No matter how long you've been together, date nights are always a special occasion. And what better way to show your partner how much you care than by whipping up a delicious meal?
Planning a date night can be stressful - what if you don't have the right ingredients or can't find the perfect recipe? We've all been there.
But don't worry, we've got you covered. This collection of date night dinner recipes is guaranteed to wow your partner. And the best part is that these recipes are quick and easy to make so that you won't spend hours in the kitchen.
Whether you're looking for something simple and elegant or something a little more daring, these date night recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead and plan that date night - we've got the perfect menu for you.
We have put together recipe ideas for you to choose from - find the perfect appetizer, match it with your ideal main dish, and pick a light romantic dessert. Oh, and if you want to add some intoxicating yummy drinks to your date night dinner menu, we got those here as well.
So go ahead and plan that date night - we've got the perfect menu for you.
You can plan a surprise date night for your beloved, but planning a romantic dinner can be an exciting and memorable experience for a couple.
It is important to consider your date's preferences so that the evening will not only meet their needs but also exceed them in every way possible!
Start off by deciding where you would like this evening's meal served - inside with lights turned down low or out on some beautiful patio?
Once decided upon location, pick one dish from each recipe section below which looks most appealing to you both. And choose a co*cktail or perfect wine pairing you and your partner like.
Then get cozy together, cooking away while exchanging stories about things worth remembering forever.
Date Night Appetizers
When it comes to planning a romantic dinner for two, appetizers are often overlooked. But if you want to create a truly memorable experience, it's essential to start the dinner just right.
The key is to choose a light and not a too-filling recipe. That way, you can enjoy your appetizers without getting full before the main dish or dessert comes and ruining the romance.
Date night appetizers should be easy to eat with your hands but not too messy. And of course, they should be delicious!
With the right appetizers, you can set the stage for a truly romantic evening.
Whether you're looking for something simple or something slightly more sophisticated, these appetizer recipes will help you create your perfect romantic menu.
Whipped Brie Stuffed Strawberries
EASY•LOW-FAT Herby Whipped Brie Stuffed Strawberries Live Eat LearnThese strawberries are the perfect appetizer for a romantic night in. The sweet, juicy fruit is stuffed with rich, herby brie cheese, making them the ideal combination of flavors.
Glazed Carrot and Chickpea Salad
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Glazed Carrot and Chickpea Salad SideChefLooking for a simple yet elegant salad recipe? These glazed carrots with chickpeas are easy to prepare and pair perfectly with a light Tahini Yogurt Dressing.
Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Easy Stuffed Mushrooms SideChefPerfect for any mushroom lover, these little bites are guaranteed to tantalize taste buds. You can use Cremini, Shiitake mushrooms, or Portobellos to make this dish special.
Brown Butter Persimmon and Ricotta Crostini
EASY•LOW-FAT Brown Butter Persimmon and Ricotta Crostini SideChefThis dish is elegant and delicious; it will wow your date with its combination of rich flavors and textures. The sweet persimmons pair perfectly with the creamy ricotta, and the crispy crostini provides the perfect contrast. Plus, who can resist the temptation of freshly-made brown butter?
Berry Basil Salad
PEANUT-FREE•TREE NUT-FREE Berry Basil Salad Jeanie and Lulu's KitchenThis Berry Basil Salad Recipe is the perfect way to start your romantic evening. The sweet and savory flavors are refreshing and will leave you wanting more.
Tomato Basil Caprese Bites
EASY•LOW-FAT Tomato Basil Caprese Bites SideChefTomato Basil Caprese Bites: fresh, simple, and delicious. These little guys are sure to please, featuring creamy cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a classic balsamic reduction.
Baked Figs Wrapped in Prosciutto and Gorgonzola
EASY•LOW-FAT Baked Figs Wrapped in Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Vincenzo's PlateFigs wrapped in salty prosciutto, stuffed with cheese, and then topped with honey are the perfect fusion of salty and sweet on your palette.
Melon Mozzarella Bites
EASY•LOW-FAT Melon Mozzarella Bites Buy This Cook ThatThis is a lovely pairing of flavors and it looks amazing on a plate. The sweet and tart flavors of the berries and melon are perfectly balanced with the creamy mozzarella and fresh basil.
Grilled Shrimp co*cktail
This shrimp co*cktail is the perfect date night starter. A delicious little twist on the classic shrimp co*cktail, this dish will leave you both wanting more.
Smoked Salmon and Caviar on Crispy Potatoes
Make your romantic dinner just a little more special with these elegant smoked salmon canapes. They may look fancy, but they're actually quite easy to make.
Date Night Main Dishes
When it comes to romantic dinner recipes, the main dish is key. You want something hearty enough to satisfy but not so heavy that you feel sluggish afterward.
The ideal dish is one that shows off your culinary skills without being too complicated or time-consuming to prepare.
And, of course, if you are hoping that the night takes a romantic turn, it doesn't hurt to include a few aphrodisiacs like oysters, almonds, or basil, and stay away from using too much garlic.
Try to stay away from cooking something messy or complicated to eat. You want to focus your attention on your date and the moment you share.
So what are some romantic dinner recipe ideas that fit the bill?
Tortellini with Brown Butter and Kabocha Squash
LOW-FAT•PEANUT-FREE Tortellini with Kabocha Squash SideChefThis tortellini recipe is the perfect vegetarian option for a date night.
Pan Roasted Salmon with White Wine Caper Vinaigrette
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Pan Roasted Salmon with White Wine Caper Vinaigrette Chef JohnThis is a quick and easy salmon that tastes gourmet. The white wine caper vinaigrette gives this dish an extra boost of flavor, and it's so simple to make that you'll be able to pull it off in under 30 minutes.
Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast
EASY•LOW-FAT Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast Mama GourmandJuicy chicken breast stuffed with spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese -this recipe is easy to assemble, and it cooks in minutes.
Creamy Cajun Grilled Shrimp Salad
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Creamy Cajun Grilled Shrimp Salad SideChefPaired with a creamy dressing, this grilled shrimp salad is the perfect light dinner option. Sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy greens make this salad so colorful and fresh.
Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Easy Mushroom Sauce
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Easy Mushroom Sauce SideChefDate night just got 100 times easier and 100 more impressive. Flavorful flank steak gets a quick nap in some umami-packed marinade, then a quick sear to perfection in a hot pan.
You can make a delicious sauce for the top in the same pan, with mushrooms, a little wine, and garlic. With this shockingly simple steak preparation and an even easier mushroom sauce, this recipe will deliver all flavors in the kitchen in way less time.
Shrimp Scampi
EASY•LOW-FAT Shrimp Scampi Pasta SideChefThe excellent taste of this shrimp scampi pasta recipe will blow your mind, with the sauce’s buttery, lemony, well-balanced saltiness, herbiness, and spiciness!
Brown Sugar Lamb Chops with Rosemary Pea Puree
EASY•LOW-FAT Brown Sugar Lamb Chops with Rosemary Pea Puree A Wholesome New WorldThe brown sugar rub on these lamb chops tastes exceptional. Searing transforms the rub into a syrupy glaze, and the hints of ginger and turmeric give it a little kick.
Seared Sea Scallops with Charred Salsa Verde
LOW-FAT•PEANUT-FREE Seared Sea Scallops with Charred Salsa Verde Julia EatsScallops are an excellent choice for a date night main.
Easy Risotto with Crimini Mushrooms
PEANUT-FREE•TREE NUT-FREE Low-Maintenance Risotto with Crimini Mushrooms Chef'dConstantly stirring risotto is not something you want to focus on preparing for a romantic evening. This recipe does not need constant stirring; just keep an eye on the pot.
Pan Fried Snapper
EASY•LOW-FAT Pan Fried Snapper SideChefA no-fuss pan-fried snapper perfect for a delicious date night dinner.
Romantic Dessert Ideas
When it comes to date night desserts, the options are endless. But with so many choices, how do you know which one to choose?
If you're looking for something romantic, it's important to steer clear of anything too heavy or messy. After all, you don't want your date to feel weighed down by a big slice of cake.
Instead, opt for something light and refreshing, like a fruit-based pastry, mousse, or gelato. And if you really want to up the ante, try incorporating some aphrodisiacs into your dessert. Strawberries and chocolate are always a good bet.
Whatever you choose, just remember that date night is all about enjoying the company of your special someone. So relax and let the romance flow.
Red Velvet Mocha Lava Cake For Two
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Red Velvet Mocha Lava Cake For Two Joy Nemerson at SideChefIs there anything sexier than a lava cake? Yes - this Red Velvet Mocha Lava Cake For Two. This one bowl, not-too-sweet, tangy red velvet cake is the ultimate way to treat yourself and your partner.
Easy Homemade Tiramisu
PEANUT-FREE•TREE NUT-FREE Easy Homemade Tiramisu Huang KitchenCreamy and rich, filled with coffee fragrance - a tiramisu is a fantastic option for a romantic, sweet treat.
French Silk Mousse Tartlets
A buttery and flaky tart shell filled with rich and creamy French Silk Mousse and topped with fresh raspberries and strawberries!
Easy Coconut Lime Ice Cream
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Easy Coconut Lime Ice Cream Get Inspired Everyday!Light and creamy homemade ice cream is another great way to finish your date night on a high note. If you and your beloved enjoy something sweet with a bit of zesty flavor, this is a recipe for you.
Mini New York Cheesecake
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Mini Cheesecake (New York-Style) ZaTaYaYummyWho doesn’t love cheesecake? These mini treats look so impressive when you drizzle them with melted chocolate and garnish them with fresh fruits!
Baked Pears in Spiced Pomegranate Syrup
EASY•LOW-FAT Baked Pears in Spiced Pomegranate Syrup Once Upon A ChefFantastic light dessert idea for those who love sweet and spicy.
Coconut Strawberry Ice Cream
EASY•LOW-FAT Coconut Strawberry Ice Cream CaribbeanPotAnother ice cream option for those who like the creaminess of the coconut and the sweetness of strawberries.
Pumpkin Spice Mousse
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Pumpkin Spice Mousse A Hint of RosemaryNot a fan of chocolate, but enjoy pumpkin spice lattes? Then this light and fluffy pumpkin spice mouse is perfect for your romantic dinner.
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
EASY•PEANUT-FREE Easy Chocolate Dipped Strawberries One Pot Chef ShowChocolate-covered strawberries are the most classic romantic dessert one can think of and are guaranteed to earn you some major romance points!
These beautiful chocolate-dipped strawberries are perfect for date night with that special someone.
Date Night co*cktails
If you're planning a romantic date night dinner, you'll want to choose the right drink recipe to set the mood. Should you serve wine, co*cktails, or a non-alcoholic option?
The answer may depend on your date's preferences, but there are a few general tips to keep in mind.
For example, your meal choice will help determine what type of wine, if any, you will serve. Red wines go well with red meats, while white wines pair well with lighter meats, fish, seafood, and vegetarian meals.
If you're unsure what your date prefers, you can always ask them in advance or pay attention to what they order at bars and restaurants.
Of course, co*cktails can also be an excellent option for date night. Whether you opt for a classic like a martini or something more unique, make sure to put some thought into your concoction. After all, nothing says romance like a perfectly mixed drink!
Finally, don't forget about non-alcoholic options. If your date doesn't drink alcohol, it's important to have a tasty alternative available. A mocktail can be just as refreshing and impressive as its alcoholic counterpart.
And finally, don't forget that date night is all about being creative and having fun. So whatever you choose to serve, make sure it's something you'll both enjoy. Cheers!
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
EASY•LOW-FAT Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade co*cktail Jessica GavinA refreshing blackberry bourbon lemonade recipe with a kick! Bourbon whiskey is paired with ripe blackberries, lemons, and muddled mint.
Berry Rose Sangria
Refreshing and delicious - this special sangria is perfect for your special night.
Herbal St-Germain Margarita
EASY•LOW-FAT Herbal St-Germain Margarita By GabriellaA sweet and light margarita co*cktail with a twist provided by the St Germaine liqueur.
Love Martini
EASY•LOW-FAT Love Martini Picture The RecipeLove at first sip! Malibu rum, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice, and fresh strawberries.
Special Rosé Aperol Spritz
EASY•LOW-FAT Special Rosé Aperol Spritz Chelsea PeachtreeThis Special Rosé Aperol Spritz is the perfect romantic twist on your favorite co*cktail. Fresh strawberries and dried rose petals are made into a simple syrup and mixed with Rosé, Aperol, and seltzer.
Mint and Blackberry Bramble
EASY•LOW-FAT Mint and Blackberry Bramble By GabriellaRaspberry Sparkler
EASY•LOW-FAT Raspberry Sparkler Bon AIPpetitIt turns out gin tastes excellent with raspberries. Gin is a strong flavor, so we tempered it with the fruit spread and champagne. Perfect for date night.
Lychee Martini
Lychee Martini is a sweet, tropical twist on the traditional martini. Make this simple co*cktail anytime year-round and as you sip, close your eyes and let your imagination take you to a tropical paradise.
Strawberry Gimlet with Rosemary Peppercorn Simple Syrup
LOW-FAT•PEANUT-FREE Strawberry Gimlet with Rosemary Peppercorn Simple Syrup By GabriellaThis one is perfect for fans of gin and anyone who enjoys sipping on a fruity but not overly sweet co*cktail.
