Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and for many couples, the pressure to plan the perfect evening is on. Fancy dinners, rich desserts, and lavish cocktails all sound tempting, but what if you could skip the crowded restaurants and calorie overload for something more meaningful?
Picture this: a cozy night in and the two of you laughing and creating a delicious, healthy meal together. It’s romantic, fun, and a perfect way to celebrate while staying on track with your wellness goals.
These healthy date night recipes are here to inspire your Valentine’s Day magic.
1. Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
One recipe you absolutely have to try is the Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash from Delish.[1] This dish is a lighter twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and roasted spaghetti squash.
The result? A decadent, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly nutrient-packed. At just 195 calories and only 4 grams of carbs per serving, it is an ideal low-carb option. Delish’s recipe makes it easy to prepare this guilt-free delight, perfect for cozying up and enjoying a delicious, healthier take on Italian cuisine together. You can find the full recipe here.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
2. Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls
Another incredible recipe to try is this Roasted Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl. I have made it a few times for my spouse and it is guaranteed to burst with bold flavors. It’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 oz shrimp (cooked to your desire – I like to grill it on a hot pan with olive oil, salt, and paprika)
- 1 cup riced cauliflower (they have bags at local grocery stores in the frozen section, just cook in a saucepan for about 15 minutes until warm and soft)
- A pinch of parsley (fresh or dried)
- 1/3 cup pickled red onions
- 1/2 cup green olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/3 cup feta cheese
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
This vibrant dish is quick and easy to prepare and perfect for a romantic dinner that doesn’t compromise on health or flavor. The shrimp provides a lean source of protein, while the riced cauliflower keeps it low-carb. Topped with tangy pickled onions, briny olives, creamy Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a Mediterranean dream on a plate. Give it a try and elevate your date night with this wholesome yet indulgent meal.
3. Salmon and Sweet Charred Green Beans
For a traditional and delicious dinner date, try this Grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon with Jasmine Rice and Honey Roasted Almond Charred Green Beans. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients.
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- (2) 5 oz Wild Alaskan Salmon
- 1 cup dry cup Jasmine Rice
- 1 bag of Green Beans
- 1 cup Honey Roasted Sliced Almonds
Directions:
- Grill or Pan-Sear Salmon: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and your choice of seasoning. Grill or sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Cook Jasmine Rice: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of dry jasmine rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork once done.
- Prepare Charred Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the green beans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 30-45 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the beans are charred and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare Honey Roasted Almonds: Spread the sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Sprinkle over the roasted green beans for a sweet, crunchy topping.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 20g
This meal combines rich omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, fiber from the green beans, and complex carbs from the jasmine rice, making it the perfect choice for a wholesome and delightful dinner date.
4. Creamy Garlic Steak and Potato Dinner
Nothing says "romantic" like a steak dinner, right? It can be a bit of a splurge, but wow, is it worth it. I found this easy recipe on Allianna’s Kitchen, and it’s full of garlicky goodness.[2]
The New York strip steak is seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and cooked in ghee, then topped with fresh rosemary. Add a creamy garlic aioli made with avocado mayo, Dijon, garlic, and lemon, and serve it with crispy potatoes. Pure magic.
Steak Ingredients:
- 1 lb New York Strip Steak
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp ghee
- Rosemary for garnish
Garlic Aioli:
- 1/2 cup avocado mayo
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 whole lemon
Crispy Potatoes:
- 1 lb small red or yellow potatoes
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
You can replace the potatoes with a lemony roasted broccoli as well if you prefer a low-carb option, but what I love about this meal is that it is Whole30- and paleo- friendly. So if you are trying to keep your foods whole, this meal will be packed with healthy fats and bound to leave you and your date feeling full. You might even want to skip the dessert!
5. Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake
However, speaking of sweet treats, I will not leave my dessert-lovers hanging. I have some great healthier dessert options for you and your boo.
Let’s start off with this low-calorie Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake as a fun and indulgent option to make together.[3] It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light. With 162 calories, 7 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of protein, it's a treat that won’t derail your healthy intentions. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and sure to impress!
Ingredients & full recipe: Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake - EatingWell
6. Chocolate Chip Raspberry Skillet
Chocolate chip cookies, berries, gooey chocolate, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream just screams Valentine's dessert to me! I found this amazing Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Skillet on Bakerita, and I'm in love with it.[4] It combines a warm, gooey chocolate delight with the tartness of fresh raspberries, making it the perfect balance.
The best part? It’s gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and vegan, so you can indulge without the guilt. And don’t hold back on adding a dollop of ice cream on top for extra decadence! Also, if you don’t have a skillet, you can just make individual cookies- or even a cookie log on a sheet pan will do, too.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature (same consistency as softened butter)
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- 1 egg yolk (or 1 flax egg for a vegan version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (96g) blanched almond flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup (3 oz.) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 6″ cast iron skillet with coconut oil.
- In a medium bowl, stir or beat the coconut oil and coconut sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk (or flax egg) and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Add the almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well-combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and raspberries (it’s fine if the raspberries break apart a little).
- Press the dough into the prepared skillet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm with whipped coconut cream or ice cream for a special touch.
Bon Appétit
Date night at home should never feel boring! Hopefully, these recipes spark inspiration to spend some fun time in the kitchen with your special someone, creating healthier meals than what you typically get at a restaurant.
When we cook our food, we tend to appreciate it more, and it helps us eat with intention. Food should fuel our bodies and make us feel our best! Remember, no matter what you choose to make or cook, check the food labels on pre-packaged food you purchase and be sure it fits it into your nutritional goals. By simply swapping out a take-out meal for a home cooked meal, you will be taking one step closer towards reaching your fitness goals. Here's to healthy dinner recipes for two, happy hearts, and unforgettable moments.
Resources
1. Gaynor, E. (2019, November 13). Chicken Alfredo spaghetti squash recipe. Delish. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a30446410/chicken-alfredo-spaghetti-squash-recipe/.
2. Schuetz, A. (n.d.). New York strip steak date night dinner. Allianna's Kitchen. https://www.alliannaskitchen.com/new-york-strip-steak-date-night-dinner/.
3. EatingWell. (n.d.). Chocolate fudge pudding cake. EatingWell. https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252091/chocolate-fudge-pudding-cake/.
4. Bakerita. (n.d.). Raspberry chocolate chunk skillet cookie (paleo, gluten-free). Bakerita. https://www.bakerita.com/raspberry-chocolate-chunk-skillet-cookie-paleo-gluten-free/.
