Spring has finally arrived, and with it, a burst of fresh flavors and colors. As the days grow warmer, the grass starts to turn green, and the flowers bud, my appetite craves lighter fare—think juicy salmon, tender asparagus, vibrant carrots, peppery radishes, creamy avocado, and sweet peas. So, I’ve crafted a delightful spring menu featuring these seasonal gems. Whether you’re hosting a leisurely luncheon or a special dinner, this menu is the perfect way to celebrate the season – and spoil Mom this May!
Plus, as with all my menus, many of these dishes can be prepared in advance, making hosting a breeze. I’ve even included a handy guide outlining the steps you can tackle ahead of time for each dish on the menu. From prepping ingredients to assembling components, you’ll find suggestions for what can be done one, two, or even three days in advance.
Easy Spring Menu – Perfect for Mother’s Day
Carrot, Radish and Sweet Pea Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette
Shaved carrots are paired with crisp radish slices, sweet sugar snap peas, luscious sliced avocado and tangy crumbled feta cheese. It all sits atop fresh baby lettuces and is finished with a scrumptious lemon-basil vinaigrette dressing. Dressing and vegetables can be prepared ahead, too!
Poached Salmon with Cucumber Dill Sauce
Pretty Poached Salmon with a flavorful Cucumber-Dill Sauce – the perfect make ahead entrée for a festive luncheon or dinner party.
Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto Recipe
Easy and elegant, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is the perfect make ahead side dish you can pop in the oven 10 minutes before serving. The contrasting colors of red and green provide lots of color on the plate, and the flavors complement one another perfectly!
Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish
Lemon Rice is bright, creamy and easy enough for everyday, while elegant enough for entertaining. Long grain white rice and lemon zest are briefly sautéed in a bit of butter, then simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Five minutes before serving, lemon juice and cream are added. So easy, so delicious!
Pecan Cookie Cups with White Chocolate-Rum Mousse
Delicate and elegant Pecan Cookie Cups are filled with scrumptious Rum-White Chocolate Mousse and topped with fresh berries.
Game Plan – Make Ahead Steps
As my hostess-with-the-mostest mother taught me, planning ahead is the key to stress-free entertaining, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests without feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen. With this in mind, here’s a handy guide outlining the steps you can tackle ahead of time for each dish on the menu. From prepping ingredients to assembling components, you’ll find suggestions for what can be done one, two, or even three days in advance.
3 Days Before Party
- Prepare Lemon Rice. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Prepare White Chocolate Rum Mousse through the refrigeration step.
2 Days Before Party
- Prepare Lemon Basil Vinaigrette for salad. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Prepare Cucumber Sauce for salmon. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
1 Day Before Party
- Cook green peas for salad. Cool, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate.
- Prepare Pecan Cookie Cups. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- If hosting a luncheon or pressed for time the day of the party, poach the salmon. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Morning of Party
- If not done the day before, poach the salmon. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Slice carrots and radishes for salad. Place in a container filled with cold water and refrigerate. (Make sure to drain and dry before adding to salad).
- Wash and dry greens for salad. Wrap in paper towel, place in an open baggie, and refrigerate.
- Prep but don’t bake the asparagus. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerate.
- Finish the White Chocolate Mousse. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
More Spring Dinner Recipes
For more spring dinner recipe ideas, check out my post 40 Easy Spring Dinner Recipes. And, for more Mother’s Day ideas, check out 25 Delicious and Heartwarming Mother’s Day Breakfast Recipes.
