Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to gather around the table and share a meal with someone special, whether that means an intimate dinner for two, a cozy family meal, or a festive dinner party with friends. No matter how you celebrate, having a well-thought-out menu makes the evening feel extra special.
Below are four Valentine’s Day Menu Ideas tailored to different occasions, each featuring a curated selection of recipes to help you pull off a delicious, stress-free meal. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day dinner party ideas, easy Valentine’s Day dinner ideas, Valentine’s Day dinner ideas for 2, or Valentine’s Day dinner with family, these menus have you covered!
1. Intimate Dinner for Two
An easy yet elegant menu designed for a cozy evening at home with your significant other. These dishes strike the right balance between impressive and approachable, and can be made ahead – so you can enjoy the evening without spending all your time in the kitchen.
Robert’s Vodka Martini with a Twist
With my husband Robert has become known far and wide for his super popular dry martinis, which call for a special ingredient and no vermouth. They are easy to make – and you can even whip up a batch ahead of time!
Avocado Grapefruit Salad Recipe
This Avocado Grapefruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that’s a breeze to make, and has a surprising celery seed dressing. Unlike citrus salads with basic vinaigrettes, this recipe, inspired by my mom, features a subtly spiced sweet-and-tangy dressing that adds a touch of sophistication.
Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin
Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin is a luxuriant, elegant and impressive main dish that can be prepared earlier in the day (or up to 1 month ahead and frozen), making it ideal for a make ahead dinner.
Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish
Lemon Rice is bright, creamy and easy enough for everyday, while elegant enough for entertaining. Long grain white rice and lemon zest are briefly sautéed in a bit of butter, then simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Five minutes before serving, lemon juice and cream are added. So easy, so delicious!
Valentine’s Mini Cakes
These little bites of heaven are super moist and flavorful, due to the addition of buttermilk and banana in the cake batter. And, they are enveloped in a delectable lemony-cream cheese glaze. Quick and easy Strawberry Topping is served alongside and adds color, freshness and texture.
2. Family Valentine’s Dinner
For those celebrating with kids or extended family, this menu keeps things simple but special. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed hit for all ages.
Pimento Cheese Spread
My mom’s mouth-watering Pimento Cheese Spread recipe is the ultimate in Southern comfort food. A zesty blend of two sharp cheddar cheeses, tangy pimentos, mayo and just the right amount of spice, this dip will elevate your taste buds to the next level.
Farfalle Bolognese Pasta Casserole
Mom’s Farfalle Bolognese Pasta Bake recipe is a richly flavored, satisfying dish. This long time family favorite (over 50 years!) combines farfalle pasta with a meaty bolognese sauce, tender spinach, sour cream – and, of course, cheese. Not only is it super delicious, this pasta casserole is easy to prepare ahead of time, and can be frozen.
Mixed Greens Salad Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette
This salad dressing is a variation of a classic French vinaigrette, adding mustard and garlic. The resulting dressing has bold, tangy flavors that add zest to any salad. Simply toss with mixed greens, halved grape tomatoes and sliced red onion for a delicious and light side dish.
Almond Raspberry Cookies
Almond Raspberry Cookies are scrumptious bites of love! Raspberry jam is sandwiched between two cinnamon and almond-flavored cookies, that are then dusted with powdered sugar.
Chewy Chocolate Brownie Recipe With Unsweetened Chocolate
These Chewy Chocolate Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Rumored to be a favorite recipe of the legendary Katharine Hepburn, imagine deeply rich chocolate flavor, a fudgy texture that’s incredibly chewy, and a perfect balance of sweetness – all in one irresistible bite.
3. Valentine’s Dinner Party with Friends
If you’re hosting a group, this menu is designed to impress while allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests.
Pomegranate Vodka Martini Recipe
My Pomegranate Martini is elegant, colorful, delicious – and perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration! It’s also easy to prepare, calling for only 4 ingredients.
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Spread
This sophisticated and impressive appetizer is guaranteed to satisfy. Creamy cheese is elevated by the addition of tangy goat cheese, creating a perfect harmony with smoky salmon. Avocado brings a refreshing touch and adds a nice pop of color.
Tomatoes and Pesto with Goat Cheese Crostini
Quick and easy to prepare with only 6 ingredients, these vibrant and scrumptious Goat Cheese, Pesto and Tomato Crostini are a family favorite. When short on time, serve as a layered dip with toasted bread on the side.
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin – Roasted or Grilled
Easy, elegant, and impressive, this Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe is the perfect main dish to serve at your next gathering. Whether you prefer the mouthwatering goodness of a roasted dish or the smokey notes from grilling, I’ve got you covered. And, while making a stuffed tenderloin might seem intimidating at first, my step by step instructions will guide you through the entire process from beginning to end!
Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe
In this irresistible recipe, roasting brings out the carrot’s natural sweetness while giving them a deliciously caramelized exterior. With just a few ingredients, you can transform ordinary carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that will steal the show.
Celery Root Purée
Delight your guests with this creamy, slightly tangy, and earthy side dish. It looks like mashed potatoes—but one bite reveals the surprise!
Royal Chocolate Biscuit Cake Recipe
Made with crumbled biscuits (cookies), nuts, dried fruits, melted chocolate, creamy butter and cream, this cake is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that’s fit for royalty. The combination of crunchy biscuits (cookies), smooth chocolate and silky cream creates a heavenly texture that will melt in your mouth with every bite. Chopped nuts add a bit of crunch and dried fruits give it a chewy tang.
4. Easy Yet Special Valentine’s Dinner
Short on time but still want a great meal? This menu keeps things simple and satisfying without sacrificing flavor.
Easy Spinach Salad Recipe With Zesty Curry Dressing
Are you on the lookout for a simple yet sensational salad recipe? Look no further, because we have the perfect dish for you! This quick and easy spinach salad recipe features a zesty curry dressing that will elevate your salad game to new heights.
Grilled Ribeye Steak
If you’re intimidated by grilling steaks – or want to improve your grilling prowess – you’ve come to the right place. Over the years, my home gourmet mom perfected the “art of the grill” and identified the optimal mix of seasonings and cooking method to deliver tender, juicy, super flavorful grilled steaks. In addition to her tried-and-true technique, I’ve included the recipe for a tangy Dijon, Caper, Green Onion Sauce to serve on the side.
Instant Pot Red Potatoes Recipe with Herb Butter
Quick and easy to prepare in less than 15 minutes, Instant Pot Red Potatoes are the perfect shortcut to a mouthwatering side dish. Cooked to perfection, all they need is melted butter, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of salt to finish and serve. So, whether you’re serving them with a juicy steak or roasted salmon, these Instant Pot potatoes are sure to please.
Lemon Green Beans with Dijon Mustard
Indulge your taste buds with these oven-roasted green beans coated with a luscious blend of tangy olive oil, zesty lemon juice, and bold Dijon mustard. The pièce de résistance? Crispy caramelized shallots sprinkled on top, infusing each bite with a deeply rich sweetness and a bit of crunch. These Lemon-Dijon Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots are incredibly versatile, too – serve them hot or at room temperature, making them ideal for a range of occasions, from elegant dinners to casual gatherings.
Kahlua Chocolate Mousse
This Easy Chocolate Mousse with Kahlúa can be prepared in 10 minutes with no whipping or folding of egg whites or cream. With an ultra-silky texture and an intense chocolatey flavor, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream
Frozen Brandy Alexanders with Ice Cream are a memorable, fun and elegant dessert that I’ve been making for years. Traditional brandy Alexander ingredients of brandy and creme de cacao are turned into into a frosty milkshake by swapping out the cream for ice cream.
Aphrodisiac Ingredients: A Love-Boosting Bonus
Many of the dishes featured in these Valentine’s Day menus include ingredients traditionally known as aphrodisiacs, believed to enhance mood, stimulate the senses, and add an extra romantic touch to your meal. Ingredients like avocado, pine nuts, pistachios, chocolate, smoked salmon, artichokes, celery, and pomegranate have long been associated with love and desire.
- Avocado: Often called the “love fruit,” avocados are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which are thought to support energy and well-being.
- Pine nuts & pistachios: Nuts have been linked to vitality and endurance, and their rich flavor adds depth to many dishes.
- Chocolate: A Valentine’s staple, chocolate contains compounds that trigger feel-good endorphins.
- Smoked salmon: Packed with omega-3s, salmon supports brain function and overall well-being, which can enhance mood.
- Artichokes & celery: Historically considered aphrodisiacs, these vegetables contain nutrients that may promote circulation and energy.
- Pomegranate: This antioxidant-rich fruit has been associated with heart health and vitality for centuries.
While no single ingredient can guarantee romance, incorporating these foods into your Valentine’s meal can add a fun element to the evening. Plus, they taste delicious!
No matter how you’re celebrating this Valentine’s Day, these menus offer a variety of flavors and styles to fit the occasion. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, and let great food bring everyone together.
