3 Menus for a Romantic Valentine’s Night In

Heat up the kitchen this Valentine's Day by spending the night at home. Choose from one of these three simple three-course meals.

February 12, 2015 Sam Trueheart

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3-Course Meals for an Intimate Date

A night in heating up the kitchen with your Valentine can be just as intimate as going out if your menu has tantalizing tastes and textures. Choosing recipes that are simple and fun to prepare together will keep the date entertaining and carefree. Make it an evening to remember that won’t leave you feeling guilty or bloated because each nutritious recipe meets our clean eating lifestyle guidelines.

Scroll through our three menus for a refreshing fish course, a classic beef menu or a hearty vegetarian option you and your partner will love.

For more healthy ways to spice up your Valentine’s Day click here.

Seduce with Salmon

Total Time: 90 Minutes

Let your tastebuds do the talking thanks to the fruity and exotic flavors in this menu. Begin with a fresh take on the traditional salad by introducing a sweet-tart green apple and goat cheese carpaccio that only takes 15 minutes to make. Packed with B12, the Moroccan Salmon is pan-seared with cumin, paprika, and cardamom for a lovely hit of spice. Prepare the tangy Greek yogurt mousse first to allow plenty of time for your dessert to chill.

A Traditional Valentine’s Feast

Total Time: 3 Hours 10 minutes

Enjoy a 5-star steakhouse dinner complete with gourmet salad, beef tenderloin and a classic lava cake without fighting the crowds for a reservation. Begin with a Romaine & Artichoke Salad bursting with vibrant colors and textures, served with a dijon dressing. The beef tenderloin is so tender it’s reminiscent of filet mignon. Although it only takes 20 minutes of prep, the tenderloin needs 2 hours to roast. Put it in the oven before your date arrives and finish preparing the salad and dessert together. At only 250 calories, the Molten Lava Cakes provide a decadent, rich finale to your evening.

1. Salad

Recipe: Romaine & Artichoke Salad

2. Main Course

Recipe: Garlic & Horseradish Beef Tenderloin

3. Dessert

Recipe: Molten Lava Cakes

Sensuously Rich

Total Time: 2 Hours

For vegetarians looking for a filling and flavored meal, a beet salad, pesto pasta, and Dark Chocolate Pudding will set the mood. Protein-packed beet greens are equally nutritious and quick to make. The nutty pistachios and fig pasta make a big statement and a homemade pesto sauce will bring out the bold, intense flavors of the dish. The chocolate pudding only takes 15 minutes to whip up but will need an hour to chill, so prepare ahead of time.