22 Vegetarian Recipes That’ll Make Mother’s Day Extra Bright

Mother’s Day deserves recipes as bright and vibrant as she is. These 22 vegetarian dishes bring fresh flavors, easy prep, and serious celebration energy to the table. Whether you’re planning brunch, lunch, or dinner, these recipes make it easy to pull off something special without the stress. Here are 22 vegetarian recipes that’ll make Mom’s day even better—and a lot more delicious.

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks with Tahini

A roasted cabbage steak is served on a pink plate. It is topped with a creamy sauce, pumpkin seeds, and chopped green onions. The cabbage is browned and slightly charred at the edges. — Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks with Tahini. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks with Tahini bring the bold flavors that brighten up any Mother’s Day spread. They cook quickly with just a few ingredients and still feel special enough for the occasion. The crispy edges and creamy tahini make this side feel like a celebration all by itself. Even the biggest skeptics will be fighting for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks with Tahini

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad is a light, colorful way to make Mother’s Day plates look fresh and lively. It comes together fast and keeps everything crisp and vibrant. With a little lemon and herbs, it delivers on flavor without weighing down the rest of the meal. Mom’s going to wonder where you learned tricks like this.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table. — Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings is the kind of cozy upgrade that makes Mother’s Day dinners stand out. The rich, creamy broth and fluffy dumplings make it feel like you’ve been practicing for weeks. It’s a one-pot comfort dish that still feels fancy enough for celebrating. Every spoonful feels like a little thank-you.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan proves that even simple greens can feel special when they’re handled right. A quick massage and a shower of Parmesan turn hearty kale into something soft and memorable. It’s fast to prep but looks like you thought ahead. Mom will know you didn’t cut corners—and she’ll love it.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray. — Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza keeps Mother’s Day casual but still special, giving you crisp, golden crusts without much effort. Customize the toppings to match Mom’s favorites and watch them disappear. It’s fast, easy, and just fancy enough to feel intentional. No one will believe you didn’t call for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek Quinoa Salad brings color, crunch, and bright flavors to the table, making it a total win for Mother’s Day. It’s easy to toss together and holds up beautifully if you prep it ahead. With fresh veggies, olives, and a tangy dressing, it’s everything you need to lighten up the meal. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that even gets compliments on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet. — Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta hit that perfect balance of comforting and impressive for Mother’s Day gatherings. They’re hearty without being heavy, and the creamy ricotta makes every bite feel like a little event. Plus, they bake while you get everything else ready. This is the kind of meal that gets you bonus points long after dessert.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu and broccoli on a plate. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry keeps things quick, colorful, and full of flavor without making a mess in the kitchen. A simple sauce and a hot pan are all it takes to turn tofu and veggies into something crave-worthy. It’s an easy way to add something hearty and bright to a Mother’s Day table. Even the meat-eaters will want in on this one.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up. — Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna layers up everything Mom loves: cozy, cheesy, and just a little fancy. It’s easy to make ahead and bakes beautifully into golden layers of comfort. Every bite tastes like it took hours—even if you threw it together fast. Moments like this are exactly why she’ll be bragging about you.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad is light, fresh, and flexible enough to slide right onto any Mother’s Day menu. It’s quick to make but looks like you planned something really thoughtful. With fluffy couscous and crunchy vegetables, it adds great texture to the table. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it belongs at a family celebration.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is crisp, colorful, and exactly the kind of smart move that brightens up a Mother’s Day plate. It comes together in minutes but tastes like something from a fancy brunch spot. A quick vinaigrette and some crunchy nuts pull it all together. Even the skeptics won’t believe they’re fighting over Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Spinach Lasagna Rolls make a classic favorite feel a little fresher and a lot more manageable for a Mother’s Day meal. They’re neatly portioned and easy to serve without any fuss. The spinach-ricotta filling keeps them light enough for spring. When Mom cuts into one and sees that cheesy goodness, she’ll be all smiles.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

Kebabs on a plate with a lemon wedge. — Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs bring a little grill-ready excitement without any complicated prep. They’re packed with hearty ingredients and plenty of flavor to make a big impression. Whether you grill or bake them, they still feel like you went the extra mile. Bonus: they’re great conversation starters, too.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

Turmeric Lentil Soup

A pot of veggie lentil soup, filled with vegetables and lentils. — Turmeric Lentil Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Turmeric Lentil Soup adds a golden glow to the Mother’s Day table while keeping things simple and comforting. It’s hearty enough to feel like a meal but light enough to pair with anything else you’re serving. The bright spices and cozy lentils make it memorable without being heavy. Mom might just ask for the recipe before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup

Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake

A bowl of pasta salad featuring mushrooms, asparagus, and a creamy green sauce. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of nuts and some greenery are in the blurred background. — Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake layers creamy sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of veggies into a dish that feels indulgent but keeps things plant-based. It bakes up beautifully and doesn’t ask for much hands-on time. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s perfect for family meals where you still want to impress. When you pull this out of the oven, you’ll look like a genius.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake

Vegetarian Chili

Two bowls of chili with onions and sour cream. — Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegetarian Chili brings a cozy, crowd-pleasing option to the table without needing a lot of last-minute work. It’s hearty, packed with veggies and beans, and tastes even better the next day. For a Mother’s Day gathering, it’s an easy way to make sure everyone leaves full and happy. One pot, zero stress—exactly what you want.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili

Caprese Panini

Caprese Panini turns a few simple ingredients into a meal that feels fresh, thoughtful, and just a little indulgent. Melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil bring the flavors of spring right to the plate. Quick to grill and easy to serve, it’s the kind of dish that brightens up any Mother’s Day table. A sandwich this good deserves a celebration of its own.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli feels like you spent hours crafting something unforgettable—even if you shortcut with a few easy tricks. The sweet, earthy filling and tender pasta make it special enough for the biggest day in May. It’s the kind of project that shows you really thought it through. Watch how fast the compliments roll in when you serve these.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash brings color, texture, and a little drama to the Mother’s Day table without a lot of work. It’s filling, hearty, and naturally pretty enough to be a centerpiece. The quinoa and veggie mix feels fresh and festive. You’ll look like a pro when you set these down.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach

A baked dish of zucchini lasagna with a golden-brown cheese topping. A wooden spatula lifts a square piece, revealing layers of zucchini, cheese, and spinach. The casserole dish is partly cut, showing more servings. Garnished with herbs. — Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach layers comfort and brightness in a way that just screams Mother’s Day celebration. It’s rich without being heavy, and colorful enough to catch everyone’s eye. Plus, you can prep it ahead and relax once the oven takes over. The second you slice into it, everyone will know this day is special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus Asparagus Couscous brings sunshine to the table with tender asparagus and zippy citrus in every bite. It’s fast to make and feels tailor-made for a spring celebration. Light, fresh, and just the right amount of fancy, it brightens up the plate without stealing the show. Even Mom will think you borrowed this one from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili makes it easy to have something hearty simmering away while you handle everything else. It’s packed with beans, veggies, and just enough spice to make things interesting. Perfect for a casual Mother’s Day that still feels a little extra. Everyone will be asking for a second bowl before you even sit down.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili