45 Mother's Day Brunch And Breakfast Recipes That Are Healthy And Easy
What better way to show your appreciation?
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.
Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
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.
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
Chia Peanut Butter Granola + Greek Yogurt Parfait
These parfaits have it all—from protein and natural sweetness, to the perfect balance of creamy and crunch.
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
Paleo Carrot Cake Breakfast Bake
Made with pineapple, golden raisins, coconut, cinnamon, walnuts, and a decadent paleo "cream cheese" glaze, this bake tastes like good-for-you carrot cake.
Nutrition information not available.
Keto Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Keto and low-carb mamas out there will dig this low-sugar (but super decadent) chocolate loaf.
Per serving: 177 calories, 15 g fat (5 g saturated), 8 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 5 g protein
Breakfast Cauliflower Rice with Bacon & Mushrooms
This brightly-colored dish is low in carbs but big on flavor, fiber, and antioxidants. (Another win for keto eaters!)
Per serving: 145 calories, 9.5 g fat, 7.4 g carbs, 3.1 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 6 g protein
Pear Ginger Smoothies
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.
Per serving: 168 calories, 12.6g fat, 29.7 g carbs, 6.8 g fiber, 17 g sugar, 7.3 g protein
Smoked Salmon & Ricotta Pastry Roll-Up
This smoked salmon dish (complete with creamy ricotta and fresh dill) is a sophisticated way to level up your Mother's Day menu.
Per serving: 257 calories, 22 g fat (10 g saturated), 5 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 9 g protein
Bacon Pancakes
These keto, paleo-friendly pancakes are stuffed with bacon and super savory. Top 'em with sour cream and chives for extra pizzazz.
Per serving: 166 calories, 15 g fat (4.8 g saturated), 0.8 g carbs, 0.3 g fiber, 5.8 g protein
Vegetarian Tempeh Chorizo
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.
Nutrition information not available.
Berry Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Casseroles get a fruity weekend upgrade, perfect for the best woman in your life.
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
Paleo Sweet Potato Waffles
Waffles are the ideal foundation for all your fave toppings, like sweet Canadian maple syrup and savory fried eggs.
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
Starbucks Healthy Lemon Cake
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.
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
Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
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.
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
Smashed Beet Fried Avocado Toast with Onion Aioli
Not to hate on avocado toast, but it’s a little…boring. Give this brunch staple an upgrade with breaded avo and beautiful beets.
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
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
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.
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
Cannellini Bean Shakshuka
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.
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
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Complex carbs and antioxidant-loaded broccoli mean these bite-sized flavor bombs are super healthy and taste incredible.
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
Almond Flour Loaf Cake with Honey Roasted Figs
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.
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
Chickpea Pancakes with Harissa Yogurt Sauce
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.
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
Fruit & Granola Breakfast Brûlée
Thanks to boatloads of fiber from grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and crunchy granola, this dish makes a strong contender for best brunch of the year.
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
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.
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