Bring your date night to a new level or take care of a quick and easy mid-week dinner for two with these delicious dinner ideas for two.
Most easy recipes are geared for larger family-sized portions, but what about the smaller portions?
The good news is there are so many delicious dinners you can run with for your intimate night for two. Make your amazing dinner without spending hours and hours in the kitchen.
I’ve combed through every corner of the internet to find seventy-one of the most delicious, healthy, and – most of all – simple recipes for a dinner for two.
Are you ready? Let’s dive into these easy meals!
What to Cook for Dinner for 2?
The best dinners for two have simple ingredients that are easy to estimate portions for.
Things like pasta, noodles, and even roast dinners or pan-seared salmon are all great examples of this.
It all depends on how much time you want to dedicate to your dinner for two.
If you have a few hours to spare, a slow-cooked stew or soup is a great way to cook for two and have leftovers the next day.
What Should I Cook on a Second Date?
If you’re having someone over for a second date, cooking for them is a great way to impress by showing off your culinary skills! The thing is, you don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.
Pick a recipe that’s good enough to impress them with a delicious dinner without requiring hours of your time on the date itself.
If you can make the dish in advance, like soup or stew, that’s even better!
Healthy Dinner Ideas for Two
1. Salmon Meal Prep with Veggies
Source: allnutritious.com
This easy meal prep recipe brings together the best of both worlds.
A delectable combination of succulent salmon fillets and a colorful array of roasted vegetables makes up one of the best healthy recipes.
The salmon is seasoned with a perfect blend of herbs and spices, then baked to tender perfection, while the vegetables are tossed with a drizzle of olive oil and roasted until caramelized and flavorful.
2. Mango Salmon Salad
Source: freshapron.com
Treat your taste buds to a burst of flavors with this delightful mango salmon salad on special occasions.
Tender, flaky salmon complements the juicy sweetness of fresh mango chunks, all nestled atop a bed of crisp salad greens.
The combination of textures and flavors is further enhanced with a zesty dressing that balances the sweetness with a hint of tanginess.
3. Salsa Shredded Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Source: allnutritious.com
Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with this exciting salsa-infused shredded chicken. This one’s a great meal of mine, and I can’t get enough of the taste!
The chicken breasts are slow-cooked until tender, then shredded and generously coated in a vibrant and flavorful salsa.
4. Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
Source: hellofrozenbananas.com
If you and your partner love a little heat, this buffalo chicken rice bowl is a must-try!
Tender chicken is marinated in a tangy buffalo sauce, offering just the right amount of spiciness to tantalize your taste buds.
It’s a comforting and flavorful option with a creamy sauce for a cozy date night at home, bringing the excitement of your favorite sports bar to your dinner table.
5. Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
Source: theforkedspoon.com
This soul-soothing soup is perfect for sharing, offering a delightful combination of textures and a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired tastes.
Prepare this wholesome and heartwarming noodle soup together, and let it be a symbol of comfort and care in your dinner for two.
Check out these other fun weekend dinner ideas.
6. Mediterranean Salad Bowls
Source: freeyourfork.com
Take your taste buds on a journey to the Mediterranean with these vibrant salad bowls.
Filled with an array of fresh vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, each bite is a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
The salad is drizzled with a refreshing lemon-herb dressing that complements the ingredients’ natural goodness.
7. Southwest Chicken Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Source: theorganickitchen.org
Embark on a Tex-Mex culinary adventure with this zesty southwest chicken salad. The vibrant lime vinaigrette adds a tangy punch, tying all the flavors together in a harmonious ensemble.
This salad bowl offers a healthy and satisfying dinner for two, with a touch of Southwestern flair to spice up your date night.
8. Cilantro Lime Salmon
Source: dashfordinner.com
This easy and quick dinner recipe is perfect for two, bringing a burst of tangy and herbaceous flavors to your romantic dinner table.
When baked to perfection, the result is a tender and aromatic seafood delight that pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables or fluffy quinoa.
9. Noodle Bowl
Source: twokooksinthekitchen.com
Prepare to be blown away by the explosive flavors of this dynamite noodle bowl.
This fusion-inspired noodle bowl combines the best of Asian and Western flavors, creating an exciting culinary experience for you and your partner to enjoy together.
10. Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Source: karalydon.com
Keep things simple and stress-free with this sheet pan dinner featuring salmon and a medley of roasted vegetables.
The salmon fillets are perfectly cooked and flaky, while the veggies are caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
This sheet pan dinner is a convenient and wholesome option for a weeknight dinner for two, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
11. Chicken Ramen Noodles
Source: cinnamonandkale.co.uk
Rediscover the joy of homemade comfort food with this easy chicken ramen recipe.
The heartwarming broth is rich and flavorful, simmered with tender chicken and a medley of aromatic vegetables.
Topped with soft-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of green onions, this ramen is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
12. Vegan Sausage Casserole
Source: magicallifeoffruit.com
For plant-based couples, this vegan sausage casserole is a delicious and hearty option.
Packed with an assortment of vegetables and savory vegan sausage, this flavorful casserole offers a satisfying and wholesome dinner that aligns with dietary preferences.
13. Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bite Rice Bowls
Source: freshwaterpeaches.com
Embrace the convenience of the air fryer with this delectable teriyaki salmon bite rice bowl. The salmon bites are air-fried to crispy perfection, then generously glazed with a luscious teriyaki sauce.
It’s a perfect option for a date night at home, where you can share the joy of cooking and savoring a delicious meal together.
Light Dinner Ideas for Two
14. Zucchini Stir Fry
Source: allnutritious.com
Whip up a healthy and vibrant zucchini stir fry for two in no time! Sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and your favorite seasonings, this dish offers a delightful burst of flavors.
The tender zucchini adds a satisfying crunch to this veggie-packed stir fry that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
15. Wine Poached Cod with Sweet Onion Drizzle
Source: strengthandsunshine.com/
Treat yourselves to an elegant and flavorful dinner with wine-poached cod complemented by a delectable sweet onion drizzle.
The succulent cod is gently poached in white wine, infusing it with delicate flavors, while the sweet onion drizzle adds a touch of indulgence.
This restaurant-quality dish is perfect for a romantic night in.
16. Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry
Source: shopwithmemama.com
Discover the irresistible fusion of sweet and savory in this peanut butter chicken stir fry.
Tender strips of chicken are stir-fried to perfection, then coated in a luscious peanut butter sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Served with steamed rice or noodles, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
17. Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles
Source: strengthandsunshine.com
Indulge in a gluten-free delight with scallion oil noodles. These silky, flavorful noodles are dressed in a fragrant scallion-infused oil that will transport you to the streets of Asia.
Quick to prepare and bursting with umami, this dish is a must-try for any noodle lover.
18. Balsamic Roasted Veggie Salad with Ginger
Source: kitchenverve.com
Elevate your salad game with a balsamic roasted veggie salad featuring a zesty ginger twist.
Roasted with a balsamic glaze, the colorful vegetables are enhanced with a hint of ginger, resulting in a refreshing and nutritious dinner option for two.
19. Simple Vegan Quinoa Fried Rice
Source: happykitchen.rocks
For a nourishing and plant-based dinner, whip up this simple vegan quinoa fried rice.
Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and savory seasonings, this guilt-free alternative to traditional fried rice promises to be a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike.
20. Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage and Peppers
Source: dashfordinner.com
Make dinner a breeze with this delightful sheet pan smoked sausage and peppers.
The savory sausages are paired with a colorful medley of bell peppers, onions, and spices, all cooked together on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Enjoy these other delicious Italian sausage recipes for dinner!
21. Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Source: theyummybowl.com
Enjoy a classic and comforting combination of chicken and broccoli in a delightful pasta dish.
Tender chunks of chicken and fresh broccoli florets are smothered in a creamy and savory sauce, creating a satisfying and heartwarming meal for two.
22. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Source: joyfoodsunshine.com
Bring the flavors of Asia to your dinner table with these delightful and healthy Asian chicken lettuce wraps.
The flavorful chicken filling is wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, making it a light yet satisfying option for a cozy dinner at home.
23. Kung Pao Vegetables
Source: karalydon.com
Spice things up with a mouthwatering kung pao vegetable stir fry.
Loaded with a medley of colorful veggies and tossed in a zesty kung pao sauce, this vegan-friendly dish offers a delightful kick that will leave you wanting more.
24. Vegan Tortilla Pizza
Source: magicallifeoffruit.com
Get creative with this quick and easy vegan tortilla pizza. Top your tortillas with your favorite plant-based ingredients and bake them to bubbly perfection.
Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a loaded veggie medley, this pizza is a fun and customizable dinner for two.
25. Spicy Garlic Noodles
Source: maplewoodroad.com
Embrace the bold and addictive flavors of spicy garlic noodles.
These irresistible noodles are infused with garlic and tossed in a fiery sauce that will awaken your taste buds. Quick to prepare and full of zing, this dish is perfect for spice enthusiasts.
26. Lemon Rosemary Chicken Ramen
Source: stefseatsandsweets.com
Elevate your ramen game with this flavorful lemon rosemary chicken ramen.
Tender chicken, aromatic rosemary, and zesty lemon come together in a delightful broth, creating a soul-warming and sophisticated dinner for two.
Sunday Dinner Ideas for Two
27. Stir Fried Pork Meal Prep
Source: allnutritious.com
Whip up a delicious and time-saving stir-fried pork meal prep that’s perfect for two. Tender strips of pork come together with a medley of colorful veggies, all tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce.
This recipe is not only mouthwatering but also great for planning ahead, ensuring you have a scrumptious dinner option ready for those busy weeknights.
28. Creamy Paprika Chicken
Source: throughthefibrofog.com
Indulge in the creamy goodness of paprika chicken, a luxurious and easy dinner for two.
Succulent chicken breasts are simmered in a luscious paprika-infused sauce, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and comfort.
Impress your dining partner with this delectable meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
29. Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Source: thefoodblog.net
Vegetarians rejoice! This air fryer acorn squash stuffed recipe is a delightful choice for a dinner date.
Roasted acorn squash halves serve as edible bowls filled with a mouthwatering blend of grains, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
The air fryer ensures a crispy outer texture, making it an enticing and healthy option for a flavorful and colorful dinner.
30. Roasted Chicken Quarters
Source: chocolatemoosey.com
Enjoy a cozy dinner for two with this maple-roasted chicken quarters recipe.
Succulent chicken quarters are marinated in a sweet and savory maple glaze, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat.
The delightful combination of maple and chicken makes it an easy yet impressive dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
31. Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Source: thefoodblog.net
Elevate your dinner experience with air fryer Cornish hens, a show-stopping and flavorful option for two.
The air fryer ensures the hens are perfectly cooked and beautifully browned while the seasoning creates a delectable taste profile.
This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner at home.
