorful, and quick to toss together.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad

7. Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

A skillet of shrimp and spinach pasta, topped with parmesan cheese. — Photo credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

This one-pan pasta has sautéed shrimp, wilted spinach, and a garlic cream sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The sauce gets a silky texture from a splash of half-and-half.

Get the recipe: Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

8. Lemon Asparagus

Roasted asparagus spears with lemon slices on an ornate silver platter. — Photo credit: Amanda’s Cookin’

Bright and tender, this sautéed asparagus is tossed in lemon juice and parmesan for a simple spring side. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish.

Get the recipe: Lemon Asparagus

9. Grapefruit Bundt Cake

A grapefruit bundt cake on a white plate, surrounded by grapefruits and a cup of coffee. — Photo credit: Nourish and Fete

This bundt cake uses fresh grapefruit juice in both the batter and glaze, giving it a fresh citrus flavor that’s not too sweet. The pale pink glaze sets up beautifully.

Get the recipe: Grapefruit Bundt Cake

10. Crustless Quiche Bake

A collage showing a crustless quiche bake, one whole and one with a serving being removed. — Photo credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

This easy quiche skips the crust but keeps all the flavor, with bacon, cheese, and green onions baked into a fluffy egg base. Great for brunch or a light dinner.

Get the recipe: Crustless Quiche Bake

11. Orange Ginger Chicken Pasta Salad

A bowl of orange ginger chicken pasta salad with mandarin oranges, peas, and almonds. — Photo credit: The Creative Bite

With a bright dressing and pops of mandarin orange, this pasta salad has both sweet and savory flavors. Chopped peanuts add a satisfying crunch.

Get the recipe: Chicken Pasta Salad

12. Salmon Rice Bowl

A salmon rice bowl with cucumber, red onion, and a creamy sauce. — Photo credit: xoxoBella

Flaky roasted salmon tops jasmine rice with cucumbers, avocado, and a spicy mayo drizzle. It’s fresh and filling, with lots of texture in every bite.

Get the recipe: Salmon Rice Bowl

13. Banana Bread Waffles

Close-up of golden-brown waffles topped with banana slices and a dark amber syrup. — Photo credit: I Heart Eating

These waffles are made with mashed bananas and warm spices, turning leftover banana bread vibes into a crisp, golden breakfast. They freeze well, too.

Get the recipe: Banana Bread Waffles

14. Heirloom Tomato Galette with Herbs

A sliced heirloom tomato galette with herbs on parchment paper. — Photo credit: Chenée Today

This rustic tart features flaky pastry filled with ripe heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs. A layer of cheese keeps the crust from getting soggy.

Get the recipe: Tomato Galette

15. Strawberry Slab Pie

A strawberry slab pie cut into squares on a baking sheet. — Photo credit: xoxoBella

Perfect for a crowd, this slab pie has a thick, jammy strawberry filling and a buttery crust that bakes up golden. It slices cleanly and holds its shape.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Slab Pie

16. Chicken Pinwheels

A plate of sliced chicken pinwheels, served with tortilla chips. — Photo credit: Simply Stacie

These bite-size roll-ups use tortillas filled with creamy chicken salad, then sliced into rounds. They’re ideal for serving as finger food or a light appetizer.

Get the recipe: Chicken Pinwheels

17. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Close-up of baked portobello mushrooms stuffed with cheese and tomatoes. — Photo credit: Blackberry Babe

Large portobellos are filled with spinach, cream cheese, and breadcrumbs for a rich, savory vegetarian option. They bake up tender and golden on top.

Get the recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

18. Peach and Brie Crostini

Close-up of a peach and brie crostini, seasoned with herbs and pepper. — Photo credit: Barley & Sage

Fresh peaches are roasted until soft, then layered on crostini with melty brie and a drizzle of honey. The sweet-savory combo is perfect for a spring gathering.

Get the recipe: Peach and Brie Crostini

19. Greek Pasta

A collage showing Greek pasta salad with feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and red onion. — Photo credit: Moon and Spoon and Yum

This cold pasta salad features olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and feta tossed in a lemony dressing. It’s bright and perfect served chilled.

Get the recipe: Greek Pasta

20. Jennifer Aniston Salad

A wooden bowl of Jennifer Aniston salad with quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, feta cheese, and pistachios. — Photo credit: Healthy Fitness Meals

Quinoa, chickpeas, cucumbers, and herbs come together in this fresh, protein-packed salad inspired by a viral recipe. It keeps well and makes great leftovers.

Get the recipe: Jennifer Aniston Salad