Red and Pink Dinner Recipes for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to express love and affection through a thoughtfully prepared meal. This year, why not add a twist by crafting an entire menu of red and pink dishes, each created with the help of your Blendtec? From a refreshing drink to a delightful dessert, here's a full-course meal that will make your Valentine's Day dinner both special and memorable.

Strawberry Bliss Cocktail

Kick off your romantic evening with this refreshing and vibrant cocktail. The Strawberry Bliss Cocktail combines fresh strawberries with a hint of rum and lime, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and zest. Add a romantic flair by creating a strawberry garnish for the rim of the glass.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Ice cubes
• A splash of sparkling water

Instructions:

Combine strawberries, rum, lime juice, and sugar in your Blendtec blender. Blend until smooth. Pour over ice in a glass, top with sparkling water, and stir gently. Garnish with a strawberry for that extra romantic touch.

Beet and Raspberry Salad

Salads can be both beautiful and flavorful, as proven by this Beet and Raspberry Salad. The combination of earthy beets with sweet raspberries, all brought together with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette, makes for a light yet satisfying starter.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, cooked and diced
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mixed greens for serving

Instructions:

1. Blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and half of the raspberries until smooth.
2. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the cooked beets into heart shapes. Toss the heart-shaped beets, remaining raspberries, and mixed greens, and drizzle with the raspberry vinaigrette.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

A twist on the classic appetizer, this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus adds a splash of color and a burst of flavor to your Valentine's Day spread. It's creamy, savory, and perfect for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon tahini
• 1 clove garlic quartered
• 1 cup roasted red peppers
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1(15 ounce) can garbanzo beans drained and 3-4 tablespoon liquid reserved

Instructions:

1. Add ingredients, including the reserved garbanzo bean liquid, to Twister jar in order listed and place Twister lid on jar.
2. Hold Twister lid and with other hand select "Dips" or blend on a Medium to Medium-Low speed for 30 seconds. Turn the Twister lid counter-clockwise during blending.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

For the main course, indulge in this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. It's a simple yet elegant dish, with a sauce made from fresh tomatoes and basil, blended to perfection and served over your favorite pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions:

1. Blend tomatoes, basil, and garlic until smooth. 
2. Pour into a saucepan, add heavy cream, and cook over medium heat until thickened.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and toss with your favorite cooked pasta.

Raspberry Chocolate Mousse

End your meal on a sweet note with this Raspberry Chocolate Mousse. It's a decadent yet healthy dessert, blending rich cocoa with the natural sweetness of raspberries and the creaminess of avocado.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 avocado
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. 
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. 
3. Serve garnished with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Bonus: Berry Love Smoothie

Start your Valentine's Day with this delightful Berry Love Smoothie, or enjoy it as a midday treat. It's packed with fresh berries and a banana, making it not only delicious but also nourishing.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. 
2. Enjoy this healthy and refreshing smoothie as a start to your day or a sweet finish to your romantic dinner.

Each of these recipes showcases the versatility of your Blendtec, making your Valentine's Day dinner both unique and effortless. Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, these red and pink dishes are sure to impress your loved one.