Planning a special evening for two without lots of fuss?
These recipes put the focus on having a fabulous dinner, not cooking one.
Cooking for two sounds romantic, but it can be a challenge.
Photo: GREG DUPREE
Get creative with toppings, or stick with Soppressata, baby arugula, and honey.
And don’t let the 414-hour prep time put you off!
It takes only 15 minutes to assemble the layers, and then the slow cooker does the rest.
Caitlin Bensel
The recipe serves six but, in this case, you’ll look forward to leftovers.
Most of that time is spent passively roasting eggplant slices,and then assembling the panini for grilling.
Cut into bite-sized pieces and pair with your favorite red wine for an understated date night.
Vladislav Chusov/Getty Images
Red lentils combine with carrots, onions, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spices in a rich vegetable broth.
Top with yogurt, lemon zest, and dill.
Superfood Lentil Salad
This salad is so delicious, you’ll forget it’s good for you!
Caitlin Bensel
Garlic, herbs, and olive oil also mix together for a flavor profile the whole family will enjoy.
Easy Dinner Ideas
Who doesn’t love an easy meal?
Tender hanger steak is served with buttery mashed carrots.
Con Poulos
Once you try them, you won’t even miss the potatoes.
Add protein or fresh veggies, make them spicy, or add some crunch on top.
Serve withmashed potatoes, noodles, or a baguette.
Romulo Yanes
Jarred roasted red peppers shave time off of the sauce (but don’t skimp on flavor!).
If you’re not in the mood for steak, substitute your favorite protein.
If you’re unfamiliar with harissa, you won’t be for long.
Caitlin Bensel
It lends a sweet-hot flavor that turns any meal into a special occasion.
Top the cooledal dentenoodles-and-peanut butter-sauce mixture with herbs and peanuts for a refreshing yet satisfying bowl.
Vegetarian Dinner Ideas
Don’t eat meat?
Victor Protasio
We’ve got you and your plus-one covered with these meat-free meals that taste delicious.
This high-protein salad makes for the perfect outdoor meal and is even good leftover.
A hoisin-and-rice vinegar sauce brings flavor and jalapeno brings the heat.
Victor Protasio
Japanese Dinner Ideas
Skip takeout and whip up a Japanese-inspired meal on your own.
A Japanese-inspired sauce of soy (ortamari) andrice vinegaradds flavor and coalesces this meatless dish.
Add slices of fresh jalapeno and red pepper flakes for a kick and peanuts for crunch.
Kan Kanbayashi
A mayo-based dressing withtamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil brings that Japanese influence.
Purchase pre-cooked shrimp to make prep time even shorter.
Not a fan of salmon?
Antonis Achilleos
Swap it out for grilled shiitake mushroom caps or slices of mango.
For the full Japanese experience, serve with miso soup, seaweed salad, steamed edamame, and sake.
Japanese Cabbage Pancake
This rustic savory dish is also vegetarian and healthy.
Jen Causey
The pancake “batter” is made up of shredded cabbage bound with a flour-and-eggs mixture.
It also cooks and serves in one oven-safe skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde
A sheet-pan chicken dinner for two ready in 30 minutes?
Gentl & Hyers
Serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, andclassic margarita.
Well, not tonight!
Top with creamycotijacheese (orqueso fresco) and roasted pumpkin seeds for a high-protein crunch.
Antonis Achilleos
Caitlin Bensel
Greg DuPree
Caitlin Bensel
Greg DuPree
Marcus Nilsson
Antonis Achilleos
Con Poulos
Greg DuPree
Victor Protasio
José Picayo
Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree
Daniel Agee
Jennifer Causey
Victor Protasio
Jen Causey
Jen Causey
