2 Bite-sized Tapas Recipes to Spoil Mom for Mother’s Day

A 2024 National Retail Federation survey revealed Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year. This is the second highest projection to be released to date behind last year’s estimate of $35.7 billion.

But making something for mom is still special – you don’t have to break the bank to make her feel celebrated. Alongside something crafty, preparing some special dishes for mom is a great way to celebrate her.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a picnic or an intimate gathering at home, try these bite-sized tapas that are full of flavor and easy to make:

Grilled Shrimp Watermelon Bites with Jalapeño

These refreshing shrimp bites combine a balance of sweet from the crisp watermelon and spicy from the jalapeño. Simply prepare a sauce, marinate the shrimp and cook for a short time before assembly.

Difficulty: Easy

Serves: 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time:  45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. cup honey
• ¼ cup light soy sauce 
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. grated ginger
• ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• ½ pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 personal size watermelon, diced to 1-inch cubes
• 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced, seeds removed
• 1 lime, wedged
• Toothpicks for assembly

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes.
2. Place the shrimp into zip lock bag and pour 1/3 of the sauce. Rub the shrimp into sauce and marinate for 20 minutes.
3. Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Add the shrimp (discarding any leftover marinade) and cook for 1 minute on each side, until pink and just barely cooked through.
4. Pour remaining 2/3 sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir as it reduces and warms, about a minute.
5. Turn off the heat and top with sliced green onions.
6. On a toothpick, add jalapeño slice, a shrimp and watermelon cube so that the watermelon cube sits flat on a serving plate. Squeeze a little lime on top. Enjoy!

Sundried Tomato and Basil Stuffed Grilled Zucchini

These savory roll-ups are easy to make and are loaded with nutrients. Zucchini slices are grilled until grill marks appear and softened for rolling. They’re then filled with a mixture of ricotta, sundried tomato, fresh basil and lemon. Serve these right away as these are best enjoyed fresh.

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini 
• Spray oil
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup julienne cut sundried tomatoes in oil, diced
• ¼ cup basil, shredded
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks for securing rolls

Instructions:

1. Heat a grill to medium-high.
2. Wash and dry zucchini, then slice zucchini vertically, about ¼-inch.
3. Spray zucchini slices generously with spray oil. Once grill is hot, add zucchini and grill on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear. Set aside.
4. In a bowl, add ricotta cheese, diced sundried tomatoes and 1 Tbsp. of the oil, basil and lemon juice. Mix well, then a little salt and pepper at a time to taste preference. 

On the flat of the zucchini, spread about 2 Tbsp. of the mixture. Roll up and secure with a toothpick. Serve and enjoy!

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.