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Impress Your Valentine with These 10 Date Night Dinners
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means the season of love is officially upon us!
And whether you’re fully committed, single and loving it or somewhere in between, love is always something to celebrate.
This year, skip the crowds, ditch the reservations and treat your Valentine to a 4-star dinner right from the comfort of your own home with our curated list of 10 date night dinner ideas that are so good, they just might make you weak in the knees.
Hungry for more? Explore our library of recipes for ideas and inspo for your next celebration.
Seared Scallops with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Scallops are a quintessential Valentine’s Day dish—not only are they delicious, but scallops are the kind of dish that is sure to wow your date.
The succulent, sweet flavor of the scallops is elevated by the tartness of the blood orange vinaigrette. Pair it your favorite pasta tossed in garlic, lemon and olive oil.
Get the Seared Scallops with Blood Orange Vinaigrette recipe!
Port Braised Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Pearl Onions
Rustic, hearty and bursting with aromas of sweet red wine and earthy veggies, these short ribs just might have your guest breaking out into a chorus of “ooh la la” by the end of the meal.
The short ribs need to cook for about 3 hours, but once all the ingredients are in the braiser, it’s relatively hands-off while it all simmers. Serve the short ribs and sauce atop some skin-on mashed potatoes for a meal that’s endlessly comforting.
Get the Port Braised Short Ribs with Mushroom and Pearl Onions recipe!
Potato Sage Pizza
Sure, pizza might not be the most romantic choice for a Valentine’s dinner, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a more casual night in.
Thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and fresh sage lend a rustic, wintry feel to this pizza, while fresh mozzarella and garlic mingle together for a cascade of flavor.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to make pizza dough from scratch, your favorite store-brought brand will work just as well.
Steak Frites with Herb Butter
We love steak frites.
There’s something unbeatable about salty, crispy shoestring fries alongside a tender, well-cooked steak that just makes us swoon. And we’ll bet that after a few bites, your date will swoon, too.
This recipe includes instructions for homemade herb butter, which can be made in bulk and frozen to use on future dishes.
Lemon Herb Cod with Crispy Potatoes
We love when a dish is not only easy, but also elegant. Which makes this herby, citrusy cod and potatoes the perfect dish for impressing that special someone.
The best part? It’s all made on one sheet pan, which means less after-dinner cleanup and more time spent with your Valentine. Serve it alongside a simple arugula salad for a well-rounded meal.
Rigatoni with Butternut Squash Ragu
For the vegetarian Valentine—or if you’re looking for a seasonal dish that’s sure to impress—give this Rigatoni with Butternut Squash Ragu a try.
Cooked mushrooms provide the base for this pasta, while butternut squash puree imparts a creamy, delicate sweetness to the dish. And it’s all tied together with hints of salty Parmesan and fresh, savory garlic. It’s belly-warming and delicious enough to keep them wanting more.
Pro Tip: This dish can be made vegan! Just omit the Parmesan and opt for vegetable stock in lieu of chicken broth.
Seared Chicken with Sauvignon Blanc Crème Fraîche Pan Sauce and Tarragon
Okay, okay, so chicken might not be at the top or your list for a romantic date night dinner, but we’d bet you’ll be singing a different tune when you get a bite of this creamy, savory dish.
Making the sauce in the same skillet used to sear the chicken ties the flavors together, with layers of caramelized shallots and garlic, silky crème fraîche and a touch of bright citrus from the wine.
Serve it atop some brown butter mashed potatoes for a meal that’ll make you weak in the knees.
Get the Seared Chicken with Sauvignon Blanc Crème Fraîche Pan Sauce and Tarragon recipe!
Walnut Pesto Stuffed Pork Loin
If you’re really looking to impress your date, or you’re hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner party for guests, this stuffed pork loin is sure to be the center-piece de resistance of your table.
This one takes a bit of preparation, as the pork loin needs to brine for up to 24 hours to ensure maximum tenderness. It’s then stuffed and slathered with a homemade walnut pesto that’s brimming with a soul-satisfying herby nuttiness.
Pair it with Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon and walnuts to tie it all together.
Seared Salmon with a Lemon Chive Beurre Blanc
If you don’t know, “beurre blanc” means “white butter” in French, which sounds utterly delicious when paired with tangy lemon and salty, succulent salmon.
And while mastering this classic French sauce takes a bit of patience, your date will feel completely spoiled after one bite. Pair it with some steamed asparagus topped with a citrus vinaigrette for a lip-smacking meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Seared Salmon with a Lemon Chive Beurre Blanc recipe!
Basil Ricotta Ravioli with A Roasted Tomato Sauce
Warm your Valentine from the inside out with this savory, homemade pasta that’s perfect for chilly winter date nights.
Silky ricotta cheese gets a touch of herby flavor from the basil, while the roasted tomato sauce provides an elegant base for the pasta. Pair it with a simple, but oh-so delicious, caprese salad for an Italian feast that’s worthy of every “buon appetito!”
Get the Basil Ricotta Ravioli with A Roasted Tomato Sauce recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our library of recipes for ideas and inspo for your next celebration.
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