7 Sizzlin’ Summer Recipes for Date Night

“Summer lovin’ happened so fast…” and then it kept going. Well, at least that was the case for Danny and Sandy on Grease. Sometimes all it takes is an unforgettable meal — or some irresistible recipes for date night.

This is the time of year when memories are created to last a lifetime. They are often full of fun, adventure, and a summertime romance that can turn into a lifelong partnership. So, as the sun heats up – and stays up longer – it is the perfect time to plan a date night for someone you’ve got your eye on. And what better way to do that than to delight that special someone with your culinary skills?

Whether your summertime date night consists of a casual date, a summer fling, or a quiet night in the home you created with your spouse of 20 years, good food is an absolute must. And that’s why we’ve put together a list of 7 sizzlin’ summer recipes for date night.

Go on, now – it’s time you create some delicious memories.

Date Night’s Main Courses

Your main course is your time to shine. Impress your date with one of these meals and see where the night takes you.

Linguine with Clams: Remember the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp? The iconic poster has the two sharing a plate of spaghetti and eating the same noodle… bringing them closer together. See where we are going with this?

Even if you have never cooked with clams before, this recipe will show you just how easy it is to do. And the result will be dazzling – assuming that’s what you are going for, right? Just be sure not to skip the step of cleaning the clams before adding them to your sauce. Nothing can kill a mood faster than a mouth full of sand.

This dish is filling yet light for hot summer nights.

Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter: If you are looking to get fancy and create a hearty meal that is sure to throw a party for the taste buds, then this may be it. This recipe will help you create a mouth-watering, tender steak at home. Topping it with garlic and herb butter is like putting the icing on a cake.

Filet mignon is one of the most tender cuts of beef and, when seared in a pan, can be enjoyably juicy, too. So the idea is to sear it and then let it cook in the oven for a few minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness. This helps it to remain moist and soak up the most flavor from your butter and herbs.

This steak pairs nicely with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.

Marry Me Chicken: Disclaimer: If you are making this meal on a first date or for someone you aren’t sure you want to spend your life with, you may want to avoid referring to it by name – just in case – so you can avoid any awkward situations. Ok – now, on with the recipe.

Marry Me Chicken has made its way around social media as an easy go-to and highly acclaimed dish. It is a simple skillet dish of chicken in a sundried tomato parmesan cream sauce. Throw together ingredients like seared chicken breasts (to keep in those juices), garlic, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. But, lookout – you may end up with a marriage proposal.

This dish, too, pairs well with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. Or whatever else you have in mind.

Don’t Forget Dessert

Every good meal needs to be followed by a sweet dessert. And these are sure to make the mark – with an aim as good as cupid.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Now, hold on just a minute. You may think that this is such a simple dessert that doesn’t require a real recipe. And, you’d be right. However, these are worth mentioning here. They are easy to make and easy to eat, but they are so delicious. They are juicy and sweet and can be made in a ton of different ways. You have varying types of chocolate that can even be drizzled together. Top with nuts, coconut flakes, crushed pretzels, coarse sugar, crushed cookies or candies, sprinkles, and more. Whatever you do, just be sure you wash your strawberries very well and let them dry before you begin.

Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake: Another delicious – and versatile – dessert is cheesecake. And with so much attention on the main course, the drinks, the ambiance, and, of course, your date, it is nice to have something delicious and simple (without looking simple) for dessert. That’s what you get with this no-bake cheesecake. The cheesecake itself takes just a few minutes to throw together, and then you can transform it into your own vision using fruits, chocolates, and other toppings. However you decide to serve it, it’s sure to be a hit.

Why not serve both of these desserts? They will definitely pair well.

Some Adults-Only Sippin’

There is nothing quite like alcohol to settle those butterflies and get the conversation going. And these two cocktails are definitely as tasty as they look.

Besame (Kiss me) Cocktail: Let’s just say if there was ever a drink that screamed summer romance, it’s this one. And its name says it all. Of course, the best part is that it tastes amazing. This cocktail uses the smooth tequila-based liqueur, Agavero, which is infused with the essence of the Damiana flower. Why is this so significant? Well, in Mexico, this flower is a well-known potent aphrodisiac. Oh yeah. Mixed with passion fruit, shaken with fresh lime and raspberries, and topped with Chambord, it is sure to enhance the sparks.

Love Potion #9 Martini: This is a triple berry pomegranate martini that you will be coming back for more. And hopefully lead to more date nights, too. It is, after all, love potion #9. The flavor of this cocktail comes from strawberry vodka, Chambord black raspberry liqueur, and pomegranate juice. Add a small piece of dry ice, and you have a drink that looks sultry and sexy.

Get in the Mood this Summer with Recipes for Date Night

Well, there you have it. 7 sizzlin’ recipes for date night this summer, great for cooking on a cooktop or range. If you’re feeling extra sweet, use the wall oven to whip up dessert. And don’t forget to break out the wine cooler and crack the ice from the icemaker to wash everything down.

All that is left? Find a date.

Cheers!