12 Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day Recipes You’ll Love

You’re planning a Valentine’s Day dinner that’s both romantic and healthy. You’ll find 12 heart-healthy options, including decadent dark chocolate truffles. These recipes offer a great starting point.

1. Decadent Dark Chocolate Truffle Recipes

Indulge in rich, velvety dark chocolate truffles perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips over low heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
3. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until well combined.
5. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out small balls of the chocolate mixture.
7. Roll each ball between your hands to shape into truffles.
8. Roll the truffles in confectioners’ sugar, then in chopped raspberries and pecans to coat.
9. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Serve chilled and enjoy.

2. Healthy Heart-Shaped Salad Ideas

Heart-healthy salad ideas in fun heart-shaped presentations.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Carrots
• Balsamic vinaigrette
• Crumbly feta cheese
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens, then arrange them in a heart shape on a serving plate.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on one side of the heart.
3. Slice the cucumber and carrots, then arrange them on the other side of the heart.
4. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
5. Sprinkle crumbly feta cheese over the top of the salad.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves to resemble the stem of a heart.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

3. Baked Salmon With Roasted Vegetables

Delicious salmon with roasted vegetables, perfect for a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 large Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and sprinkle with lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Toss the chopped onion, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet.
7. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
8. Serve the baked salmon with the roasted vegetables.

4. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa and black beans make a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can black beans
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
4. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
5. Add black beans to the pan and stir to combine with onion and garlic.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa and black bean mixture.
7. Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

5. Grilled Chicken With Avocado Salsa

Grilled chicken paired with fresh avocado salsa makes a delicious and healthy dish.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and garlic.
4. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Slice grilled chicken and serve with avocado salsa spooned over the top.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

6. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and feta for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture.
5. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and close the incision.
6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

7. Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Tart

Savor a delicious and healthy Valentine’s Day dish with this roasted vegetable and goat cheese tart.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup caramelized onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Spread the caramelized onions and minced garlic over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Top the onions with roasted vegetables and crumbled goat cheese.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
6. Brush the pastry with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh thyme, if desired.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

8. Lentil and Mushroom Curry With Brown Rice

Hearty and comforting, this lentil and mushroom curry is a perfect Valentine’s Day dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
5. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of water to the pan, bringing the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
8. Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the lentil and mushroom curry over the cooked brown rice.

9. Pan-Seared Scallops With Garlic Shrimp

Pan-Seared Scallops With Garlic Shrimp is a seafood lover’s dream.

Ingredients

• 12 large scallops
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, then remove from the skillet.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
6. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink.
8. Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
9. Return the scallops to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
10. Stir in the parsley and serve immediately.

10. Strawberry and Arugula Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Fresh strawberries and arugula combine for a sweet and tangy salad.

Ingredients

• 4 cups arugula
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and sliced strawberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the arugula and strawberries, tossing to coat.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

11. Grilled Turkey Burgers With Caramelized Onions

Tasty and healthy burgers perfect for Valentine’s Day dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey breast
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, caramelized onions, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape into patties.
5. Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
8. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, if desired.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

12. Chocolate-Dipped Fresh Fruit Skewers

Indulge in a sweet and healthy treat with chocolate-dipped fresh fruit skewers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 cup fresh grapes
• 1 cup fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 10 bamboo skewers

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the fresh fruit.
2. Thread a combination of strawberries, grapes, and pineapple onto each bamboo skewer.
3. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
4. Dip each fruit skewer into the melted chocolate, coating about half of the fruit.
5. Place the chocolate-dipped skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Conclusion

You’ll make a million memories with these 12 heart-healthy Valentine’s Day recipes. From decadent dark chocolate truffles to baked salmon, they’re perfect for a romantic dinner. You’ll learn a ton of new cooking techniques and impress your partner with visually stunning dishes like heart-shaped salads and chocolate-dipped fruit skewers, making this Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable.