Many have a love-hate relationship with the 14th of February. But aside from the encouraged consumerism, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and show them how much they mean to you. Whether you’re one-half of a love bird couple, flying solo, or you’re hanging out with friends, these 11 vegan recipes are guaranteed to be a hit (and better than steak!).
11 Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipes That Are Better Than Steak
1. Vegan Meatballs With Spaghetti
Get all “Lady and the Tramp” with this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Not only is the dish super cute and fitting for Valentine’s Day, but your date will be impressed that you passed on the store-bought and made your own vegan meatballs. All you need are kidney beans, rolled oats, and ground sunflower seeds to get that meaty texture. According to Vegan Heaven, this recipe is budget-friendly too. They note, “especially if you use dried kidney beans cook them yourself. It’s perfect if you’re eating on a budget!”
Find the recipe here.
2. The Best Vegan Lasagne
They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. This animal-free lasagne includes tofu-cashew ricotta, red lentil marinara, and plenty of fresh spinach. Thanks to the lentils, which give the dish a meaty texture, the nostalgic yet inventive recipe is packed with protein and is sure to put a smile on your partner’s face. Nora Cooks says, “after trying many different vegan lasagnas over the years since giving up animal products, I have finally come up with the winning recipe!”
See the recipe here.
3. Fluffiest Vegan Pancakes
Your loved one will be sure to wake up on the right side of the bed if the day starts with a plateful of pancakes. This recipe results in the fluffiest vegan pancakes ever and can be decorated with toppings of your choice – think maple syrup, strawberries, or dairy-free chocolate (or a combination of all!). Pancakes may be best served as breakfast in bed, but there’s no rule that says you have to make them in the morning. You could also serve these fluffy vegan pancakes as a dessert or a late-night sweet treat.
Check out the recipe here.
4. Vegan Pasta Alfredo
This recipe is a healthier spin on conventional Alfredo dishes. While still creamy, delicious, and feel-good, the meal is made without dairy so passes on the health risks of animal products. With just nine ingredients, you can have this indulgent dish on the table in just 25 minutes. Pair it with a cruelty-free wine for the ultimate homemade dinner.
Find this recipe here.
5. Veggie Pizza
When you can’t decide what to have, pizza is a foolproof option. You can design it to be exactly what you want. Show your partner you know them by topping the dish with all of their favorite ingredients. And, if all goes wrong and your homecooked meal turns out more burnt than not, you can always order a vegan pizza from Dominos, Pizza Express, or Pizza Hut.
See this recipe here.
6. Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
Finish the night off right with a slice (or two) of chocolate cake. Featuring dairy-free chocolate hearts and soy whipped cream, this vegan treat is the perfect way to say “being with you is like having the cake and eating it too.”
See the recipe here.
7. Crispy Baked Tacos With Pineapple Salsa
Get creative in the kitchen with this vegan taco recipe that is comforting, healthy, and packed with flavor. If you’ve got the time, you could even make your own Mexican pinto bean filling from scratch. These tacos are so good that they might even become you and your partner’s Valentine’s Day tradition.
Find the recipe online.
8. Crowd-Pleasing Vegan Caesar Salad
For something a little lighter but still nutritious and delicious, this meat and dairy-free Caesar salad ticks all the boxes. It includes roasted chickpea croutons, nut and seed parmesan, and a creamy dressing. Plus, by having a lighter meal, you and your date could always do a late-night, guilt-free dessert run and grab a pint of Ben & Jerry’s nondairy ice cream.
See the recipe here.
9. Banana Split
Show your crush that you never want to split up with this dairy-free dessert that dances with indulgence. It’s delicious, simple and quick to make (it takes like, 5 minutes), and a timeless classic – sure to make your partner go bananas.
Find the recipe here.
10. Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto
You can’t go wrong with a creamy risotto with extra mushrooms. Risotto is easier than you think; you only need one pot to make the whole dish and it can be ready in around 20 minutes, depending on whether you add any extra ingredients. Your Valentine is sure to be impressed when you place this on the dinner table with a nice glass of red.
Find the recipe here.
11. Easy Vegan Fried Rice
Skip the Chinese takeaway and make your love a tasty bowl of fried rice this Valentine’s Day. According to Minimalist Baker, “it’s far healthier and more satisfying than anything you’ll find at a restaurant.” You can add anything you like, but this recipe features crispy baked tofu, which is marinated and sauteed. After that, all you need to add is all your favorite vegetables.
Find the recipe here.
