If you’re cooking for two, these dinner recipes are perfectly portioned. From hearty soups to lean proteins, these recipes are all highly-rated, receiving 4- and 5-star reviews from the EatingWell users who tried them. Make our Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili for Two that has 42 5-star ratings, or whip up our 30-minute Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce for a quick crowd-pleaser. Either way, make dinner easier tonight with these healthy and delicious meals for two.
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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili for Two
This satisfying vegetarian chili for two is studded with black beans and sweet potatoes. Serve with some warmed corn tortillas and tossed salad with orange segments and avocado. This recipe was adapted from our popular Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili to serve two instead of four.
High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams , Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
This cheeseburger salad is a fun twist on a classic burger. It features a crisp base of chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, pickles and juicy cherry tomatoes. A melty cheeseburger patty is served warm on top, along with a tangy ketchup-mayo-pickle sauce that ties all the flavors together. Optional sesame seeds add a hint of crunch and nod to the traditional burger bun.
Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls
Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali
These Thai sweet chili salmon bowls are a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for two. For best results, use 1-inch-thick salmon pieces—thicker cuts may not cook fast enough, and the glaze can burn under the broiler. The salmon is served over fluffy rice with crisp coleslaw for crunch and balance. It’s a colorful bowl that hits all the sweet, spicy and savory notes.
Fall Vegetable Stew
Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
This vegetable stew is a cozy dish for two that highlights the best of late-summer, early-fall produce. Simmered with warm spices and a savory broth, the vegetables become tender and absorb the flavors of the broth. It’s delicious served with warm naan on the side for dipping .
Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Arugula-Tomato Salad
Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
This easy chicken dinner is a flavor-packed dish where juicy chicken thighs are cooked until golden, then coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. They’re served over a crisp arugula and tomato salad. It’s a simple dinner for two that tastes delicious and comes together quickly.
Honey Mustard Salmon with Mango Quinoa
In this 30-minute dinner recipe, grilled, honey mustard-coated salmon is served with a tasty grain salad made with quinoa, mango, jalapeño and almonds.
Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan for Two
Brie Passano
In this easy weeknight dinner, we combine lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a flavorful meal that is simple and quick. This recipe was adapted from our popular Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan to serve two instead of four.
Vegetarian Reubens with Russian Dressing
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Annie Probst
The spinach, mushroom and onion filling is so satisfying, you won’t even miss the corned beef in this vegetarian take on a Reuben sandwich. This exceptional sandwich was inspired by a dish at the now-closed Penny Cluse Cafe in Burlington, Vermont.
Kale, Sausage & Pepper Pasta
This healthy sausage and kale pasta recipe cooks in one skillet, so there’s only one pot to clean! Try it with any greens you have in the fridge, such as chard or spinach.
California Turkey Burgers & Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Inspired by an option at the West Coast chain In-N-Out Burger, this turkey burger recipe keeps the carbs in check with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. The side of sweet potato fries bakes while you prep the burgers, so this entire healthy dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
Chickpea Pasta with Lemony-Parsley Pesto
Ali Redmond
We love using chickpea pasta in this quick and easy dinner recipe, but other bean pastas or whole-wheat noodles are just as good with this fresh and zesty pesto sauce.
Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
The secret to a good cream sauce is always the same: not too much cream or it can be overpowering, masking the more delicate flavors. Here it contains a bountiful amount of mushrooms and is served over chicken breasts.
Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp for Two
Brie Passano
This healthy dinner recipe comes together in record time thanks to quick-cooking shrimp. Lemon juice brightens the sauce while yogurt adds creaminess. This recipe was adapted from our popular Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp to serve two instead of four.
Zucchini Frittata
A frittata, a flat omelet in Italy, can be filled with a variety of vegetables and cheeses and makes a great impromptu brunch dish or supper. In this version, fresh mint and basil brighten the mild taste of zucchini.
Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chicken & Fresh Berries
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickeyt, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
If you’re packing this grain bowl for work, combine the dressing ingredients in a small container. When you’re ready to eat, shake the dressing well, add it to the salad and toss. If you don’t have time to make a homemade dressing, use 3 tablespoons of store-bought olive oil vinaigrette. Keep prep time short by using rotisserie chicken (or leftover chicken) and a pouch of microwavable quinoa.
Roasted Root Vegetables with Goat Cheese Polenta
This is true healthy comfort food–a bowl of soft, creamy polenta topped with warm roasted vegetables infused with garlic and sage.
