Mother’s Day brunch has been a tradition since I was a kid. When I was very young, I’d present my mom with plates of cut-up fruit and homemade toast. Now that I’m older, I’ve graduated to restaurant-quality meals perfect for that ideal mid-day fusion of breakfast and lunch we call ‘brunch’. The good news is that I can enjoy all the feasting and fellowship with my mom without overdoing it on calories. These twelve perfect Weight Watcher-friendly recipes are a breeze to whip up.
1. Cinnamon French Toast Bubble-Up
You can never go wrong with a bubble-up recipe, and this four-point cinnamon and vanilla-laced beauty, drizzled with homemade icing, is a winner. If your mom has a sweet tooth, put it on the menu. Store-bought buttermilk biscuits are an excellent shortcut ingredient and give this dish a lighter-than-air, dessert-y flavor that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee.
2. Deliciously Light Salmon Piccata
Salmon Piccata is an excellent brunch choice because it’s light enough to have in the early part of the day, but still strikes a hearty, savory note. This version is only one Weight Watcher point per serving, and you only need six ingredients plus salt and pepper to make it happen. The result is scrumptious, citrus-marinated salmon, a briny caper, and lemon sauce that will bring a smile to any mother’s face.
3. Weight Watchers Spring Veggie Breakfast Casserole
Celebrate the season’s flavors with this breakfast casserole bursting with spring vegetables and delicious, reduced-fat cheese. It tastes decadent, but will only set you back four Weight Watchers points. I love this recipe because it’s an excellent way to clear out the vegetable crisper and is full of nutrients. Low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt lend a satiny texture without packing on the calories, too, so this dish tastes anything but good for you, even though it is.
4. Apple Yogurt Salad
This light, fruity salad is the ideal companion to heavier brunch dishes, and you can enjoy it guilt-free for just three Weight Watchers points per serving. Use whatever apples you have on hand, a mixture of dried cranberries, raisins, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. Greek yogurt provides a velvety texture and a touch of tang and flavor. It’s beautifully balanced, light, and a true crowd-pleaser.
5. Nutella Cookies
No Mother’s Day brunch is complete without a sweet treat at the end, which is why these three-point Nutella cookies are always on my “must bake” list. Unsweetened applesauce keeps them chewy and delicious without adding extra fat, and mini chocolate chips amp up the creamy, hazelnut Nutella flavor and add a touch of textural interest. Plus, they bake in just ten minutes, so you can stir up a batch while you’re having your morning coffee.
6. Broccoli Cheese Breakfast Egg Bake
The classic combo of broccoli and cheese is the logical choice for an out-of-this-world egg bake, and this two-point version is the best I’ve found. You only need a handful of ingredients, including broccoli florets, reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, six eggs, a bit of onion, a splash of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. If your ideal Mother’s Day celebration involves classic comfort food, I strongly suggest that you put this recipe on the menu.
7. Coconut Muffins
Since Mother’s Day is the start of the warm summer season, I like to make these tropical coconut muffins to celebrate my mom and the fact that spring has sprung. They’re two Weight Watchers points per muffin and packed with hearty Quaker oats, rich brown sugar, juicy chunks of sweet pineapple, and shredded coconut. Each bite is moist and delicious, without the excess calories, thanks to skim milk and unsweetened apple sauce in the base.
8. Weight Watchers Hasselbeck Sweet Potatoes
No brunch is complete without a potato dish, and this three-point option is a great fit. Not only does it taste spectacular, but the presentation is on-point, and you’ll benefit from the myriad nutrients like Vitamins A and C that come naturally in these bright-orange veggies. I also like that this dish plays up the savory side of sweet potatoes, with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and an inspired spice mixture of sage, thyme, and rosemary. Elegant Mother’s Day brunches are a breeze with this sophisticated side.
9. Deliciously Light Chicken Florentine
At just two Weight Watchers points per serving, this dish is a savory medley of juicy, fork-tender chicken and vibrant spinach that uses smart swaps to mimic the original’s creamy flavor, without all the extra calories. Plain low-fat yogurt is the real M.V.P. here, blending flawlessly with a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and a bit of cornstarch to create an ultra-silky sauce that works wonders with chicken cutlets and spinach.
10. Red Wine Poached Pears
If you want a simple showstopper for your Mother’s Day brunch, I humbly suggest that you turn to a classic European recipe that’s just two points per serving. This dish tastes heavenly, and the ruby-red pears are a statement dish that will look stunning on any table. Stevia cuts back on the sugar content and keeps the points low, and allspice, cloves, and cinnamon lend red wine a nuanced and rich quality that works well with the pears.
11. Weight Watchers Baked Mac and Cheese
Homemade baked mac and cheese is my favorite special occasion dish, and this version doesn’t force me to choose between my diet and my love for all things cheesy and carby. It’s a great addition to your Mother’s Day feast at five points per serving. I like to use whole-grain pasta for extra fiber as the base, plus fat-free milk, light butter substitute, and a mixture of reduced and fat-free cheeses, like mozzarella, cheddar, and Velveeta. Add the tiniest pinch of nutmeg and mustard to your spice blend to really make those other flavors sing, and you have a top meal fit for a queen.
12. Puff Pastry Fruit Tart
Skip the bakery this Mother’s Day and make this simple, five-point tart instead. I guarantee that it’s leaps and bounds above anything you can get from the store, and you’ll stay true to your diet goals at the same time. I use a pre-made, thawed puff pastry sheet as a great shortcut ingredient, plus a mixture of peaches, apricots, and plums for the filling. Part-skim ricotta, zero-calorie sweetener, and cinnamon are a luscious and sweet counterpart to the fruit, and take this dessert to the next level, especially when served with a drizzle of honey.
This year, treat your mom to a delish and diet-friendly feast with these twelve fool-proof brunch recipes. These dishes are some of my all-time favorites, and I’m sure you’re going to love them just as much as I do.
