Valentines Dinner Ideas (2024)

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Make the perfect Valentine’s Day menu!! From main dishes to desserts, we’ve got all of the Valentines dinner ideas!

More Collections: Valentines Desserts, Italian Dinner Recipes, Italian Appetizers

Valentines Dinner Ideas (1)

We Love Love!

We know that Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, but it can be celebrated with anyone special in your life.

Over the years, we have made a variety of meals to celebrate – from Heart Shaped Pizza to Steak, and today we wanted to share some menu ideas for you to use in your own family.

Heart day dishes to love:

  • Make it special. We’ve tried to make it a special night for the family and usually have a fun and festive dinner with the whole family.
  • Celebrate all day. From breakfast to desserts, some recipes can help your loved ones feel special all day long.
  • Variety. I searched for easy, yummy recipes as well as ones that use fun colors of red and pink.
Valentines Dinner Ideas (2)

Make it Special

Before we share some of the recipes, we wanted to give a few ideas of things you can do to make the Valentine’s Day dinner (or breakfast) even more special.

  1. Heart attack the kids’ door with hearts and notes with compliments or reasons why you love them.
  2. Make homemade valentines with the kids and Valentine’s boxes.
  3. Go to your local library and check out Valentine books to read together.
  4. Share “10 Things I LOVE About You” with one another.
  5. Play your favorite games together.
  6. Show love to others by serving them. Find a family service project in your area. One of my favorite websites to search on is JustServe.org.
  7. Include fondue dinner. Whether it’s savory (cheese) or sweet (caramel or chocolate with fruit), the kids will love it!
  8. Use plastic champagne glasses for sparkling cider or another yummy drink to make it more special.
  9. Add some candles to your dinner for a more romantic touch.
  10. Use our printable Valentine’s placemats.
  11. Keep all the food pink or red to make it extra festive!
  12. Use fresh fruit or herbs to garnish any of your dishes – from a lemon on a drink to berries, to herbs on your meat, it makes it look fancier.
  13. Sprinkle the table with conversation hearts or other Valentine’s candy. Or add a small box of chocolates to each plate as a treat for after dinner.
  14. Make Sugar Cookies for a treat and let the kids frost and decorate them after dinner.
Valentines Dinner Ideas (3)

Tips for Picking Your Menu

The best way to figure out the menu you’d like to make for the night is to first figure out what you’d like to make for the main dish.

The main dish will help you plan the sides and the desserts, but who are you making it for?

  • The whole family?
  • Just the two of you?

Pick the main dish and from there you can plan everything else to create an amazing Valentine’s menu!

Top Valentines Day Dinner Recipes

Here are some of our favorite dinner ideas for the whole family (our favorite is found below).

59 Heart Shaped Pizza

Main CourseHeart Shaped Pizza

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 28 votes

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60 Steak Marinade Recipe

Main CourseSteak Marinade Recipe

Total Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 77 votes

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61 Best Pork Chop Recipe

Main CourseBest Pork Chop Recipe

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 574 votes

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62 Spaghetti Recipe

Main CourseSpaghetti Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 320 votes

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63 Swiss Chicken Bake Recipe

Main CourseSwiss Chicken Bake Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour hour 7 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.94 from 423 votes

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64 Baked Salmon Recipe

Main CourseBaked Salmon Recipe

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes

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65 Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Main CourseFettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 364 votes

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66 Easy Lasagna Recipe

Main CourseEasy Lasagna Recipe

Total Time: 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.87 from 84 votes

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67 Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Main CourseChicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 6 votes

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68 Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Main CourseChicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes

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Valentine’s Day Side Dishes

Now that you’ve picked what you want to make for the main dish, you should have a better idea of what you’d like for the sides.

Below we have listed out some of our favorites to pair with the main dishes above.

69 Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Side DishHoney Glazed Carrots Recipe

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 15 votes

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70 Crescent Rolls

BreadCrescent Rolls

Total Time: 2 hours hours 32 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 188 votes

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71 Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe

Side DishRoasted Red Potatoes Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 80 votes

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72 Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

BreadOlive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Total Time: 2 hours hours 27 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.96 from 63 votes

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73 Asparagus Roll Ups

74 Cheddar Bay Biscuit Recipe

BreadCheddar Bay Biscuit Recipe

Total Time: 14 minutes minutes

5 from 2 votes

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75 Garlic Knots Recipe

Side DishGarlic Knots Recipe

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes

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76 Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Side DishPotatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour hour 55 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes

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77 Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Side DishTwice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 11 votes

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78 Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe

Appetizer, Side DishParmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe

Total Time: 16 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 17 votes

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79 Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe

SaladStrawberry Harvest Salad Recipe

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 12 votes

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80 Baked Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Side DishBaked Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

5 from 4 votes

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81 Sauteed Green Beans Recipe

Side DishSauteed Green Beans Recipe

Total Time: 12 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 2 votes

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82 Wedge Salad Recipe

SaladWedge Salad Recipe

Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 4 votes

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83 Steak and Tortellini Salad Recipe

SaladSteak and Tortellini Salad Recipe

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

5 from 7 votes

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84 Asparagus Salad Recipe

SaladAsparagus Salad Recipe

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

5 from 9 votes

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85 Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

Side DishRoasted Tomatoes Recipe

Total Time: 22 minutes minutes

5 from 7 votes

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86 Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe

SaladSpinach Tortellini Salad Recipe

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

4.89 from 27 votes

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87 Brussel Sprouts and Bacon Recipe

Side DishBrussel Sprouts and Bacon Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

5 from 6 votes

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88 Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Salad, Side DishAmbrosia Salad Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 8 votes

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Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas

Now, to the best part – DESSERT!

There are so many treats you may want to make for your Valentines dinner, but we wanted to share some of our favorites.

If you’d like to see even more ideas, be sure to check our post ALL ABOUT Valentine’s Desserts with even more options – all from chocolate to pink and red to fruity!

89 Valentine Cookies Recipe

DessertValentine Cookies Recipe

Total Time: 17 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 120 votes

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90 Valentine Sugar Cookies

DessertValentine Sugar Cookies

Total Time: 18 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 19 votes

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91 Valentine’s Charcuterie Board Recipe

AppetizerValentine’s Charcuterie Board Recipe

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

5 from 4 votes

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92 Chocolate Covered Strawberries

DessertChocolate Covered Strawberries

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 77 votes

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93 Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

DessertRed Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

5 from 13 votes

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94 Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

DessertChocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Total Time: 23 minutes minutes

5 from 17 votes

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95 White Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cookies Recipe

DessertWhite Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cookies Recipe

Total Time: 19 minutes minutes

4.92 from 12 votes

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96 Cherry Almond Cupcake Recipe

DessertCherry Almond Cupcake Recipe

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

5 from 12 votes

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97 White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe

DessertWhite Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe

Total Time: 9 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

4.78 from 9 votes

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98 Crème Brûlée Recipe

DessertCrème Brûlée Recipe

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 8 votes

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99 Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe

DessertFlourless Chocolate Cake recipe

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 126 votes

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100 Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

DessertEasy Chocolate Cake Recipe

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 251 votes

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101 Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe

DessertHot Fudge Sauce Recipe

Total Time: 13 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 60 votes

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102 No Bake Cheesecake Recipe

DessertNo Bake Cheesecake Recipe

Total Time: 6 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

5 from 27 votes

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103 Chocolate Covered Strawberries

DessertChocolate Covered Strawberries

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 77 votes

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104 Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

DessertStrawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

Total Time: 3 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 66 votes

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105 Dessert Kabobs Recipe

DessertDessert Kabobs Recipe

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

5 from 10 votes

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106 Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

DessertCheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.96 from 47 votes

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107 Strawberry Cookie Recipe

DessertStrawberry Cookie Recipe

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.96 from 50 votes

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108 Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

DessertRed Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Total Time: 48 minutes minutes

5 from 9 votes

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Valentine’s Day Drinks

Last, but not least, are the drinks!! It’s always fun to have a festive and delicious drink with your Valentine’s meal.

But, not to worry – don’t feel like making anything?! Sparkling apple cider is always great and kids love how fancy it is. Cherry 7UP is another tasty option – it’s pink, kid-friendly, and delicious.

109 Pineapple Pink Lemonade Soda Recipe

DrinksPineapple Pink Lemonade Soda Recipe

Total Time: 3 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 274 votes

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110 Shirley Temple Recipe

DrinksShirley Temple Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

5 from 12 votes

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111 Pudding Milkshake Recipe

DrinksPudding Milkshake Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

5 from 5 votes

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112 Red Velvet Milkshake Recipe

DrinksRed Velvet Milkshake Recipe

Total Time: 7 minutes minutes

5 from 9 votes

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113 Watermelon Juice Recipe

DrinksWatermelon Juice Recipe

Total Time: 8 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

4.94 from 32 votes

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114 Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

DrinksFrozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

4.58 from 7 votes

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115 Best Strawberry Lemonade

DrinksBest Strawberry Lemonade

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

5 from 5 votes

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116 Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe

DrinksSonic Cherry Limeade Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 69 votes

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Our Go-To Family Valentines Dinner Recipe

For our delicious, go-to Valentine’s Dinner Recipe that our kids love, try this Heart Shaped Pizza. It’s a family favorite!

Here is the recipe:

Valentines Dinner Ideas (62)

Valentines Dinner Ideas (63)

5 from 6 votes

55+ Valentine’s Dinner Ideas – {Pizza, Spaghetti + More}

By: Lil’ Luna

Adorable homemade heart shaped pizza is deliciously simple. This tasty dish is ready to enjoy in only 30 minutes!

Servings: 2

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 ball pizza dough homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 30 pepperoni
  • ¼ cup pizza sauce
  • 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons chopped parsley or basil *optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a pizza pan with parchment paper, set aside.

  • Fold each pepperoni in half and cut into heart shapes using kitchen shears. Place on a paper towel lined plate and microwave for 15 seconds on high. Dab any excess grease off, set aside.

  • Lightly flour a surface, roll dough into a heart shape, about 16 inches in width. Fold edges over and press to create the crust.

  • Transfer pizza dough to prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, then dock the crust with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming.

  • Place in the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Remove and spread sauce over top, then add cheeses and pepperoni.

  • Return to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the pepperoni is crispy. Remove from the oven and top with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 2g, Calories: 1395kcal, Carbohydrates: 100g, Protein: 70g, Fat: 80g, Saturated Fat: 35g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 191mg, Sodium: 3549mg, Potassium: 344mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 1519IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 1153mg, Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Make it Special

Whether you’re planning a romantic meal at home for just the two of you, or a festive family dinner, you’re sure to find the perfect Valentine’s Day recipes on this list.

More Collections: Easy Dinner Ideas, Sunday Dinner Ideas, Chicken Dinner Ideas

Categorized as: Extras, Food Roundup, Holiday Dinners, Holidays, Main Dishes, Recipes, Valentine's

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Valentines Dinner Ideas (69)

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Valentines Dinner Ideas (2024)

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