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Celebrate the month of love with our favorite Valentine's Day dinner ideas! Skip the hustle and bustle of going out this year and try something extraordinary: cooking for your valentine. A home-cooked meal is a great way to show someone you care about them. Explore a variety of Valentine's Day dinner ideas that cater to different tastes and cooking skills. Save money and create a magical dining experience with delightful cocktails, mouthwatering appetizers, sensational main courses, and divine desserts. Consider crafting a special Valentine's Day menu that includes options for specific dietary needs, ensuring a memorable evening. Whether celebrating with your special someone or your beloved gal pals, these romantic Valentine’s dinner ideas will make your heart skip a beat.
Full-Course Dinner Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Don't forget to set the mood thirty minutes before dinner by lighting a few of your favorite candles. Making the table special with candles adds to the atmosphere of a romantic dinner. Our favorite for this season is our Winter Forest Candle. Our Haute Cocoa Candle fills the room with a home-baked scent you will love. The candlelight will set the tone for romance, and the dinner will be much more special.
Get the Love Flowing
Start your night with a signature honey cocktail. While we can't say they're good for you (it is booze, after all!), they aren't full of artificial colors and processed sugar. And a drink is always better when crafted by someone you love.
Sweetheart Martini
This beautiful cocktail is infused with an easy DIY Rose Honey Infusion. What says "I love you" better than that? Well, maybe a bunch of red roses, depending on your preferences. We recommend using Blueberry Honey, which has a fruity, buttery flavor that compliments the rose infusion well. We also suggest Tito's Vodka if you don't have a preference!
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
This sparkling lemonade is as elegant as it is yummy. It is a perfect drink for dinner if you prefer something alcohol-free or if you like to customize your cocktails. Replace the strawberries with blackberries or juicy nectarines for something even more colorful and sweet.
Lovely Appetizers
After your cocktail (or during), share an easy bee-inspired appetizer perfect for a cozy night. To heat things up, consider adding a touch of spice to enhance the flavors.
Savory and elegant, these can easily be modified into true Valentine’s recipes by laying the food out on a bed of rose petals before serving. Wouldn’t that be beautiful? For a delightful start, consider sweet scallops as an appetizer option, highlighting their tender texture and ability to pair well with vibrant ingredients.
Brie with Honey and Pears
The allure of baked brie lies in its simplicity and elegance. This baked brie recipe is a breeze to prepare, with a total time of just 8 minutes, including a quick 5-minute prep time. The hardest part might be waiting for it to come out of the oven! With a difficulty level that’s easy enough for even novice cooks, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
This shrimp is so addictive that you'll want to keep going back for more! This recipe was one of the first on our blog; it's an oldie but a tried-and-true goodie that would make any date night meal completely divine.
Grilled Artichokes
Artichokes may seem daunting, but have no fear! These spiky little flower buds are easier than you think (although they do take a little bit of time to cook up). The extra effort put into this dish makes it all the more tasty and worthwhile, trust us.
The main course of the meal should be the shining star of the dinner. These recipes will make cooking for Valentine's easier and more elegant than ever.
Romantic Main Courses
The main course is the heart of your Valentine's Day special dinner, which should be spectacular. Here are some romantic main course ideas that are sure to impress:
Honey-Glazed Lamb Rack
Lamb is absolutely divine and meant for special occasions. It's tender and juicy, and a good cut is well worth every penny spent. This lamb rack would be a special treat for the evening. It doesn't even take a long time to prepare!
Honey-Glazed Salmon
If seafood is more your speed, you will love this salmon recipe. It’s sweet yet savory, with smoky cedar notes thanks to the preparation method, and a finishing touch of fresh lemon to enhance the flavors. An absolute must-try!
Classic Pot Roast
For a fix-it-and-forget-it meal, try our sweet pot roast recipe. You can combine all of the ingredients, including heavy cream, and throw them into a crockpot without having to worry about standing in the kitchen for hours. Feel free to try using chicken or lamb instead of beef. Make sure to use dark honey, like avocado, that will stand up to the heat.
Szechuan Chicken
Heat fans will love how we heat things with this spicy recipe. This one is really quick to cook up (a good stir fry should only take a few minutes, otherwise you overcook the vegetables). This would also be great with shrimp or beef.
Beef with Garlic Sauce
This dish will capture your heart because of the magical combination of honey and garlic. The honey provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory, aromatic garlic, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is simply irresistible. The salty touch from the soy sauce and the rich garlic flavor makes this dish stand out.
Vegetarian and Pasta Options
For a romantic dinner, consider a vegetarian or pasta dish that is both elegant and delicious. A hearty vegetable lasagna layered with melty cheese and rich tomato sauce is sure to impress. Or, opt for a flavorful pasta primavera, bursting with fresh, seasonal vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, a rich and velvety risotto made with white wine and heavy cream can be a showstopper. To add some protein, consider incorporating tofu, tempeh, or seitan into your dish. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a champagne cocktail to make the evening even more special.
Sides and Salads
No Valentine’s Day dinner is complete without the perfect sides and salads. Here are some options that will beautifully complement your main course.
Fresh and Seasonal Options
Fresh and seasonal sides add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your meal. They are light, vibrant, and full of flavor.
Hearty and Comforting Options
These hearty sides are perfect for a cozy and comforting Valentine’s Day dinner. They add warmth and richness to your meal.
Farro Salad
Each bite transports us back to our days spent dishing up delicious Italian cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea! Whether you’re looking for lunch inspiration or an easy side dish that will wow your dinner guests – mission accomplished! Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious farro salad at home. We created this Farro Salad Recipe as a base for our Honey Roasted Cherry Tomato recipe. You'll find this salad tasty, satisfying, and good for you.
Carrot Ginger Soup
This is a guilt-free recipe. It is one of those recipes that your gut will thank you for. The combination of high-quality ingredients promotes nutritional support and an anti-inflammatory response. For optimal wellness, every mouthful of food we eat nourishes and supports our continued health, well-being, and vitality. When topped with roasted pine nuts or sliced avocado, your tummy will also be satisfied. Serve this soup as a meal or an appetizer.
Baked Spaghetti Squash
You’ll be amazed by spaghetti squash — it’s nutritious, versatile, and a breeze to prepare. For a satisfying meal, try adding pan-seared shrimp and scampi sauce to infuse flavor into the “noodles”. Trust me, it’s a winner! Our honey-infused spaghetti squash is a delightful twist on the classic, keeping it moist and adding richness with Buckwheat Eastern Shore Honey. It's delicious!
Don't Forget Dessert!
Don’t think about cutting calories here! These Valentine Desserts are rich and decadent and definitely crafted with the idea of moderation in mind. Think of them as the melty cheese of desserts, enhancing the appeal and decadence of your meal. They aren’t full of artificial ingredients, though, so while the calorie count may be a little high, these recipes are still made from wholesome ingredients, made with love by you. Substitute raw honeycomb straight from the hive in these recipes for added texture and taste.
After eating, make sure your Valentine keeps their lips hydrated with our Plastic-Free Honey Lip Balm - made with organic ingredients they’ll love!
Sweet Treats
No Valentine’s Day dinner is complete without a sweet treat to end the meal. Consider making a decadent chocolate cake, rich with layers of velvety ganache and topped with fresh berries. A creamy cheesecake, perhaps with a hint of fresh lemon, can be a delightful end to your dinner. If you prefer something fruity, a tart filled with seasonal fruits and a buttery crust is always a hit. For a simpler option, prepare chocolate-dipped strawberries or Valentine’s Day-themed cookies beforehand. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that you and your partner will both enjoy.
Food Styling for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner
Creating a romantic atmosphere is just as important as the food itself. Here are some tips for food styling that will make your Valentine’s Day dinner truly special:
- Use fresh flowers and greenery as garnishes: Adding fresh flowers and greenery to your dishes enhances their visual appeal and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Consider using edible flowers or herbs to complement the flavors of your meal.
- Use candles and dim lighting: Setting the mood with candles and dim lighting creates a warm and intimate ambiance. The soft glow of candlelight adds a romantic touch to your dinner, making it feel even more special.
- Use fine china and glassware: Serving your meal on fine china and using elegant glassware elevates the dining experience. It adds a sense of occasion and makes your Valentine’s Day dinner feel like a true celebration.
- Use a centerpiece: A beautiful centerpiece can tie your table setting together. Use fresh flowers, greenery, and candles to create a stunning focal point. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your meal, making it a night to remember.
Following these tips, you can create a romantic and memorable Valentine’s Day dinner that will delight your loved one and make the evening special.
Special Occasion Ideas
If you’re looking for some special occasion ideas to make your Valentine’s Day dinner even more memorable, consider the following:
- Set the mood with candles, flowers, and soft music
- Create a customized menu with your partner’s favorite dishes
- Make a special cocktail or wine pairing to go with your meal
- Set up a romantic table setting with fine china, linens, and glassware
- Consider hiring a personal chef or having your meal catered for a truly special experience
Planning the Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner
Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner can be a fun and exciting experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start by thinking about your partner’s favorite foods and drinks
- Consider the atmosphere and ambiance you want to create
- Make a list of the dishes and ingredients you’ll need
- Plan ahead and make as much as you can ahead of time
- Don’t forget to have fun and be creative!
Some popular Valentine’s Day dinner ideas include:
- A romantic Italian feast with pasta, pizza, and gelato
- A French-inspired dinner with escargot, ratatouille, and crème brûlée
- A seafood extravaganza with lobster, shrimp, and fish
- A classic steakhouse dinner with filet mignon, ribeye, and roasted vegetables
- A vegetarian or vegan dinner with a variety of plant-based options
Get Cooking for Your Valentine
We hope you and your honey enjoy these recipes! Even if you do decide to go out for Valentine’s Day, these recipes are great for a special Valentine's Day date night as well. If you decide to make Valentine’s Dinner at home, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram? We love seeing your photos!
