Whether you're celebrating with brunch, a barbecue or dinner, we've got quick and easy Mother's Day recipes to help you treat Mom right. Every recipe takes less than 30 minutes and uses just a handful of great spring ingredients.
44 Quick and Easy Mother’s Day Recipes Mom Will Love
Updated on Feb. 14, 2024
1/44
Raspberry Cocoa Trifle
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely layered dessert is my husband's favorite. I always make it for our Christmas dinner, but it's excellent after any special meal. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 441 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
2/44
Celebration Punch
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings (about 1 gallon)
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty fruit punch has just the right amount of sweetness. The ice ring keeps it cool for hours without diluting the flavor.
—Marci Carl, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 140 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
3/44
Heirloom Tomato Tart
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a delicious way to use the tomato bounty from your garden or the great buys from the local farmers' market. If you don't have heirloom tomatoes, try regular tomatoes with grape or plum tomatoes. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 236 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 270mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
4/44
Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
5/44
Garden Pesto Pasta Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it’s too hot to cook, I like to use the season's veggies for pesto pasta salad and other cool meals. —Sarah Mathews, Ava, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
6/44
Cream Cheese & Chive Omelet
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet: 305 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 455mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
7/44
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
8/44
Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 279 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
9/44
Sauteed Zucchini
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
10/44
Smoky Spanish Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
11/44
Berry Rhubarb Fool
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 212 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/44
Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super-fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead of time. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup salsa: 265 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
13/44
Warm Pineapple Sundaes with Rum Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple, rum and sugar have a longstanding and flavorful relationship that takes on new meaning when you add ginger and butter and turn up the heat. —Jamie Miller, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 536 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 95g carbohydrate (78g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
14/44
Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
15/44
Chimichurri Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 336 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
16/44
Mediterranean Broccoli & Cheese Omelet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian mother-in-law taught me to make this omelet years ago—she would make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner and eat it on Italian bread. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover broccoli. —Mary Licata, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge (calculated without shaved Romano cheese): 229 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 290mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
17/44
Cilantro Lime Slaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a refreshing take on slaw with a honey-lime vinaigrette rather than the traditional mayo. It’s a great take-along for all those summer picnics. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 86 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/44
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
19/44
Zucchini Egg Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor shared more zucchini from his garden than I knew what to do with. He loved this recipe—it's great for brunch or a special breakfast. —Darcy Kennedy, Hendersonvlle, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 316 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
20/44
Blintz Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Blending sour cream and cottage cheese, ingredients traditionally associated with blintzes, into the batter of these pancakes gives them old-fashioned flavor. Top these family favorites with berry syrup to turn an ordinary morning into an extraordinary day.—Dianna Digoy, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 248 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
21/44
Nectarine Arugula Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a summer salad that brightens any supper. The homemade dressing with a hint of berries is perfect with arugula, nectarines and blue cheese. —Christine Laba, Arlington, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
22/44
Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple chicken on the grill can’t compare with this wake-up-the-taste-buds version. It has just the right mix of spicy and sweet flavors. —Karen Sparks, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 299 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
23/44
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
24/44
Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
25/44
Mango Gelatin Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Nannette often made this salad as a convenient make-ahead dish. The mango mold has hints of apricot and can be served with pork, chicken and beef—or for dessert. —Debra Sult, Chandler, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
26/44
Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've never grilled apples before, here's your excuse to start. I created this Alfredo-style chicken for a party. By the number of recipe requests, I knew it was a hit. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 352 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 43g protein.
27/44
Blueberry Graham Dessert
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you're short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavor as cheesecake without the effort. Instead of making individual servings, you could layer the ingredients in a glass serving bowl. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 430 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
28/44
Spring Asparagus
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh and colorful side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade dressing. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
29/44
Citrus Avocado Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe nicely showcases grapefruit and oranges, which are at their peak around the holidays. Citrus fruits pair well with a sweet dressing. —Sonia Candler, Edmonton, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 175 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
30/44
Berry Puff Pancake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Breakfast is my husband's favorite meal of the day. I use our homegrown blueberries in this sweet morning treat. —Cecilia Morgan, Milwaukie, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 215 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
31/44
Fancy Fuss-Free Torte
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to frozen pound cake and a can of pie filling, this torte is easy to make. If layers slide, keep them in place with toothpicks around the edges as you build. Just remove them before serving. —Joan Causey, Greenwood, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 287 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
32/44
Strawberry Rhubarb Cream
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 217 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/44
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
34/44
Artichoke Caprese Platter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 192 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
35/44
Braised Dill Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dill, chicken broth and a few other simple ingredients create a side dish your family will love. The braised potatoes are delicious with sour cream. —Amie Schmidt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 345mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
36/44
Sage-Rubbed Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’ve always thought of sage with turkey, try it with salmon for a little taste of heaven. We serve this with rice, salad and sauteed green beans. —Nicole Raskopf, Beacon, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked fish: 220 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 377mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
37/44
Fresh Fruit Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
38/44
Sauteed Green Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sauteed green beans with garlic and a variety of herbs and spices come together in no time at all for a well-seasoned side dish you'll make on repeat. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
39/44
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 377 calories, 20g fat (15g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
40/44
Spicy Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this recipe for marvelously flavorful pork years ago. It really sparks up a barbecue and has been popular whenever I've served it. I guarantee you'll get many requests for the recipe.
—Diana Steger, Prospect, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounce-weight: 135 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3-1/2 lean meat.
41/44
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
42/44
Strawberry Shortcake Puffs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 246 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
43/44
Buckwheat Pancakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
This buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety. The light and tender buckwheat pancakes offer a nutty flavor and hearty texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes (calculated without syrup and additional butter): 195 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
44/44
Asparagus, Squash & Red Pepper Saute
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The appealing vegetable trio is enlivened by a wine-scented saute. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
