I wanted to put together a relaxing dinner menu for Valentine’s Day this year. I wanted it to be special but not something I was going to have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing. I also wanted it to be a bit lighter this year as we have vowed to make healthier choices in 2025. BUT (and this is a big but) I didn’t want to feel deprived or have it feel like just another meal. I wanted to make it special. I wound up going with a three course meal, cocktails and of course some bubbly (check out Prosecco or Cremant? for inspiration) and fresh strawberries are a must. I’m lucky in the berry department since I live in California and you can get fresh strawberries year round. You could always buy chocolate covered strawberries online and add them to your feast.
Iceberg Steak with Blue Cheese. Orange and Bacon
I’m keeping it simple and delicious with an upscale starter salad with blue cheese and bacon but will add some fresh clementines to lighten it up. I’ll use fresh orange juice and orange olive oil in the vinaigrette to tie it all together. It is my riff on a wedge salad only I used Iceberg “steaks” and put my orange “twist” on the recipe! It is really good.
I went with a favorite around here: pasta. Tagliatelle With Shrimp, Capers, Lemon and Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes to be exact. We both love shrimp so I’ll make a really tasty and pretty fabulous Tagliatelle main course. I’ll scatter some fresh basil leaves on top and a few Pignolia nuts (pine nuts) for crunch. Light but filling and perfect after the salad starter.
For dessert, I want to do something a little different this year. Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo I usually lean towards chocolate on this holiday (doesn’t everyone?) but this year I’m going with a Semifreddo. I have lighted that recipe up too and no one will even know. I swapped in fat-free Greek yogurt for the usual sour cream in the recipe, and swapped out the sugar for Swerve Confectioner’s substitute. A little here and a little there can really add up over a course of a meal, a month or a year. Since we are in this together, I made the swaps without a lot of drama. My gift was not telling anyone!!! LOL You can make this days in advance and just unfold it, cut it, and top it with some fresh berries and mint leaves for the perfect “Tah Dah” moment.
If you must have chocolate, feel free to substitute my Flourless Chocolate Torte with Fresh Raspberries & Whipped Cream or put out trays of some of my favorite nibbles: Sugar-Free Chocolate Protein Truffles and/or Chocolate dipped Yogurt & Berry Bites.
You’ll probably want to serve a festive cocktail, and while I haven’t decided yet, these two are in the running: Chambord Kir Royale and the French Martini.
And there you have it…this year’s easy and delicious Valentine’s Day Dinner menu for two. I hope you try one or all of the recipes. Be sure to leave a comment and rating below. How did your Valentine’s Day meal turn out? Enjoy.
