Valentine’s Day used to stress me out when my kids were little. I’d spend hours trying to make fancy dinners that looked like they belonged in a restaurant, only to have them ask for chicken nuggets instead. That’s when it hit me – why not make the day special with food they actually want to eat?
Now, I’ve learned that kid-friendly Valentine’s dinners don’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest ideas, like heart-shaped sandwiches or pink mac and cheese, bring the biggest smiles. These recipes aren’t just easier on parents – they’re the ones our kids will actually remember and look forward to year after year.
Healthy Vegan Pink Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1 cup cashews (soaked, then drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, split
- 1 beetroot
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter
- 1 diced shallot (yields about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (adjust to preference)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Vegan parmesan cheese
Total Time: 70-85 minutes
Looking for a fresh take on pasta night? This pink-hued pasta dish brings together the creaminess of cashews and the natural sweetness of beets in a way that’ll make everyone at the table happy.
Made with everyday ingredients like pasta, soaked cashews, and fresh beets (the secret behind that pretty pink color!), plus a mix of herbs and spices you probably already have in your pantry, this dairy-free dish proves that plant-based cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. Trust me – even the kids won’t miss the traditional cream sauce!
Healthy Valentine’s Day Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, thickly sliced (approximately 20 pieces)
- 12-ounce pre-sliced mozzarella log, carved into heart shapes using a cookie cutter (around 12 mozzarella hearts)
- Fresh basil leaves, for decoration
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Balsamic reduction, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Toasted baguette slices, for serving
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
Looking for a fresh twist on the classic Caprese salad? This heart-shaped version brings a sweet touch to your Valentine’s Day table without any fuss or complicated steps.
The combination of juicy tomatoes and heart-shaped mozzarella creates a simple but meaningful presentation. A scatter of fresh basil leaves adds that traditional Italian touch, while the drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction brings everything together.
When serving, arrange it on a pretty platter and pair it with toasted baguette slices. It’s perfect as a light lunch or as a starter for your romantic dinner. The best part? You can put it together in just minutes, leaving more time to spend with your special someone.
Delicious Heart Shaped Red Velvet Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup regular flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon rising agent
- 1/2 teaspoon soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- A pinch of vanilla powder (or 2 teaspoons vanilla essence)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Red food coloring, to desired shade
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), softened
- A pinch of vanilla powder (or 1 teaspoon vanilla essence)
- 3 tablespoons light cream
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Total Time: 30-45 minutes
These heart-shaped red velvet pancakes are the perfect mix of sweet and special, with all the classic red velvet flavors you love in breakfast form.
Made with simple pantry ingredients like cocoa powder, vanilla, and a touch of food coloring (for that signature red velvet look!), then topped with a cream cheese frosting that melts right into the warm pancakes – these are bound to become your new weekend breakfast favorite. The best part? They’re just as easy to whip up as regular pancakes, but they’ll make everyone at your table smile.
Delicious Ham and Colby Jack Cheese Sliders
Ingredients:
- 12 sweet rolls (similar to king’s hawaiian)
- 2 pounds of leftover ham or deli ham
- 5-6 slices of swiss and/or colby-jack cheese
- 1/4 cup stone-ground dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped parsley
Total Time: 30-45 minutes
These sliders are a crowd-pleasing way to use up leftover ham (or grab some from the deli counter – no judgment here!).
Layered with melty Colby Jack cheese and topped with a honey-Dijon butter sauce that takes all of 30 seconds to whip up, these sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. The sweet rolls (I grab King’s Hawaiian) add just the right touch of sweetness to balance out that savory ham and cheese combo.
Healthy Spaghetti and Meatballs for Kids
Ingredients:
- 2 lb spaghetti (32 oz)
- 2 lb lean ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 medium yellow onion (1 cup chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 23 oz crushed tomatoes
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp basil (finely minced)
- 3 tbsp oil (for cooking)
- Oil (for drizzling on spaghetti)
Total Time: 80-105 minutes
This kid-friendly spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings together tender, juicy meatballs and perfectly cooked pasta in a smooth tomato sauce. The meatballs are made with lean ground beef and seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and parmesan cheese, making them both tasty and nutritious.
It’s an easy family dinner that kids love to help make, and leftovers pack well for school lunches the next day.
Best Valentines Quesadillas to Make
Ingredients:
- 1 pound minced beef
- 1 packet taco spice mix
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 flour tortillas
- Optional: sour cream (salsa, guacamole for garnish)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Total Time: 25-35 minutes
Get out your heart-shaped cookie cutter and make these fun Valentine’s Day quesadillas. Brown the beef with onions and taco seasoning, then layer the meat and cheese between two tortillas. Cut them into hearts for a sweet twist on taco night that kids love helping with. Keep the extras like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side so everyone can dress up their quesadilla just how they like it.
Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 recipe of dairy-free macaroni and cheese (leave out the broccoli) or 1 box of your favorite store-bought mac and cheese*
- 1/4 cup beet juice from a can or 2-4 drops natural red food coloring
Total Time: 20-35 minutes
Kids love mac and cheese, and this fun pink version adds a playful twist to the classic comfort food. The natural beet juice (or food coloring) gives the dish a rosy hue without changing its familiar cheesy taste. It’s a simple way to make mealtime more exciting, especially for little ones who might need some encouragement to try new things. Whether you choose homemade or boxed mac and cheese as your base, this pink makeover takes just seconds to achieve.
Healthy Ham and Cheese Sliders No Poppy Seeds
Ingredients:
- 12 slider rolls (like hawaiian or any variety)
- 8 ounces of cheese (swiss or cheddar suggested)
- 12 slices of quality ham (or more if preferred)
- 1/2 cup melted salted butter
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
Total Time: 25-35 minutes
These sliders are a no-fuss crowd-pleaser that brings together all the good stuff we love about a classic ham and cheese sandwich, but better!
Made with soft slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls are my go-to), quality ham, melted cheese, and a flavor-packed butter sauce with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire, these sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. And the best part? No poppy seeds to get stuck in your teeth!
Juicy Strawberry Spinach Salad with Shrimp
Ingredients:
- Shrimp:
- 1.5 pounds shrimp (cleaned and dried)
- Old bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil for cooking
- Salad:
- 6 ounces baby spinach (approximately 6 cups)
- 1 pint strawberries (sliced)
- 1 avocado (cut into cubes)
- 4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons finely minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Total Time: 15-25 minutes
If you love fresh salads that don’t feel like “just a salad,” this one’s going to be right up your alley. The combination of sweet strawberries and seasoned shrimp makes it feel like something you’d order at a nice restaurant, but it’s so simple to put together at home. Pro tip: You can cook the shrimp and make the dressing ahead of time, then just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. And if you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, feta works just as well for that perfect salty kick.
Tasty Pork Sausage Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter without salt
- 1 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions, including tops
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 2 teaspoons salt (reduce to 1 1/2 teaspoons if using italian sausage)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 2/3 cup ketchup, used in 1/3 cup each portions
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
- 3/4 pound ground spicy pork sausage or italian sausage (use a mix of sweet and spicy if using links)
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (blend fresh bread slices until crumbly)
- 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
- 1/3 cup freshly minced parsley leaves
Total Time: 75-90 minutes
This comforting meatloaf combines ground beef and spicy pork sausage for a new take on a family favorite. The mix of diced vegetables adds moisture and flavor, while fresh breadcrumbs and eggs help hold everything together. A simple ketchup topping creates that classic meatloaf taste we all remember from childhood. Make extra – the leftovers make great sandwiches the next day.