7 Single-Serve Recipes for People Who Live Alone and Are So Sick of Leftovers

Living alone has its perks, but one common challenge is dealing with leftovers. Sometimes, you just want a fresh, single-serving meal that’s quick to make and doesn’t leave you with days of leftovers in the fridge. If you’re tired of reheating the same dish for days on end, these seven single-serve recipes are here to rescue your taste buds and make cooking for one a delightful experience.

1. Quinoa and Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup quinoa
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
2. In a small pot, bring water to a boil and add quinoa. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry until tender.
5. Add cooked quinoa to the skillet, along with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, single-serve stir-fry!

2. Mini Margherita Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 small whole wheat tortilla
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tortilla on a baking sheet.
3. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Arrange basil leaves and cherry tomato halves on the pizza.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Slice and savor your delicious mini Margherita pizza!

3. Creamy Avocado Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pasta of your choice
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy avocado sauce until well coated.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve immediately and relish the creamy goodness of this avocado pasta!

4. Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons diced bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, salsa

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potato and pierce it with a fork several times.
3. Place the sweet potato on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
4. In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, bell peppers, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Once the sweet potato is cooked, slice it open and fluff the flesh with a fork.
6. Stuff the sweet potato with the bean and vegetable mixture.
7. Add optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or salsa.
8. Enjoy your wholesome and satisfying baked stuffed sweet potato!

5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 6-8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley.
6. Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a light and flavorful meal.

6. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
2. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
4. Crumble feta cheese on top if desired.
5. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious Mediterranean chickpea salad!

7. Single-Serve Berry Crumble

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small baking dish or ramekin, place mixed berries.
3. In a bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the berries.
5. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbling.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
8. Indulge in this delightful single-serve berry crumble!

These single-serve recipes are perfect for those who live alone and crave variety without the hassle of leftovers. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory stir-fry, a comforting baked potato, or a sweet berry treat, these recipes have got you covered. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious meals tailored just for you!