Share
Cooking for one can often be a challenging task. Whether you're a busy professional, a student living alone, or simply prefer to enjoy a quiet meal by yourself, it can sometimes feel like a daunting endeavour to prepare a satisfying dinner for just one person. The thought of cooking a full meal may seem like too much effort, leading many individuals to opt for quick and often unhealthy options. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can whip up delicious and easy dinner recipes that are perfectly portioned for one.
Cooking for yourself can be a rewarding experience, and with these easy dinner ideas designed for one person, you can enjoy delicious and well-balanced meals without any hassle. Embrace the opportunity to explore new flavours, experiment with ingredients, and treat yourself to a homemade dinner that is tailored just for you.
Here are 6 hassle-free, single-portion recipes that will make cooking for yourself an enjoyable experience.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the quinoa.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently until well mixed. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve chilled and enjoy a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Teriyaki Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the teriyaki sauce evenly over the salmon.
- Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the vegetables around the salmon on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the teriyaki salmon with roasted vegetables and savour the flavours of a well-balanced meal.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 slices tomato
- 2 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the chicken breast horizontally, but not all the way through, creating a pocket.
- Season the inside of the pocket with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and basil leaves.
- Secure the pocket with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the stuffed chicken breast on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken and serve with a side of your choice.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the penne pasta and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chickpea Curry with Rice:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
- Add the curry powder and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the skillet, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the chickpeas and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Serve the chickpea curry over cooked rice and enjoy a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Personal Margherita Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 premade pizza crust (or naan)
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180 C
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Tear a few basil leaves and distribute them on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for the recommended time on the pizza crust package, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking for yourself can be a rewarding experience, and with these easy dinner recipes designed for one person, you can enjoy delicious and well-balanced meals without any hassle. Embrace the opportunity to explore new flavours, experiment with ingredients, and treat yourself to a homemade dinner that is tailored just for you. Bon appétit!
