As we celebrate the moms in our lives on Mother’s Day, what better way to show our appreciation than with a delicious and heartwarming lunch? Whether you’re planning a family gathering or treating your mom to a special meal, these 20 mouthwatering recipes are sure to impress. From classic comfort dishes to fresh and flavorful twists, we’ve got you covered.
From seafood options like Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Shrimp Scampi with Linguine, to savory pasta dishes like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, there’s something for every taste bud. And let’s not forget the sweet treats – Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
In this article, we’ll share our top 20 Mother’s Day lunch recipes that will make your mom feel loved and appreciated. So go ahead, get cooking, and make it a day she’ll never forget!
Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
This refreshing recipe combines the richness of grilled salmon with the brightness of a lemon-dill sauce, perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped dill
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and chopped dill in a bowl.
5. Serve grilled salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A sweet and savory combination of baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and crunchy pecans, topped with a tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Poppy seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach and strawberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the spinach mixture; toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top and garnish with poppy seeds if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of cream, the pungency of garlic, and the savory flavor of parmesan cheese with al dente pasta. This comforting recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with garlic. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze
This recipe combines the classic flavors of baked chicken with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, resulting in a deliciously moist and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Avocados
This recipe combines the creamy richness of avocados with the vibrant flavors of the Italian Caprese salad. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these stuffed avocados are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
3. Stuff each avocado half with the tomato-mozzarella mixture.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Quiche Lorraine with Flaky Crust
This French-inspired quiche is a staple of any brunch or dinner party, and our recipe makes it easy to achieve a perfectly flaky crust. With its creamy egg filling and rich flavor from the lardons (small pieces of bacon) and Gruyère cheese, this Quiche Lorraine is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 6 slices of lardons (small pieces of bacon), cooked and crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the crust dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, and Gruyère cheese.
5. Arrange the cooked lardons evenly over the dough.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Tart
A flavorful and visually stunning tart perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. The combination of roasted vegetables, tangy goat cheese, and flaky pastry crust will leave your guests impressed.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange roasted vegetables (see below) on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the vegetables.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press edges to seal.
6. Brush egg wash over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Roasting Vegetables:
1. Toss sliced bell peppers, zucchinis, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
2. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Let cool before using in the tart.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe combines succulent shrimp, garlic butter, and linguine for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 ounces linguine pasta
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss cooked linguine with the shrimp mixture, serving immediately garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction
Elevate your dinner game with this straightforward recipe for Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction. A classic combination of tender beef and rich reduction, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef tenderloin
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the tenderloin with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenderloin reaches desired doneness (135°F – 140°F internal temperature).
5. Remove the skillet from the oven and reduce heat to medium-low. Add red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Simmer the reduction for 10-12 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
7. Serve the tenderloin with the reduced sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: approximately 45-50 minutes
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries
Start your day with a burst of citrusy sunshine and a sweet treat. These fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are infused with the zest of fresh lemons and topped with a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese, accompanied by a colorful medley of fresh berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, lemon juice, and ricotta cheese.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve warm with fresh berries and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes per batch
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic pork tenderloin dish, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This recipe combines the richness of pork with the brightness of fresh herbs, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mushroom and Gruyère Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this decadent recipe featuring sautéed mushrooms and creamy Gruyère cheese. This show-stopping dish is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
4. Place stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dot the top of each breast with remaining butter.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Warm Up with Tomato Basil Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons!
This classic comfort soup gets a delightful twist with the addition of crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, cream, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place buttered side down on the grill; top with cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
4. Cut grilled cheese into crouton-sized pieces. Add to soup and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Elevate your Brussels sprouts game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of the sprouts with the richness of bacon and the tanginess of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
6. Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and toss with balsamic glaze, remaining bacon pieces, and salt to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread
Elevate your flatbread game with this sweet and savory combination of roasted pears, creamy gorgonzola cheese, and crispy prosciutto. This simple yet impressive recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 ripe pears, sliced
– 4 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
– 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
– 2 tbsp honey
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange pear slices and crumbled gorgonzola cheese on half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped prosciutto over the top.
5. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
6. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a triangle or square shape.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lobster Rolls with Garlic Butter
Savor the rich flavor of succulent lobster meat paired with a hint of garlic and butter, all wrapped up in a toasted, split-top bun. This classic New England-inspired dish is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lobster meat (fresh or frozen, thawed)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 split-top buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide lobster meat among the buns, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Spoon garlic butter mixture over the lobster meat.
5. Place buns on grill and cook for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas: A flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup enchilada sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until tender.
3. Add black beans and cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet; stir to combine.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble enchiladas by spooning the sweet potato-black bean mixture onto each tortilla, then rolling and placing seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
6. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peach and Prosciutto Arugula Salad
Peachy Keen: A Sweet and Savory Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of peaches with the salty, crispy texture of prosciutto, all nestled on a bed of peppery arugula. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, diced
– 6 slices of prosciutto, torn into pieces
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and prosciutto.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Add the diced peaches to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat.
4. Arrange the peach mixture on top of the arugula and prosciutto.
5. Sprinkle feta cheese on top (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Brie Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Grilled Cheese recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 1 wheel Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
– Fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Meanwhile, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Butter one side of each baguette slice.
5. Place a slice of Brie cheese on the unbuttered side of each baguette piece.
6. Top with caramelized onions and thyme leaves (if using).
7. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries for Dessert
Elevate your dessert game with this simple yet impressive recipe for chocolate-dipped strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12 fresh strawberries
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco)
– Optional: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the fruit.
3. Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Tips: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture. Experiment with different types of milk or dark chocolate for unique flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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