What’s on the Menu?
Whether you’re indulging alone or expecting company, everyone deserves a good dinner. The possibilities are truly endless, but certain dishes pair better with solo diners while others work best with couples. Let’s sink our teeth into yummy, easy meals both.
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1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Just about any pasta dish can be for one, but we like simplistic recipes best. Spaghetti aglio e olio is quite literally just garlic and olive oil with noodles, which is perfect for single people who don’t have a lot of ingredients. You can also toss in red pepper flakes or fresh parm for an added flavor boost.
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2. Grilled Cheese
Though we love classic grilled cheese sandwiches, the beauty lies in their versatility. Take your sandwich to the next level by adding spice medleys, sautéed spinach, or even various cheeses. You can also use mayo on the outside instead of butter.
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3. Salmon With Veggies
Salmon’s often sold in single servings, an ideal choice for solo diners. Coat filets in your favorite seasoning or douse salmon steaks in a maple glaze. Either way, you’ll get a healthy dinner full of omega-3 fatty acids—and a side of veggies only ups the benefits.
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4. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers might be a classic dinner party choice, but you can still indulge. The good news is that bell peppers are often sold solo, so you don’t have to grab more than one or two. The dish’s versatility also allows you to experiment with stuffing, which helps avoid leftovers.
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5. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
There’s nothing quite like a Caesar salad. Though it’s not the healthiest option, it’s still a simple dinner-for-one. Just about everyone loves a bed of greens slathered in creamy sauce and topped with bacon bits—just don’t forget the grilled chicken and fresh parm.
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6. Stir-Fry Dishes
Stir fries are whatever you make them, which is why they’re so appealing! Get your protein, get your vegetable, and top it all off with your desired sauce and seasoning. Use anything from chicken and tofu to broccoli and snap peas.
7. Lemon Shrimp
Lemon garlic shrimp doesn’t need more than a handful of ingredients. Grab butter, lemon juice, olive oil, and jumbo shrimp (among other things) to tie this dish together. Red pepper flakes also give it a dash of spice.
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8. Soups
When you picture soup you probably picture a big pot, but this classic comfort food is a surprisingly good solo dinner. Single servings are really about ingredient adjustments, leaving you with a perfect bowl and no leftovers.
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9. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is delicious, healthy, and easy to prepare. All you really need is mashed avocado topped with cherry tomatoes, eggs, and a sprinkling of seasoning. You nab all the nutrients and healthy fats without all the calories.
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10. Lettuce Wraps
If you need protein-rich meal that’s low in carbs, turn to lettuce wraps. Stuff lettuce shells with lean protein like turkey or tuna and then top with your favorite veggies. They’re a quick, healthy solution for busy home cooks.
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On the other hand, certain dishes just pair better with couples—here are a few of our favorites.
1. Homemade Sushi
It probably won’t look the same as professional rolls, but homemade sushi is fun to make together. Surprisingly, simple rolls don’t need more than basic ingredients like fresh fish, rice, veggies, and nori (seaweed sheets). You’ll also want soy sauce for dipping.
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2. Lasagna
Lasagna is best shared, especially when you make it together. No couple can resist this traditional pasta dish of layered noodles and cheese—and why would you want to? Served alongside garlic bread, lasagna never disappoints.
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3. Chicken Alfredo
Something about chicken Alfredo screams “couple’s night out.” Now it’s time to bring the magic to your dining room. This simple dinner only needs Alfredo sauce, fettuccine, and grilled chicken to come to life, but be sure to add the steamed broccoli, too.
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4. Cobb Salad
You don’t really want to wolf down Cobb salad on your own, which is where your beau comes in. A garden salad that’s practically breakfast in a bowl, this loaded dish is best split among partners in crime (so long as you agree about blue cheese).
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5. Pan-Seared Scallops
Break out the seafood—it’s time for a night in! Serve seared scallops with a lemon butter sauce and lay them atop a bed of greens. It’s a quick dish that’s restaurant-quality and perfect for date night.
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6. Homemade Pizza
Who knows what fun you’ll have making pizza together? From tossing the dough to pepperoni happy faces, homemade pizza is the ultimate couples food. Of course, you can also opt for store-bought dough and focus your prowess on the toppings.
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7. Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Stuffed chicken breasts are hearty, tasty, and best reserved for two. Given that you’ll stuff the breasts with spinach and cheese, the meal can get pretty filling…and that’s before the potato and veggie sides.
8. Garlic Butter Steak
Nothing gets mouths watering quite like steak. If you’re not in the mood to dump a pay check on one, sear them up at home. Top them with a garlic and herb butter and serve with mashed potatoes for a classic dinner.
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9. Tacos
Tacos for two, please! Not only does date night eliminate leftovers, but it’s just better to indulge with a partner. Keep tradition alive with ground beef or opt for something healthier like lean turkey. You’re then good to go with a little shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
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10. Burger Dishes
Whether it’s turkey burgers or juicy ground beef, burgers are a staple. There’s no reason to leave them out on date night either. Grab them pre-made or make them at home—either way, it’s a simple dinner that doesn’t need much time or many ingredients.
