It’s the age-old question. What do you want for dinner? Let’s help you take guesswork out of cooking for two with some easy recipes that will mix things up for a change.
Here’s What to Make for Dinner
Sometimes cooking for two people can seem trickier than cooking for a crowd, but we’ve got you covered. Meet your new go-to easy dinner recipes for two. For weeknights when time is tight and dishes need to be minimal.
Grill up protein-packed salads, throw together delicious grain bowls, or make a pizza that will rival any takeout place. Here are three dinner meals that are easy to make, and their creativity and nutritious ingredients will soon make them your favorites!
Dijon Herb-Crusted Salmon
If fish is your feeling for what to make for dinner, salmon’s a great choice. This dense fish takes longer to cook through than a flaky trout or tilapia but it’s still quick.
• Purchase two 6 oz. salmon fillets, skinned (about 1 ½ in. thick)
• Preheat oven to 450
• Arrange fish on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and turn on broiler.
• Combine ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbs of parsley, 1 tbs of canola oil, 2 tsp of chopped thyme and a tsp of Dijon in a small bowl. Spoon panko mixture evenly over salmon, pressing to adhere. Place pan in oven; broil 1 to 2 minutes or until browned.
Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad
This easy dinner recipe for two gives you the option to change up the greens, fruit and dressing for fast lunches.
• Purchase two 6 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves.
• Heat grill pan at medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken evenly with pepper and salt.
• Add chicken to pan and cook 5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from pan; let stand 5 minutes. Cut across the grain into ¼ inch-thick slices.
• Place 3 tbs of pecan halves in a small, dry skillet over medium heat; cook 4 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring frequently. Stir in 1 tbs light brown sugar, 1 tsp of butter, and ¼ hot sauce (optional). Cook 4 minutes or until coated, stirring frequently. Remove pecan mixture from pan; cool. Coarsely chop.
• Combine 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 ½ tsp balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, and ½ tsp minced garlic in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Divide 4 cups of arugula leaves between 2 plates. Top evenly with chicken, pecans and ½ cup of raspberries. Drizzle balsamic mixture over top.
Spinach and Quinoa Salad with Shrimp
Simple, fresh and perfectly portioned for two, this is one of the dinner meals that’s’ great for a quiet weeknight.
• Combine ¾ cup water, ½ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained, and 1/8 tsp salt in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Cool quinoa mixture.
• Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle ½ pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined with remaining 1/8 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Add shrimp to pan; cook 2 minutes on each side.
• Combine ¼ tsp pepper, 1 ½ tbs extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tbs fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp chopped fresh dill, and ¼ tsp honey in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add quinoa, shrimp, 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves,1 cup thinly sliced cucumber, ½ cup thinly sliced radish and ½ cup sugar snap peas; toss gently to combine.
These easy dinner recipes for two will make things a little smoother in the kitchen—and will taste delicious no matter what. There’s nothing better than a health dish enjoyed with your favorite person!