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15 Easy Dinner Recipes Tailored for Solo Diners

Published: , Last Modifed: , Wendy See Affiliate Policy, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy links in footer

Cooking for one doesn’t have to feel uninspiring or time-consuming! Here are 15 simple and delicious recipes designed for solo diners, offering a balance between flavor, convenience, and minimal waste. Whether you’re after something comforting or light, these ideas will make dining alone a delightful experience.

The perfect grilled cheese sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwich with melted cheese on parchment paper, accompanied by a bowl of creamy tomato soup. Basil leaf garnish on the soup.
Image Credit: Chocolates and Chai.

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Crispy, golden bread, and gooey, melted cheese—there’s nothing quite like the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe shows you how to balance crunch and melt for a golden, satisfying grilled cheese. Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.

To learn more: The perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Sautéed bok choy with diced onions and chili flakes in a pan.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon.

For a quick, healthy side, this Garlic Bok Choy recipe delivers big flavor in just a few minutes. Sautéed with garlic and light seasoning, it’s a refreshing choice that pairs well with your favorite main dishes.

To learn more: Garlic Bok Choy Recipe.

Tummy Healing Soup For One

A bowl of vegetable soup featuring greens, broccoli, pasta, and garnished with sesame seeds. A white spoon rests in the bowl. The bowl sits on a floral-patterned plate.
Image Credit: Strength & Sunshine.

Feeling a little under the weather? This Tummy Healing Soup for One is packed with nourishing ingredients like ginger and turmeric to soothe your stomach and support your immune system. It’s ready in only 20 minutes!

To learn more: Tummy Healing Soup For One.

A pot of cooked penne pasta mixed with kale and a creamy tomato sauce, with a lemon half and grated cheese in bowls nearby.
Image Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

Satisfy your pasta cravings with this Red Pepper Pesto Pasta. Smoky roasted peppers and a creamy pesto sauce come together for a vibrant, flavorful dish ideal for a quick dinner.

To learn more: Red Pepper Pesto Pasta.

A plate with two tacos filled with ground meat, chopped tomatoes, broccoli, and cilantro. Nearby are bowls with additional ingredients and a halved lime on a white wooden surface.
Image Credit: Bites of Wellness.

These Black Bean Broccoli Tacos are bursting with flavor! Roasted broccoli pairs perfectly with seasoned black beans, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Add your favorite toppings to make this meal your own.

To learn more: Black Bean Broccoli Tacos.

A toasted sandwich triangle dipped into a creamy sauce in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Low Calorie Eating.

Get ready to savor every bite of this Chipotle Chicken Sandwich. It’s loaded with tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle sauce, and crisp, fresh toppings—all served on a toasted bun that completes the experience.

To learn more: Chipotle Chicken Sandwich.

A bowl of rice with grilled chicken, sliced radishes, lime wedge, and assorted vegetables on a white surface.
Image Credit: My Kitchen Love

This recipe delivers an exciting twist on fried rice! Imagine savory marinated pork combined with vibrant vegetables and pickled toppings for a flavorful meal inspired by the iconic Vietnamese banh mi.

To learn more: Banh Mi Pork Fried Rice Recipe.

Grilled meat slices arranged around a vibrant mango salsa on a white plate, garnished with lime wedges and parsley, set on a light wooden table.
Image Credit: Amy Casey Cooks

Enjoy a sweet and savory combination with this pork and mango dish. Juicy pork meets tangy mangoes for a refreshing and satisfying plate that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

To learn more: Pork With Mango.

A bowl of pasta salad with pesto, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, next to two forks on a marble surface.
Image Credit: Bites of Wellness

Creamy pesto sauce and tender artichokes come together in this Artichoke Pesto Pasta. It’s a comforting yet gourmet dish that’ll make you wish every day was Sunday supper.

To learn more: Artichoke Pesto Pasta Sunday Supper.

A bowl of Greek beans topped with crumbled feta and fresh parsley, surrounded by a blue cloth, parsley leaves, and flatbread on a white surface.
Image Credit: Hungry Healthy Happy

Hearty and flavorful, Gigantes Plaki is a traditional Greek dish featuring giant white beans slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a fantastic plant-based option with crusty bread.

To learn more: Gigantes Plaki.

A bowl of rice topped with chickpeas, carrots, and herbs on a white surface, with a fork and napkin nearby.
Image Credit: Bites of Wellness.

This Apricot Chickpea Curry is the ultimate fusion of sweet and savory. Juicy apricots mingle with heart-healthy chickpeas in a spiced sauce that’s easy to whip up for a cozy weeknight dinner.

To learn more: Apricot Chickpea Curry.

A white plate with a pile of shredded Brussels sprouts topped with grated cheese, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Image Credit: This Wife Cooks.

Take your salad game up a notch with this Brussels Sprouts Salad. It’s packed with crunch, tossed in a zesty dressing, and loaded with flavorful mix-ins like nuts and cheese—great as a side or main dish.

To learn more: Brussels Sprouts Salad.

Bowl of rice with paneer curry garnished with cilantro, served with naan on a white cloth.
Image Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

Creamy and satisfying, this Paneer Kidney Bean Coconut Curry combines soft paneer, hearty kidney beans, and a rich coconut-based sauce. It’s a quick dinner option that’ll leave you feeling nourished.

To learn more: Easy Paneer Kidney Bean Coconut Curry.

Bowl of cooked white rice garnished with green herbs, with a wooden spoon on the right, placed on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Family Dinners.

Cilantro Lime Rice is a zesty and aromatic side dish that complements almost any meal. With hints of fresh lime and cilantro, it’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate tacos, bowls, or grilled dishes.

To learn more: Cilantro Lime Rice.

A bowl of rotini pasta salad with tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and garnished with parsley.
Image Credit: Bites of Wellness.

Combine the creamy goodness of hummus with fresh veggies and hearty pasta for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. This Hummus Pasta Salad is great for lunch or meal prep.

To learn more: Hummus Pasta Salad.

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