Valentine’s Day is February 14th, and whether you are celebrating Galentine’s Day with your friends, V-Day with your very own valentine, or perhaps you are flying solo and enjoying all of the things you love, a good way to spread the love is with some thoughtful food options. From breakfast baked goods to a delicious dinner (dessert included), all of these recipes are made with more mindful ingredients that are Vegan-friendly. Don’t forget the most important ingredient of all - love!
Valentine’s Day Breakfast
Start your Valentine’s Day off with a breakfast cooked with lots of love. Whether you want to flip a stack of flapjacks, serve up a smoothie, or a wall of waffles, add a pinch or two of beet powder to give your breakfast baked goods a beautiful pink, red, or rosy hue, perfect for Valentine’s Day morning.
If you prefer easy recipes you can make the night before, try individual jars of chia seed pudding, a morning parfait, or overnight oats. You can also use some beet powder here, too, or top each dish with a solid sprinkle of red fruit like cherries, fresh raspberries or strawberries, or pomegranate seeds. Don’t forget to add a handful of It’s Nola for a chewy and soft granola topping, perfect for any Valentine’s Day breakfast dish. Photo credit Dezein
Tip: Need a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift? Give a bag or two of It’s Nola Luscious Cranberry Coconut.
V-Day Appetizers, Light Bites, and Snacks
This Valentine’s Day, if you are hosting a group get-together or a girls' night in for Galentine’s Day, offer up some tasty appetizers to guests. Ask everyone to bring their favorite appetizer to pass or snack to share and celebrate Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day potluck style. Try some easy appetizers and light bites, like this bright pink roasted beet hummus, which everyone will be sure to love. If you prefer a royal red, offer up a plate or two of this easy Vegan tomato basil bruschetta - yum! Photo credit bhofack2
Galentine’s Day Flatbreads
Celebrate the day of love with everyone’s favorite flatbreads and pizzas. Make an array of larger pizzas and flatbreads, or set up individual pizza-making stations so everyone can make their own unique dinner dish catered to their palettes and taste buds. Include an array of toppings like fresh vegetables, herbs, spices, and a variety of different cheeses - Vegan included. If you want to get creative, make your pizza or flatbread into the shape of a heart. It is Valentine’s Day afterall! If you need some Valentine’s Day recipe inspiration, try this brilliantly colored beetroot flatbread. Photo credit Svetlana-Cherruty
Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas
If you are hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner party or a romantic dinner for two, choose a dish you and your Valentine will enjoy together. Instead of making a pot of pasta, try spaghetti squash. Swap out traditional chicken parmesan for eggplant parmesan or whip up a layered vegetable lasagna. If international cuisine is your favorite, skip takeout and make a batch of homemade Vegan burritos, Vegan fried rice, or Vegan pad thai - no carry-out menus required. Photo credit Prostock-Studio
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Complete your Valentine’s Day with a sweet treat. Strawberries are perfect, not just for their red color, but because these little gems were once the symbol for Venus, the goddess of love. Serve them on their own or with melted chocolate for a delicious and decadent fondue. Fresh raspberries stuffed with cocoa nibs are a sweet and savory option. You can also channel your inner Cupid and try some of these recipes that are perfect for Valentine’s Day, like these fudgey Vegan beet cupcakes or Vegan raspberry truffles. Photo credit karandaev
Valentine’s Day does not have to be laden with layers and loads of ingredients. Instead, KISS (keep it simple, sweetheart) with these delicious and simple Valentine’s Day recipe ideas and Vegan swaps that are so good, they are Cupid-approved. Remember to enjoy the day, celebrating with those you love most, yourself included. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
Need more recipe ideas? Check out @mostlyplantbasedfoods as Margaret shares recipes via video each month on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not Vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes. Until next time!
- Stay Healthy and Happy
