Easy Valentine’s Day Meal Ideas
February 14th is nearly upon us, and whether or not you celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s an excellent excuse to make dinnertime extra special.
"Fancy" doesn't have to mean fussy, though. Coming up with Valentine’s Day meal ideas shouldn’t be stressful, so we’ve put together a selection of simple, delicious meals that will impress whoever you’re treating (even if it’s yourself!) in just a few ingredients.
As an added bonus, each is balanced with lean proteins, healthy fats and produce, so even if you’ve just started a clean eating meal plan you can go ahead and enjoy that second glass of celebratory wine. February 14th comes but once a year, so enjoy these Valentine's Day menu ideas and make it one to remember.
Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon
Simple but flavorful, this salmon from Recipe Tin Eats is restaurant-quality with none of the restaurant-style clean-up. Pair it with veggies and coconut rice and you have a meal fit for Cupid.
Ingredients needed:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- White vinegar
- Garlic gloves
- Salmon
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Entirely simple but looks nice and fancy, this flavorful pasta dish from Well Plated pairs great with just about any wine. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day meal ideas, this one is pure perfection.
Ingredients needed:
- Whole wheat pasta
- Unsalted butter
- Boneless skinless chicken breast
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic gloves
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
- Dry white wine
- Whipping cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Baby spinach
Roast Chicken with Fennel, Carrots and Gremolata
This roast chicken from The Kitchn is a cooking classic, with almost no clean-up. Plus, you'll get to teach each other what a gremolata is!
Ingredients needed:
- Fennel bulb
- Carrots
- Olive oil
- Whole chicken
- Red potatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic gloves
- Lemon
Thai-Style Coconut Lemongrass Mussels
If ever there was an occasion to make mussels, it’s Valentine’s Day. Check out Jamie Oliver’s easy, delicious take on the dish.
Ingredients needed:
- Mussels
- Spring onions
- Garlic gloves
- Coriander
- Lemongrass
- Red Chili
- Groundnut oil
- Coconut milk
- Fish sauce
- Lime
Vegetarian Lasagna
Not all ideas for Valentine’s Day meals have to include meat. For a vegetarian twist, Ciao Veggie’s super simple vegetarian lasagna is as comforting as it is delicious: who says celebratory food has to be complicated? Pair with a green salad.
Ingredients needed:
- Lasagna sheets
- Creamy tomato soup
- Pre-cooked lentils
- Green pesto
- Cheese
Peanut Butter Cups
Because you’ll need dessert. Baker by Nature has you covered with these limited ingredient chocolate-peanut butter bites.
Ingredients needed:
- Creamy peanut butter
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Salt
- Dark chocolate
The Takeaway
Planning meals for special occasions doesn’t mean straying away from the healthy meal planning regiment you may already be on. Valentine’s Day meals can be both healthy and delicious!
This Valentine’s Day think outside the box by putting a simple, but healthy spin on date night. What’s more romantic than preparing something that makes you and your partner feel as good as it tastes?
