31 Easy Dinners for One That Are Too Delicious to Share
We love cooking for a crowd, but some nights it’s just us on the couch with Netflix and a glass of wine. While it’s tempting to settle for a bowl of cereal when you’re eating solo, there’s plenty to be said for treating yourself. Not sure what to make? These recipes—from rice bowls to quick sandwiches to sheet pan dishes—will give you all the satisfaction of a homemade meal without a ton of leftovers. Here are 31 easy dinners for one that are well worth the (minimal) effort.
RELATED: 17 Vegetarian Recipes to Make When You’re Eating Solo
1. 10-Minute Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, nut free, vegetarian
2. Mini Chicken Shawarma
- Time Commitment: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, nut free
3. 15-Minute Mediterranean Couscous with Tuna and Pepperoncini
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, high protein, low fat, dairy free, nut free, pescatarian
4. Green Goddess Wraps
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, low carb, low fat, gluten free, nut free, pescatarian
5. Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Veggies and Sausage
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, low carb, gluten free, nut free, one pan
6. Tomato Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Herbs
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, low carb, gluten free, nut free, vegetarian
7. Mini Spanish Tortilla with Zucchini
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, gluten free, nut free, vegetarian, one pan
8. Blackberry-Peach Grilled Cheese
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, nut free, vegetarian
9. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, high protein, low carb, low fat, gluten free, nut free
10. 20-Minute Paleo Egg Roll Bowls
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, high protein, low carb, dairy free, gluten free, paleo
11. Asparagus Salmon Foil Packets
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, high protein, low carb, gluten free, nut free, pescatarian
12. Chicken Meatballs with Coconut-Herb Sauce
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, high protein, dairy free, gluten free, nut free, Whole30
13. Ginger-Pineapple Shrimp Stir-Fry
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, dairy free, gluten free
14. Make-Ahead Aloo Gobi
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, low fat, dairy free, vegan, make ahead
15. One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus and Tomatoes
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, low carb, dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian, one pan
16. Easy Homemade Calzone
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, nut free, under ten ingredients
17. Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, dairy free, vegetarian, no cook
18. Easy 5-Ingredient Corn Soup
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, gluten free, vegetarian, five ingredients
19. Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Blue Cheese and Celery
- Why We Love It: High protein, nut free
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
20. Meal-Prep Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, high protein, gluten free, make ahead
21. Easy Mexican Breakfast Pizzas with Avocado
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, low carb, gluten free, nut free, vegetarian, under ten ingredients
22. Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
- Time Commitment: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: Under 500 calories, high protein, low carb, gluten free, nut free, keto
23. Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, dairy free, pescatarian
24. Avocado Caprese Salad
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, low carb, gluten free, nut free, vegetarian, no cook, under ten ingredients
25. Linguine with Bacon, Peaches and Gorgonzola
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, nut free
26. Vegan Buddha Bowl
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: Dairy free, gluten free, vegan
27. 15-Minute Cucumber-Avocado Blender Soup
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, nut free, vegetarian
28. Salmon Bowl with Farro, Black Beans and Tahini Dressing
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, dairy free, pescatarian
29. 15-Minute Cheater’s Pad Thai
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, dairy free, gluten free
30. Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Pesto
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: High protein, dairy free, vegetarian, under ten ingredients
31. Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie for One
- Time Commitment: 17 minutes
- Why We Love It: Nut free, vegetarian, one bowl