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

You're planning a romantic Valentine's Day dinner and want it to be healthy too. You'll find 12 heart-healthy recipes that fit the bill, from grilled salmon to healthy chocolate desserts. These dishes promote healthy eating habits with lean proteins and whole grains, making them perfect for a lovely celebration.

Now, you're wondering what other mouth-watering options are included in these recipes, and how they can make your Valentine's Day even more special.

1. Fresh Berry Fruit Salad

A delicious and healthy fruit salad perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Pour the honey-lemon mixture over the berries and toss to coat.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!

2. Grilled Salmon Recipes

Delicious grilled salmon with a hint of lemon and herbs.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.
3. Brush the mixture on both sides of the salmon fillets.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with sliced lemons on top.

3. Healthy Chocolate Desserts

Indulge in rich, velvety chocolate desserts with a healthier twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 1/4 cup dried fruit
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold the yogurt mixture into the melted chocolate until well combined.
4. Stir in the chopped nuts and dried fruit.
5. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy.

4. Roasted Vegetable Medley

Colorful roasted vegetables perfect for a healthy Valentine's Day side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the sweet potato, carrot, bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl and toss to coat with oil mixture.
4. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with garlic.
7. Return to oven and roast for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

5. Low Fat Creamy Soups

Creamy soup with a low-fat twist, perfect for a heart-healthy Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-fat chicken broth
• 1/2 cup low-fat heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the low-fat chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in the low-fat heavy cream and dried thyme.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

6. Baked Chicken Breasts

Tender and flavorful chicken breasts perfect for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

7. Heart Healthy Pasta

Wholesome heart-healthy pasta recipe with veggies and herbs.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain the cooked spaghetti and toss with the vegetable mixture.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

8. Steamed Asparagus Delight

Steamed Asparagus Delight is a simple and nutritious side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and place a steamer basket over the water.
3. Add asparagus to the steamer basket and cover the pot.
4. Steam asparagus for 4-6 minutes or until tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
6. Remove asparagus from the steamer and brush with the olive oil mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

9. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers filled with nutritious quinoa and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 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.
4. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
5. Add black beans, corn, and cumin to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Combine cooked quinoa with the vegetable mixture and season with salt and pepper.
7. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.

10. Delicious Turkey Meatballs

Tender turkey meatballs baked to perfection with Italian seasonings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
8. Serve the turkey meatballs hot with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta.

11. Green Bean Almondine

Quick and easy green bean dish with toasted almonds and garlic.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain the green beans and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
5. Add the sliced almonds and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until toasted.
6. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss with the garlic and almonds.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

12. Poached Lemon Chicken

Delicate chicken in a zesty lemon sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and add sliced lemons, bringing it to a gentle boil.
2. Reduce the heat to simmer and add in garlic and chicken breasts.
3. Poach the chicken in the lemon sauce for about 15-18 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. Place cooked chicken in the skillet to brown on all sides.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper, serving immediately with a side.

Conclusion

You'll find that incorporating these heart-healthy Valentine's Day recipes into your diet can lower cardiovascular disease risk by up to 30%, as evidenced by the American Heart Association's theory that a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can substantially reduce heart disease. Research supports this, making these recipes a scientifically-backed choice.