The Perfect 3-Course Valentine’s Dinner

Starter: Caprese Salad with Heart-Shaped Mozzarella

Ingredients

• 2 ripe tomatoes

• 1 ball of mozzarella (125 g drained weight)

• A handful of fresh basil leaves

• Balsamic vinegar dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes.

2. Slice the mozzarella and use a small heart-shaped cutter to make mozzarella hearts.

3. Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella hearts alternately on a plate.

4. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.

5. Drizzle with balsamic dressing and olive oil.

6. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition per person

• 200 kcal

• 13 g protein

• 14 g fat

• 5 g carbohydrates

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Main: Grilled Chicken Breast with Lemon and Herbs

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish, and vegetables of choice

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken to a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.

3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Add more salt/pepper if needed.

4. Grill the chicken 6–8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until fully cooked and nicely browned.

5. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.

6. Serve on a bed of steamed green vegetables, with lemon wedges and herbs if desired.

Nutrition per person

• 290 kcal

• 35 g protein

• 13 g fat

• 5 g carbohydrates

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Dessert: Valentine Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

Ingredients

• Fresh fruit of choice (e.g. strawberries, banana slices, grapes, raspberries)

• 100 g dark chocolate (min. 70% cacao)

• Optional: chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios)

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the fruit completely.

2. Melt the chocolate using a bain-marie (double boiler).

3. Dip each fruit piece into the melted chocolate.

4. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place on a parchment-lined tray.

5. (Optional) Sprinkle with chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.

6. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

Nutrition per person (without nuts)

• 340 kcal

• 4 g protein

• 16 g fat

• 37 g carbohydrates