If you’re like most people, this past year has meant spending a lot more time at home. This has made it especially difficult for dating and meeting new people. However, if you’re lucky enough to have been coupled up this year, or you’re just looking for some at-home date night inspiration for your spouse, these recipes are perfect for impressing your date.

 

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

If you truly want an impressive meal that isn’t all that hard to create, try a seared ahi tuna salad. This salad recipe has all of the best components including fresh vegetables, delicious tuna, and crunchy wonton strips. It is a light enough meal that you won’t feel like taking a nap after eating, but it's substantial enough to feel like a whole meal. And since you ate a nice, healthy salad for dinner - you can certainly enjoy a great dessert together, right?

Slow Cooked Hoisin Ribs

If you want your date to feel like you spent all day in the kitchen, but you don’t actually have time to spend the day cooking, try this recipe. The pork ribs will fall apart tender after spending the day in the slow cooker, and you can transfer them to the oven for a quick broil before serving (and wash up your slow cooker) so your date will never know you “cheated.” Serve these ribs alongside a baked sweet potato and roasted brussels sprouts for a delicious fall date dinner.

Kale Detox Stir Fry

If your date is watching his or her figure, you can serve up this healthy stir fry instead of a heavy meal. Kale is a fantastic fall veggie, and this stir fry highlights it in the best way. The potatoes, brown rice, and chickpeas make it extra filling even without a protein and the jalapeno gives it a great kick. Cooking a “fancy” meal at home can often pack on the calories - but this meal will impress your date without having to overindulge on food. Cooking healthy is an excellent way to show your date that you care.

 

Whether you’ve been dating for 50 years or 50 minutes, sharing an intentional “date night” meal together - even at home - is sure to help you connect. You can even try cooking together as an activity for the date night if watching a movie or playing a board game feels too boring. There is nothing tastier than a meal you’ve made with someone you care about.