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30-day meal plan for two

Share tasty meals with the 30-Day Meal Plan for Two. This plan offers a variety of dishes perfect for couples or roommates. Enjoy delicious meals designed to be shared, making every meal special and enjoyable.

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Chicken breasts
  • Ground beef
  • Salmon fillets
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa

  • Whole wheat bread
  • Pasta
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Onions

  • Garlic
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Oranges
  • Almonds
  • Canned black beans
  • Canned chickpeas
  • Tomato sauce
  • Chicken broth

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Meal plan overview

Cooking for two is easy with the 30-Day Meal Plan for Two. This plan offers a variety of recipes that are perfect for couples. Enjoy meals that are quick to prepare and delicious, without the hassle of excess leftovers.

Each day, you'll get meal ideas that are designed for two people, making dinner time simple and enjoyable. This plan ensures you both enjoy balanced and tasty meals together.

Foods to eat

  • Fresh Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and parsley can add flavor without extra calories.
  • Lean Meats: Chicken breasts, lean beef, and fish are perfect for smaller, healthy portions.
  • Whole Grains: Quinoa, barley, and farro make great bases for nutritious meals.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini are versatile and nutrient-dense.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds are great for snacks and toppings.
✅ Tip

Embrace the simplicity of sheet pan dinners for easy cooking and cleanup.

Foods not to eat

  • Processed Foods: Ready-made meals and snacks often contain preservatives and unhealthy fats.
  • High-Sugar Yogurts: Opt for plain yogurt and add your own fruit for sweetness.
  • White Pasta: Switch to whole grain or legume-based pasta for more nutrients and fiber.
  • High-Sodium Canned Foods: These can be loaded with sodium and lack the freshness of homemade versions.
  • Sugary Cereals: Many cereals are high in sugar and low in nutritional value.

Main benefits

A 30-day meal plan for two can make dining more intimate and enjoyable by planning meals that cater to both partners' tastes. It often results in more creative and gourmet dishes as smaller portions allow for experimenting with new recipes. The plan reduces food waste, with ingredients measured for two servings. It also provides a structured approach to maintaining a healthy diet together, supporting each other’s nutritional goals.

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🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To create balanced and enjoyable meals for two, try these versatile substitutions:

  • For a nutrient-dense grain, barley can replace quinoa in side dishes.
  • To increase protein intake, tofu can replace ground beef in stir-fries and bowls.
  • For added fiber, sweet potatoes can replace white potatoes in meals.
  • To boost omega-3 intake, chia seeds can replace almonds in snacks and oatmeal.
  • For a lower-carb option, zucchini noodles can replace whole wheat pasta in dinners.

How to budget on this meal plan

Cooking for two can be economical if you focus on recipes that scale well without waste. Plan meals that use similar ingredients to reduce the number of different items you need to buy. Take advantage of sales and discounts to stock up on staples. Sharing larger portions of proteins and freezing extras can help reduce costs over time.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some snacks for two:

  • Apple slices with almond butter
  • Carrot sticks with hummus
  • Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
  • Mixed nuts and seeds
  • Whole grain crackers with cheese
  • Fruit smoothies
  • Air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For a meal plan for two, drink options include water infused with lemon or cucumber, green tea for its antioxidants, and smoothies made with a variety of fruits and vegetables for extra nutrients. Milk or fortified plant-based alternatives provide essential calcium and nutrients, and herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can aid relaxation and digestion.

How to get even more nutrients?

For a couple, preparing balanced and varied meals is key. Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu, seasoned with herbs and spices. Include a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli for essential vitamins and minerals. Add whole grains like quinoa or brown rice for fiber and energy. Finish with a serving of fresh fruit or a mixed fruit salad to add natural sweetness and additional nutrients. This approach ensures both partners enjoy nutritious and balanced meals together.

Meal plan suggestions

30-day meal plan for two

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and cheddar cheese, whole wheat toast
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli
  • Dinner: Baked salmon fillet with roasted sweet potatoes and bell peppers
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with blueberries and almonds

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with strawberries and almonds
  • Lunch: Ground beef and black bean chili with tomatoes and onions
  • Dinner: Chicken breast with brown rice and steamed carrots
  • Snack: Apple slices with cheddar cheese

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, banana, and blueberries
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and chickpeas
  • Dinner: Spaghetti with ground beef tomato sauce and a side of steamed spinach
  • Snack: Oranges and almonds

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Omelet with bell peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese
  • Lunch: Chicken breast with sweet potato mash and steamed broccoli
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and roasted carrots
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with strawberries

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Whole wheat toast with scrambled eggs and spinach
  • Lunch: Ground beef and quinoa stuffed bell peppers
  • Dinner: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
  • Snack: Banana and almonds

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with banana and almonds
  • Lunch: Salmon fillet with quinoa and steamed spinach
  • Dinner: Ground beef tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese
  • Snack: Apple slices with cheddar cheese

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, strawberries, and blueberries
  • Lunch: Chicken breast with brown rice and roasted bell peppers
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potato mash and steamed broccoli
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with blueberries

Repeat this plan 4 times.

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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.