8 Healthy Meals for a Romantic, Home-Cooked Valentine’s Day Dinner

With many formerly walk-in restaurants demanding reservations due to reduced seating arrangements, going out for Valentine’s Day is trickier than ever this year. Why not spend the night in, avoiding traffic and crowds, and instead focusing your attention on the one you love?

You don’t have to compromise a delicious dinner for avoiding pandemic protocols — you can prepare gourmet meals right in your kitchen. Here are eight healthy meals for a romantic, home-cooked Valentine’s Day dinner.

1. 6-Ingredient Butternut Squash Noodles With Turkey Meatballs

Pasta can be a health nightmare, but you can spruce it up into a healthy meal. Substitute butternut squash noodles for those made with white flour. You’ll cut considerable calories! 

Add a little pizzaz with some turkey meatballs for extra heartiness. Many other cultures treat meat as a side rather than the main course — adopt this cosmopolitan mindset and reap the health benefits.

2. Parsnip, Cranberry and Nut Roast

What if you and your beloved practiced a vegan lifestyle? Few things are more romantic than sharing similar principles. Celebrate your love with this parsnip, cranberry and nut roast.

The almonds and pecans are perfect for beating the end-of-winter blues. They contain high levels of minerals related to neurological functioning and improved mood, such as zinc, magnesium and selenium.

3. Broccoli Fettuccini Alfredo

Here’s another meatless dish you can make vegan by substituting cashew cheese for parmesan. Either way, you get a filling, romantic meal.

Recreate the scene from “Lady and the Tramp,” where the two amorous dogs kiss over pasta. You’ll feel playful and affectionate, setting the mood for the rest of the evening.

4. Honey Garlic Glazed-Salmon

If you’re not vegan, the list of reasons to eat more fish instead of red meats stretches longer than a CVS receipt. The omega-3 fatty acids that fish contains work wonders for your heart and brain. The phosphorus they possess even helps rebuild your tooth enamel, preventing cavities.

Serve this delicious meal with a side of steamed broccoli and cauliflower rice to make it paleo- and keto-friendly. It also makes a delightful accompaniment to a Caesar salad.

5. Kale Chicken Caesar Salad

What makes a Caesar salad even healthier than the original? Substituting kale with its rich nutritional profile for some or all of the romaine.

Replacing the croutons with pine nuts makes this dish paleo-friendly for the dieting couple. The avocado adds healthy fats that add luster to skin and hair.

6. Flaky Puff Pastry Easy Pizza

Who says pizza isn’t romantic? It is when you shape it in the form of a heart!

You can make this meal vegan with the right toppings and cashew cheese. Otherwise, add whatever extras you’d like.

7. Zucchini Quinoa Lasagna

Your partner is a vegan. You follow a strict gluten-free diet. Is there anything you can eat together for Valentine’s Day besides a bowl of ice cubes?

Yes! Try this healthy zucchini quinoa lasagna recipe. Quinoa is an ancient grain that even most folks with celiac disease tolerate well, giving you options if you’re sensitive to wheat.

8. Baked General Tso’s Cauliflower

Take-out Chinese can be romantic, but you can make a healthier version in your kitchen. This dish is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect if you have to rush home from work to make your Valentine’s Day dinner.

Using the oven minimizes the mess. You won’t have to worry about splatter all over your countertops.

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You don’t have to go out to celebrate love. Instead, cook one of these romantic, healthy Valentine’s Day dinners yourself!

About the Author

Mia is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body + Mind. She specifically enjoys writing about women’s fitness, as well as mental health-related topics. When she’s not writing, Mia can usually be found reading poetry, taking a dance or cardio class, or hiking.