From Red Sauce to Oysters, Make These Dishes for Your Valentine

While chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped candies and Champagne are all hallmarks of Valentine’s Day, they’re certainly not enough to keep you going through whatever celebrations you have planned for your loved one. You’ll need a good dinner, and preferably one that plays up the day’s sentiments of care and affection. It’s not the time to feel faint.

Food is a near-universal way to show love, from soul-soothing comfort foods to sense-boosting aphrodisiacs. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a red or pink theme.

With that in mind, we rounded up 25 recipes from first courses to desserts that deserve a spot on your Valentine’s Day table. Grab a very special bottle or wine, mix up your appetite-inducing crimson cocktails, light some candles, wrap your gift and get cooking. 

Valentine’s Day Appetizers and First Courses

Oven-Roasted Oysters with Bone Marrow and Pistachios

Made with unctuous marrow and briny oysters, this recipe hails from a restaurant in Mexico that grills them over a fire for an extra smoky flavor. 

Easy Steamed Oysters on the Grill

Loaded with fresh herbs, this recipe for steamed oysters is usually prepared on the beach over an open fire. Perhaps you can recreate the vibe at home.

Whole Roasted Sweet Potato with Pomegranate Molasses

It might surprise you to learn that pomegranates are considered aphrodisiacs. This recipe for slow-roasted sweet potatoes uses pomegranate molasses and is finished off with rich tahini.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Artichokes

Artichokes are another aphrodisiac. If you’re lucky to find fresh ones, consider making this prosciutto-wrapped recipe, which features a blob of salty burrata on top. 

Crab and Grapefruit Salad

Pink is a classic Valentine’s Day hue and it shines in this recipe for crab and grapefruit salad.