Once Christmas and New Year have passed, store shelves turn red and pink for Valentine’s Day. Although many people grumble and don’t celebrate this day because of how commercialized it has become, I think it’s a perfect occasion to show those around you how much you love and appreciate them. What’s a better way to celebrate your loved ones than with a family Valentine’s dinner?
Another reason why Valentine’s Day is often criticized is because we think of it as a day for couples, and only couples. But love exists in all forms, and Valentine’s should be the day to celebrate it. So, if this year you want to celebrate Valentine’s but don’t fit the traditional picture, I invite you to make a day out of it for your family, friends, and other loved ones.
In this article, I’ve gathered some of my favorite recipes to give you 10 family Valentine’s dinner ideas. I’ve categorized them into meat and seafood dishes. Because the Mediterranean diet inspires most of my recipes, I also invite you to make a theme out of it. Enjoy!
Family Valentine’s dinner idea: host a Mediterranean-themed dinner party
Valentine’s Day is a theme in itself, but why not go a bit extra this year? Instead of decorating with hearts and red napkins, make it sunny and cheerful, like a summer spent on the Mediterranean coast.
The Mediterranean dinner theme is great because:
- Even in cold February, you can bring a bit of Mediterranean sunshine.
- It offers many healthy dinner options.
- You can always prepare tapas or invite your guests to bring one tapa and share their meals with everyone.
- Mediterranean foods fit various eating preferences such as vegetarians, pescatarians, and vegans. This way, you can make sure everyone feels welcomed and leaves your home with a full belly.
- You can pick a particular Mediterranean country to decorate your home based on it. Did you know that there are over 20 Mediterranean countries with different and unique cuisines?
Family Valentine’s dinner ideas: 5 seafood dishes to try this year
You can never go wrong with seafood. There’s a great variety of seafood dishes and most people like at least one type of fish or seafood. Here are 5 of my favorite meals to make.
1. Gambas al ajillo
Gambas al ajillo is a simple recipe anyone can make. You don’t need any special skills or fancy cooking equipment. Serve garlic shrimp as a tapa or appetizer, and trust me, your guests will be licking their fingers. You only need shrimp, garlic, and nicely toasted bread.
2. Garlic butter shrimp pasta
Pasta recipes are always winners at family dinners. Everyone, from adults to the little ones, enjoys slurping spaghetti and dipping their bread into the sauce. If you’re looking for a special pasta recipe this year, you can’t go wrong with garlic butter shrimp pasta.
This creamy and savory recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and it will leave you and your guests full and happy.
3. Baked sea bream
Sea bream is a type of fish you can find in most grocery stores and markets across the Mediterranean coast. It’s a lean fish that pairs well with roasted potatoes, rice, and salad. One large sea bream can feed 2-4 people. In this recipe, I share how to bake it in the oven with only a few basic ingredients.
4. Bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers
Bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers are another great appetizer idea for your family dinner. And like most shrimp dishes, shrimp skewers are easy to make in under 15 minutes. Dip them in cocktail sauce and you have a perfect meal for your family’s Valentine’s Day.
5. Mussels with white wine sauce
Mussels with white wine sauce are a classic dish you can find in almost every seafood restaurant across Spain. If you’re afraid to cook it, let me tell you that it’s one of the easiest recipes you can make at home. And in most countries, it’s pretty cheap to make too. You only need fresh mussels, aromatic herbs, and some small condiments to enjoy true Mediterranean flavors.
Family Valentine’s dinner ideas: 5 meat dishes
6. Greek chicken with tzatziki sauce
If you’re inviting your family to a Mediterranean dinner, you can’t skip beautiful Greece. And what is more Greek than zesty chicken with homemade tzatziki sauce? It’s a delicious and healthy recipe with crunchy vegetables, lean meat, and healthy carbs.
7. Pork tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a staple dish for any important dinner. Tenderloin is a perfect meat cut that’s tender, juicy, and easy to cook to perfection. I’m giving you this simple recipe that will soon become your favorite dish to make for your family dinners.
8. Thin pork chops with caramelized onions
Thin pork chops are not only a popular dinner meal idea, but they’re also pretty easy to make. With this recipe, you can cook pork chops a bit differently by simmering them in succulent caramelized onions.
9. Oven-roasted whole chicken
Even though Christmas is over, who says you can’t enjoy a whole roasted chicken? I know, probably for a few weeks after Christmas, you couldn’t even look at chicken dishes, but I bet people have already started to miss it. And for a reason. This oven-roasted chicken will exceed your expectations. It’s crispy on the outside and buttery and moist on the inside. Serve it with oven-roasted potatoes on the side, and everyone will be raving about your dinner until the next year.
10. Beef stew
Are you looking for something simpler and healthier? One-pot beef stew is another great dish that will warm you and your family during the cold winter. Cook it with your favorite veggies for extra flavor and fiber.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I hope these family Valentine’s dinner ideas inspire you to look at Valentine’s Day differently. If you decide to cook one or more meals from this list, let me know in the comments below how it goes. Skanaus!