17 Refreshing Salad Recipes for Valentine’s Day to Brighten Your Meal

As you weave through the hustle of Valentine’s Day planning, a culinary masterpiece awaits. You’re looking for a dish that’s both healthy and impressive. Salads are a great option, and you’re about to discover some amazing recipes.

Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta Cheese

Sweet and tangy strawberry spinach salad with feta cheese for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach leaves and sliced strawberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette mixture over the spinach and strawberry mixture.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

Grilled chicken and avocado salad is a delicious, romantic dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken breast for 5-6 minutes per side.
2. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top of the salad and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Watermelon and Mint Refreshment Salad

Invigorating watermelon and mint salad perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups diced watermelon
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and fresh mint leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Pour the honey-lemon mixture over the watermelon and mint, and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt to taste, then serve immediately.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad With Lime Dressing

A flavorful and nutritious salad perfect for Valentine’s Day, combining quinoa, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
5. Stir in chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Caprese Salad With Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

A classic Italian salad featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 3 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Arrange tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella.
3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mozzarella.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the salad.
5. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Spicy Shrimp and Pineapple Salad

Spicy shrimp and pineapple salad, a romantic and flavorful dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, pineapple, red onion, and cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and chopped jalapeño.
5. Pour the lime juice mixture over the shrimp mixture and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is a sweet and savory dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 2 large beets
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups mixed greens

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let the beets cool, then peel and slice them into wedges.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced beets, and crumbled goat cheese.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and top with chopped walnuts.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Kale and Pomegranate Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

Kale and pomegranate mix in a sweet and tangy salad.

Ingredients

• 2 cups curly kale
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes to make it tender.
2. Add the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese to the bowl with the kale.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and honey to make the vinaigrette.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Chicken and Quince Salad With Toasted Almonds

Chicken and quince salad with toasted almonds is a sweet and savory Valentine’s Day dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken breast
• 1 large quince, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the diced quince with a tablespoon of olive oil and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken breast, roasted quince, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make the dressing.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad

Fresh heirloom tomatoes paired with creamy burrata cheese make a perfect Valentine’s Day salad.

Ingredients

• 4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball of burrata cheese
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Slice the heirloom tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place on a serving plate.
2. Cut the burrata cheese into small pieces and place on top of the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad.
4. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the salad.
5. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Pan-Seared Salmon and Arugula Salad

Pan-Seared Salmon and Arugula Salad combines fresh flavors for a romantic meal.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 4 cups arugula
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side.
4. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the arugula mixture.
7. Serve the seared salmon on top of the arugula salad.

Cucumber and Feta Salad With Dill and Mint

A revitalizing Greek-inspired salad perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 4 cucumbers, sliced
• 1 block of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 tsp of lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and crumbled feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped dill, chopped mint, olive oil, and lemon zest.
3. Pour the dill and mint mixture over the cucumber and feta mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad

Sweet and savory mix of peaches and prosciutto.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches
• 6 slices of prosciutto
• 1/4 cup of arugula
• 1/2 cup of burrata cheese
• 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Slice the peaches into wedges and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Slice the prosciutto into thin strips and grill for 1-2 minutes per side.
4. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and burrata cheese.
5. Add the grilled peaches and prosciutto to the bowl.
6. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Edamame and Mango Salad With Soy Sauce Dressing

Edamame and mango combine for a sweet and savory Valentine’s Day salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup edamame
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook edamame according to package instructions and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked edamame, mango, red onion, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the soy sauce dressing over the edamame mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Autumn Greens Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Autumn Greens Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette combines fresh greens with sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed autumn greens
• 1/2 cup diced apple
• 1/2 cup diced dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed autumn greens, diced apple, dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and olive oil to make the vinaigrette.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Chicken Caesar Salad With Garlic Croutons

A classic Chicken Caesar Salad With Garlic Croutons perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 head of romaine lettuce
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup homemade Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup garlic croutons
• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) to make garlic croutons.
2. Toss 1/2 cup of cubed bread with 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Spread the bread mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
4. In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cooked chicken breast, and shaved parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Top the salad with garlic croutons and serve immediately.

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad With Walnuts and Honey

Sweet and savory pear salad perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears
• 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and toast the walnuts for 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
3. Drizzle the honey over the salad and sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Conclusion

You’ll be the icing on the cake with these salads, a cherry on top of a romantic Valentine’s Day meal. They’ll add a pop of color to your table, and their fresh flavors will paint a vibrant picture of love and devotion, making your celebration a masterpiece of deliciousness. Try them, and you’ll be hooked!