73 Healthy Dinners For Two Perfect For Your Next Date Night
A home-cooked meal beats an expensive restaurant any day.
We're pretty sure there really is no gesture that's more romantic than a home-cooked dinner. It's thoughtful, heartfelt, and not to mention a completely delicious gift for you and your special someone to enjoy together. But how about if that same dinner was also better-for-you (or kept any dietary restrictions in mind)? It practically turns us into the heart eyes emoji. Which is why, regardless of diet, we think everyone should feel like they can indulge in a special date night dinner at home with these super easy healthy Valentine's Day recipes. If you're searching for dinner inspo for you and your boo this Valentine's Day, look no further than these 73 healthy meal options for two.
We know health looks different to different people, so we’ve included options for every diet, like low carb, vegan, pescatarian, or gluten-free. We also know that the first time you cook for someone new is a whole different vibe than throwing together a weeknight dinner with a long-term partner. We’ve got you whether you’re lighting candles and setting the mood, or just kicking back together to binge watch your new fave show.
We think almost nothing says classic romance like Italian food, and our lightened-up classics like our cottage cheese Alfredo, our spaghetti squash carbonara, or our high-protein marry me chicken will make you feel like you’re in your favorite restaurant. Got a vegan or vegetarian sweetie? Our seitan piccata, our sesame tofu & broccoli, or our cacio e pepe white bean skillet skip the meat but not the flavor, whether they eat meatless on Mondays or every day. Avoiding red meat but all about chicken, turkey, or fish? We’ve got tons of options, including recipes for our turkey feta meatballs, our Greek salmon, and our sushi bake. From special occasions to weeknight meals, these recipes are sure to make your health-conscious love feel special.
Looking for more easy, healthy meals? We've got you covered. Check out our healthiest casseroles, slow-cooker recipes, and dinner salads.
Alaska Roll
We know sushi is Japanese, but there are plenty of U.S.-born rolls that we have come to adore. The California roll might be the top on your list, but if you’ve never had an Alaska roll, you’re missing out.
Get the Alaska Roll recipe.
Marry Me Tofu
Because tofu is so versatile, why not give this plant-based protein a romantic spin, à la our marry me chicken? Pairing our signature creamy, garlicky sauce with crispy tofu was every bit as good as we knew it would be.
Get the Marry Me Tofu recipe.
Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
We love carbonara in just about any form, but this spaghetti squash carbonara is something special. Roasted spaghetti squash is tossed in a creamy rich sauce with crispy pancetta bits for a new spin on the classic Italian staple. Yes, it’s low-carb and gluten-free—and it’s also just plain delicious.
Get the Spaghetti Squash Carbonara recipe.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Classic creamy Alfredo sauce already had a place in our hearts, but adding cottage cheese and spinach took the love to new heights. The cottage cheese-based sauce comes together in a blender or food processor in a few seconds, then simmered to thick, velvety, cheesy perfection before getting tossed with fresh spinach and al dente fettuccine.
Get the Cottage Cheese Alfredo recipe.
Cabbage Schnitzel
A breaded fried cutlet is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and these cabbage schnitzels are no exception. Coated in crispy golden brown bread crumbs and drizzled with a luscious mushroom gravy, this vegetarian spin on a meaty classic will delight meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Get the Cabbage Schnitzel recipe.
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
If the way to a person’s heart is really through their stomach, then our marry me Chicken is a must-cook for pretty much everyone. But what if you want just a little added protein in your romantic meal? Bone broth and cottage cheese to the rescue.
Get the High-Protein Marry Me Chicken recipe.
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
Dating a vegetarian, but still want something as special as steak for date night? These cheesy garlic zucchini “steaks” are calling your name. Slathered with garlic oil and showered with mozzarella and Parmesan, this show-stopping vegetarian main is the perfect dish to show you care.
Get the Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks recipe.
Mediterranean Pizza
We use whole wheat dough to make this specialty pizza a bit more heart-healthy, but regular dough will also work just fine. Instead of a tomato-y pizza sauce, the dough is brushed with a garlic, oregano, and lemon-infused oil, then topped with mozzarella and assorted veggies (great for those with heartburn too!).
Get the Mediterranean Pizza recipe.
Lasagna Zucchini Roll-Ups
Switch up your classic lasagna recipe for a lighter, date-worthy dinner that doesn't sacrifice on any of the flavor or richness. Instead of lasagna noodles, we use zucchini wrapped around creamy ricotta. All baked in marinara sauce, this better-for-you dinner is just the thing to make for your health-oriented sweetie.
Get the Lasagna Zucchini Roll-Ups recipe.
Indian Butter Chickpeas
Looking for your new favorite way to dress up canned chickpeas? You’re in the right place. Simmered in an aromatic tomato gravy, this vegetarian spin on classic butter chicken will forever change the way you look at a can of beans.
Get the Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe.
Sweet & Sour Tofu
Sweet & sour sauce is a staple across Chinese-American restaurant menus—and for good reason. The combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors pairs well with virtually every protein, and especially tofu—because it’s mild in flavor, the sweet and sour sauce truly shines (even the tofu haters in your household will ask for seconds).
Get the Sweet & Sour Tofu recipe.
Cacio E Pepe White Bean Skillet
Craving 5-star flavors at home? Make these cacio e pepe white beans. Using just six ingredients, this classy one-pan dinner promises the luscious richness and bold flavors of a fine dining restaurant in just 15 minutes.
Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette
Impress anyone with this pasta packed with protein and flavor thanks to tempeh and a simple lemon-garlic sauce. It's pretty much the plant-based version of our orecchiette pasta with sausage, so you know it's gonna be good.
Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata
Most piccata sauces use only lemon juice; we opt for whole pieces of the fruit to make use of every last bit of bright citrus flavor. After a simmer in a wine and broth Jacuzzi, the lemon loses its sharp bitterness and becomes sweet and tender, pairing perfectly with plant-based seitan.
Get the Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata recipe.
Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls
Our take on the super-simple Thai dish pad krapow is the perfect protein-packed dinner that’s also a meal prep dream. Accompany it with a runny fried egg for even more protein!
Get the Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls recipe.
Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta
Far too often, we've tried vegan sauces that just don’t quite get the creaminess down right, so we decided to solve this problem outright with this instant classic: creamy Tuscan vegan pasta. This recipe takes a note from our classic creamy Tuscan chicken, but made vegan-friendly while still maintaining the creaminess you know and love.
Get the Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta recipe.
Sushi Bake
This hearty Japanese curry comes complete with crispy sesame-panko-crusted tofu, tender vegetables, and a rich and flavorful curry sauce. For a quicker version, swap out the curry for some cold shredded green cabbage, along with some katsu sauce for dipping.Get the Tofu Katsu Curry recipe.
Sheet-Pan Bibimbap
In Korean, bibimbap literally means mixed rice, and you'll often see it filled with all different types of meats, vegetables, and toppings. This is the perfect opportunity for you and your date to mix and match toppings to your hearts' desires. 😍
Get the Sheet-Pan Bibimbap recipe.
Greek Salmon
We love this meal because it comes with lots of veggies and is perfect over orzo or rice. If you want to earn extra points with your boo, serve the salmon over a bed of arugula salad or spinach.
Get the Greek Salmon recipe.
Cacio E Pepe Sweet Potato Noodles
Looking to convert a spiralized veggie skeptic? Make them these cacio e pepe sweet potato noodles. Tossed in buttery black pepper sauce and showered with Parmesan and Pecorino, these sweet potato noodles are so delicious that no one will even think about asking for “regular” pasta.
