11 classic side dishes for a nostalgic Mother’s Day

Photo of author

| Published:

You know what Mom really wants for Mom’s Day? Forget fancy! Ditch the fussy apps and complicated dishes – this year, let’s pile her plate high with the good stuff. We’re talkin’ down-home sides that’ll have everyone reminiscing about those cozy family dinners from way back. These 11 dishes are pure comfort food magic, guaranteed to make Mom (and the whole crew) feel loved and right at home.

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Looking for a dish that brings back those classic potluck feels for Mom this Mother’s Day? This layered salad is a celebration of springtime flavors, with crisp romaine lettuce, a rainbow of fresh veggies, and the irresistible crunch of bacon. Finished with a creamy mayo dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Give Mom a taste of home (and a break from cooking!) this Mother’s Day with a heartwarming dish straight from the memory books: Oven-baked orange rice! This classic recipe features fluffy rice infused with the sunshiney zest and tangy juice of oranges, creating a nostalgic and flavorful side dish that’s sure to bring back happy memories.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Shower Mom with cheesy love this Mother’s Day with Grandma’s Surprise Potato recipe! This unforgettable dish is a potluck and family favorite, overflowing with creamy, melty cheese that everyone will adore. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear faster than you can say “cheese, please!”
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Make Mom’s day a breeze this Mother’s Day with this grape salad! It’s super easy (no fancy stuff here!), creamy, and totally old-school delicious. Plus, it lets you focus on spending time with Mom, not stressing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Treat Mom to elegance that’s easy this Mother’s Day with Green Beans Almondine with Bacon! These vibrant green beans get a luxurious upgrade with a simple lemon butter sauce, toasted almonds, and savory bacon crumbles. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that requires minimal effort, leaving you more time to celebrate Mom.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the fancy stuff this Mother’s Day! This Cabbage Apple Salad is an oldie but a goodie. It’s super easy to make with just crispy cabbage, sweet apples, and a yummy dressing. Plus, it’s a light and refreshing side dish that everyone will love. Mom will appreciate the classic flavors and less time in the kitchen for you!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget takeout this Mother’s Day, Mom deserves homemade comfort food! Whip up these Oldie-But-Goodie Stuffed Baked Potatoes. They’re loaded with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese, perfect for a relaxed and delicious celebration. Easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy, they’ll leave everyone feeling happy and full (bonus points for keeping Mom out of the kitchen!).
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Spoil Mom with a delightful twist on a classic this Mother’s Day! Ditch the usual sides and make these Sweet Potato Puffs. Imagine bite-sized sweet potato casseroles with a crazy-good cornflake crumble – a perfect blend of sweet potato deliciousness and addictive crunch! These adorable puffs are grandma-approved and guaranteed to be a showstopper at your Mother’s Day table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the fancy stuff this Mother’s Day! Make Mom some Amish Macaroni Salad – it’s creamy, crazy easy, and packed with yummy flavors. Think comfort food at its finest! Plus, everyone will love it (bonus points for leftovers!). This salad is a guaranteed win for any potluck, and Mom will appreciate the break from cooking.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget boring sides this Mother’s Day! Make Mom smile with Grandma’s Mexican Macaroni Salad. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl – creamy taco goodness, crunchy veggies, and pasta perfection! Super easy to throw together, this crowd-pleaser will vanish faster than you can say “cheese, please!” Mom gets to relax, you get to be the hero – win-win!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Cornbread Stuffing

A dish of stuffing on a cutting board.
Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Mother’s Day, ditch the box and whip up a side dish bursting with memories! Our homemade cornbread stuffing is a nostalgic trip down comfort food lane. Imagine fluffy cornbread studded with crispy bacon, sweet onions, and crunchy celery – a flavor explosion in every bite! Skip the store-bought stuff and impress Mom (and everyone else) with this classic homemade side.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.