Sure, you could get you mom flowers or a facial for Mother’s Day, but what better way to celebrate your leading lady than with every gal’s all-time favorite meal: BRUNCH. I mean, nothing says “I love you, mom” like cannellini bean shakshuka, goat cheese crostinis, and one too many mimosas, amiright? If Mother’s Day brunch isn’t already a tradition for you, it’s about to be.
If you’re not brimming with healthy ideas, though, don’t sweat it. All you need is a balance of sweet and savory eats, plus a little protein to keep you satisfied and ready to keep celebrating mom all day long.
When it comes to sweets, opt for anything from yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola to waffles and pancakes, says Joseph Rizza, executive chef at Chicago’s Prime & Provisions. For a little something savory, you can’t go wrong with classic eggs Benedict or crispy potatoes.
Finger foods are always a safe bet, too. Didier Durand, executive chef of Chicago’s Marchesa, loves topping little brioche toasts with avocado, microgreens, and something rich like Foie Gras. Fancy, right? Turns out, you don’t have to know how to use one of those cool kitchen blow torches to pull this off.
And though your eats may be the stars of the show (aside from your mom, of course), feel free to rinse everything down with peach bellinis or flavorful Bloody Maries. Pro tip: Add a little horseradish and a splash of pickle juice to your Bloodies for extra heat and brine, Rizza suggests.
Select your menu from one of the following healthy Mother’s Day brunch ideas and you’re sure to impress—and without leaving your favorite lady in a complete food coma.
Potatoes are a brunch must, and this simple recipe is clean, fresh, and super flavorful (thanks, garlic). Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes.
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Per serving: 265 calories, 3.5 g fat (0.6 g saturated), 53.7 g carbs, 8.3 g fiber, 2.8 g sugar, 5.8 g protein
These parfaits have it all—from protein and natural sweetness, to the perfect balance of creamy and crunch.
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Per serving: 230 calories, 11 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 29.4 g carbs, 4.5 g fiber, 16.9 g sugar, 6.3 g protein
Made with pineapple, golden raisins, coconut, cinnamon, walnuts, and a decadent paleo “cream cheese” glaze, this bake tastes like good-for-you carrot cake.
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Nutrition information not available.
Keto and low-carb mamas out there will dig this low-sugar (but super decadent) chocolate loaf.
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Per serving: 177 calories, 15 g fat (5 g saturated), 8 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 5 g protein
This brightly-colored dish is low in carbs but big on flavor, fiber, and antioxidants. (Another win for keto eaters!)
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Per serving: 145 calories, 9.5 g fat, 7.4 g carbs, 3.1 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 6 g protein
Mother’s Day brunch doesn’t need booze with these creamy, refreshing smoothies. Plenty of greens and fruit add fiber and antioxidants, while ginger adds a satisfying zing.
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Per serving: 168 calories, 12.6g fat, 29.7 g carbs, 6.8 g fiber, 17 g sugar, 7.3 g protein
This smoked salmon dish (complete with creamy ricotta and fresh dill) is a sophisticated way to level up your Mother’s Day menu.
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Per serving: 257 calories, 22 g fat (10 g saturated), 5 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 9 g protein
These keto, paleo-friendly pancakes are stuffed with bacon and super savory. Top ’em with sour cream and chives for extra pizzazz.
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Per serving: 166 calories, 15 g fat (4.8 g saturated), 0.8 g carbs, 0.3 g fiber, 5.8 g protein
If mom is on a plant-based diet, she’ll go crazy for this tempeh dish. It’s got all the flavor of crumbly sausage, with none of the meat.
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Nutrition information not available.
Casseroles get a fruity weekend upgrade, perfect for the best woman in your life.
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Per serving: 182 calories, 2 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 38 g carbs, 296 mg sodium, 18 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein
Waffles are the ideal foundation for all your fave toppings, like sweet Canadian maple syrup and savory fried eggs.
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Per serving: 120 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated), 10 g carbs, 679 mg sodium, 1 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 7 g protein
Rarely do you see the words “healthy” and “cake” side by side. But this version made with yogurt and spelt proves you truly can have your breakfast cake and eat it, too.
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Per serving: 78 calories, 3.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 10 g carbs, 93 mg sodium, 1 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein
It’s like you’re taking mom to a cozy local diner. These breakfast potatoes include vibrant veggies like red bell pepper and roasted onion for some added nutrition.
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Per serving: 195 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated), 31 g carbs, 292 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein
Not to hate on avocado toast, but it’s a little…boring. Give this brunch staple an upgrade with breaded avo and beautiful beets.
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Per serving: 307 calories, 24 g fat (5 g saturated), 18 g carbs, 290 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 6 g fiber, 8 g protein
Have everyone tuck in to this communal dish of pecans, steel-cut oats, nutmeg, and vanilla. Top it off with yogurt and additional fresh fruit for extra nutrients and flavor.
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Per serving: 442 calories, 16 g fat (4 g saturated), 67 g carbs, 278 mg sodium, 10 g sugar, 15 g fiber, 9 g protein
This deliciously fragrant dish gets a boost of protein and fiber from mild cannellini beans, and a heaping serving of veggies from celery, carrots, onions, and tomatoes.
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Per serving: 441 calories, 17 g fat (4 g saturated), 48.5 g carbs, 1101 mg sodium, 7 g sugar, 17 g fiber, 26 g protein
Complex carbs and antioxidant-loaded broccoli mean these bite-sized flavor bombs are super healthy and taste incredible.
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Per serving: 30 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 4 g carbs, 71 mg sodium, 0 g sugar, 0.5 g fiber, 1 g protein
Does your gluten-free mama like to start her day on a sweet note? This brunch-friendly cake made with flax eed, candy-sweet figs, and honey is truly the bee’s knees.
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Per serving: 272 calories, 18 g fat (4 g saturated), 25 g carbs, 286 mg sodium, 17 g sugar, 5 g fiber, 8 g protein
Savory pancakes? Yes, please. This gluten-free brunch balances the hot and tangy kick of harissa with a cool and creamy dollop of plain yogurt.
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Per serving: 274 calories, 18 g fat (3 g saturated), 20 g carbs, 334 mg sodium, 5 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 10 g protein
Thanks to boatloads of fiber from grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and crunchy granola, this dish makes a strong contender for best brunch of the year.
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Per serving: 347 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated), 79 g carbs, 35 mg sodium, 55 g sugar, 12 g fiber, 14 g protein
Quiche is a classic for a reason—you can pack in all your favorite veggies and protein sources in one creamy bite. Here, goat cheese, mushrooms, and leafy greens really shine.
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Per serving: 458 calories, 38 g fat (8 g saturated), 11 g carbs, 585 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 5 g fiber, 20 g protein
It’s always the right time for pie, especially when said pie features a green crust and all the tastiest fillings.
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Per serving: 107 calories, 7 g fat (4 g saturated), 4 g carbs, 406 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 7 g protein
Doused in zesty tomato sauce and smoky pancetta, think of this low-carb brunch option as nonna’s take on Israeli shakshouka.
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Per serving: 207 calories, 14 g fat (5.6 g saturated), 6 g carbs, 496 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 13.5 g protein
Step aside, McDonald’s. This ‘gram-friendly recipe gives fast food a run for its money. With a sneaky serving of veggies thanks to corn and shallots, no one will know you basically baked a salad.
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Per serving: 60 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated), 10 g carbs, 240 mg sodium, 1 g sugar, 1.5 g fiber, 1 g protein
This decadent twist on a light summer staple works as a brunch starter or sweet end to the meal.
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Per serving: 186 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated), 29 g carbs, 30 mg sodium, 20 g sugar, 1.5 g fiber, 8 g protein
Mushroom and bacon usually appear side-by-side on juicy carnivorous burgers. This vegan update is a lot easier on the heart—and the taste buds.
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Per serving: 151 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated), 21 g carbs, 204 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein
These delish, fruity goat cheese bites are a smart take on cheesecake as a main meal.
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Per serving: 415 calories, 25 g fat (11 g saturated), 33 g carbs, 540 mg sodium, 6 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 17 g protein
Your mom has probably drooled over this exact type of recipe on a fancy brunch menu. You know she’ll be rocking all kinds of heart-eye emojis when she sees it on her own table.
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Per serving: 312 calories, 28 g fat (6 g saturated), 38 g carbs, 238 mg sodium, 28 g sugar, 5 g fiber, 11 g protein
Give plain old eggs a delicious, fiber-packed upgrade with yellow peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and capers.
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Per serving: 249 calories, 17 g fat (4 g saturated), 13 g carbs, 334 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 14 g protein
This casserole is basically a morning feast—but with a hearty dose of fiber and protein.
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Per serving: 270 calories, 8.5 g fat (4 g saturated), 31 g carbs, 764 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 7 g fiber, 15 g protein
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