12 Valentine’s Day Recipes

Valentine’s Day is a holiday oriented around food. Some couples prefer the wine and dine experience of a meal out, while others find that cooking is a love language in itself. I fall into the later group: making meals for those I love is one of my expressions of my affection. 

With these 12 Valentine’s Day recipes, you can create your own celebratory meal at home for the holiday or any special occasion. These meals offer both high-quality nutrition and indulgent taste, because you shouldn’t have to choose between foods that taste good and foods that are good for you. With a salad, main course, and dessert, you and your Valentine can enjoy a delicious meal from the comfort of your own home for a cozy, intimate Valentine’s Day. 

Salad/Appetizer

Mediterranean Quinoa Kale Salad is a hearty, flavorful salad that will please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. 

Butternut Squash Lentil Salad compliments any many course thanks to its combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors.    

Roasted Vegetable Salad with Goat Cheese and Pepitas is a salad worthy of a special occasion, thanks to the creamy goat cheese and crunch pumpkin seeds. 

Every salad tastes better when served with fresh homemade bread! 

Main Course

Lentil and Mushroom Curry with Wild Rice will add some spice to your evening. Don’t want to eat beans? Substitute chicken or lamb for the lentils. 

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Paprikash serves up a flavorful meal in the holiday’s signature red color. 

Simple Roasted Chicken and Spring Vegetables is, despite the ease of preparation and simplicity of ingredients, an indulgent, 

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs is a healthy alternative to a Valentine’s Day favorite. For an extra indulgent meal, make the meatballs with ground bison instead of beef. 

Red Wine Brown Rice Risotto can be served as a vegetarian main or as a side dish. Risotto requires careful preparation, but the creamy, savory, cheesy result is well worth the time and effort. 

Dessert

Ginger Pear Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars are lightened up in terms of calories, but not at the cost of taste. This cheesecake is creamy, sweet, and warmly spiced thanks to ginger – perfect for pairing with a glass of bubbly! 

Mango Sorbet is a quick and easy-to-make alternative to ice cream. If you or your Valentine prefer fruit-based desserts, this recipe is sure to please! 

This Apple and Pear Crumble is made with almond meal and rolled oats for a buttery tasting and crispy dessert. 

Fudgy Beer Chocolate Cake will make any chocolate lovers Valentine’s day. Greek yogurt replaces some of the butter and the beer (preferably a stout) adds a rich depth to the chocolate flavor. 

[Tweet “12 #healthy Valentine’s Day Recipes #recipes #valentinesday via @thisrunrecipes”]

Do you prefer to eat out or cook at home for Valentine’s Day?
What’s your favorite Valentine’s Day treat?