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I’ve rounded up Mother’s Day dinner ideas to help make spoiling mom as easy as possible. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, I’ve got you covered! Show her you love her on this special day with some delicious dishes.

More Collections: Mother’s Day Dessert Ideas, Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas, Spring Dinner Ideas

Collage of mother's day dinner recipes.

Make Dinner Special for Mom!

To me, the best Mother’s Day includes a dinner I don’t have to make myself. My family never believes me, but all I want is a clean house, happy kids, and not to have to cook!!!

I have plenty of Mother’s Day dinner ideas for all skill levels, so put up your feet and share this with your loved ones! Sometimes they just need a hint. 😉

Why we love these dinners:

  • Simple. There are plenty of achievable recipes to choose from – invite mom to relax while you do the cooking!
  • Beyond dinner. Not only have we included delicious recipes, but there are plenty of tips to make it a special occasion.
  • The whole shebang. From sides and beyond, there is something everyone will love.
Tortellini salad in a glass serving bowl.

Planning Tips

  • Time allocation. There is usually more time on Sundays to spend on more involved recipes, but you can also choose to make a quick & easy dish that is just as delicious.
  • Store-bought. Incorporate dishes that can be prepped and or fully made ahead of time.
  • Cooking space. Make sure you have room to heat the different dishes. Utilize the crock pot to free up oven space. 
  • Implementing spring produce can help make the freshest and most effective dishes. Some favorite spring fruits and veggies include:
    • artichoke, asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, green onions, green beans, leek, peas, potatoes
    • apricots, avocados, blueberries, cherries, kiwi, lemon, lime, mango, oranges, strawberries
    • greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula & kale
    • fresh herbs
  • Make it extra special.
    • Use her special china, silverware, and glasses.  
    • Add a tablecloth and a folded napkin.
    • Preset the table and add a place card. It’s an easy addition that adds elegance. 
    • Add a floral centerpiece. It can be flowers picked from your garden or a more elegant arrangement from a florist. 
    • Do the dishes and tidy the kitchen. 
Baked salmon topped with a slice of lemon, served on a white platter.

How much to serve

  • Pasta. Serve 2-3 ounces of dry pasta per person. 16 ounces of pasta can serve about 6-8 guests. If it includes veggies or protein then you will have plenty to serve about 8-10 guests. 
  • Meats. For beef, chicken, seafood, or pork plan to serve 8-12 ounces per person. 
  • Casseroles. A 9×13” casserole cuts into 20 squares. Calculate about 1½-2 squares per person. 
  • Appetizers. Plan around 3-5 starters per person. For 5-10 people, have 1-2 different appetizer dishes. Add another appetizer dish for every 5-8 people in attendance. 
  • Side dishes. Serve 6 ounces of potatoes, 4 ounces of vegetables, and 1½ rolls per person. For every 5-8 people attending add another dish to the menu.
  • Desserts. Plan for each guest to have 1½  servings. 
  • Drinks/punch. The average person will drink 2 glasses.

Best Mother’s Day Dinner Recipes

There are best-loved classics like pork tenderloin, Chicken Pot Pie, Roasted Chicken, and Skillet Lasagna, but we’ve included our favorites that are both simple and full of flavor!

A classic Chicken Stroganoff with a cream mushroom sauce is also a delicious classic. Check out our spring dinner ideas for even more tasty options!

1 Steak Marinade

Main Course Steak Marinade
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 78 votes
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2 Breaded Pork Chops Recipe

Main Course Breaded Pork Chops Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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3 Swiss Chicken Bake Recipe

Main Course Swiss Chicken Bake Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes

Recipe Video

4.94 from 443 votes
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4 Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Main Course Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 374 votes
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5 Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

Main Course Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 95 votes
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6 Chicken Scallopini Recipe

Main Course Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.87 from 23 votes
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7 Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Main Course Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 6 votes
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8 Best Pork Chop Recipe

Main Course Best Pork Chop Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 592 votes
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9 Chicken Piccata Recipe

Main Course Chicken Piccata Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 15 votes
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10 Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Main Course Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 1064 votes
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More Mothers Day Recipes

Making mom dinner may seem a bit daunting, but there is a better way! I’ve rounded up some simple meals for those novice chefs.

11 Prime Rib Recipe

Main Course Prime Rib Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 22 votes
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12 Baked Salmon Recipe

Main Course Baked Salmon Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 17 votes
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13 Breaded Pork Chops Recipe

Main Course Breaded Pork Chops Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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14 Bruschetta Chicken Recipe

Main Course Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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15 Steak and Potatoes Recipe

Main Course Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 8 votes
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16 Italian Pork Chops Recipe

Main Course Italian Pork Chops Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 25 votes
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17 Steak Bites Recipe

Main Course Steak Bites Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 3 votes
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18 Chicken Divan Recipe

Main Course Chicken Divan Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 31 votes
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19 Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken cacciatore on grey plate served over pasta
Main Course Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
4.80 from 5 votes
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20 Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Main Course Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1 vote
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21 Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

Main Course Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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22 Ranch Chicken Recipe

Main Course Ranch Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
5 from 19 votes
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23 Lemon Asparagus Pasta Recipe

Main Course Lemon Asparagus Pasta Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.79 from 14 votes
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24 Pesto Pasta recipe

Main Course Pesto Pasta recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.92 from 12 votes
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25 Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Main Course Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 26 votes
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26 Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Main Course Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

4.91 from 11 votes
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27 Pasta Carbonara Recipe

Main Course Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.73 from 18 votes
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Mothers Day Side Dishes

Don’t forget the veggies! There are plenty of flavorful sides to choose from, veggies and beyond. From sweet and savory salads to tender roast asparagus, there are plenty of options for all skill levels!

Check out even more Easy Side Dishes for more ideas.

28 Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe

Salad Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 14 votes
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29 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe

Salad Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 19 votes
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30 Green Bean Salad Recipe

Side Dish Green Bean Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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31 Arugula Salad Recipe

Main Course, Salad, Side Dish Arugula Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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32 Quick Caprese Salad Recipe

Salad Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 2 votes
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33 Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Salad Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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34 Asparagus Salad Recipe

Salad Asparagus Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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35 Garlic Bread Recipe

Bread Garlic Bread Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.89 from 36 votes
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36 Garlic Knots Recipe

Side Dish Garlic Knots Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
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37 Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Side Dish Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 30 votes
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38 Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 42 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1 vote
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39 Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 11 votes
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40 Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.93 from 14 votes
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41 Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.91 from 11 votes
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42 Green Bean Bundles Recipe

Side Dish Green Bean Bundles Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 19 votes
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43 Roasted Carrots Recipe

Side Dish Roasted Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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44 Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

Side Dish Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1515 votes
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45 Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Side Dish Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 15 votes
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46 Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Side Dish Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 203 votes
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47 Potatoes and Asparagus Recipe

Side Dish Potatoes and Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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48 Roasted Broccoli Recipe

Side Dish Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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49 Creamed Corn Recipe

Side Dish Creamed Corn Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 128 votes
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50 Grilled Corn on the Cob

Side Dish Grilled Corn on the Cob
Total Time: 17 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 6 votes
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51 Baked Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Side Dish Baked Parmesan Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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52 Asparagus Bundles Recipe

Side Dish Asparagus Bundles Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 18 votes
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A Flavorful Favorite!

This best Pork Chop Recipe is crusted with parmesan and fried up with less than 10 minutes of prep work!! They are perfectly juicy.

We love quick and easy dinners at our house, and this pork chop recipe is one of our favorites.

Here is the recipe:

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50+ Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas

By: Lil’ Luna
I've rounded up Mother's Day dinner ideas to help make spoiling mom as easy as possible. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, I've got you covered! Show her you love her on this special day with some delicious dishes.
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 4 boneless pork chops, (about 3/4 inch thick)
  • cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2-3 tablespoons Italian breadcrumbs
  • teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
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Instructions 

  • On a large plate stir together breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Warm olive oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Cover pork chops in the mixture – making sure the mixture sticks. Sear in pan for 5 minutes on each side.
  • Using a glass baking dish, place pork chops in and spread 1 inch apart.
    NOTE: For more crispy pork chops, bake on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (or when internal temperature reaches 145°F).

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 259mg, Potassium: 521mg, Vitamin A: 105IU, Calcium: 111mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

The perfect Mother’s Day dinner

Serving a meal that looks fancy, tastes fabulous, and comes together in a few easy steps is a piece of cake with these recipes. Let us know which ones you make to celebrate the Mothers in your life this year!

More Collections: Easy Dinner Ideas, Spring Salad Ideas, Best Green Salads

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. Sue says:

    The pesto pasta is one of my favorites plus the kids like. Was a Win win on Mother’s Day.

  2. Olivia says:

    I love the recipes and all the great ideas to insure you’ll have an amazing dinner. Makes planning so much more enjoyable.

  3. Joy says:

    I use your steak marinade all the time!! In fact, we are using it for Mother’s Day, along with your tortellini salad!