There’s no need to pound your head against a table trying to figure out where to go on a date. Stay home and whip up some of these simple yet sophisticated dishes. We promise your date will be impressed and more than willing to see you again.
Appetizers
Sweet Potato, Apple, Carrot, and Feta Salad
Photo by Jennifer Cao
Put away the spring mix blend. Here’s a salad fit for a date.
Burrata Caprese Toast
Photo by Max Bartick
Easy, colorful, and delicious. Trifecta. Recipe here.
Cheese Fondue
Photo by Parisa Soraya
Make cheese fondue like this. Dipping suggestions include apples, chips, bread, or broccoli florets.
Tomatillo Salsa
Photo by Alex Namba
If your date prefers chips and salsa, impress them with this easy recipe.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Photo by Luna Zhang
A step up from typical restaurant garlic bread. Recipe here.
Mini Baked Mozzarellas
Photo by Carlynn Crosby
A classy spin on pizza bites. Recipe here.
Side Dishes
Coriander-Roasted Carrots
Photo by Charlotte Hull
Add some color to your meal with these carrots.
Pan-Roasted Asparagus
Photo by Charlotte Hull
Everything’s fancier with a balsamic glaze. Bonus points if your date has never tried pomegranate seeds. Make it here.
Cauliflower Rice
Photo by Kristine Mahan
Replace your traditional white rice with this low-carb substitute.
Easy String Beans
Photo by Gabby Phi
Cooking vegetables doesn’t have to be boring or hard. Make them like this.
Main Courses
20-Minute Shrimp Scampi
Photo by Natsuko Mazany
If this won’t impress your date, what will? Recipe here.
Wild Rice and Veggie Stuffed Pepper
Photo by Megan Prendergast
Who has time to make fancy stuffed peppers? You do.
Teriyaki Glazed Tuna Cake
Photo by Lily Tang
Turn your canned tuna into a sophisticated dinner like this.
Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
Photo by Andrea Kang
All it takes is store-bought pizza dough and a little creativity. Make it like this.
Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
Impress your date by making copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers with this recipe.
Aglio e Olio with a Fried Egg
Photo by Daniel Schuleman
Not only is pasta easy, it’s versatile. And it looks fancy when you top it with a fried egg like this.
Maple Glazed Stuffed Squash
Photo by Kendra Valkema
Although squash is seasonal, this recipe is still sure to please.
Lavender-Crusted Pork Chop
Photo by Charlotte Hull
Your date won’t believe you pulled off these pork chops.
Ratatouille
Photo by Smita Jain
Open a bottle of wine and enjoy ratatouille as you watch the movie.
Ram n’ Cheese
Photo by Caroline Liu
Turn your two favorite college staples into one satisfying dinner like this.
Sushi
Photo by Eva Chen
Who says you need to go out to get good sushi? Make it yourself with this recipe.
Easy Baked Salmon
Photo by Yonatan Soler
Low effort, high reward. Recipe here.
Mozzarella and Mushroom Grilled Cheese
Photo by Sabrina Yam
If your date prefers finger foods, this grilled cheese is a must.
Cheetos-Coated Italian Meatballs
Photo by Nancy Gao
If you and your date like to keep it fun, crush up some Cheetos and serve them this recipe.
Seafood Spaghetti di Nero
Photo by Katie Huang
A one-pot pasta with seafood. It doesn’t get any easier or fancier than this. Get the recipe here.
Dessert
2-Ingredient Nutella Braided Bread
Photo by Eileen Wang
Nutella in a pastry? Winner. Recipe here.
Chocolate-Covered Rice Krispies Bites
Photo by Anna Hirschorn
Keep it simple and classic with these Rice Krispies bites.
Hasselback Cinnamon Apples
Photo by Paige Rodgers
Tastes just like grandma’s apple pie, but takes less time to make. Recipe here.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
Is your date’s favorite candy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? Here’s something even better.
Momofuku Milk Bar Crack Pie
Photo by Max Faucher
A homemade version of a well-known favorite, this recipe is sure to keep your date full and fulfilled.
3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
Photo by Cat Taylor
A dessert for kings. Made with 3 ingredients in a blender? Heck yes. Recipe here.
Fancy Ice Cream Toppings
Photo by Irene Kim
Turn a classic dessert into a masterpiece with these toppings.
Drinks
Pineapple-Basil Agua Fresca
Photo by Katie Huang
Pretty and refreshing. Recipe here.
California Christmas
Photo by Kevin Del Orbe
Keep it classy without getting cliché with this mixed drink.
French Hot Chocolate
Photo by Natsuko Mazany
Make your date a cup of French hot chocolate. After all, French is the language of love.