Blog post by Chef Lisa Brown
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love—and what better way to do that than through delicious, nourishing food? Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a cozy night in, these plant-based recipes bring elegance, flavor, and a little extra heart to your celebration. These dishes are simple to prepare but feel indulgent, making them perfect for the occasion.
Starter: Roasted Beet Carpaccio with Cashew Cream
This vibrant appetizer is as beautiful as it is delicious. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets pairs perfectly with creamy, tangy cashew dressing—a match made in culinary heaven.
Ingredients:
3 medium beets, roasted and thinly sliced
1/2 cup cashews, soaked
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Arugula and crushed walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
Blend the soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Arrange the beet slices on a serving plate, then drizzle with the cashew cream.
Garnish with fresh arugula, crushed walnuts, and a sprinkle of dill. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Main Course: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Sage
This risotto is the definition of cozy comfort. It’s creamy, rich, and full of the naturally sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash. The addition of sage brings a fragrant, earthy depth, while crispy sage leaves elevate the dish to elegant perfection.
Ingredients:
1 cup Arborio rice
1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp vegan butter (or regular butter if preferred)
6-8 fresh sage leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Roast the butternut squash at 400°F until tender, then puree half and set aside the rest.
Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add a few finely chopped sage leaves and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the Arborio rice and toast for about 2 minutes.
Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), then add the warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
Once the rice is creamy and tender, stir in the pureed squash, nutritional yeast, vegan butter, salt, and pepper. Fold in the roasted squash cubes.
For the garnish, heat a small amount of olive oil in a separate pan and fry the whole sage leaves until crisp, about 30 seconds. Drain on paper towels.
Serve the risotto topped with crispy sage leaves and enjoy the aromatic, creamy dish!
Dessert: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
End the night on a sweet note with these decadent bites. They’re creamy, fruity, and perfectly chocolatey—a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked
1/4 cup coconut cream
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries
1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
Crushed freeze-dried strawberries for garnish
Instructions:
Blend the cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and fresh strawberries until smooth.
Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or mini muffin trays. Freeze until firm.
Dip the frozen bites into melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberry pieces. Keep in the freezer until ready to serve.
Make This Valentine’s Day Unforgettable
Cooking for your loved ones is one of the most heartfelt ways to show you care. But if the idea of preparing a gourmet plant-based feast feels overwhelming, I’ve got you covered. With over 20 years of culinary experience, I create personalized dining experiences that bring people together around incredible food.
Imagine a beautiful, plant-based meal crafted just for you and your Valentine, right in the comfort of your home. You can relax, enjoy each other’s company, and let me handle the details.
Ready to make this Valentine’s Day truly special? Book my personal chef services today and give yourself the gift of effortless elegance. Visit Free Flowing Health to learn more and schedule your consultation.

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