Going out for dinner on Valentines day can be daunting. From making reservations to paying high prices, it can start to feel overwhelming. And not to mention, this holiday can get crowded and stressful as well.
So why not celebrate Valentine’s dinner in the comfort of your own home? It’s always possible to have a romantic meal while staying at home. You’ll be able to save money, avoid the crowds, and have rememberable night together.
And down below are some perfect Valentine meal ideas to help you figure out the evening. They’re delicious easy dishes that’ll save you time and energy for a romantic night in. So check them out and let me know what you think!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
For this simple but beautiful dish, you’ll need to toss 10 ounces of fresh spinach (rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces), 5 cups of sliced fresh strawberries, and 1/4 cup of toasted almonds. In another small bowl, whisk the dressing which is made from 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of paprika, pepper, and salt to taste. Toss the greens, berries, and dressing together, and you’ll have a great starter!
Roasted Beet Soup
This thick, red, and yummy soup is a great way to set the mood this Valentines Day.
To make this dish, start by wrapping 3 medium beets individually in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them until cooked (along with 6 peeled garlic). Then, put them in a blender, add a pinch of salt and pepper, 3 cups of vegetable stock, and pulse until smooth. Once done, pour into the pan on low heat and boil. Serve warm, garnish with crispy roasted chickpeas, and enjoy!
Pepper-Crusted Filet Mignon
Crusted steaks are a must on this holiday. And even if you’re on a budget, you can still make one without it getting expensive. You can find small appetizer-sized filets in the fresh meat section.
Season the meat with a pinch of thyme, salt, pepper, and herbs of your choices, cook in skillets and choose whether well done or medium rare. Make the sauce with 1 cup of red wine, 2 tablespoons of cold butter, and a pinch of coarse salt. Pair the steak with your precooked mashed potatoes or roasted carrots and have an elegant Valentines dinner.
Chicken with Lemon Potatoes
With simple ingredients like chicken, lemons, herbs, spices, and potatoes, you can easily make this recipe before dinner time comes.
In a small bowl, combine 5 cloves of garlic, 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 lemons, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 bunch fresh parsley leaves, and season 1 whole chicken inside and out. Place 1 and 1/3 lbs of potatoes under the chicken in a baking pan and put into the oven. In a little bit, you’ll have a juicy and delicious meal perfect for your date night.
Honey Glazed Salmon
If you’re into eating healthy, this recipe is a must try. Made with salmon, 1/3 cups of honey, 1/4 cups of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of lemon juices, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Pair with fresh veggies and this dish will take your dinner to the next level.
Spaghetti with Shrimp Marinara
This delicious and easy to make pasta recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes! Make your sauce in a skillet by simply mixing 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1/2 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped. Cook your pasta in advance, drain and mix into the sauce. Top with 3-4 shrimps, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and you’re done! A simple and light shrimp dish that you can enjoy on your date night.
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Of course, Valentine’s day wouldn’t be complete without this sweet and tasty dessert. And this no-bake strawberry cheesecake is going to be a winner.
To make one, start by beating 2 packages of cream cheese (8 ounces each), add 1/2 sugar, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry flavor in a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Gently spread the crust over the pan, top with the cheesecake filling. Refrigerate until set and garnish with fresh strawberries after. It’ll look lovely!
Chocolate and Berry Mousse Pots
Another dessert recipe that’s so easy to make and requires no cooking at all. You just have to put some fresh berries, (choose between blueberries, strawberries, or raspberry) into small glasses, top with chocolate mousse that’s made from melted dark chocolates and heavy whipping cream, and chill. Serve and have fun!
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just an ordinary day, treat your loved one with these eight romantic and delicious dinners that you can make at home. They’re easy to do, budget-friendly, and will make your special night romantic. So give them a try and let me know what you think!
Now if you have any questions about these at Home DIY Valentines Meals on a Budget, just let me know! I’d be happy to help you out!
