A healthy diet is something lots of us are aiming for. So if you’re looking for nutritious but tasty dinner ideas for 2 people – whether it’s you and your partner, child, or flatmate – check out these creative recipes that are easy to prepare with ingredients you can find in most supermarkets.
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Roasted salmon with green beans and tomatoes
This colorful meal takes just 20 minutes to make and is full of vitamins and nutrients, including healthy omega-3 fats from the salmon.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves
- 200g green beans (trimmed)
- 225g cherry tomatoes
- 30g pitted kalamata olives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- pepper
- salt
- 2 skinless salmon fillets
- Greek yogurt (to serve)
Method
- Heat the oven to 220C.
- On a baking sheet, toss the garlic, beans, tomatoes, olives, ½ tbsp oil, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven until the vegetables begin to brown – 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, season the salmon with a pinch of salt and pepper and heat the remaining oil in a pan.
- Fry the salmon until golden brown – about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Serve the salmon and vegetables with the yogurt on the side.
Super-fast prawn noodles
With our busy lives, it’s always good to have a quick and easy dinner recipe to hand. This tasty dish takes less than 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 500ml chicken stock
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ½ tbsp fish sauce
- piece fresh root ginger, sliced into matchsticks
- 150g peeled king prawns, cooked
- 2 bok choi, cut into quarters
- 1 sachet straight-to-wok noodles
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
Method
- In a large saucepan or wok, bring the stock to boil.
- Stir in the sauces and ginger, and simmer.
- Add the prawns and bok choi, then cook for 2 minutes until the cabbage is wilted.
- Add the noodles and stir to separate.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the spring onions and serve.
Tomato basil baked fish
This baked fish dinner for 2 is simple and healthy, yet delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 225g red snapper, cod, or haddock fillet
- pinch dried basil
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- 2 thinly sliced plum tomatoes
- 2 tsp grated parmesan cheese
Method
- Combine the lemon juice and oil in a bowl.
- Add the fish and coat them with the mixture.
- Place in a baking dish and sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the tomatoes on top of the fish.
- Sprinkle over the cheese.
- Cover and bake at 200C for 10 to 12 minutes.
Quick vegetable pasta
This nutrient-packed meal for 2 is a great option for vegetarians (if you don’t use the parmesan), and it’s hearty and filling, too.
Ingredients
- 150g wholewheat pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 courgette, cut into chunks
- 200g cherry tomatoes
- 2 spring onions, trimmed and sliced
- pinch dried chili flakes
- ½ small lemon, finely grated zest, and juice
- 2 large handfuls of young spinach leaves
- sea salt and ground pepper
- grated parmesan (optional)
Method
- Bring water to boil in a saucepan, add pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and add the pepper, courgette, and tomatoes. Fry for 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining oil and the spring onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
- Add the chili flakes, lemon zest, and juice, then stir in a ladleful of the pasta cooking water. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the pasta, then return to the saucepan and add the vegetable mix and spinach. Cook for a minute or so, until the spinach, has wilted
- Divide between 2 bowls and top with the cheese, if using.
Chicken vegetable soup
This recipe for 2 is a colorful take on classic chicken soup – ideal for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- ½ liter chicken broth
- 165g fresh or frozen corn
- 1 small stick of celery, chopped
- 1 small carrot, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 140g shredded cooked chicken
- 120ml canned diced tomatoes
- salt and pepper
Method
- Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender – 25 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken and tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper and heat through.
- Divide into 2 bowls and enjoy.
Easy grilled chicken tacos
This Mexican-inspired dish is easy to do and makes a healthy midweek treat for 2.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp seasoning/spice of your choice
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can of black beans
- 5 tbsp salsa
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- 4 soft flour or corn tortillas
Method
- Mix the oil, lime juice, and seasoning in a sealable plastic bag.
- Add the chicken, seal the bag, then shake until the chicken is coated.
- Grill the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat the beans, salsa, and coriander, stirring occasionally.
- Cut the chicken into strips and divide it between the tortillas.
- Top each tortilla with the bean mixture, then fold in half and serve.
Italian rice with chicken
This classic one-pan dish can be made in a flash, but it’s full of nutrients and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets
- 1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges
- 2 orange peppers, sliced thickly
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 100g long-grain rice
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 300ml chicken stock
- 4 tbsp pesto
Method
- Heat the oven to 200C.
- Heat the oil in a large, ovenproof pan, add the chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden all over. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onion and peppers and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cook for 1 minute, then add the rice, tomatoes, stock, and chicken and bring to a boil.
- Transfer to the oven and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Season and drizzle over the pesto then serve.
Author: Caroline Bodian