20+ Valentine’s Day Recipes – Downshiftology

These Valentine’s Day recipes prove that a delicious, home-cooked meal is the key to anyone’s heart. Choose from the best romantic dinner ideas, to all the chocolate desserts you can imagine, and even a few refreshing cocktails to wind down and relax. This list has many options to choose from to keep your loved one’s belly full and their heart happy.

Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Recipes

• These recipes are easy yet impressive. Making a dinner reservation is easy, but dinner at home is extra special and romantic. So I’ll show you how to master restaurant-worthy classics with simple everyday ingredients that are foolproof and cheaper than eating out.
• There are ideas for an entire menu. In addition to dinner mains, you’ll find the best desserts and cocktails to complete your dinner menu. Pro tip: Make any dessert the day before so you don’t have to worry about it on Valentine’s Day.
• And if you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day… I’ve got a few fun nibbles and sweets the ladies will love!

Easy Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

Get ready to wow your significant other and loved ones with the best dinner ideas — from a classic juicy steak to savory seafood options and so much more.

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin: Not only is this pork tenderloin ultra-tender, but the spice rub and honey garlic sauce are a chef’s kiss and add that “wow” factor.

Shrimp Scampi: An Italian classic like this is loved by the masses. Plus, it’s easy to make and presents beautifully on a plate. You could even top it on a bed of zucchini noodles for shrimp scampi pasta. It’s light and fresh and won’t weigh you down.

Filet Mignon: There’s nothing like perfectly cooked filet mignon for a special dinner at home. And if you want to go the extra step, serve it with a drizzle of béarnaise sauce or a pat of this herb compound butter.

Chicken Piccata: It’s hard to believe how easy this recipe is, given how fancy it looks! Top the final dish with extra fresh parsley and lemon slices for the final touch.

Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce: This homemade chimichurri sauce makes this easy grilled steak taste extra restaurant-worthy.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken: There’s a reason why this is also called Marry Me Chicken! Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with Italian spices are seared and simmered in the most luxurious cream sauce filled with parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and spinach. It may even have your loved one down on one knee. *wink*

Baked Halibut: For a special seafood option, make this baked halibut topped with a creamy lemon herb mayonnaise. It’s a super easy, foolproof recipe and perfect with a side of veggies.

Braised Short Ribs: Tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with meaty juices seeping into a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. Now, that’s what I call love at first sight!

Scallops with Citrus Ginger Sauce: Scallops are spurge-worthy, and what better day to splurge on than Valentine’s Day! They’re perfectly seared and coated with the best citrus ginger sauce.

Valentine’s Day Dessert Recipes

Valentine’s Day is not complete without dessert on the table — especially chocolate. From the best chocolate cakes to easy chocolate-covered strawberries, any of these recipes will hit the love bug spot.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: This is THE quintessential Valentine’s dessert, especially if you can get your hands on some sweet and juicy strawberries. And I’ve got a few tips to ensure they turn out beautifully!

Flourless Chocolate Cake: Your search for the perfect flourless chocolate cake ends here. My version has a deliciously deep chocolate flavor and a fluffy, moist texture.

Chocolate Pots De Creme: This is hands down the most luxurious chocolate custard you’ll ever have. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Top each serving with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings to make it look extra fancy.

Panna Cotta: This classic Italian custard is easier to make than you think! And the macerated strawberries are the cherry on top for a vibrant red touch.

Paleo Chocolate Cake: Moist, fluffy, and layered with the best chocolate buttercream frosting, this is the chocolate cake you want to make for Valentine’s Day.

Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes: Enjoy my chocolate cake in a cupcake version! Plus, these are great for handing extras out to other loved ones around you on Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate Mug Cake: If you’re a party of one, this single-serving mug cake is the perfect dessert to give yourself. But it’s also easy to whip up two, three, or four of them!

Custard: Nothing beats a cup of this lusciously creamy and classic custard topped with fresh berries.

Valentine’s Day Cocktail Recipes

Keep the love buzz going with these fresh and easy cocktail ideas!

Margarita: This one is for all the tequila lovers! It’s a classic recipe for a reason, and I’ll walk you through the exact ratio to make the perfect margarita cocktail.

Red Sangria: Continue the red theme with a pitcher of fruity, boozy sangria!

Aperol Spritz: A light and refreshing cocktail that tastes delicious paired with an Italian-inspired dinner.

Limoncello Spritz: With a lemony twist, this spritz is another winner for a cocktail on the lighter side.

Galentine’s Day Party Ideas

Galentine’s is just as important as Valentine’s Day, so here are a few tasty appetizers and desserts to complete a fun day with the ladies.

Ceviche: This is one appetizer all the ladies will love. It’s light, flavorful, and perfectly scoopable with tortilla chips.

Caprese Skewers: Another fun appetizer that turns everyone’s favorite caprese salad into bite-size skewers.

Chocolate Hummus: A platter of this chocolate hummus with fresh-cut fruit is just what you girls need!

Sweet Potato Brownies: Although you can make my paleo brownie recipe, this sweet potato version is just as good (and healthier!).

Roasted Beet Hummus: If your gals are going in on the pink and red theme, this vibrant beet hummus is perfect for the occasion! Plus, my seed crackers are the perfect pairing.