Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas

A nice dinner out for Valentine’s Day is great, but there’s something special about a heartfelt meal cooked at home for the one you love. Regardless of your skills in the kitchen (or lack thereof), you can still impress with the right Valentine's Day dinner recipes.

Think about how long you can spend in the kitchen, what cuts of meat and seafood you have available at your grocery store, and how many courses you want to serve.   Whatever your taste or skill set, this list of romantic dinner ideas includes something for everyone.

1. Salmon in White Wine Sauce

My tender, flaky salmon in a light, citrusy white wine sauce is perfect for Valentine’s Day. The cream sauce is light enough that you won’t feel uncomfortably full, but still very flavorful and satisfying.

Also, it cooks up quickly so you can focus your attention on each other instead of spending the night in the kitchen.

2. Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sage Gravy

Thick-cut pork tenderloin with a golden-brown sear and a creamy mushroom gravy make for an impressive Valentine’s Day dinner. Cheaper than some of the gourmet cuts of steak or fancy seafood, it looks just as beautiful when plated properly.

Pair it with some light sides like roasted green beans or sauteed zucchini and squash so you can save room for dessert.

3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Italian food has always been romantic, so this list contains a few Italian options. This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a classic dish that is easy to make but looks and tastes like it took plenty of effort.

The bright flavor of lemon and robust garlic tastes fabulous over a bed of spaghetti noodles or angel hair pasta. Plus, it pairs well with just about any white wine.

4. Crab Stuffed Salmon

Show off your culinary prowess by not just serving up salmon stuffed with crab. The creamy crab stuffing elevates this beyond a simple salmon dish and will make your Valentine's Day dinner feel special.

5. Hasselback Chicken

If seafood is not your thing, but you still want a visually appealing dish, try this Hasselback chicken. Stuffed with mozzarella, spinach, and bacon, it is as delicious as it is nice to look at.

Plus, obtaining the unique Hasselback appearance is easier than it looks. Pair it with a nice Sauvignon Blanc and a couple of veggies, and you have a romantic chicken dinner for two.

6. Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo

This smoked salmon fettuccine alfredo is another easy yet impressive pasta recipe that would make a good contender. The smoked salmon adds depth of flavor to every bite.

It’s high-class comfort food, but a very affordable entree to make. Serve with my favorite alfredo sides like oven baked garlic bread, bbq bacon wrapped brussel sprouts or baked bacon wrapped asparagus, and then try my pear and pistachio cream tart for dessert.

7. Chicken Parmesan

A less “fancy” option, chicken Parmesan is still a great date-night dish. When cooked properly, the crispy breaded chicken tastes rich and comforting when slathered in marinara sauce.

If you’re not a frequent cook, this recipe is hard to mess up. Plus, red or white wine would pair just fine. Throw a little air fryer garlic bread on the table, and you have a complete meal for your Valentine's night.

8. Lobster Risotto

Rich, creamy risotto made even better with delicious chunks of lobster. It’s comfort food and gourmet. Although it is time-consuming, it isn’t hard to make. If your date is a seafood lover (like my better half and our daughter), this is a great option.

9. Grilled Lamb Chops

Elegant and full of flavor, grilled lamb chops are the perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day dinner. An aromatic herb rub will fill the air with delicious smells as they cook.

Lamb itself is usually a special treat, and you can have a couple of perfectly grilled lamb chops on the table in just 20 minutes. Serve it up with a starchy side, like a baked sweet potato, and a glass of Cabernet.

10. Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

This is the dish for you if you want to pull out all the stops. Perfectly seared filet mignon is an upscale dish in itself, but it pairs easily with practically any side you love.

You can keep your sides really simple or as complex as you like - but I prefer to let that amazing cut of beef shine like the star that it is.

11. Broiled Lobster Tail

Believe it or not, juicy lobster tails are easy to make at home. Lobster cooks up super fast and is delicious without any additions. If you think of the fanciest gourmet dinner you can imagine, it likely has a lobster tail on the plate.

You can broil a lobster tail to perfection in just a few minutes, then focus on some tasty sides and dessert.

12. Pan-Seared Scallops

Pan-seared scallops are another easier-than-expected dish and still a special treat. The trick is getting the outside perfectly golden brown.

Light and meaty, scallops are great if you want to do a full three-course meal because they aren’t overly filling. Scallops, like most seafood, pair well with white wine.

13. Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Delightfully crisp and easy to make in the air fryer, a couple of Cornish hens are perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s not often you see a Cornish hen on the menu, so not only is it unique, but it’s sure to be a surprise.

Serve it up with some brussel sprouts or brown sugar-glazed carrots.

14. Pan-Seared Sword Fish

It’s likely you don’t have swordfish regularly, so make it a special treat on Valentine’s Day. Lightly seasoned with a buttery lemon pepper sauce, it’s full of fresh and bright flavor.

Make it a three-course meal, starting with an easy Caesar salad with creamy Caesar dressing and finishing with a slice of cherry chocolate dump cake to share.

15. Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak

We’re rounding out the list with a pan-seared Wagyu ribeye. More than your usual steak, Wagyu is a premium beef and takes very little to “dress it up”. This easy cooking method is practically fool-proof and results in a delightfully crispy sear.

If your date is a steak lover, this is the steak for you. Enjoy it with a robust cabernet or malbec.

16. Monterey Chicken

If chicken breast recipes are your comfort zone when it comes to cooking, there are ways to elevate them so they are worthy of a special occasion like Valentine's Day. These Monterey chicken breasts, for example, are topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, BBQ sauce, tomatoes, and green onions.

17. Frutti di Mare

If your date is a fan of seafood, they'll appreciate this Italian pasta dish loaded with mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and squid. It's all tossed together in a spicy arrabbiata sauce that tingles your tastebuds and will have you savoring every bite.

18. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza

With fresh basil, tomatoes, and plenty of fresh mozzarella, this 5-ingredient margherita pizza is flavorful and satisfying. In fact, making sheet pan pizzas together could be your date night activity.

19. Pan Seared Lamb Leg Steak

Lamb always feels like a special treat, and the simple process of pan-searing retains the meat's naturally rich, sweet, and earthy flavor. It's a beginner-friendly recipe and a great choice if you're looking to branch out and try something new.

20. Pan Seared Sea Bass

Sea bass isn't your everyday fish dinner recipe for most people because it sits on the pricier side for seafood. However, it cooks quickly and has a firm, flakey texture, and mildly sweet flavor, making it worth the splurge.

21. Quiche Florentine

Quiche is light enough that you'll have room for dessert yet still rich, savory, and satisfying. Plus, the thought and care that goes into baking a quiche from scratch will make your date feel truly special,

My quiche florentine with spinach, asparagus quiche, sun-dried tomato quiche, or zucchini mushroom quiche would all be great choices.

22. Air Fryer Prime Rib

You'll have leftovers, but a tender and succulent prime rib roast is a surefire way to leave a lasting impression. Try making it in your air fryer for easy cleanup and a quicker cooking time, which means you can enjoy the evening.

23. Easy Beef Stroganoff

Tender chunks of beef and mushrooms in creamy stroganoff sauce with buttery egg noodles. This simple recipe tastes just as incredible as more complicated beef stroganoff recipes, so your date will never know how easy it was.

24. Hibachi Steak and Shrimp

Bring the Japanese steakhouse home and whip up a few classic hibachi recipes. Bonus points if you cook for your date so they get dinner and a show (the true restaurant experience).

A surf & turf with steak and shrimp would be a wonderful main dish for your Valentine's dinner. Hibachi salmon or scallops would be tasty, too.

25. Duck with Orange Sauce

Channel your inner French chef and stun your loved one with this gorgeous duck l'orange (duck with orange sauce). The succulent pan-seared duck breasts are made even more delectable with a heavy drizzle of sweet and sticky orange honey sauce.

26. Roasted Lamb Breast

Oven-roasted lamb breast is tender, juicy, and easy to prepare with just a little cooking oil and my homemade lamb rub. Find what to serve with lamb breast right here.

27. Marry Me Chicken

With a name like 'Marry me chicken,' this classic recipe had to make the cut. The rich and creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce are enough to make you want to get down on one knee.

28. Grilled Ostrich Steaks

If your loved one appreciates unique proteins and wild game, juicy grilled ostrich steaks are a delectable dinner that will leave a lasting impression. The steaks are basted with melted butter as they grill to keep them tender and oh-so juicy.

29. Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Baked eggplant Parmesan is an Italian classic that would make a wonderful vegetarian entree on Valentine's Day. The eggplant is coated in homemade Panko breadcrumbs and baked until crispy with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese to top it all off.

30. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

My lemon garlic shrimp pasta beautifully balances the bright citrus and zesty garlic flavors. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan for an easy and delicious Italian-inspired seafood dinner.

31. Smoked Duck and Mushroom Risotto

Creamy risotto rice, earthy mushrooms, and tender, juicy duck meat come together in this elegant and richly flavorful main course. It's worth every ounce of effort to smoke a whole duck for this recipe, or If you're lucky, you can find smoked duck meat at the store.

💭 Tips For Cooking Valentine's Day Dinner

1. Plan ahead. Decide on the menu in advance, including appetizers, main course, and dessert. If you are unsure if you can find certain ingredients at the grocery store, give them a call. It's never a bad idea to do a trial run of your chosen Valentine's dinner recipe in advance to make sure it meets your expectations.
2. Personalize the menu. Consider your partner's favorite dishes or cuisines when planning the menu. It adds a thoughtful touch to the meal.
3. Set the ambiance. Create a romantic atmosphere with candles, soft lighting, and even light background music.
4. Keep it light. Keep the meal light. It's hard to get romantic after strong, spicy flavors, heavy garlic, or a heavy meal that leads to bloat (or needing a nap).
5. Cook together. If both of you enjoy cooking, make your date night dinner a joint effort. Cooking can be a fun and romantic activity!

❓ Any Recommendations For Vegetarian Or Vegan Valentine's Day Dinners

Of course. Baked eggplant Parmesan or even a quick tofu stir-fry would make a wonderful vegetarian date night dinner (vegan with necessary substitutions). Grab some heart-shaped cookie cutters and make my soft, chewy vegan sugar cookies for dessert.

❓ Should I Cook A Three-Course Meal For Valentine's Day Dinner?

It depends on your preferences and time. Do you have plans after, or are you spending the evening in? A three-course meal (appetizer, main course, and dessert) can make the night feel more special, but a well-prepared main course with one of my rich red velvet Valentine's Day desserts is just as nice.

❓ What Are Some Good Cocktail Recipes For Valentine's Day Dinner?

If your loved one has a favorite drink, I would start there! If you're unsure, my red wine sangria is perfect for sharing. You could always craft a signature cocktail for the evening, like a strawberry champagne mimosa or a vodka mojito. For alcohol-free drinks, try whipping up a few fun and fruity mocktail recipes.

What’s your favorite dish to serve on a romantic Valentine’s Day evening? Share your go-to recipes or let me know which of these recipes you’re most excited to try for a memorable date night.

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