Enjoy a Date Night at Home with these Valentine's Day Meal Ideas
but don’t want the hassle of leaving your house?
Find out how to celebrate at home with our
Valentine's Day recipes from HelloFresh.
but don’t want the hassle of leaving your house?
Find out how to celebrate at home with our
Valentine's Day recipes from HelloFresh.
Are tasty meals at home the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
83%
consider the cost of dining out for Valentine's Day overpriced
81%
would be impressed if their partner cooked them a meal they hadn't tried before
66%
agree the way to someone's heart is through their stomach
61%
would want their partner to cook a wider variety of meals
83%
consider the cost of dining out for Valentine's Day overpriced
81%
would be impressed if their partner cooked them a meal they hadn't tried before
66%
agree the way to someone's heart is through their stomach
61%
would want their partner to cook a wider variety of meals
How to create the perfect home cooked Valentine’s Day dinner
If you, like many couples across the nation, are choosing to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home, there are lots of ways you can make your romantic meal extra special. Cuisines with rich flavours such as French and Italian are often a great option for Valentine’s Day, as they feel both indulgent and elegant. It’s also a good idea to cook a recipe you’ve both never tried, so that it feels like more of an experience. Here are some more of our top tips to make the best home cooked Valentine’s Day dinner:
Choose a cuisine and stick to it - If you’re making a French main meal, why not make a French starter and dessert too? That way, the flavours will complement one another and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported abroad.
Prep ahead - Try to do all of your food prep before you sit down with your loved one, so that you don’t sacrifice too much quality time for cooking.
Embrace the theme - Have fun with cooking and don’t be afraid to make all things heart-shaped and pink. Heart pizza bases are easy to shape, while sprinkling a few dried raspberries on a dessert adds extra pizazz.
Keep it simple - Try to stick to recipes that are easy to follow, as you don’t want to feel stressed or strapped for time.
Clean as you go - Choose a recipe that doesn’t require too much clean-up, as nothing kills the romantic ambience like dirty dishes.
Coq Sans Vin
Coq sans vin, literally translating to ‘chicken without wine’, is a take on the French classic, coq au vin. The only difference is that - well, you guessed it - this version doesn’t require wine, making it a lot easier to cook. It’s a rich, hearty dish made up of chicken, bacon, broth and potatoes, and can be easily prepped ahead as the majority is cooked in one big pot. Find out how to make the French favourite with this recipe from HelloFresh..jpg)
Roasted Red Pepper Flatbread
No meal says Valentine’s Day quite like a giant red love heart, which is why this roasted red pepper flatbread is perfect. Simply cut a little triangle from your flatbreads to make a heart shape and top with passata, bell peppers, cheese and rocket. Not only is this quick, easy and mess-free, it’s also low in calories and two of your five-a-day, meaning you can celebrate Valentine’s Day and hit your health goals. Read our recipe for step-by-step instructions..jpg)
Tofu Pad Thai
If you or your Valentine is vegan, you can’t go wrong with Tofu Pad Thai. The popular stir-fry dish can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, with garlicky peanut sauce that’s mouthwateringly good. If you’d like to spruce up the dish to feel even more special, Pad Thai is great served with sides such as sesame-topped broccoli, steamed dumplings and fish cakes. Filling the table with an Asian feast is such an exciting way to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home! Get the Tofu Pad Thai recipe here..jpg)
Pan-Seared Salmon in Herby Butter
Salmon is often a go-to Valentine’s Day meal because it’s impressive, indulgent and full of flavour. We recommend pan-frying salmon in a chive butter sauce for the utmost flavour, pairing it with roast veg and potatoes. Herby butter salmon is great with a whole host of sides, but because it’s so rich on its own, simple roast potatoes are just as effective - especially as they’re delicious when soaked with the sauce. Try the recipe for yourself..jpg)
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta is perfect for a home cooked Valentine’s dinner, especially when it’s served at a candlelit table with wine. Cacio e Pepe, literally meaning ‘cheese and pepper’ is a simple, fool-proof dish that’s loved by all. If you’re serving a full three course dinner, this recipe is a great option as its traditional flavours are very complementary, particularly with starters like burrata and desserts such as chocolate mousse. See our step-by-step Cacio e Pepe recipe..jpg)
Steak and Cauliflower Rice
If you’re looking for a healthier romantic meal idea, serving steak with a nutritious side is a good option. Cauliflower rice is low in calories, high in fibre and one of your five-a-day, all the while feeling a little fancier than typical vegetables and rice. This steak and cauliflower rice recipe from HelloFresh is under 650 calories and helps you cook your meat to perfection.
Linguine and Pork Polpette
Recreate that Lady and the Tramp moment by making fancy meatballs and linguine this Valentine's Day. A combination of seasoned pork and rich pomodoro sauce, this Linguine and Pork Polpette is reminiscent of an Italian love story. Share a cosy and hearty meal with your loved one as you savour each bite of this flavour-packed, indulgent pasta recipe. It's also a great Valentine's Day meal to make for the family too, as the little ones will appriciate the Disney reference!
Pesto Stuffed Chicken
For an easy yet impressive meal that experiments with many different flavours, try this Pesto Stuffed Chicken paired with sweet potato mash and chorizo broccoli. This dish is all about enjoying the goodness of juicy chicken stuffed with rich pesto, complemented by the creamy sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes and the spicy kick of chorizo-infused broccoli. It's a tasty way to impress your loved one and create a memorable date night without needing any fancy cooking skills.Ireland's Best Date Spots
Whether you’re looking for a picturesque after-dinner stroll or a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day, our data experts have analysed over 30 cities and towns across Ireland to reveal the most romantic destinations. Considering important factors such as affordability and romantic reviews, Ireland’s best date spots are as follows:
1. Killarney - Nestled in scenic beauty, Killarney offers romantic boat rides on its lakes and charming walks through Killarney National Park. It scored highest on our list for affordability and romantic accommodation.
2. Sligo - With its poetic landscapes, Sligo is perfect for a romantic stroll along the beaches of Strandhill. It offers the most budget-friendly night in too, thanks to it having the most affordable artisan cheese and wine.
3. Ennis - The historic streets of Ennis create a cosy atmosphere for a romantic evening, with traditional Irish music in its charming pubs adding to the ambiance.
4. Navan (An Uaimh) - Navan's ancient heritage sites, such as the Hill of Tara, provide a unique and mystical backdrop for a Valentine's Day date.
5. Shannon - A tranquil riverside setting and scenic Shannon Estuary views make Shannon an ideal spot for a romantic riverside picnic or a leisurely walk.
6. Tralee - This town exudes romantic charm with its floral displays, picturesque parks, and welcoming atmosphere.
7. Ballina - The scenic River Moy and Belleek Castle make Ballina a romantic destination, offering riverside walks and the chance to explore a historic castle.
8. Mallow - Mallow's beautiful Doneraile Park provides a romantic setting for a Valentine's Day outing, with its gardens, walking paths, and wildlife.
9. Wexford - The coastal charm of Wexford, combined with its rich history, offers a romantic backdrop for a seaside stroll and exploration of its historic sites.
10. Tullamore - Tullamore's romantic appeal lies in its historic Tullamore DEW Distillery, where couples can enjoy a whiskey tour and tasting together.
Order Romantic Meals for Two From HelloFresh
To make your home cooked romantic dinner even easier, why not choose a meal kit for two from HelloFresh? Here, you can take your pick from our delicious Valentine’s Day specials and choose between themed, veggie, low-calorie, family or classic options. By choosing a food box, you’ll get all your ingredients pre-portioned along with step-by-step recipes to make cooking a breeze. That way, you’ll take the stress out of your romantic meal, so you’ll be able to focus on quality time with your loved one.