Easy Weeknight Healthy Dinners For Two

Cooking at Home is an Investment

These days, it can be tempting to pick up take-out or something pre-made on the way home from work. But cooking together is a great way to spend quality time with your significant other. Not to mention, it can be much healthier and more cost-efficient. With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to prepare simple and tasty weeknight dinners for two.

Where to Start

The best way to start is to plan out your meals for the week. This will save you time and money. Think about the ingredients you already have on hand and make a list of what else you need. If you have some extra time over the weekend, you can even prep some food like cutting up vegetables or marinating chicken. If you’re short on time, you can always look for quick-cooking ingredients like pre-cut veggies or store-bought marinades.

Easy Ideas for Weeknight Dinners

Here are a few easy recipes for two that can be prepared in under thirty minutes.

Grilled Chicken Salad

This is a light and healthy dinner that can be thrown together in no time. Start by marinating two boneless chicken breasts with a tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, make a simple salad with spinach, cucumber, tomato, and feta. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Serve the chicken over the salad and top with a homemade vinaigrette.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

This is a great way to get your veggies in. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in your favorite vegetables like peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and onions. Cook until they’re tender, about 5 minutes. Then, add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a clove of minced garlic. Cook for another minute or two. Serve over cooked brown rice or quinoa.

Turkey Burgers

This is a great alternative to regular beef burgers. Start by mixing together 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of diced onion, 1 egg, and your favorite herbs. Form into two patties. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the burgers for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve on whole grain buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

Fish Tacos

This is a great way to use up any fish you have on hand. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat 2 fillets of your favorite fish dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add to the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the fish is cooking, warm up some corn tortillas and prepare toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime. Serve the tacos with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or guacamole.

Make Cooking Fun

Cooking can be a great way to connect with your partner. Make it a fun and enjoyable experience. Put on some music and make it a team effort. Share the responsibilities of prepping, cooking, and cleaning up. And don’t forget to savor the delicious food you’ve cooked together.

Cooking healthy dinners for two doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With a little planning and some simple recipes, you can make delicious and nutritious weeknight meals in no time.