Easy Meals I Can Cook for My Girlfriend
Valentine's weekend is upon us, and we'll be celebrating at home this year. I rounded up thirty-three of my favorite date night recipes to share with you, organized by appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts and drinks.
You'll find a heavy dose of Italian recipes in the main dish section (blame the spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp?). You'll also find a few Thai-inspired recipes, which are perfectly romantic. We're notoriously bad at making reservations and usually end up eating at our favorite Thai restaurant on Valentine's Day. That's the way to do it, honestly.
Some of the recipes are perfect for making in advance, and some, like pizza, are super fun to make with a partner. I included preparation notes, when relevant, to ease your dinner-at-home plans.
I'll be back tomorrow with the perfect small scale dessert. I bet you have all of the ingredients in your pantry already!
Appetizers
Torn Olives with Almonds, Celery & Parmesan
Gluten free
"Made this and it was a hit! The flavors and textures together are so good. I substituted Apple Cider Vinegar because it's what I had on hand and it turned out great! Thank you!" – Samia
Prep note: You can prepare this recipe in advance, but mix the almonds in just before serving so they stay crisp.
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Gluten free and easily vegan
"This was excellent. My husband said it was the best fresh spring rolls he's ever eaten. I think they will be a staple at our house." – Kirsten
Prep note: These spring rolls are best consumed promptly. Check the recipe notes if you would like to make them an hour or two in advance.
How to Make a Cheese Board
Gluten free depending on your cracker selections
"This is the first cheese board that doesn't intimidate me (physically and financially!) – can't wait to try it out! We've got nut allergies so I might switch those out for pepitas or pretzels!" – Rebecca
Prep note: You can absolutely make a cheese board for just two people. Buy three different cheeses and save the leftovers for another cheese board soon!
Green Goddess Hummus
Gluten free and vegan
"My niece is a new vegetarian and I bought your cookbook for her for Christmas. This hummus recipe has been made many times and is one of our favorites. The herbs add a wonderfully refreshing flavor. We love it!" – Marea
Prep note: Make this hummus up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered.
Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato Sauce
Vegetarian
"Bought some ramekins to give this recipe a go. Very pleased I did as it was excellent. Delicious and surprisingly substantial for what was intended as a light dinner for two." – Greg
Main Dishes
Easy Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano
Gluten free
"Made this for my husband and I for dinner tonight – oh my goodness it is one of the best meals we've ever made/devoured. I tend to manage to screw up recipes quite well, but had absolutely no issues making this, such a breeze! We are trying to incorporate more yummy vego meals into our weeks and this is 100% going to be a new regular! Only managed to save one serving for tomorrow's lunch, so that is a definite sign of a 10/10 meal!" – Beka
Prep note: This risotto miraculously does not require constant stirring. It tastes best with a splash of white wine, so there's your drink of the evening. Leftovers are amazing, so this one can be made ahead of time.
Pasta alla Norma
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
"I have no words to explain how delicious this pasta dish is! I actually made for lunch (I'm retired! ) and after my partner and I devoured it, I had to decide if I was gonna keep the other two servings for tomorrow, or share them with someone I knew would also love it. Which is just about everyone I know! I ended up giving the leftovers to my vegetarian neighbours, and they raved about it. Best. Eggplant. Recipe. Ever." – Luana
Thai Red Curry with Vegetables
Gluten free and vegan
"I was told this is on the top 3 dishes I've made in the 6 years we have been together. So its safe to say it was enjoyed!" – Jessica
Best Stuffed Shells
Vegetarian
"As a passionate home cook I am always dubious about a recipe with "best" in its name. However, I made this recipe following directions to a T, and man, it did not disappoint! I did do half with homemade marinara (for me) and half with homemade bolognese (for hubby) and we both devoured our meal. We have left overs for 1.5 meals and I froze another 2 servings. Vibrant colors and flavors made this a success in my home! I I'll be looking at your recipes for other suggestions." – Kate
Prep note: You can assemble the shells (through step 7) and store the baker in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Ultimate Veggie Pizza
Vegetarian
"I feel like this pizza single-handedly saved my life. It is THAT good. The first time I made it I didn't have any mozzarella on hand, so I used ricotta instead. Lord Almighty, the creamy ricotta played beautifully with all the veggies and and textures – so much so that I can't even bring myself to make it with the mozzarella. Also, almonds? On pizza? Who knew I needed this? I have literally been transformed. 10/10 would recommend to all my friends. Thanks for this gem!" – Amanda
Prep note: My go-to whole wheat pizza dough recipe does not require any rising time, so you can make this pizza at dinner time.
Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
Gluten free and easily vegan
"This may be my favorite recipe from Cookie and Kate! My boyfriend always requests it when I make dinner." – Kiley
Prep note: Fried rice always turns out best when made with leftover chilled rice. Please cook your rice in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to start cooking this dish.
Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables
Vegetarian
"I was worried that this meatless dish would not satisfy my carnivore husband, but it is filled with flavor & he loved it! Putting it in my meal rotation! I used sweet potatoes and garlic along with the cauliflower, red peppers and onion." – Susan
Prep note: This ziti can be assembled up to 3 days in advance. For a smaller shortcut, roast the veggies in advance and refrigerate until you're ready to assemble.
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Gluten free
"I've honestly made this dish so many times, and it has impressed everyone I have cooked for! It's so flavorful and one of my favorite recipes!" – Millie
Prep note: Same as the mushroom risotto. This risotto does not require constant stirring (yay!). It tastes best with a splash of white wine, so there's your drink of the evening. Leftovers are amazing, so this one can be made ahead of time.
Broccolini Almond Pizza
Vegetarian
"I've never had broccolini and almonds on my pizza. But, I tried this recipe and OMG!!!! it was delicious! My husband enjoyed it as well! This will be a go to pizza treat for us! Thanks Kate for sharing your recipe!" – Deborah
Prep note: Like the veggie pizza, this recipe comes together quickly with no rising time required for the crust.
Italian Eggplant Parmesan
Gluten free
"This is hands-down the best eggplant Parmesan recipe on the planet. We've been making it for a few years, and it's a household staple for special occasions like birthdays and celebrations. It has the perfect amount of sauce and rich eggplant flavor, which really comes out from the roasting process. We sometimes add lasagna noodles make it a little bit heartier. I cannot recommend this recipe enough!" – Gwyneth
Prep note: This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until you're ready to bake. Since it will be starting off cold, the dish may require a little extra time in the oven.
Best Vegetable Lasagna
Easily gluten free, for vegan make my Best Vegan Lasagna
"Love this recipe. I have made it several times and it always turns out delicious. I usually prepare it the day before cooking, then just let it sit out for an hour before baking. This recipe is the easiest and most delicious lasagna I have ever made. Thank you. : ))" – Beth
Prep note: This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can let it warm to room temperature as Beth suggests, or bake it straight from the fridge knowing that the chilled lasagna may need some extra time in the oven.
Side Dishes
Vegetarian Italian Chopped Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
"I made this salad yesterday and it was wonderful, full of flavor, fresh and crunchy and the dressing was perfect. So nice knowing there is some left for lunch today." – Denise
Prep note: You can halve or simplify this recipe by omitting some of the add-ins. It's delicious no matter what.
Perfect Roasted Asparagus
Gluten free and vegan
"Asparagus just showed up at the farmers market this week, and I bought a bunch just in time to try this recipe! :) I did the lemon variation and it turned out beautifully. The asparagus I had were all different sizes, so I sorted them by thickness on the pan, and pulled the thinner ones earlier. Thanks for clearly explaining this technique!" – Lisa
Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw
Gluten free and easily vegan
"Excellent salad! We loved this. I can't wait to make it again. Very light and refreshing." – Katherine
Best Ever Green Beans
Gluten free and easily vegan
"I have followed Cookie and Kate for almost five years and have loved every recipe I have tried. I made the Green Beans Amandine last night and it is the best recipe ever! My husband and I finished the entire 1# batch and we both raved about how good they were. The lemon juice is the perfect flavor addition. Yum!" – Jan
Perfect Roasted Green Beans
Gluten free and vegan
"Awesome! I used to always sauté green beans and they were eh. These are incredible! Everyone loved them. Thank you for another easy recipe with simple, healthy ingredients." – Jenna
Prep note: These roasted green beans are excellent and a quicker, easier option compared to the Best Ever Green Beans. I love them both!
Favorite Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries and Pepitas
Gluten free
"Absolutely delicious! The dressing was a perfect accompaniment to the salad. This is definitely a salad that I will make time and time again." – Suzanne
Prep note: This salad can be prepared in advance, for the most part. Slice the apple and toss with the dressing just before serving.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Balsamic Drizzle
Gluten free
"I was just contemplating what to do with my Costco-sized bag of broccoli when this recipe arrived in my inbox. Thank you Kate! OMG this was phenomenal! I think even the veggie-averse would devour this dish and broccoli lovers rejoice!" – Lori
Prep note: The only trick to this recipe is not eating it all straight from the pan before dinner. Though, it is best served fresh from the oven!
Desserts & Drinks
No-Bake Greek Yogurt Tart
Gluten free
"We made this recipe over the weekend and it was fantastic. I needed a low sugar gluten free dessert and this one was perfect. It was easy to make and everyone raved about it. I used individual tart pans so each person got their own adorable delicious tart." – Jenna
Prep note: This light dessert is a great make-ahead option. Chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Simple Apple Crisp
Gluten free and easily vegan
"This was absolutely delicious!!! This was also incredibly easy to make and warmed up really well. I substituted whole wheat flour for the almond meal and thought it turned out great. The walnuts are delicious and added so much!" – Ellen
Prep note: You can assemble this apple crisp earlier in the day. Refrigerate until you're ready to start eating dinner, and it will be done in time for dessert (if it's starting off cold, it may need a few extra minutes in the oven).
Blood Orange and Pomegranate Sparkling Sangria
"I made this sangria last night for a girls valentines BUNCO night and it was a huge hit!!! I doubled the recipe and served in a punch bowl. Finding pomegranate seeds was a little challenging- I don't know why! Haha but I tracked some down eventually." – Kate
The New Old Fashioned Cocktail
"I shared this with my husband because I am not a big fan of the brown liquors. I told him that everything I cook from your website and cookbook are always a hit with our family. I'm happy to report that he said this was amazing!! And so much easier because he didn't need to make simple syrup. Thanks for adding a new cocktail to the lineup." – Erica
Classic Mulled Wine
"Made this last night to drink by the campfire, we all loved it! And the house smelled like Christmas, can't wait to make it again, I have a feeling I'll be drinking mulled wine all winter long. It feels like such a special treat but is so quick and easy". – Brooke
Prep note: You probably associate mulled wine with the holidays, but it's so warm and comforting and perfect for frigid weather.
Bee's Knees Cocktail
"Luckily had all the ingredients needed! So easy & deliciously yummy. I'm not a huge gin fan but I love lemon & honey, this was a great idea! I'll be a gin fan now…" – Marissa
Manhattan Cocktail
"Excellent and easy! Perfect for a cold winter evening." – Caroline
Classic French 75 Cocktail
"Light, fresh and perfect. I added rosemary for garnish. Thank you!" – Brittany
Maple New York Sour
"These are SO delicious, everything I love in a glass. They look so sophisticated, yet so simple to make… Thank you!" – Lynsey
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don't forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Source: https://cookieandkate.com/vegetarian-date-night-recipes/
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