Between the chocolates and the wine, you may need a light, nutrient-rich dinner [1] to balance things out this Valentine's Day. There might be no better way to achieve that than cooking at home. It's a sweet way to spend the holiday [2], and when you get into the kitchen yourself, you'll know exactly what's going into your meal (or, more importantly, what's not). The dishes, sides, and desserts on this list can help you create a complete Valentine's Day menu that's both healthy and indulgent and that feels personalized to you [3]. You might even consider cooking together for a really fun night in . . . no pesky crowds or dinner reservations required.
Walnut Baked Scallops
You might start out a nice dinner with a scallop appetizer, and now you can have them at home. Just toss the walnuts and Parmesan into a food processor [5] with your seasonings, top the scallops with this mixture, and pop them into the oven.
Get the recipe: walnut baked scallops [6]
Salad With Steam-Fried Veggies
Your Valentine's Day dinner will feel like a feast when even the salad is piled this high. Cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and carrots are steam fried in healthy olive oil [7] or avocado oil for a scrumptious bowl of greens.
Get the recipe: salad with steam-fried veggies [8]
Golden Lentil Soup
For a cozy night in, try this plant-based soup, packed with onion, carrots, red lentils, garlic, and plenty of spice. It simmers in your slow cooker, too, so you won't have to stress over the details.
Get the recipe: golden lentil soup [9]
Spaghetti Squash With Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Maybe it's the carbs talking, but pasta always feels like a special-occasion dish. This lighter version combines spaghetti squash with shrimp and a green chili avocado sauce. Just make sure you set aside time for prep — the shrimp will be more flavorful when they've marinated for 20 minutes before cooking.
Get the recipe: spaghetti squash with cilantro lime shrimp [10]
Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate Chicken
This chicken is anything but basic. And if the delicious flavors and goat cheese filling aren't enough, consider this: pomegranates are an aphrodisiac [11].
Get the recipe: balsamic goat cheese stuffed pomegranate chicken [12]
Sweet Potato Nachos With Chicken Carnitas
If your ideal Valetine's Day includes a rom-com marathon, try settling in with these sweet potato chips, topped with good-for-you foods like guacamole [13], chicken, and onion.
Get the recipe: sweet potato nachos with chicken carnitas [14]
Chilean Sea Bass With Asian Glaze
Chilean sea bass just sounds elevated, doesn't it? This Asian-inspired recipe, paired with sautéed spinach, won't leave you feeling stuffed or bloated, and it comes together in roughly 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Chilean sea bass with Asian glaze [15]
Citrus Brut Artichokes
Swap one of your everyday appetizers or sides for these beautiful artichokes steamed in sparkling wine. The recipe includes an aioli dipping sauce, which you can lighten up with a healthier alternative to mayonnaise [16].
Get the recipe: citrus brut artichokes [17]
Coconut Curry Mussels
This mussels dish looks (and tastes) restaurant-quality, though it takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. For an even healthier version, swap out the butter [18] for extra virgin olive oil.
Get the recipe: coconut curry mussels [19]
Margherita Pizza With Cauliflower Crust
For a more casual dinner, try this lightened-up pizza recipe. (When is pizza not a home run?) If you're pressed for time, you can pick up a cauliflower crust at the store [20].
Get the recipe: margherita pizza with cauliflower crust [21]
Salmon With Cauliflower Rice and Avocado Salsa
Salmon and cauliflower rice are pretty standard fare, but the fresh avocado salsa made with tomato, lime, garlic, and a dash of hot sauce makes this dish a meal to remember.
Get the recipe: salmon with cauliflower rice and avocado salsa [22]
Zoodles With Turkey Meatballs
The Italian classic gets a healthy spin with spiralized zucchini [23], turkey meatballs, and sauce you can either make at home [24] or buy ahead.
Get the recipe: zoodles with turkey meatballs [25]
Chocolate Bowls With Strawberries and Coconut Whipped Cream
For a truly impressive dessert, whip up these homemade chocolate bowls, filled with strawberries, coconut whipped cream [26], and a dark chocolate drizzle.
Get the recipe: chocolate bowls with strawberries and coconut whipped cream [27]
Walnut and Greek Yogurt Stuffed Dates
Forget that box of chocolates — these bite-size dates are filled with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and vanilla, then topped with walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Delish!
Get the recipe: walnut and Greek yogurt stuffed dates [28]
No-Churn Berry Smoothie Ice Cream
You only need five ingredients for this berry smoothie ice cream: coconut milk, berries, baby spinach, bananas, and maple syrup. Blend all the ingredients together and freeze the mixture in a plastic baggie overnight, then blend it again the next morning before popping it back in the freezer.
Get the recipe: no-churn berry smoothie ice cream [29]
