There are plenty of delicious, affordable, and easy-to-prepare meals for one person that do not include meat. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Veggie Stir-Fry: Saute your favorite vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas) in a pan with some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice or noodles.
Caprese Salad: Layer fresh tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Chickpea Salad: Mix canned chickpeas with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite herbs.
Lentil Soup: Cook lentils with vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. Season with herbs like thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor.
Spinach and Feta Quesadilla: Fill a tortilla with sauteed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Fold it in half and cook until crispy.
Hummus and Veggie Wrap: Spread hummus on a whole-wheat tortilla and add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and shredded lettuce. Roll it up for a quick wrap.
Baked Sweet Potato: Pierce a sweet potato with a fork and bake it in the oven until tender. Top with black beans, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of yogurt.
Pasta with Pesto: Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with homemade or store-bought pesto. Add cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa and mix it with diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
Margherita Pizza: Top a store-bought pizza crust with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remember, these are just a few ideas to inspire you. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipes based on your preferences and what ingredients you have on hand. Cooking for one person can be enjoyable and allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients without breaking the bank.