Vegan Date Night Recipes
by Marly McMillen
Planning the perfect evening doesn’t have to be complicated, and these vegan date night recipes are here to prove it. Whether you are celebrating a special anniversary or just want to elevate a Tuesday night, these romantic vegan dinners offer everything from creamy pastas to sophisticated plant-based entrees. Skip the reservations and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
There is a very specific kind of magic that happens when you decide to cook for someone. It’s an admission of sorts; a way of saying ‘I like you enough to stand over a stove and worry about the exact salt-to-acid ratio of this sauce.’
I’ve always believed that the most romantic thing you can do isn’t buying a bouquet of roses that will inevitably wilt by Thursday; it’s making a meal that makes the rest of the world feel like it’s on mute for an hour. These recipes are the ones I turn to when I want the evening to feel intentional, a little bit indulgent, and entirely effortless.
Quick & Impressive Dinners
There is a specific kind of panic that sets in when you want to serve a meal that says, ‘I am a sophisticated adult who understands flavor profiles,’ but your clock says you have exactly thirty minutes before the doorbell rings.
These are the recipes for those nights. They are the culinary equivalent of a great pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt—effortless, classic, and they leave you with enough energy to actually hold a conversation.
Marry Me Butter Beans
Fall in love with marry me butter beans! This one-pot protein-packed dish simmers butter beans in a dreamy dairy-free tomato-garlic sauce.
Vegan Chicken Alfredo
Creamy, dreamy Vegan Chicken Alfredo made in one skillet! A 30-minute comfort food classic with pasta, broccoli, and plant-based chicken.
Sweet Potato Taco Skillet
This sweet potato taco skillet recipe is a quick, vegan one-pan meal packed with flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights!
Vegan Steak Salad
Enjoy a simple and refreshing vegan steak salad with hearty Beyond Steak, avocado, and herbed vinaigrette. Perfect for a satisfying plant-based meal!
Vegan Taco Soup
This easy one-pot vegan taco soup is comfort food in a bowl. Imagine your favorite taco flavors in a bowl served with tortilla chips! Yum!
Vegan Beef Stroganoff
Easy vegan beef stroganoff offers tender bites of vegan beef nestled in a creamy stroganoff sauce served over egg-free noodles. Delicious!
Classic Romantic Pastas
I have a theory that it is physically impossible to be unhappy while eating a bowl of pasta. There is something about the ritual of it; the swirling, the steam, the way a good sauce demands your full attention. It all feels inherently romantic.
Whether you’re sharing a plate or just sharing the same zip code, these pastas are proof that sometimes the most complicated emotions are best solved by the simplest carbohydrates.
Vegan Skillet Lasagna
This creamy vegan skillet lasagna is a cozy, one-pan meal packed with flavor, protein, and comfort. Easy to make, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Lentil Bolognese
Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Lentil Bolognese recipe is the ultimate plant-based comfort food! Simmered in a savory tomato sauce, it’s a protein-packed pasta dish the whole family will love.
Garlic Confit Pasta
Make your next meal a delightfully garlicky one with this quick and easy garlic confit pasta recipe. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Vegan Lemon Pasta
This yummy vegan lemon pasta features tender noodles smothered in a cashew lemon sauce and topped with fresh basil and almond flour parmesan.
Vegan Baked Ziti
This savory vegan baked ziti recipe features creamy layers of ricotta, pasta, provolone, marinara, and mozzarella. It’s vegan and delicious!
Vegan Penne Pasta
Enjoy this delicious vegan penne pasta dish infused with veggie sausage, red peppers, and a delicious tomato sauce. It’s ready in 30 minutes!
Cozy & Comforting Intimate Dinners
Some nights aren’t for white linen tablecloths and high heels; they are for oversized sweaters, the good heavy blankets, and food that feels like a literal hug.
These dishes are meant for the kind of dates where the ‘plans’ involve staying exactly where you are. They are warm, reliable, and perfectly seasoned for a night spent ignoring your phone in favor of a second helping.
Beyond Meat Shepherd’s Pie
This Beyond Meat Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy skillet dinner topped with golden tater tots. Easy, hearty, and 100% plant-based comfort food.
Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
Creamy Thai peanut noodle salad with crispy tofu, crunchy veggies, and a zesty peanut sauce. A crave-worthy cold noodle dish that’s fresh, filling, and full of flavor.
Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Savory, cheesy, and easy-to-make Quinoa Stuffed Peppers! Perfect for weeknights, these peppers are packed with plant-based goodness.
Vegan White Bean Chili
Warm up with this simple Vegan White Bean Chili recipe. With plant-based chicken, creamy beans, and a few easy ingredients, it’s a cozy meal!
Impossible Meatloaf
Make delicious and easy Impossible Meatloaf with this mouth-watering recipe. Enjoy this plant-based meatloaf for yourself and your family!
Interactive and Fun Dinner Recipes to Make Together
Target: Making the cooking process part of the date.
Vegan BBQ Chicken Pizza
Whip up a savory and satisfying Vegan BBQ Pizza with tender BBQ “chicken,” cider-caramelized onions, melty vegan cheese, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing!
Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry
This teriyaki tofu stir fry features crispy fried tofu served in a thick sweet sauce with colorful veggies. Serve it over rice or noodles.
Vegan Sushi
This is the best vegan sushi recipe because it’s made with simple ingredients and creates the perfect veggie sushi filled with sweet potatoes, avocado, and more. Make delicious sushi rolls at home with easy-to-follow instructions.
Vegan Fried Rice
Vegan Fried Rice is flavorful and easy to make. Enjoy a Chinese takeout favorite at home and save money. Make it with your favorite veggies!
Vegan Lettuce Wraps
You’re going to love these veggie lettuce wraps with dipping sauce. This is a low-carb, keto-friendly recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes!
Frequently-Asked Questions
Can I prep any of these ahead of time so I’m not a mess when they arrive?
There is nothing less romantic than a host who is sweating over a boiling pot while the date sits awkwardly on the sofa. Many of these recipes, particularly the sauces for the Classic Romantic Pastas, can be made earlier in the afternoon. Just reheat, toss with fresh noodles, and pretend it was all completely effortless. Some dishes, like baked ziti, can be made the day before.
What if my date isn't vegan?
The secret to a successful date night with a non-vegan is simple: don’t lead with what’s missing, lead with what’s there. Whether it’s the rich, savory depth of the Lentil Bolognese or the comforting creaminess of Vegan Chicken Alfredo, these meals are meant to be delicious in their own right. If the food is good, nobody spends the evening mourning the cheese.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
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