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Food is our love language and we believe that cooking a special meal is one of the most loving gifts we can give and receive! Here are our favorite Valentine’s Dinner Ideas, to spice up your kitchen this year! Whether you are looking for delicious dinners, creative cocktails, creative appetizers, or scrumptious desserts, we have you covered.
There are plenty of savory vegan & vegetarian entrees along with elegant seafood and meat lovers’ delights.
Valentine’s Day Appetizers
Start dinner off with these delicious Valentine’s Day Appetizers. They are sure to spark up your celebration.
Mushroom Bruschetta with Triple Cream Brie, Sage and Truffle Oil
Mushroom Bruschetta with Triple Cream Brie, Sage and Truffle Oil – a surprisingly easy appetizer that tastes amazing and looks elegant! Perfect for any special occasion. Vegan adaptable.
Fresh Oysters with Mignonette Sauce
Fresh Oysters with Mignonette – a refreshing appetizer, with a flavorful Mignonette sauce!
Asparagus Tart with Chives, Tarragon and Gruyere
Asparagus Tart with tarragon, chives, and gruyere in a flakey puff pastry crust- a simple elegant dish perfect for a special occasion. Under 30 minutes of hands-on time!
Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp and Tarragon
Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp and Tarragon- a light and healthy summer meal perfect for brunch, lunch or a light dinner. Feel free to make the flavorful Tarragon Shrimp filling up to one day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, cut the avocado in half and spoon in the filling.
Artichoke Souffle w/ Goat Cheese and Thyme
Artichoke Souffles with goat cheese and thyme, a delicious appetizer featuring artichokes!
Crab Louie Lettuce Wraps
Mini Crab Louie Appetizer – a refreshing and light appetizer that is very simple to make, yet delicious and elegant! Can be made-ahead. Gluten-free, low-carb and dairy-free.
Roasted Artichokes with Lemony Leek Dressing
Tender Roasted Artichokes with Lemony Leek dressing – a healthy, vegan and a perfect appetizer or side dish.
Vegetarian & Vegan Valentine’s Dinner Ideas
Full of delicious flavors these flavorful entrees are sure to make your loved ones feel special! We have included recipes that are easy to put together as well as some fun projects that are well worth the effort!
Vegan Pot Pie with Roasted Butternut, Lentils and Kale
Veggie Pot Pie with roasted butternut squash, lentils, and kale topped with a golden puff pasty crust – a cozy vegan dinner recipe the whole family will enjoy.
Mushroom Risotto with Frizzled Leeks
Simple authentic Mushroom Risotto with rosemary, garlic and frizzled leeks- a satisfying, elegant vegetarian dinner, perfect for special occasions, date night or entertaining.
Roasted Chile Relleno with Black Beans
A healthy, vegan adaptable, Roasted Chile Relleno Recipe – that is lightened up with the addition of black beans. Simplified by roasting (instead of frying) the peppers with the Salsa Ranchero Sauce ingredients – all baked together on one sheet-pan – saving a step!
Zesty Vegan Pasta with Cashew Alfredo Sauce
Date night Vegan Alfredo for two, tossed in a delicious cashew (or hemp) cream, with sauteed mushrooms, Meyer lemon zest and a secret ingredient that gives this extra complexity, flavor and depth. Can be made in under 30 minutes! Try this with Smoked Mushrooms for extra WOW factor!
Lentil Bolognese
Rich and robust, this plant-based Lentil Bolognese is hearty, “meaty” and full of depth of flavor. Toss it with your favorite pasta, or spoon it over creamy polenta- either way, this simple nourishing vegan meal is one the whole family will enjoy.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Rosemary and Garlic – a delicious easy recipe that is Keto friendly and perfect for special gatherings or simple enough for weeknight dinners! Serve this with crusty bread for a simple hearty meal! GF and Vegan adaptable!
Eggplant Chickpea Tagine
Delicious, healthy Tagine Recipe with Eggplant and Chickpeas- seasoned with Moroccan spices and served over couscous. A simple plant-based dinner recipe!
Vegan Pot Pie with Spring Vegetables
Vegan Pot Pie with Spring Vegetables loaded with vibrant fresh veggies and flavorful herbs cooked in a delicious creamy lemon mustard sauce and topped with a flakey puff pastry crust.
Butternut Risotto with Leeks
Cozy up with a comforting bowl of Butternut Risotto with Leeks and Spinach made with very little fuss, in your Instant Pot pressure cooker. Vegan-adaptable and Gluten-free. Stovetop version in the notes below!
Savory Galette with Leeks & Kale
A free-formed tender flakey crust enclosing a luscious melt-in-your-mouth succulent filling. Leeks and kale marry with gruyere and rich mascarpone making the perfect balance of decadent and wholesome!
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Artichoke Pasta
Vegan Mushroom Pasta with roasted sunchokes and a creamy vegan artichoke heart sauce ( use canned or frozen artichoke hearts) that can be made in under 30 minutes! Delicious, healthy, nut-free and totally vegan.
Valentine’s Dinner Ideas!
Perfect for seafood lovers and meat lovers these heartier mains are elegant, decadent and perfect for your special meal.
Simple Lobster Bisque
This Lobster Bisque Recipe is made simple and easy with quick homemade lobster stock, big bites of lobster, and a creamy luscious bisque thickened with sweet potatoes. For extra decadence saute the lobster in browned butter infused with garlic, and serve with warm garlic bread.
Oven-Roasted Lamb Chops with Indian Curry Sauce
A mouthwatering recipe for oven-roasted lamb chops ( rack of lamb) with a swoon-worthy Indian Curry Sauce. For vegetarians, serve with roasted veggies or tofu! Serve with basmati rice. Perfect for a special dinner.
Seared Scallops with Coconut Lemongrass Sauce
Seared Scallops with Coconut Lemongrass Sauce, fresh basil and lime zest. Healthy and delicious, this easy Thai inspired dinner is FULL of amazing flavor and quick to make. OK to sub Shrimp for scallops!
Chicken Mole
A flavorful recipe for Chicken Mole is made with Black Mole Sauce (Mole Negro)- smoky, spicy and nutty with dried chilies, and a hint of chocolate. A flavorful Oaxacan-inspired meal.
Pastitsio | Baked Greek Pasta with Lamb
Pastitsio! A delicious Greek-inspired, baked pasta dish made with penne pasta, lamb bolognese and a béchamel sauce.
Pan-Seared Steelhead Trout with Spring Pea Sauce
Pan-Seared Steelhead Trout with Mushrooms, New Potatoes & Truffled Spring Pea Sauce…a simple elegant dinner.
Chicken Piccata
A simple, classic Italian dish brimming with flavor- Chicken Piccata is easy enough for weeknight dinners or elegant enough for entertaining.
Pan-Seared Scallops with Citrus Sauce
A simple tasty recipe for Seared Scallops ( or fish) with Citrus Sauce. Serve with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
Seared Black Cod with Meyer Lemon Risotto
A delicious recipe for Meyer lemon risotto topped with seared white fish and drizzled with a flavorful lemon herb sauce, called gremolata.
Chimichurri Shrimp
Simple Chimichurri Shrimp – a fast, healthy and flavorful recipe that can be turned into dinner, served over rice, cauliflower rice, or served up as an easy appetizer! Paleo, Gluten-free and full of amazing flavor!
Gorgonzola Chicken with Mushrooms & Sage
Creamy Gorgonzola Chicken with Mushrooms and Sage is flavorful, decadent, and perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or Valentine’s day. The creamy gorgonzola sauce is dreamy and delicious.
Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce and Asparagus
Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Yogurt Dill Sauce -a simple, EASY sheet-pan dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Fennel Crusted Halibut with Asparagus Sauce
A healthy delicious recipe for halibut with asparagus two ways- in the sauce and as the side veggie. Tarragon and Fennel seed elevate this dish and infuse it with lovely spring flavor! Elegant yet simple.
Mushroom Dusted Halibut
This recipe for Mushroom Dusted Halibut is bursting with umami flavor. The fish is coated in Mushroom Powder before being pan-seared in a skillet, then topped with sautéed mushrooms and a truffle vinaigrette.
Roasted Salmon with Pomegranate
Roasted Pomegranate Salmon with braised fennel – a healthy and festive dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes.
Valentine’s Day Salads
These salads are a fresh healthy accompaniment to your special dinner.
Citrus Salad with Dates & Pistachios
This Moroccan-inspired Citrus Salad with dates, arugula, mint, pistachios, and toasted coconut is dressed in the most flavorful Citrus Shallot Vinaigrette. It’s deliciously juicy and vegan!
Roasted Broccoli Salad
Easy Roasted Broccoli Salad with toasted almonds, kalamata olives, and lemon zest, drizzled with delicious Mustard Seed Maple Dressing. Amazingly simple, yet filled with so much vibrant flavor.
Grilled Salmon Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
This Grilled Salmon Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing is perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings. Chock full of fresh organic produce, not only is this entree salad healthy and easy to make, it’s bursting with delicious summertime flavor! Keto and Low-carb.
Fennel Asparagus Salad
Crunchy and fresh, this Fennel Asparagus Salad pairs well with grilled fish, chicken or tofu. Also delicious on a bed of spring greens with cucumber and radishes. A vegan salad that can be made ahead and holds well in refrigerator for several days.
Classic Caesar Salad
How to make a classic Caesar Salad with homemade Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese and hand-torn croutons.
Little Gem Wedge Salad
Cool and crisp Wedge Salad with little gems, beets, tomatoes, radishes, herbs and coconut bacon, topped with Creamy Gorgonzola dressing.
Pear Salad with Vanilla Fig Dressing
A crave-worthy holiday salad that will bring a bit of joy to your holiday table.
Valentine’s DAY Desserts
End on a sweet note with these luscious desserts. From decadent chocolate to light and fruity you’ll find something crave worthy here. Many of these can be made ahead!
Vegan Meyer Lemon Coconut Bundt Cake
One Bowl Vegan Meyer Lemon Coconut Bundt Cake…SO easy and delicious! Make this in one bowl, and pour and bake!
Stuffed Dates with Pistachios
Perfectly simple, beautiful and decadent, these little gems are just the right hit of creamy flavor and crunch. Throw them together for a sweet appetizer or light dessert.
Roasted Fig Tart with Honey and Mascarpone
Roasted Fig Tart with Mascarpone Cream, Honey and rosemary….using fresh figs, lightly roasted and caramelized in the oven.
Berry Trifles w/ Lemon Cake & Coconut Whipped Cream
Summer Berry Trifle with whipped coconut cream, toasted coconut and lemon pound cake. A light and delicious dessert highlighting summer berries. Vegan adaptable.
Meyer Lemon Loaf Cake with Pistachios
Meyer Lemon Loaf Cake with Toasted Pistachios and Lemony Glaze. The perfect balance between tart and sweet. Prep Time includes 40 minutes cooling time.
Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust (Vegan & GF)
VEGAN Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust- a vegan and gluten-free tart that is deceptively decadent, silky smooth and luscious!
Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with Blood Oranges
Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with Blood Oranges and Chocolate Ganache icing. Simple, moist, flavorful and absolutely scrumptious!
Chocolate Panna Cotta
Creamy decadent Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta ( vegan-adaptable) topped with optional candied blood oranges. An elegant finish to your special dinner with 20 minutes of hands-on time, 6 hours of refrigeration time. Can be made three days ahead.
Chocolate Sesame Cookies
Flourless and vegan-adaptable, these Chocolate Sesame Cookies are irresistibly tender, chewy, and divinely delicious.
Easy Flourless Chocolate Torte
Rich and delicious this flourless Chocolate Torte is the perfect dessert for celebrations, holidays and gatherings- easy to make ahead and freezes beautifully!
Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies
Richly flavored with melt-in-your-mouth yumminess, these Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies have the perfect buttery crunch. Relish them as is or take them over the top with chocolate drizzle or chocolate dipped.
Valentine’s Day Cocktails
These are some of our favorite cocktails!
Hibiscus Margaritas with Ginger and Lime
Refreshing Hibiscus Margaritas with Ginger and Lime made with dried hibiscus flowers (or use hibiscus tea) honey, lime, fresh ginger and a hint of clove. Delicious and refreshing!
Meyer Lemon Gimlet with Thyme Simple Syrup
Meyer Lemon and Thyme Gimlet- A super refreshing gin cocktail, perfect for spring!
Negroni Cocktail
A Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail made up of Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth. Here we’ve simply substituted a blood orange instead of a regular orange for a more festive presentation. Shaken with ice and strained into a little glass — it’s one of my favorites.
Blackberry Bramble Cocktail
A refreshing cocktail, the bramble combines fresh blackberries, gin, lemon juice and soda- or for a refreshing twist, try topping with Ginger Brew.
Pear Tree Cocktail
Pear brandy with lemon, gin and rosemary simple syrup – a cocktail that is both unique, and utterly evocative of the season!
Pomegranate Martini with Rosemary
This Pomegranate Martini is infused with a Rosemary Simple Syrup -a refreshing and festive holiday cocktail made with vodka (or gin) and Pomegranate Juice!
The Orange Blossom Cocktail
The Orange Blossom is a delightful, elegant cocktail made with gin, orange blossom simple syrup, citrus juice, and bitters, floated with sparkling wine. It’s festive and cheery!
Recipe FAQS
Pick something special that you don’t make very often, a good reason to splurge on something decadent. Add a few special touches, perhaps start with an appetizer and make a special cocktail, finishing with dessert.
We love Gorgonzola Chicken, Asparagus Tart, Lamb Chops, Lobster Bisque, and Mushroom Risotto and of course, followed with something decadent like Chocolate Torte or Vegan Lemon Bundt Cake!
One idea is to start with a beautifully set table. Serve 4 courses starting with a seasonal cocktail or mocktail, followed with an appetizer, a cup of soup or salad, a festive entree’ and finish off with dessert.
Let’s use this Valentine’s Day as a reminder to appreciate our families and friends and shine a whole lot of love❤️