Love is in the air.
This is our last Valentine’s Day together as a kid’s free couple. Usually, the hubby and I are not that into V-day. He already eats chocolate bars on the regular and doesn’t appreciate heart boxers and I hate the thought of forced, overly commercialized holidays.
But, this year, I feel like we should make a little bit of an effort. We’ve been so preoccupied with baby stuff that our usual Q-T has already dwindled, and, for once, I see the genius in a day that forces you to stop and smell the roses and tell your loved ones how you feel.
Plus, I am on board with pretty much any day that brings me an excuse to eat holiday-themed food. Food + themes = so much joy for Michelle. Of course, there are very few holidays that are synonymous with healthy. Can you think of any? I can’t. Valentine’s Day with its creamy pastas and luxurious chocolates is definitely not one. But, it should be. Nothing curbs the libido like a creamy, carb-heavy feast. It just makes sense to eat a bit lighter on this holiday.
So, when some of my favorite healthy bloggers asked me to join them in coming up with an all-day Valentine’s Day menu with multiple healthy (and a few indulgent) recipes to choose from I was all in….and immediately hungry.
Here are 25 healthy recipes that will let you pamper your Valentine without too many extra calories.
Breakfast Menu
Strawberry Shortcake Protein Pancakes | Vitamin Sunshine
Delicious and moist high-protein strawberry pancakes, topped with more strawberries and whipped cream! A healthy and beautiful breakfast treat.
Healthy Colorful Breakfast Wrap | Omnivore’s Cookbook
A colorful dish that contains avocado, egg, shrimp and tomato. Pair it with a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy a relaxing brunch.
Banana Marble Muffins | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Alternating layers of banana and chocolate come together in these luscious banana marble muffins.
Grilled Banana Nutella Sandwich | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
This grilled banana nutella sandwich is crunchy on the outside and heavenly on the inside. You’re only 5 ingredients away from an indulgent treat.
Lunch Menu
Strawberry Avocado Toast with Dark Chocolate Drizzle | Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
Strawberries, chocolate and avocado combine for a unique, decadent but healthy snack.
Leek and Wild Mushroom Flatbread with Truffle Oil | Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
Truffle oil and wild mushrooms turn this flatbread into a luxurious lunch dish.
Mini Shrimp Guacamole Sandwich | Omnivore’s Cookbook
The shrimp is grilled until crispy. Its sweet aroma and the fragrance of rice wine goes perfectly with the creamy guacamole, warm or cold. The mini burger buns make this delicious combo even fancier!
Coconut Bulgur and Butternut Squash Bowl | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
A hearty vegan bulgur bowl filled with juicy butternut squash pieces, wilted spinach, and toasted coconut. This bright, versatile dish is great for lunch, dinner, or gatherings!
Beverages
Hazelnut Hot Cocoa | Vitamin Sunshine
A vegan hot cocoa with made with luxurious hazelnut milk!
Bubble Milk Tea | Omnivore’s Cookbook
Freshly brewed black tea is mixed with milk and honey. The sweet little tapioca pearls make it a rich and fulfilling drink.
Coconut Kahlua Hot Chocolate | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
A hot chocolate with a bit of character. This coconut Kahlúa hot chocolate is a great way to stay warm during the winter!
Appetizers
Asparagus and Ricotta Crostini | Simply Fresh Dinners
While your entree is cooking, snack on a quick, easy, light appetizer with a glass of wine.
Macaroni & Cheese Prosciutto Bites | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Macaroni and cheese baked into prosciutto make the best appetizers for parties. The perfect finger food!
Soups / Salads
Raspberry and Golden Beet Kale Salad | Vitamin Sunshine
A stunning blend of superfoods sure to impress (and nourish) your Valentine.
Laksa | Simply Fresh Dinners
Simple, hearty and delicious. You’ll impress your partner with your culinary skills when you present this exotic meal.
Thai Coconut Soup with Fish Ball | Omnivore’s Cookbook
This silky coconut soup has a hint of sweet and sour flavor. The curry paste and fish sauce infuse a savory umami to the soup, which goes great with the mushrooms and fish balls. A sip of the hot soup makes you feel warmth and love.
Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze | Omnivore’s Cookbook
This roasted vegetable dish is an edible rainbow. It has beautiful colors that will brighten your mood. Use a bit of truffle infused balsamic glaze to make the dish special.
Roasted Orange Rainbow Salad with Asian Orange Vinaigrette | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Roasted orange adds malty sweetness to any salad. Toss it with some vegetables, and you’ll have a bright and beautiful starter!
Main Course
Chicken Apple Sage Meatloaf | Vitamin Sunshine
Forget the ketchup and breadcrumbs. This meatloaf is lean, thanks to the chicken breasts, and elegant, thanks to the fried sage and delicious mustard-apple glaze.
Mediterranean Salmon | Simply Fresh Dinners
Keep it healthy and romantic without breaking the bank. This restaurant quality meal is a winner every time.
African Chicken | Omnivore’s Cookbook
An exotic dish with comforting and familiar flavors to spice up your date. The chicken is baked to a beautiful char, then braised in a sweet, savory sauce of peanut, coconut, and peppers. With a single bite, you can feel the juice come out of the tender meat as your mouth is overwhelmed by the sweet and spicy aroma and vibrant nutty flavor.
Perfect Steak and Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Omnivore’s Cookbook
A classic dish with tips on how to cook a perfect medium rare steak without a thermometer. A simple and luxurious dish for the perfect night.
Strawberry Pasta | Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
Nothing says romance like strawberries and this spaghetti says it all. The strawberries add just a touch of sweetness to a simple dish.
Desserts
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Greek Yogurt Tiramisu | Vitamin Sunshine
Layers of kahlua soaked lady fingers, sweet strawberries, shaved dark chocolate, and a ultra-creamy blend of mascarpone cheese and greek yogurt make up this special occasion treat. Gluten free, grain free, and naturally sweetened. Prefer a fruit-free dessert? Try a Mexican Chocolate Tiramisu variation.
Chocolate Lava Cake | Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
Nothing’s more decadent for a romantic evening than a lava cake that oozes hot gooey chocolate.
Pear Cookie Crisps | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Crispy ginger oatmeal flax cookies topped with ripe bartlett pears, cranberries, and pecans. Drizzle a bit of caramel on top for some extra pizazz!