50 Valentine's Day Dinner Recipes (2024)

50 Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes

Where will you be celebrating February 14th this year? If you’re like approximately 42% of the U.S. population you’ll be clamoring for a two top at a “romantic” restaurant (Zagat). While I’m sure you and that special someone have the best of intentions, you know what they say about that, right? What I’m trying to say, is maybe you should just stay home this Valentine’s Day.

Here are 3 reasons you should skip the restaurant and try some of the Valentines Day dinner recipes in this article:

1. You’ll save money. Eating dinner out any day of the year is pricey. In fact, according to Statista, the average check per person at a fine dining restaurant in 2013 was $28.55. So for two people that’d be around $57.10, and that was two years ago. On Valentine’s Day, those dining prices are often higher especially when you factor in that you and your date are likely to splurge on alcoholic drinks and dessert. Utilizing the Valentines Day recipes in this article will help you keep that money in your wallet.

2. It’ll be more romantic. You think that going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day will be romantic, but in reality, it’ll be crowded, noisy, and probably a little frustrating. You’ll fight traffic, wait with a throng of other people to get a table, and probably not even be able to hear your date over the din of other diners. Staying home and whipping up some tasty Valentines Day dinner recipes will be much more intimate. Pair them with a bottle of wine and a little candlelight and it’ll be a meal you two won’t soon forget.

3. The food and service will be better. Valentine’s Day is possibly the busiest restaurant night of the year. The kitchen can easily be overwhelmed and is more likely to turn out sub-par products (despite their best efforts). On top of that, most of the serving staff at your romantic Valentines Day dinner don’t want to be there. They want to be on their own romantic dates. They want to be somewhere else plus they’re swamped with customers, so you’re more likely to receive bad service.

So, now that I’ve convinced you to just say home this February 14th, let’s dive into those tasty Valentines Day dinner recipes.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Appetizer/Drink Recipes

1.Baby Blue Salad with Fresh Pears and Sweet and Spicy Pecans(Freebie Finding Mom) – I’m kicking off this Valentines Day dinner recipes article with one of my personal favs. This salad is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and colors. Be sure to also try the balsamic vinaigrette recipe as it adds a delicious and nutritious finishing touch!

2.Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip(My World Simplified) – This Valentines Day recipe is sweet and simple. You can use it as an appetizer for your intimate dinner for two or as a dish at a kids’ Valentine’s Day party. Pair this dip with some fruit to up the nutritional value.

3.Sweet Heart Drink(My World Simplified) – With just 3 ingredients, this Valentines Day recipe is an easy and frugal way to make February 14th memorable.

4.Kid-Friendly Cheese Fondue(Melissa’s Bargains) – Make February 14th special whether you’re celebrating with just your Valentine or the whole family. This Valentines Day dinner recipe for non-alcoholic cheese fondue is a fun and yummy dish you’re sure to enjoy.

5.Roasted Red Pepper Tartine(Lavende & Lemonade) – A “Tartine” is an open-faced sandwich typically consisting of spreadable ingredients. This particular Valentines Day dinner recipe for a tartine will take you and your tastebuds on a journey to tuscany. Bonus: You won’t even have to deal with airport security!

6.Easy Lobster Bisque(The Suburban Soapbox) – Looking for Valentines Day dinner recipes that’ll knock his (or her) socks off? Look no further. This creamy lobster bisque with a slight kick (thanks to the cayenne pepper) is guaranteed to impress without breaking the bank.

7.Broccoli Cheddar Soup for Two(I Am a Honey Bee) – Are you up for some ooey-gooey cheesy goodness? Who isn’t! This Valentines Day recipe for homemade broccoli cheddar soup is sure to satisfy your cheese craving and leave you feeling warm and cozy.

Valentine’s Day Dinner EntreeRecipes

8.Heart Shaped Pizza(Freebie Finding Mom) – Regardless of who you’re celebrating Valentines Day with, a heart shaped pizza is a cute (and tasty) way to show your appreciation and love. Don’t worry if you’re pizza doesn’t end up looking much like the heart in this Valentines Day recipe – it’ll still taste great!

9.Chicken CacciatoreSlow Cooker Recipe(Freebie Finding Mom) – If you’re a novice or unskilled chef, I highly recommend this Valentines Day dinner recipe. All you have to do is cut up a few ingredients, put them in a slow cooker, and boil some noodles… see, that’s not too challenging, right?

10.Chicken Marsala Crockpot Recipe(Freebie Finding Mom) – Pressed for time? Then this Valentines Day recipe is for you. All you have to do is put 9 ingredients in a crockpot and walk away. Seriously, it is as simple as that.

11.Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe(Freebie Finding Mom) – Just because it is February 14th doesn’t mean you have to serve up something fancy. Trust me, some of the best Valentines Day dinner recipes are of the simple, comfort food variety like this beef stew. This slow cooker option is great for staying in and cuddling up on the couch.

12.Beef Stroganoff Crockpot Recipe(Freebie Finding Mom) – Break out every mom’s secret weapon, the slow cooker, for this Valentines Day recipe. This handy gadget will do most of the work so that when dinner comes around all you have to do is cook up some egg noodles and serve.

13.Steak with Blue Cheese Sauce(A Lady in France) – Steak is sure to impress that special someone, and this Valentines Day dinner recipe for steak is surprisingly easy. The sauce requires just two ingredients (blue cheese and sour cream) and 45 seconds.

14.Surf and Turf Kebobs(Smoked ‘n Grilled) – Just because you’re staying in on Feb. 14th doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself (and that special someone) to something a bit luxurious. Here’s one Valentines Day recipe that is sure to do just that. Serve with vegetables, bread, and wine for a delicious full meal.

15.Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops(Lil’ Luna) – This Valentines Day dinner recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, which is okay since it only requires 3 steps.

16.Lighter Sesame Chicken(Iowa Girl Eats) – If you’re trying to stick to healthier fare in the new year, this Valentines Day recipe is perfect. It’s gluten-free and lower in calories than any Chinese takeout you’ll find. To make the recipe even healthier, serve with just vegetables (instead of over rice).

17.Tomates Farcies Over Rice(A Lady in France) – Want to try something new this Valentine’s Day? Look no further. This recipe is probably not one you’ve attempted before but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks and totally worth the effort. Bonus: You can freeze the leftovers from this Valentines Day dinner recipe and take them to the office for lunch later in the week.