Here are 7 dinner recipes for one, because usually that’s ALL you need
If you love a home-cooked dinner but just can’t be bothered to get busy in the kitchen at the end of the day on your own, you’re about to have your mind blown. There are actually so many delicious things you can make for yourself, in a matter of minutes, even if there’s nobody around to enjoy it with you. Whether you’ve got some time on your hands or you’re in a rush to get something delicious and nutritious into your tummy, there are plenty of options for you.
When you’re cooking dinner just for yourself, remember that you have to sift through which recipes will actually work. For example, you might want to steer clear of that big roast chicken or large shepherd’s pie, since those are dishes that require a lot of ingredients and a whole lot of time, and a lot of it may go to waste since it’s just you sitting down at the table at the end of the night. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best choices out there from some of our favorite food blogs — so all you have to do is show up to your kitchen, without doing all the tedious research.
Here are seven dinners for one that will make your taste buds dance.
1. Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl
Recipes like this (from Love and Lemons) are a cinch to put together, and you can adjust the amount of ingredients based on how hungry you are. This dinner has got pretty much everything you need to end your night on a healthy note — veggies, protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. There’s no way you won’t fall head over heels for this combo of distinct flavors and textures.
2. Midnight Asparagus and Eggs
As you can see, this recipe from Back to Her Roots is meant to serve two. But plus ones are overrated, and you can easily cut this down to suit just you. If you’re not used to eating eggs for dinner, this recipe will be a lovely introduction to the breakfast-for-dinner trend you need to get on board with. Plus, it’s an outrageously easy way to sneak in some more veggies to your diet.
3. Lemon Avocado Edamame Sandwich
Before you ask: Yes, of course you can have a sandwich for dinner! This recipe is perfect for you when you don’t feel like putting too much effort into your meal, yet you want something fresh and unique. Love and Lemons brings you this recipe and you won’t have to deal with any leftovers after the whole dinner is said and done, because it’s super easy to quarter the recipe (which serves four).
4. Nutty Black Bean Sriracha Noodles
Here’s the quick rundown on this ridiculously simple recipe from Fo Reals Life: Just cook as many noodles as you feel like eating. Then toss in the ingredients for the sauce into a blender and pour the mixture on top of your cooked noodles. Voila! You’ve got a nutty, chewy, healthy bowl of Asian noodles with a spicy twist.
5. Skillet Garlic Balsamic Chicken
Honestly, it should be a crime how effortless this dinner is, considering how wildly tasty it is. Set aside however much chicken you feel like eating and you’re ready to make a one-pan wonder in less than half an hour. Doesn’t it look creamy and flavorful? Thanks to Cookies and Cups, dinnertime just got a whole lot sexier.
6. Black Bean Chipotle Stuffed Sweet Potato
We can’t get enough of what Love and Lemons has to offer. They’re back again with yet another bomb diggity recipe that’s perfect for those nights when you’re flying solo. All you’ve got to do is stick one sweet potato in the oven to roast while you toss together the chipotle filling. Stuff it in and snuggle up on the couch to enjoy.
7. Meyer Lemon Pizza with Brussels Sprouts
This yummy dinner from Naturally Ella takes a bit more time and effort, admittedly, but we have a feeling it’s worth every single second. It looks like this pizza was meant to be for just one person (doesn’t look big enough to share to us, anyway), so you might as well indulge in it all on your own.