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Date Night Dinner Ideas: 38 Easy Recipes to Impress Your Date

There's no need to stress about what to cook for your next date night. We've got you covered with 38 easy recipes to wow your partner, from light appetizers and cocktails to delicious mains and desserts. So get cooking and make it a night to remember! Bon appétit!
Date Night Dinner Ideas: 38 Easy Recipes to Impress Your Date
Date Night Dinner Ideas: 38 Easy Recipes to Impress Your Date
Anna at SideChef
Content Creator. Bitten by curiosity bug. Obsessed with words. Fuelled by coffee. Powered by Google. Love cheese, chocolate, and cherries. Don’t judge your taco by its price.
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Anna at SideChef
Content Creator. Bitten by curiosity bug. Obsessed with words. Fuelled by coffee. Powered by Google. Love cheese, chocolate, and cherries. Don’t judge your taco by its price.
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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 cocktail 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Herby Whipped Brie Stuffed Strawberries

Live Eat Learn

These 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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Glazed Carrot and Chickpea Salad

SideChef

Looking 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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

SideChef

Perfect 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Brown Butter Persimmon and Ricotta Crostini

SideChef

This 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-FREETREE NUT-FREE

Berry Basil Salad

Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen

This 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Tomato Basil Caprese Bites

SideChef

Tomato 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Baked Figs Wrapped in Prosciutto and Gorgonzola

Vincenzo's Plate

Figs 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Melon Mozzarella Bites

Buy This Cook That

This 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 Cocktail

EASYLOW-FAT

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail

Garlic & Zest

This shrimp cocktail is the perfect date night starter. A delicious little twist on the classic shrimp cocktail, this dish will leave you both wanting more.

Smoked Salmon and Caviar on Crispy Potatoes

EASYLOW-FAT

Smoked Salmon and Caviar on Crispy Potatoes

Garlic & Zest

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-FATPEANUT-FREE

Tortellini with Kabocha Squash

SideChef

This tortellini recipe is the perfect vegetarian option for a date night.

Pan Roasted Salmon with White Wine Caper Vinaigrette

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Pan Roasted Salmon with White Wine Caper Vinaigrette

Chef John

This 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Mama Gourmand

Juicy 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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Creamy Cajun Grilled Shrimp Salad

SideChef

Paired 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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Easy Mushroom Sauce

SideChef

Date 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

SideChef

The 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Brown Sugar Lamb Chops with Rosemary Pea Puree

A Wholesome New World

The 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-FATPEANUT-FREE

Seared Sea Scallops with Charred Salsa Verde

Julia Eats

Scallops are an excellent choice for a date night main.

Easy Risotto with Crimini Mushrooms

PEANUT-FREETREE NUT-FREE

Low-Maintenance Risotto with Crimini Mushrooms

Chef'd

Constantly 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Pan Fried Snapper

SideChef

A 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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Red Velvet Mocha Lava Cake For Two

Joy Nemerson at SideChef

Is 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-FREETREE NUT-FREE

Easy Homemade Tiramisu

Huang Kitchen

Creamy and rich, filled with coffee fragrance - a tiramisu is a fantastic option for a romantic, sweet treat.

French Silk Mousse Tartlets

PEANUT-FREETREE NUT-FREE

French Silk Mousse Tartlets

Snowflakes & Coffeecakes

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

EASYPEANUT-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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Mini Cheesecake (New York-Style)

ZaTaYaYummy

Who 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Baked Pears in Spiced Pomegranate Syrup

Once Upon A Chef

Fantastic light dessert idea for those who love sweet and spicy.

Coconut Strawberry Ice Cream

EASYLOW-FAT

Coconut Strawberry Ice Cream

CaribbeanPot

Another ice cream option for those who like the creaminess of the coconut and the sweetness of strawberries.

Pumpkin Spice Mousse

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Pumpkin Spice Mousse

A Hint of Rosemary

Not 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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Easy Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

One Pot Chef Show

Chocolate-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 Cocktails

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, cocktails, 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, cocktails 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

EASYLOW-FAT

Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail

Jessica Gavin

A refreshing blackberry bourbon lemonade recipe with a kick! Bourbon whiskey is paired with ripe blackberries, lemons, and muddled mint.

Berry Rose Sangria

EASYLOW-FAT

Berry & Rose Sangria

SideChef

Refreshing and delicious - this special sangria is perfect for your special night.

Herbal St-Germain Margarita

EASYLOW-FAT

Herbal St-Germain Margarita

By Gabriella

A sweet and light margarita cocktail with a twist provided by the St Germaine liqueur.

Love Martini

EASYLOW-FAT

Love Martini

Picture The Recipe

Love at first sip! Malibu rum, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice, and fresh strawberries.

Special Rosé Aperol Spritz

EASYLOW-FAT

Special Rosé Aperol Spritz

Chelsea Peachtree

This Special Rosé Aperol Spritz is the perfect romantic twist on your favorite cocktail. Fresh strawberries and dried rose petals are made into a simple syrup and mixed with Rosé, Aperol, and seltzer.

Raspberry Sparkler

EASYLOW-FAT

Raspberry Sparkler

Bon AIPpetit

It 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

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Lychee Martini

Wok & Skillet

Lychee Martini is a sweet, tropical twist on the traditional martini. Make this simple cocktail 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-FATPEANUT-FREE

Strawberry Gimlet with Rosemary Peppercorn Simple Syrup

By Gabriella

This one is perfect for fans of gin and anyone who enjoys sipping on a fruity but not overly sweet cocktail.

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