Home › Cooking for One Articles › Vegetarian Recipes For One
By Joanie Zisk
on Feb 14, 2021, Updated Feb 12, 2024
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Are you on the lookout for delicious, vegetarian recipes that are perfect for a single serving? Look no further! In this post, we’ve compiled a fantastic selection of meatless recipes that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian, someone who loves Meatless Mondays, or just seeking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are sure to impress.
From the simplicity of Eggplant Parmesan to the exotic flavors of Chickpea Curry, each dish is a testament to the versatility and richness of vegetarian cooking. Perfect for anyone cooking for one, these recipes are also easily adaptable for two. Let’s explore why these meatless wonders will soon become your go-to favorites!
We offer a delightful selection of single serving classic side dishes that pair wonderfully with our range of single serving and small batch vegetarian main courses. Imagine savoring the sweetness of a mini Cornbread, the crusty delight of a small loaf of French Bread, the fresh crunch of Sautéed Green Beans, or the tender, caramelized goodness of Roasted Carrots. And for a sweet finale, indulge in a decadent single serve Chocolate Lava Cake or a tempting small batch of Brownies. Each of these dishes is crafted to complement your meal perfectly, adding an extra layer of flavor and satisfaction to your dining experience.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Meatless Recipes
- Vegetarian Meal Prep And Storage Guide: Easy Tips For Meatless Dishes
- Single Serving Vegetarian Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You’ll Love These Meatless Recipes
- Healthier Choices: Embracing meatless meals like these can lead to a healthier lifestyle. These recipes are designed to be nutritious, incorporating a variety of vegetables and protein-rich alternatives.
- Easy and Convenient: These recipes are straightforward and use common ingredients. They are perfect for busy individuals or those new to meatless cooking.
- Flexible Serving Sizes: Originally crafted for single servings, these recipes can effortlessly be doubled. They cater to everyone from those cooking for one to couples.
- Diverse Flavors: From the rich, comforting layers of Eggplant Parmesan to the spicy kick of Chickpea Curry, these dishes offer a wide range of flavors to keep your meals exciting.
- Cookware Recommendations: Each recipe includes specific baking dish recommendations, ensuring your meals turn out perfect every time. Plus, they link to our Bakeware and Cookware pages for easy reference.
Related: The Best Small Baking Dishes
Vegetarian Meal Prep And Storage Guide: Easy Tips For Meatless Dishes
Adopting a vegetarian lifestyle or simply incorporating more meatless meals into your diet can be both exciting and a bit daunting. With the right meal prep and storage tips, you can enjoy a plethora of flavors and nutrients, all in perfect single servings. Here’s how you can master the art of preparing and storing single serving vegetarian meals:
Smart Single Serving Meal Planning
- Varied Mini Menus: Plan a balanced mix of recipes for the week. Include a variety of grains, proteins, and veggies to keep your meals interesting and nutritious.
- Prep Portions Right: Cook ingredients like quinoa, white rice, brown rice, or pasta in small batches. This way, you avoid leftovers and enjoy freshly cooked meals every time.
Efficient Ingredient Preparation
- Chop and Store: Pre-chop vegetables and store them in small containers or ziplock bags. They’re then ready to throw into a pan or pot, saving you prep time during busy weekdays.
- Ready-to-Use Proteins: Pre-cook small portions of proteins like lentils or chickpeas. They’re easy to add to salads, wraps, or quick stir-fries.
Storing Fresh Produce
- Small Batches: Buy fresh produce in smaller quantities to ensure they remain fresh until you use them, reducing waste.
- Right Storage Techniques: Utilize your fridge’s crisper drawer for leafy greens and herbs, and store items like onions and potatoes in a cool, dry place.
Storing Leftovers
- Portion Control: If you do have leftovers, store them in individual portion-sized containers. They make for an easy grab-and-go meal option.
- Label Wisely: Label your leftovers with dates to keep track of what needs to be eaten first, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Freezing Single Servings
- Freezer-Friendly Meals: Prepare freezer-friendly dishes in single servings. Soups, stews, and casseroles are great options.
- Airtight Containers: Use small, airtight containers or freezer bags to store your meals, maximizing space and keeping food fresh.
Creative Use Of Leftovers
- Reinvent Your Meals: Transform leftovers into a completely new dish. Yesterday’s grilled vegetables can become today’s taco filling or pizza topping.
- Salad Toppings: Leftover grains or beans are perfect to toss into a fresh salad for a quick and nutritious meal.
Single Serving Vegetarian Recipes
Creamy Vegetable Soup For One
5 from 7 votes
Creamy vegetable soup is simple to make, healthy, and comforting. Packed with vegetables, this soup makes the perfect single serving meal. Ready in minutes!
Vegetable Soup Recipe
Mini Eggplant Parmesan
4.93 from 27 votes
Cook up a delightful, easy to make, Mini Eggplant Parmesan in just 30 minutes! Perfect for small gatherings or treating yourself!
Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Pasta Primavera For One
5 from 3 votes
Enjoy a classic single serving of Pasta Primavera, featuring al dente pasta, roasted vegetables, and a light buttery parmesan sauce. This easy, delicious, and healthy meal is perfect for any pasta lover. Simple ingredients, delightful flavors – try it today!
Pasta Primavera Recipe
Sweet Potato And Black Bean Salad For One
5 from 7 votes
Create a delightful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad in just a few simple steps. A perfect, nutritious single serving meal that's easy and quick to prepare.
View Recipe
Black Bean Soup For One
4.84 from 6 votes
This black bean soup is easy to make with canned beans combined with fresh ingredients. Cooks in just 30 minutes, this vegan and vegetarian soup is healthy and so delicious!
Black Bean Soup Recipe
Pesto Pasta For One
5 from 2 votes
Cook up a delicious and satisfying single serving of pesto pasta in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe is perfect when you're craving a quick and easy meal. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish, and you can enjoy it warm or cold! Use our simple homemade pesto recipe or keep it simple and use store-bought.
Pesto Pasta Recipe
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos For One
4.80 from 5 votes
Indulge in Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos for a spicy, vegetarian delight. Quick & easy to make, this recipe will satisfy your cravings in no time!
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos Recipe
Caprese Pasta For One
Enjoy our quick, single-serving Caprese pasta, filled with fresh tomatoes, garlic, creamy mozzarella, and basil. Ready in just 20 minutes for a satisfying meal.
Caprese Pasta Recipe
Vegetable Casserole For One
4.92 from 12 votes
Single serving casserole with vegetables tossed in olive oil, seasonings, shredded cheese and baked in the oven. Bakes in 30 minutes.
Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Baked Penne With Roasted Vegetables For One
5 from 11 votes
Indulge in a single serving Baked Penne loaded with roasted vegetables, a trio of cheeses, and rich marinara. Easy steps and totally customizable!
Baked Penne Recipe
Potato Gnocchi For One
5 from 2 votes
Easy step-by-step recipe for making a small batch of light and tender potato gnocchi. Made with just 4 ingredients, this incredibly delicious Italian dish can be enjoyed with many different sauces.
Potato Gnocchi Recipe
Caprese Salad For One
5 from 1 vote
Whip up a fresh, easy single serving Caprese Salad! Perfect for a light meal, this recipe combines ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Quick & tasty!
Caprese Salad Recipe
Vegetable Soup For One
5 from 15 votes
Hearty and delicious homemade vegetable soup ready in just 30 minutes! Packed with vegetables, this single serving soup tastes much better than canned soup!
Vegetable Soup Recipe
Baked Black Bean Tacos For One
5 from 8 votes
Quick and healthy single-serving Black Bean Tacos recipe: vegetarian, gluten-free, and packed with Mexican flavors. Perfect for an easy, tasty meal. Ready in 20 minutes!
Baked Black Bean Tacos Recipe
Small Batch Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
5 from 2 votes
You'll love this flavor-packed Mediterranean quinoa salad with feta, fresh vegetables, and salty olives. Enjoy this quinoa salad as a side next to your favorite entree or as a hearty lunch. It's a simple and healthy small batch vegetarian recipe.
Quinoa Salad Recipe
Spinach Manicotti For One
4.89 from 9 votes
Delight in Spinach Manicotti For One, with two noodles stuffed with creamy ricotta, spinach, and cheese. An easy, satisfying cheesy dinner for one!
Spinach Manicotti Recipe
Buttered Noodles For One
5 from 21 votes
Easy buttered noodles made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and plenty of butter. It's the ultimate pasta pleasure!
Buttered Noodles Recipe
Portobello Mushroom Pizza
5 from 7 votes
One portobello mushroom cap makes an excellent low carb pizza crust. Top with cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. Low in carbs, easy, and delicious!
Mushroom Pizza Recipe
Ratatouille For One
5 from 8 votes
Ratatouille single-pan vegetable stew ready in 20 minutes with onions, zucchini, sweet red pepper, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs and spices.
Ratatouille Recipe
Vegetarian Enchiladas For One
5 from 9 votes
Easy to assemble Vegetarian Enchiladas For One! Seasoned vegetables and black beans are sandwiched between corn tortillas and cheese. The ingredients are layered, casserole style in a small baking dish. Topped with salsa and cheese, this wonderful single serving meal can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe
Twice Baked Eggplant
4.85 from 53 votes
Indulge in this Twice Baked Eggplant, a creamy and cheesy dish that's both comforting and nutritious. Perfect for low carb and traditional diets alike.
Twice Baked Eggplant Recipe
Green Curry For One
4.88 from 8 votes
Quick and customizable Thai Green Curry recipe for one. Choose from vegetarian, chicken, or seafood to enjoy a Thai inspired meal at home.
Green Curry Recipe
Crustless Asparagus Quiche For One
4.95 from 20 votes
Create an easy, delicious Crustless Asparagus Quiche in a single serving size, perfect for any meal. A simple, nutritious recipe for a delightful dish.
Curried Carrot Soup For One
4.74 from 15 votes
Enjoy Curried Carrot Soup in less than 30 minutes: sweet carrots, curry spices, and coconut milk create a creamy, quick gourmet meal.
Carrot Soup Recipe
Saag Paneer For One
5 from 6 votes
Explore our easy single serving Saag Paneer Recipe. Perfectly portioned, healthy, and full of flavor. Great for a quick, satisfying meal.
Saag Paneer Recipe
Cheesy Baked Eggs For One
4.87 from 106 votes
Enjoy a fast, savory single-serve Cheesy Baked Eggs recipe. Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Simple ingredients & customizable!
Baked Eggs Recipe
Penne alla Vodka For One
5 from 18 votes
Quick and easy, single serving penne alla vodka – Tender pasta tossed in a rich and creamy tomato and vodka sauce. A restaurant quality meal that takes minutes to make.
Pasta With Vodka Sauce Recipe
Chickpea Curry For One
4.95 from 20 votes
Quickly prepare a flavorful Chickpea Curry in 20 minutes! A delightful dish with rich spices, creamy coconut milk, and hearty chickpeas.
Chickpea Curry Recipe
Easy Mac and Cheese For One
4.93 from 67 votes
Indulge in a bowl of creamy, cheesy bliss with our Easy Mac and Cheese For One. Quick, adaptable, and irresistibly delicious. Made on the stovetop, this recipe can be ready in minutes.
Mac and Cheese Recipe
Vegetarian Chili For One
5 from 5 votes
This easy vegetarian chili recipe will be a favorite of both meat eaters and vegetarians. It's made with convenient canned beans and can be ready in 20 minutes. Hearty, healthy, and incredibly delicious!
Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Spinach Orzo Salad For One
4.94 from 16 votes
Prepare a Spinach Orzo Salad for a perfect single serving meal! Enjoy a tasty mix of orzo, spinach, feta, and olives in a simple balsamic dressing.
Orzo Salad Recipe
Easy Avocado Toast
5 from 1 vote
Breakfast couldn't be any easier with this delicious Avocado Toast recipe. A slice of toasted bread topped with mashed avocado, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Easy to make and healthy too. Top with a tomato slices or an egg if desired.
Avocado Toast Recipe
Related: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add meat to these vegetarian recipes?
While they’re crafted to be enjoyed as vegetarian meals, you’re welcome to add meat if you’d like.
Are these recipes vegan-friendly?
Many of these meatless meals are inherently vegan, while others can be easily adapted with plant-based substitutes.
How can I add more protein to vegetarian dishes?
There are several ways to increase the protein content in vegetarian meals. Consider adding plant-based protein sources like quinoa, tofu, tempeh, or edamame. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds or chia seeds, are also great options for boosting protein.
Related: Cooking For One Tips To Eat Healthy And Save Money
As we wrap up our journey through these delightful single serving vegetarian recipes, we hope you feel inspired to try them out in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just dipping your toes into meatless cooking, these dishes are designed to bring simplicity, nutrition, and variety to your meals.
Remember, the joy of cooking lies in experimentation, so feel free to tweak these recipes to suit your taste and dietary needs. Don’t forget to utilize our meal prep and storage tips to make your culinary experience even more seamless. We can’t wait for you to enjoy these dishes – each bite is a step towards a healthier, more flavorful lifestyle. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious, meatless meals ahead!
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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.
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8 Comments
Must add my thanks for your wonderful recipes for one. You have made it so easy, and whilst visiting your site I am finding so many helpful tips and ideas can’t wait to get my hands on your recipe book. Have tried your baked vegetables – Yummy. Know I will love your Crustless quiche Lorraine. I am a type 2 insulin dependant diabetic and have discovered you just in time to help me live a more healthy lifestyle. One again many thanks and I look forward to many more of your cooking for one recipes.
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I’m so glad you found us, Joy and am happy to know that you find the recipes helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.
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Many, many, many thanks for your recipes! It’s difficult to cook for one and you’ve made it so much easier! Your Curried Carrot Soup is excellent! I can’t wait to try the other recipes! Thank you again so much and keep up the awesome work! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Karen. I am so happy you are enjoying the recipes. If you have a favorite recipe that you would like to see made into a single serving version, please let me know. I would love to create a recipe for you.
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So tasty!! Definitely pinning this–thank you!
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I will have to save these. I love anything with shrimp in it. I am trying to eat one dinner a week without meat but its so hard!!
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Joanie,
I have decided to let you know just how much this site means to me. There are millions of sites that give recipes but not any for one or two person meals. I have been cooking my entire life and this last 5 years with only me i end up tossing out so much food and you only have so much room in the freezer, plus large means mean lots of eating the same thing for days on end. I lost the love of my life after 57 years to dementia and it’s been a nightmare for me as it never seems to stop with new things when your living alone and no relatives or help. Now at 78 I have been diagnosed with cancer and it will be even more helpful to have these recipes for one. Thank you so very, very much for all the hard work you do to bring us these recipes and your blog.
Darr
Sun CIty, ArizonaReply
Hi Darr,
Your note means the world to me. Thank you so much for sharing how much you are enjoying the recipes. I’m so sorry for your loss and I can only imagine how difficult it must be to not have any relatives close by to help with things. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate through your cancer journey. Please keep me posted.Joanie
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