Looking for Mother’s Day dinner ideas at home that are elegant, easy to prepare, and sure to make Mom feel cherished? This delicious Make-Ahead Dinner Menu brings together bright spring flavors, vibrant colors, and a touch of indulgence – perfect for a celebratory meal at home. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or planning a smaller dinner, these Mother’s Day easy dinner recipes help you create a meaningful and memorable meal without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s perfect for making Mom feel celebrated with loved ones gathered around the table. And, I include a make-ahead timeline to make your life even easier!
Table of Contents
Why This Mother’s Day Menu Works
This menu brings together everything I look for in a special-occasion dinner:
- Fresh, seasonal ingredients that feel just right for spring
- Make-ahead elements that let you enjoy your guests
- A balance of flavors and textures – creamy, crunchy, citrusy, and savory
- Beautiful presentation with a colorful progression from course to course
It’s thoughtful, approachable, and designed to make Mom feel celebrated, with time left for you to enjoy the day with her.
Menu
Green Pea, Basil and Mint Crostini
A fresh, herb-y spread of peas (fresh or frozen), basil, mint, jalapeño, and creamy ricotta – blended with a drizzle of olive oil and served on crisp toasted baguette slices. Bright, flavorful, and easy to make ahead.
Arugula and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Light and peppery arugula with roasted plum tomatoes and a quick and easy dressing – a fresh, colorful way to start the meal!
Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin
A creamy, indulgent seafood dish with just the right balance of richness and brightness. It feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Plus it can be baked in either individual dishes or as one casserole!
Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish
Light, fragrant, and the perfect citrusy counterpoint to the seafood gratin.
Quick Homemade Drop Biscuits
Tender, buttery, and golden brown—these no-fuss biscuits come together quickly and pair beautifully with the rest of the menu. They can be made ahead and rewarmed just before serving.
Magic Lemon Pudding Cakes
Soft, delicate cakes that magically form two layers as they bake – one fluffy and one custardy. A sweet surprise to end the meal.
A Make-Ahead Timeline for Easy Entertaining
This menu can be almost entirely prepared ahead of time. Here’s a timeline to help make the day feel effortless (you’ll find detailed make-ahead instructions in each recipe post).
Up to 1 Month Ahead
- Prepare but don’t bake the Shrimp and Crab au Gratin. Wrap well and freeze.
2 to 3 Days Ahead
- Bake Easy Drop Biscuits; cool completely, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Day Before
- Make Lemon Rice; refrigerate.
- Make Magic Lemon Pudding Cakes; wrap and refrigerate.
- Prepare pea purée for crostini; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Transfer gratin to the refrigerator to thaw.
Morning Of
- Roast tomatoes for the salad.
- Slice and toast baguette for crostini; store in a sealed container at room temperature.
45 Minutes Before Serving the Salad
- Remove gratin, pudding cakes, and bread from the refrigerator.
- Assemble crostini and serve.
- Preheat oven for baking gratin.
15 Minutes Before Serving Salad
- Plate salad (on a platter or individual salad plates).
- Put seafood gratin in oven to bake.
Just Before Serving Main Course
- Reheat Lemon Rice.
- Warm the biscuits.
More Mother’s Day Menu Ideas
Planning a different type of celebration? Here are more ideas:
- Mother’s Day Breakfast Recipes – From savory egg dishes to sweet treats, these breakfast ideas are perfect for a relaxed and festive start to the day.
- Make Ahead Mother’s Day Lunch Menu – A fresh, light lunch menu that’s elegant, seasonal, and easy to pull together.
Note: this post was originally posted in April 2013 and significantly updated in April 2025 with a new menu, photos, and the addition of a make ahead timeline.
