Of all the perks of cooking for one, I think my favorite is choosing whatever i want. Advertising — at its best. Depending on my appetite, I’ll throw together balanced cereal bowl, high butter toastor one simple salad. Other times, a large part of Rolled oats on top of greek yogurt or cheese will do. Most nights, however, we eat dinner as a family. It’s an opportunity to connect, create healthy eating habitsand enjoy what’s in season.
But when the stars align, I like to eat alone. As a toddler mom, that feels so luxurious. Whether you’re empathetic, live alone, or eat differently from roommates, let’s explore 15 simple vegetarian meals for one person. Psst, even if you’re not vegetarian, these are the ones worth bookmarking!
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
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5 strategies for cooking alone
Cooking is an act of love yourself. It is the basic form of daily nutrition, different from good night sleep. That said, most cookbooks—and recipes on the internet—are not for one person. Inevitably, you’re left with enough leftovers to feed a mob. While one the freezer is full To be handy (and hungry neighbors will always appreciate it half a dozen cookies!), there is something to be said about minimizing leftovers. From the way you shop for groceries — to how you prepare your food and choose your meals — there are strategic ways to cook for one. Plus, these tips will lighten your load and save you money. Winning victory.
1. Smart Securities
Keep ingredients on hand long shelf life. Usually, these lend themselves to use as much – or as little – as you need. This is the key for a single chef! Stabilizing options on the shelf include pasta, rice, beans, lentils, olive oil, maple syrup, nut butter, balsamic vinegar, and dairy-free milk. Most canned goods (soups, diced green peppers, artichoke hearts, palm hearts, etc.)
For refrigerated items, think eggs, canned minced garlic, olives, dijon mustard, lemons, limes, apples, etc. For ready-to-use produce, squash, onions, and potatoes will leave for several weeks (or months) in a cool, dark place.
2. Meal plan
This goes without saying, but meal plan is king. If you’re new to meal planning, it’s a game changer—especially as a solo cook. While you may be tempted to buy a wide variety of products, get more ready-made blueberries, etc., more or less. Instead, choose a variety of smaller vegetables that can be used in many recipes (so you don’t get bored with just one or two meals!). For example, planning to buy bell peppers, onions, carrots, and spinach — all of which can be used in Quiche, tacos, pasta, soupand more.
3. Regenerating Pure Protein
Most of us don’t care about the day and date of the same leftovers (cooking alone, or not). Therefore, it is best to prepare ingredients that can be used in many different ways. For example, get a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Toss it in a sandwich, cereal bowl or Soup. Same goes for tofu. Whip the simple baked tofu and add it protein packed salad or wrap.
Other versatile proteins: chicken sausage (shredded and added to salads and pasta), steak (added to salads, tacos, and sandwiches), and tempeh (fried dishes, cereal bowls, etc.). The key is to prepare your protein source with minimal seasoning—oil, sea salt, and pepper—so you can make it up by the end of the week.
4. Frozen shopping
Frozen products are a gift that keeps on giving. Boil, steam, sauté or add fruits and vegetables to smoothies, soups, frittatas, fajitas or oatmeal. When it comes to easy vegetarian meals for one person, the freezer is your best friend. You can use what you need and put the rest in the freezer without worrying about it going to waste. Take advantage of Freeze your herbs, also! Last but not least, frozen shopping is one of the best ways to save money on organic products.
5. End the week with a creative twist
At the end of the week, you’re probably looking at an almost empty refrigerator. In addition to a few carrots, sauce, tortillas, and half a piece of tofu, you can get your lunch delivered quickly. Instead, here’s your gentle motivation to think outside the box.
If you have a can of garbanzo beans, olive oil, lemon, and garlic on hand, quickly blend the hummus mixture into your blender. Serve it with whatever fresh veggies you have, along with cheese, crackers, and a handful of nuts. Lunch is served. Frittatas also very good for this. Turn on your favorite music, flip through your favorite cookbooks for details, and set a timer for 20 minutes. See what you can assemble.
15 simple vegetarian meals for one person
Needless to say, here are the coveted vegetarian meals. You can whip these with minimal ingredients (and some take just a few minutes!). A grilled cheese connoisseur has never tasted so good.
Mix and match lunch cereal bowls
Made from hearty products and pantry staples, say hello to your new favorite lunch. These bowls are perfect when you have some random leftovers to polish.
Sunday night avocado toast
The process takes less than 10 minutes, start to finish. If you don’t eat eggs, have dry tofu or a piece of your favorite non-dairy cheese.
Tomato, avocado and cucumber salad
You can easily cut this refreshing recipe in half! Fresh herbs and Feta compliment the simplicity of sweet tomatoes, ripe avocados and moisturizing cucumbers. This is the epitome of a (not) sad table lunch.
Bhutta Corn Masala Salad
Complex in taste, this recipe is simple to put together. Keep the same or use less corn. This salad makes a delicious leftover with scrambled eggs or toasted tempeh.
Kale Sourdough Panzanella
When it comes to easy vegetarian meals for one, this panzanella is the crème de la crème. Overall, this dish is refreshing and full of vegetables, but with extra bread and cheese. It’s the perfect way to use a south-facing loaf.
Hummus and Greens Bowl
With or without hard-boiled eggs, this bowl of greens and hummus is packed with fiber, antioxidants and, of course, flavor. You can use any vegetables you have on hand. Make hummus from scratch or buy it pre-made — and don’t forget your seed!
Crispy roasted sweet potato
Ultimate comfort food (requires very few ingredients). Sweet and savory, these always succeed. You can top them with non-dairy cheese, hummus, tahini, butter, etc — the sky’s limit. Roasting a batch of sweet potatoes will provide many delicious meals throughout the week.
Cumin Chickpea Salad with Mint Chutney
Contrary to its ingredient list, this chickpea salad comes together quickly. It made it to our list of easy vegetarian meals for one because not only is it delicious and high in protein, but you can make mint chutney ahead of time! In addition, you can use chutney in many other recipes: mixed with rice, mixed with lentils, soaked with potatoes, etc.
Amaranth porridge with fig leaves and papaya
We love the breakfast moment for lunch (or dinner!). Sweet or savory, let your cravings speak for themselves. Porridge recipes are a miracle for solo cooks, as you can make as much – or as little – as you need. While most recipes call for oats – a great, nutritious choice – this dish uses millet and amaranth for a tasty and delicious side dish.
Grilled Vegetable Pasta
While this recipe tastes even better the next day, you can cut it in half or eat it whole in one serving. Inspired by ratatouille, vegetables cook together in a pan and are mixed with pasta for a simple and satisfying meal.
Vegetarian quiche
Using the pastries and veggies of your choice, this is the perfect recipe when you have minimal ingredients on hand. Think: a handful of eggs and wilted products. Enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Spring rice salad
Rice salad is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. And it’s so addicting, you’ll want to eat it all week! Using a combination of pantry staples, frozen peas, and a few fresh ingredients, this is one of the best easy vegetarian meals for one.
Pesto Pasta Primavera
This pesto pasta dish is the ultimate one-pot pasta recipe. It’s quick and easy, so delicious, and filled with fresh summer vegetables. Cut this recipe in half or share with hungry neighbors!
Vegan Chorizo Tacos
Prepare your palate for this mouthwatering chorizo tacos. Plus, the filling can be mixed with rice, in a salad, or on a bowl of cereal. Chorizo oil is the star of the show and you can easily hit it ahead of time.
Ice Cream Polenta Bowls
Got a food processor? Make these whipped cream bowls. Although this recipe may look a bit fancy for a weekday dinner, all finished at once. To make it more solo cook-friendly, cut the recipe in half. You can also store polenta in the freezer for up to three months!
