20 Healthy Dinner Ideas for Two to Share with Your Sweetheart

With so many recipes designed to feed anywhere from four people to a small army, it can be tough to find healthy dinners ideas for two that you actually want to eat.

Adapting recipes to feed fewer people while preserving taste and minimizing ingredient waste can be tough as well, requiring a lot of trial and error.

Well, I want to help!

All of these recipes have been specially designed for two and, as you’ll see, produce delicious meals with minimal ingredient leftovers.

Remember, the way to your honey’s heart is through his or her stomach, and these recipes will help you get there.

Enjoy!

Egg & Avocado Flatbread

Picture courtesy of Dine & Dish

Flatbreads are a quick meal for two. Simply pick a base like naan, some veggies, and a sauce – or in this case, mashed avocado. Depending on the toppings you choose, the assembly can involve a lot of slicing and dicing. Scooping the flesh out of the avocado is easy, minimizing the prep work involved.

The hardest part is frying eggs over-easy. To make sure they took evenly, crack them into a small bowl before adding them to the hot pan.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 large naan

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 ripe avocado

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

8 cherry tomatoes, sliced

2 large eggs, fried over easy

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 528

Protein: 16 grams

Carbs: 44 grams

Fat: 36 grams

 

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Seared Shrimp Vindaloo with Vegetables

Picture courtesy of Bev Cooks

You don’t have to make a curry from scratch to enjoy the flavors of your favorite Indian take-out at home. Rather, the same seasoning can be used to spice up shrimp and veggies.

To start this one-pan dinner, sear the shrimp in a skillet for a few minutes per side. Next, add in the veggies until cooked. Wilt the greens, toss the shrimp back in, and toss the whole thing in seasoning. Now it’s ready to devour.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 Tbsp. vindaloo seasoning

1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 carrot, chopped

1/2 head broccoli, chopped into florets

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 bunch kale, roughly chopped

1/2 bunch collard greens, roughly chopped

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 380

Protein: 33 grams

Carbs: 28 grams

Fat: 17 grams

 

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Easy Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli

Picture courtesy of Table for Two

Dinner will be on the table in 20 minutes with this quick chicken teriyaki. And as long as you keep your pantry stocked with the basics, you won’t even need a grocery list, so this can be your go-to for when you don’t know what to cook.

Just stop by the store for the chicken and broccoli because you can make the sauce at home. The only thing that could make this chicken dinner for two any easier is owning a rice cooker.

Serves 2

Ingredients

Stir Fry:

4 cups fresh broccoli

1 large (8 oz.) boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1” cubes

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup water

2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 471

Protein: 42 grams

Carbs: 42 grams

Fat: 16 grams

 

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Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps

Picture courtesy of Cooking for Keeps

Enjoy the flavor you love in Vietnamese sandwiches without the bread. This banh mi filling has so much to offer; you won’t even miss the carbs.

First, quickly pickle some veggies in rice vinegar. While that’s set aside, the ground pork is browned in a skillet before getting mixed with Sriracha, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Last, stir another squirt of Sriracha into mayo to make a spicy sauce.

Serves 2 / Makes 5–6

Ingredients

Pickled Veggies:

1 cup shredded carrots

3/4 cup julienned radishes

3/4 cup julienned cucumbers

6 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1 tsp. sugar

Pork Filling:

1 lb. 95% lean ground pork

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

4 tsp. soy sauce

2 tsp. fish sauce

1 tsp. Sriracha

2 tsp. brown sugar

6 leaves Boston lettuce

Spicy Mayo:

1/2 cup low-fat mayo

1 1/4 tsp. Sriracha

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1/2 tsp. rice vinegar

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 514

Protein: 49 grams

Carbs: 24 grams

Fat: 22 grams

 

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Apple Brat Burgers for Two

Picture courtesy of Girl Carnivore

When you’re cooking for two, burgers are about as easy as it gets. So if you have an extra 15 or 20 minutes, you may as well invest in making those homemade hamburgers gourmet.

These are topped with a simple coleslaw of cabbage, carrots, green apples, raisins, and cider vinegar, which can be assembled in the morning or afternoon. When you’re hungry for dinner, prep the burger patties, and throw them on the grill.

Serves 2

Ingredients

Brat Burgers:

1 egg white, lightly beaten

1 Tbsp. dry bread crumbs

2 Tbsp. unsweetened applesauce

1 Tbsp. onion, minced

1/4 tsp. ground sage

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

4 oz. ground pork

4 oz. ground turkey

2 hamburger buns, toasted

Coleslaw:

1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup shredded green apple

1/4 cup shredded carrot

1/4 cup shredded red cabbage

1 Tbsp. raisins

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 395

Protein: 40 grams

Carbs: 37 grams

Fat: 10 grams

 

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Peppered Bacon Spaghetti Carbonara

Picture courtesy of Nueske’s

If you want to cook a romantic dinner, but your kitchen skills are limited to boiling pasta, this spaghetti for two is the ace up your sleeve. It doesn’t require pre-made pasta sauce, so your significant other will be impressed.

And it has rich flavor – so filling, in fact, you’ll probably have a serving to spare because it’s loaded with bacon, egg (that’s what makes it carbonara), and cheese. You may not be able to find a wine-infused cheese like the one in the recipe, but that’s ok. Parmesan or mozzarella will tastes just as good.

Serves 3

Ingredients

1/2 lb. spaghetti

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

6 oz. applewood smoked pepper-crusted bacon, sliced into strips

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1/2 cup (2 oz.) merlot bellavitano (or other semi-soft cheese)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 546

Protein: 36 grams

Carbs: 42 grams

Fat: 27 grams

 

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Pantry Pasta for Two

Picture courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

Some nights, all you want is a plate of traditional Italian pasta with chicken, but you don’t want to wait for a big pot of marinara to simmer on the stove. You can make your dream dinner in a half hour or less without relying on a frozen bag of pre-cooked ingredients, or even a jar of pasta sauce.

This quick dinner starts by assembling the sauce, and while it bubbles away on the stove, the chicken sizzles in a hot skillet. By the time it’s done, everything else will be ready to devour too.

Serves 2

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1/2 red onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with juice

1/3 cup assorted olives, pitted and roughly chopped

1/3 cup white wine

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz. each), pounded thin and even

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. butter

1/8 cup (1 oz.) grated Parmesan

1/2 lb. linguine, cooked al dente

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 985

Protein: 61 grams

Carbs: 77 grams

Fat: 46 grams

 

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Quinoa & Vegetable Stew

Picture courtesy of Foolproof Cooking

The most comprehensive set of guides for home cooks is from America’s Test Kitchen. At the front, The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook has step-by-step guides to slicing meat and veggies, complete with pictures, so you have no excuse not to stock up on fresh foods at the farmers’ market.

Additional tips for prep are placed as needed; for example, this healthy recipe for two comes with instructions to neatly and safely remove corn kernels from the cob.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2” pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. paprika

3/4 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 cup water

2 cups vegetable broth

1 red potato, cut into 1/2” pieces

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed

1/3 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 383

Protein: 15 grams

Carbs: 57 grams

Fat: 12 grams

 

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Salmon Quesadillas

Picture courtesy of Nosh and Nourish

With quesadillas, there’s hardly any effort required to turn a simple fish fry into a salmon dinner for two. The sauce to drizzle on top – a mix of just yogurt and hot sauce – doubles as a salad dressing, so it’s quick work to fill out the plate with fresh greens and fruit.

Don’t have ripe apricots on hand? Serve these salmon quesadillas and salad with orange wedges, peaches, or avocado slices instead.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 salmon filet (about 5 oz.)

2 medium flour tortillas

1/4 cup mango ginger habanero sauce (or hot sauce of choice)

3 oz. nonfat plain Greek yogurt

2 slices (2 oz.) pepper jack cheese

1/2 cup roasted corn and bell peppers

1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded Colby jack cheese

1/2 package (5 oz.) mixed greens

1/4 cup (1 oz.) goat cheese crumbles

1 apricot, pitted and sliced

1 lime, cut into wedges

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 595

Protein: 32 grams

Carbs: 50 grams

Fat: 28 grams

 

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Chicken Pot Pie for Two

Picture courtesy of Sweetsonian

Making a whole pie is a lot of work, especially if you’re the type of cook to go all out and make the dough from scratch. But don’t be so daunted by the prospect of homemade pot pie that you settle for the frozen kind – those are never good.

Instead, prepare these at home with classic ingredients (including ready-made puff pastry), and you’ll be eating freshly baked savory pies within the hour.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 small shallot, finely diced

1/2 medium onion, diced

1/3 cup carrots, sliced into coins

1 stalk celery, diced

3/4 lb. chicken, diced

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

3 cups fresh spinach

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 puff pastry sheet (2 oz.), thawed

Fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional garnish)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 560

Protein: 57 grams

Carbs: 24 grams

Fat: 26 grams

 

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Baked Fish in Foil Packets

Picture courtesy of The Kitchn

When you see fresh fish on sale, it can be hard to resist picking up a couple filets – even if you have no plan for them yet. Make your snap shopping decision into an incredible dinner with this method, where the fish is cooked to tenderness in a foil packet.

This seafood recipe for two will work with any kind of fish filet, or even a pound of shrimp.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 lb. white fish filets, about 1” thick

2 large handfuls baby spinach leaves

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

20 cherry tomatoes

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 lemon, cut into wedges

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (or butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 278

Protein: 39 grams

Carbs: 12 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Crab Casserole for Two

Picture courtesy of Magnolia Days

Although casseroles are often made to feed a large family, it’s just as convenient to make a smaller version. Take, for example, this crab bake for two.

Not only is it easy to assemble and made from common ingredients, but it’s also decadent with a touch of cream and butter. This is a recipe to remember whenever you want a romantic dinner on a weeknight.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided

3/4 cup plain bread crumbs, divided

1/2 cup half-and-half

1 large egg

2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/4 tsp. salt

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

8 oz. cooked crabmeat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 595

Protein: 20 grams

Carbs: 50 grams

Fat: 36 grams

 

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Healthy Beef Stew for Two

Picture courtesy of Two Delicious

If you make too much stew, it’s usually not a problem because you can freeze the leftover. But what if your freezer is full, or you need to make a delicious one-pot meal in someone else’s kitchen? Then you can make this easy beef stew.

From the blog Two Delicious, it’s no surprise that this paleo recipe makes two servings. But they’re massive servings, so if you need to feed a third, you can work it out without sacrificing your own filling dinner.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 lb. beef stew meat

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. tomato paste

1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme (or 1/8 tsp. dried thyme)

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1/4 cup dry red wine

1 1/2 cups beef broth

1 bay leaf

1 Yukon gold potato, cut into 3/4” pieces

2 carrots, peeled and sliced 3/4” thick

1/4 cup peas

1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 686

Protein: 77 grams

Carbs: 36 grams

Fat: 22 grams

 

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Cheesy Grits & Smoky Greens with Sausage

Picture courtesy of The Wimpy Vegetarian

Grits are just as delicious for dinner as they are for breakfast, especially with andouille. And this meal will taste even better when you realize cheesy grits with collard greens can be a satisfying yet cheap meal for two.

These are massive servings for two, though, so you may find yourself eating leftovers tomorrow morning.

Serves 2–4

Ingredients

Smoky Greens:

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Andouille sausages, precooked (about 1 cup sliced)

1 cup yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 tsp. smoky paprika

1/2 tsp. red chili flakes

12 cups chopped greens (like collard and Swiss chard)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tsp. salt

Cheesy Grits:

1 cup low-fat milk

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)

1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1/4 cup coarsely grated cheddar, well packed

1/4 cup coarsely grated smoked gouda, well packed

Dash of hot sauce

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 857

Protein: 43 grams

Carbs: 65 grams

Fat: 50 grams

 

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Thanksgiving for Two

Picture courtesy of Recipe Renovator

Craving a holiday feast when it’s off-season? Make this turkey dinner for two in your Crock Pot. Each part of the meal – turkey breast, stuffing, carrots, potatoes AND sweet potatoes – gets prepped in a separate foil packet before it all goes in the slow cooker.

You’ll actually get four servings out of this, which means you’ll also have Thanksgiving leftovers for two, or enough to go back for seconds (to complete the holiday experience).

Serves 4

Ingredients

Stuffing:

1/2 cup celery

6 oz. green onions, sliced

8 oz. mushrooms

1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed

1 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed

1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 slices whole-wheat bread, cubed

1 large apple, diced

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

Turkey:

2 lb. bone-in turkey breast, cut into 2 pieces

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried cumin

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. dried sage

Cumin Carrots:

4 carrots, peeled and diced

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp. dried cumin

1/8 tsp. white pepper

New Potatoes:

14 oz. small potatoes, quartered

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. sea salt

Maple-Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes:

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1/2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 780

Protein: 61 grams

Carbs: 54 grams

Fat: 38 grams

 

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Easy Pork Tenderloin

Picture courtesy of What the Forks for Dinner?

When you need a great pork recipe for two people, think tenderloin. Find a small one that weighs about a pound, and you need minimal seasoning to make it shine on the dinner table.

It’s so easy to prepare and throw in the oven, the only thing you have to worry about is what to serve as a side dish. Steamed veggies are a no-fuss option, or you can just stick a couple diced potatoes in the oven to roast with the pork.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 lb. pork tenderloin, trimmed

1 large onion, sliced

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp. dried thyme)

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 406

Protein: 61 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Fat: 13 grams

 

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Balsamic Cherry Crock Pot Beef for Two

Picture courtesy of Rae Gun Ramblings

The slow cooker is a not-so-secret weapon in making easy dinners no matter how many are eating at your table. And it’s also a great way to ensure your favorite dishes are perfectly cooked, so what comes out of the Crock Pot would look right at home on a restaurant table.

The veggies are part of the recipe, but it’s not a bad idea to make mashed potatoes too.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1/2 onion, chopped

2 cups baby carrots

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 cup red wine

1 cup broth

4 oz. tomato sauce

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 bay leaves

3/4 lb. lean beef roast, cut in two pieces

1 Tbsp. flour

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 578

Protein: 58 grams

Carbs: 33 grams

Fat: 19 grams

 

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Baked Acorn Squash with Quiche Filling

Picture courtesy of Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe

To enjoy a tasty quiche, you don’t even need crust. The only requirement for the indulgent custard-like dish is a quick mix of eggs and milk. Add a few veggies and maybe some cheese to taste, and you have a great baked egg dish to eat any time.

This quiche doesn’t even require a tart pan to bake. Instead, slice an acorn squash in half, and scoop out a space in the middle. It’s not only easy as can be, but using squash instead of crust provides vitamin C, potassium, and natural sweetness without a single gram of simple sugar.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 small acorn squash, washed and dried

2 large eggs

1 Tbsp. whole milk

1/2 tsp. salt, divided

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 1/2 tsp. fresh chopped chives

1/4 cup diced fresh tomatoes

4 tsp. Parmesan

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 180

Protein: 10 grams

Carbs: 24 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Sausage, Asparagus & Mushroom Risotto

Picture courtesy of Bless This Mess

Don’t worry about the work involved to make this illustrious rice dish. There’s minimal stirring required because this version of risotto is microwaveable.

As the Arborio rice cooks in the microwave, the sausage, onion, mushrooms, and asparagus are heated up in a pan, mix it all together, and you have a quick rice dinner for two. Serve with cheese and, if you have it on hand, chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. butter

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2/3 cup Arborio rice

1 can (14 oz.) low-sodium V8

1 link (about 1/4 lb.) Italian turkey sausage, removed from casing

1/2 cup sliced button mushrooms

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup finely chopped asparagus

1/2 white wine (or apple juice)

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan (plus more to serve)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 566

Protein: 20 grams

Carbs: 66 grams

Fat: 21 grams

 

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Seared Beef & Papaya Salad with Tamarind-Soy Dressing

Picture courtesy of BBC Good Food

This presents itself like a large restaurant quality salad for two. Yet, the secret to making this seared beef salad isn’t some skill only chefs have; it’s all in the ingredients.

Along with sirloin steak and spinach, there’s ripe papaya, red chili, and a mix of fresh cilantro and mint. The salad dressing is full of unique flavor because of the tamarind paste, which has naturally sweet and sour flavor. It’s balanced out with a touch of brown sugar, a bit of tart fish sauce, and lots of fresh lime juice.

Serves 2

Ingredients

Steak Salad:

7 oz. sirloin steak, fat trimmed

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

4 cups baby spinach

2 ripe but firm papayas, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1/2 cup fresh mint

1/2 large cucumber, sliced

4 green onions, thinly sliced

1 red chili, thinly sliced

3 Tbsp. crispy onions (optional)

Tamarind Dressing:

2 Tbsp. tamarind paste

1 tsp. grated garlic

Juice of 2 limes

3 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp. fish sauce

Large pinch of chili flakes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 406

Protein: 35 grams

Carbs: 43 grams

Fat: 10 grams

 

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What did you think of these dinner ideas for two? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!