12 Healthy Dinner Ideas for Two to Cook for an Easy Night In

Scallop and Asparagus Alfredo
Photo: Jason Donnelly

Whether you're looking for weeknight-friendly easy, healthy dinner ideas for two or are seeking a special occasion-worthy healthy dinner idea for two, these Test Kitchen all-time favorites will help you get dinner on the table and save you from an overload of leftovers. No need to make a reservation, and you can take a break from takeout. These healthy, simple dinner ideas for two make it tasty and fun to share a date night (or roommate night!) at home, sweet, home.

01 of 12

Walnut-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Walnut-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Adam Albright

You're probably familiar with seeing zucchini boats overflowing with ground beef. But for this plant-based easy, healthy dinner ideas for two, we've traded in a nearly indistinguishable substitute: pepper- and parsley-flavored walnut crumbles. Along with protein-rich quinoa and parmesan cheese, these stuffed veggies make for a dreamy dinner for you and a pal or a plus one. (Or for a second round tomorrow!)

02 of 12

Scallop and Asparagus Alfredo

Scallop and Asparagus Alfredo
Jason Donnelly

This healthy dinner idea for two is a stellar option for those evenings you're in the mood for pasta. (If you ask us, that's every night!) This lighter—yet still creamy—take on Alfredo scores a sophisticated, satisfying boost by way of protein-packed scallops and crisp-tender asparagus.

03 of 12

Turkey-Cucumber Sandwiches with Cilantro Spread

Turkey-Cucumber Sandwiches with Cilantro Spread
Adam Albright

Whipped feta took over social media in 2021. Flash back to that tasty trend any time, easy, healthy dinner ideas for two-style, with this dressy-enough-for-supper sandwich. Feta, Greek yogurt, cilantro, cumin, and lemon team up in the smoky, creamy, and fresh spread. Protein-packed lean turkey, hydrating cucumber ribbons, and crisp, superfood spinach join the party atop whole grain naan bread for a flatbread you two won't soon forget.

04 of 12

Southern Fried Catfish and Green Beans

Southern Style "Fried" Catfish and Green Beans
Greg DuPree

Head South for dinner tonight—no plane ticket or packing required. This healthy dinner idea for two will transport your taste buds there, at least! It delivers all of the tasty soul food-style flavor you'd expect, but in a lighter format thanks to the lower-fat cooking format of the air fryer. Although this meal is light on calories, it will keep you feeling full thanks to a punch of protein, via the catfish, and fiber, by way of green beans.

05 of 12

Pressure Cooker Lemon and Dill Fish Packets

Pressure Cooker Lemon and Dill Fish Packets
Adam Albright

Parchment or foil packets are often featured as part of grilling menus or offered as oven options. But for this low-carb healthy dinner idea for two, we'll coach you through how to "roast" tilapia to flaky, tender, herb-infused perfection in an Instant Pot. In just 20 minutes—plenty of time to toss together a fruit salad and toast a baguette for sides—your restaurant-quality main dish will be table-ready.

06 of 12

Greek Feta Burgers

Greek Feta Burgers
Jason Donnelly

This healthy, simple dinner idea for two comes together in less than 30 minutes total, and even less time is spent actively cooking. Follow our lead and opt for lean ground beef and top the sandwich with plenty of vegetables, and you'll build a burger that's brimming with healthy-for-you protein, heart-healthy potassium, and energy-supporting iron. This is one of our go-to weeknight Mediterranean diet options that certainly doesn't feel like "diet food."

07 of 12

Citrus Salmon Fillets with Raspberry Salsa

Citrus Salmon Fillets with Raspberry Salsa
Scott Little

Yes, we know it might sound a little odd to slow cook salmon. But stick with us here: This easy, healthy dinner idea for two is a breeze to make thanks to this unexpected (and unexpectedly awesome) poaching technique. Cooking the seafood in citrus- and tarragon-infused water makes it so moist, tender, and rich in flavor. All that's left to do come dinnertime is toss together the vibrant and vitamin-rich fruit salsa.

08 of 12

Grilled Flank Steak Salad

Grilled Flank Steak Salad
Jason Donnelly

Fire up the grill, because that's pretty much the only tool you need for this filling salad dinner for two. Chock-full of brightly-colored veggies and dressed with an herb-rich dressing, this healthy dinner salad is brimming with good-for-you nutrients.

09 of 12

Avocado and Tomatillo Sandwiches with Pesto

Avocado and Tomatillo Sandwiches with Pesto
Blaine Moats

This healthy recipe for two pulls double duty: Serve it as a lunch or dinner, at home, or on-the-go. These delicious vegetarian sandwiches get loads of flavor from home-pickled onions and an herb pesto.

10 of 12

Avocado Egg Bake

avocado egg bake
Hannah Bigot

Four ingredients, low-calorie, and low-carb, this easy dinner for two is oh-so-healthy, too. Pull this healthy recipe together for you and your plus one in under 30 minutes. It also doubles as a light yet satisfying breakfast or brunch.

11 of 12

Air-Fried Salmon with Horseradish Rub

Air-Fried Salmon with Horseradish Rub
Caitlin Bensel

Wildly high in protein and low in carbs and sugar, this easy, healthy dinner idea for two might just be our favorite restaurant-style salmon recipe to ever leave our Test Kitchen. "Roasting" in the air fryer means that the horseradish crust gets satisfyingly crunchy after a mere 15 minutes of cooking—not to mention that clean up is a breeze. Serve it over leafy greens or a bed of quinoa or rice and you'll feel like you're dining at a fancy bistro. Here, the tip is yours to keep!

12 of 12

Cheesy Panini with White Fish and Apple-Carrot Slaw

Cheesy Tilapia Panini with Apple-Carrot Slaw
Jason Donnelly

Striking the perfect balance of richness (melty cheese) and nutrition (from fruits, veggies, and protein-strong tilapia), this panini reminds us of a menu item at one of our favorite local bistros. Plus the entire healthy, simple dinner idea for two comes together in 20 minutes, so you'll have more time to share together rather than sweating over the stove. Just be sure not to skip the slaw; it's bright and punchy and a deliciously crisp pairing for the ooey-gooey panini.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles