Our favorite Valentine’s Day dinner recipes to spice up your table featuring deliciously decadent dinner entrees, romantic vegetarian and vegan mains, tasty appetizers, and of course, luscious desserts! Everything you need for a romantic night in!
Dinner for Valentine’s Day!
These Valentine’s Day dinner recipes are luxurious, elegant, and romantic, perfect for that special someone!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This lemon garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is fast, easy and full of punchy flavor! Olive oil, lemon zest, fresh garlic, kale and red pepper flakes keep it light and flavorful. A delicious pasta dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
Crab Cakes with Cilantro & Lime
A punchy recipe for Crab Cakes with cilantro, lime zest and jalapeno served with a sweet and tangy Red Pepper Vinaigrette.
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. Serve with rice and pickled onions-a flavorful Oaxacan-inspired meal.
Cioppino (Italian Fish Stew)
This Cioppino recipe is easy to make and full of rich flavor! Fresh fish and seafood is bathed in a light, fragrant tomato-herb broth. A seafood lover’s dream come true!
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.
Clam Chowder
This Clam Chowder Recipe is made with fresh clams and their broth, Yukon gold potatoes, and melted leeks, a lightened-up version of New England-style clam chowder that is rich in flavor. Yes, we leave the shells on some of them, for the BEST presentation. 🙂
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.
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.
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!
Pastitsio | Baked Greek Pasta with Lamb
Pastitsio! A delicious Greek-inspired, baked pasta dish made with penne pasta, lamb bolognese and a béchamel sauce.
Simple Roasted Chicken!
A simple, easy recipe for whole Roast Chicken with lemon, garlic, and rosemary, baked in the oven over vegetables all in one pan.
Pan-Seared Fish with Spring Pea Sauce
Pan-seared Steelhead Trout (or salmon) with Mushrooms, New Potatoes & Truffled Spring Pea Sauce…a simple, elegant dinner.
Zesty 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.
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, pasta, or served up as an appetizer! Think of this like shrimp scampi, only WAY more flavorful! Paleo, Gluten-free and full of amazing flavor!
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.
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.
Pomegranate Salmon
Roasted pomegranate salmon with braised fennel is a healthy and festive dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes.
Vegetarian Valentine’s Day Dinner ideas
Skip the surf and turf this year, and opt for a more plant-based approach! These flavorful yet decadent vegetarian and vegan entrees are sure to please!
Truffle Mac and Cheese
This earthy, decadent Truffle Mac and Cheese is a mushroom lover’s dream. It’s easier than you think and can be made ahead- perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Homemade Gnocchi
Homemade potato gnocchi! Just four simple ingredients result in the dreamiest little dumplings. These little pillows of joy are easy to make and much more delicious than store-bought. From baked and sautéed to boiled you’ll find so many ways to use them! Serve them up with our simple tomato sauce!
Spaghetti Squash with Chard, Walnuts and Chèvre
A simple tasty recipe for Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Chard, Toasted Walnuts and Chèvre. A healthy low-carb meal perfect for serving with your favorite protein.
Tofu Paprikash
This Tofu Paprikash recipe is rich, creamy and vegan! Seared tofu is bathed in a decadent Hungarian paprika sauce; spoon it over pasta, rice, potatoes, or roasted cauliflower for a quick, delicious vegan dinner in just 40 minutes.
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!
Cabbage Steaks
Tender, smoky Cabbage Steaks are easy to make and full of flavor. Just 15 minutes of prep before roasting in the oven, they make a quick and healthy weeknight meal! Serve over soft polenta with our Pickled Pepper Vinegrette! YUM.
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 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! It 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.
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!
Endive Apple Salad
This endive salad recipe is crunchy, punchy and flavorful! Paired with apples, and toasted walnuts in a light and creamy yogurt-blue cheese dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Little Gem Wedge Salad
Cool and crisp Wedge Salad with little gems, beets, tomatoes, radishes, herbs and coconut bacon, topped with Creamy Gorgonzola dressing.
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.
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 options!
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
This easy, one-bowl Double Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe with cayenne, ginger and cinnamon will soon become your new favorite! (aka Diablo Cookies) Spicy, sassy and mildly sweet.
Basque Cheesecake
This crustless, burnt Basque Cheesecake recipe is light and airy with a caramelized top and luscious notes of vanilla. A rustic dessert that is easy to make.
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!
Meyer Lemon Bundt Cake
One Bowl Vegan Meyer Lemon Coconut Bundt Cake…So easy and delicious! Make this in one bowl, and pour and bake!
Chocolate Bouchons
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.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Homemade heart-shaped Ice-cream Sandwiches made with crispy, dark chocolate wafers and vanilla ice cream. Perfect for your valentines day dessert.
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.
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!
Start with a beautifully set table. Light candles. Dim the lights. Play music. Create ambiance. Serve your loved one a multi-course dinner starting with a seasonal cocktail or mocktail, followed by an appetizer, perhaps a cup of soup or salad, a festive entree’ and finish off with dessert. The effort will be treasured and remembered!
Hope you enjoy these special Valentine’s day recipes. Share your favorites in the comments below!❤️
More favorite recipes
55+ Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinners
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 3-4 1x
- Category: main, collections
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Description
Our favorite Valentine’s Day dinner ideas to spice up your table featuring deliciously decadent dinner entrees, romantic vegetarian and vegan mains, tasty appetizers, and, of course, luscious desserts! Everything you need for a romantic night in! Mushroom Risotto.
Ingredients
- 4 cups veggie broth, mushroom broth, or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 leeks (or shallots), sliced (save the green tops, see notes)
- 4 fat garlic cloves, rough chopped
- 1 lb mushrooms- wild or tame or a combo, torn or sliced
- Salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or thyme or sage)
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine (or champagne) or see notes
- 1/2 cup parmesan or pecorino
Optional additions: truffle oil, lemon zest, shaved truffle, kale, peas
Instructions
Heat broth and water in a medium pot on the stove.
Slice the leeks into thin half-moons, saving the leek tops to make frizzled leeks (see notes).
In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, garlic, and mushrooms, season generously with salt and pepper, and saute, stirring until mushrooms release their liquid. Add the rosemary. Turn the heat up and caramelize the mushrooms a bit, cooking off their liquid.
Set 2/3rds of the mushrooms aside on a plate. Lower heat to med-low and add the rice to the dutch oven, toasting the rice a bit, 2-3 minutes. Add the wine, and scrape up any brown bits. Cook off all the wine.
Ladle the warm broth into the rice- one cup at a time, stirring, scraping up any sticking rice, and letting the rice absorb the broth before adding more. Increase heat to medium. This process will take about 20 minutes. If rice is sticking to the bottom of the pan, lower heat back down to med-low. While the rice is cooking make the frizzled leeks or leek oil (see notes).
Once 4 cups of broth are absorbed and the rice is done ( tender, creamy yet al dente at the very center – still holding its shape) stir in the mushrooms you set aside, and the cheese and taste, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking. Parmesan is tangier than pecorino so just keep this in mind. If you’d like a little acid -a tiny amount of lemon zest is nice here or a couple of drops of vinegar.
If you want it a bit looser, stir in more broth.
Divide among bowls and garnish with the frizzled leeks or leek oil. Feel free to drizzle with truffle oil, lemon zest, more parmesan, or even shaved truffle.
Notes
See Mushroom Risotto for more details:
Leek Tops: Feel free to use these to make this Leek Oil or frizzled leeks. Or drop some into the simmering broth. To make frizzle leek tops, thinly slice the dark green ends (you’ll only need 1/2 cup). Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Once warm add the leeks, and stir a bit until they begin to darken slightly 3-4 minutes. Test by placing a couple on a paper towel, they should feel crisp to the touch. Blot on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Let cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4.6 g
- Sodium: 338.6 mg
- Fat: 14.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 52.8 g
- Fiber: 4.3 g
- Protein: 10.3 g
- Cholesterol: 7.2 mg
Wonderfull collection!
All dishes food look so tasty and spectacular.
Thanks Orly!
WOW!!! TO ALL THE RECIPES, I’m not doing peas in this life-time, but everything looks delish.
Thank you….
thanks Lucinda!