Affordable and Healthy Dinner Recipes for One Person

Looking for delicious and nutritious dinner recipes that won't break the bank? Below are five budget-friendly and healthy dinner options for those cooking solo. These meals are easy to prepare and offer a variety of flavors and ingredients.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen) 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced Cooked rice or quinoa (optional)

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes. Add soy sauce and stir well. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa if desired.

Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1/2 cucumber, diced 1 small tomato, diced 1 tablespoon olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon Salt and pepper to taste Optional: herbs like parsley or cilantro

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, and tomato. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and top with fresh herbs if using.

Egg and Spinach Scramble

Ingredients:

2 eggs 1 cup fresh spinach 1 tablespoon milk (optional) Salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add spinach and sauté until wilted (about 2 minutes). In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and scramble until cooked through.

Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 cup lentils, dry 1 small onion, chopped 1 carrot, diced 1 stalk celery, diced 2 cups vegetable broth or water 1 teaspoon cumin Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes). Add lentils, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until lentils are tender.

Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

1 medium zucchini 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Spiralize the zucchini or slice it thinly to create noodles. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add zucchini noodles and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Serve with cheese if desired.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Cooking

Buy in Bulk: Purchase grains and legumes in bulk to save money. Frozen Vegetables: Use frozen vegetables, which are often cheaper and have a longer shelf life. Meal Prep: Make larger batches and save leftovers for future meals. Seasonal Produce: Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables for lower prices.

These recipes are not only healthy and inexpensive but also easy to prepare! Whether you're a busy professional or someone who enjoys cooking, these meals will keep your taste buds happy without draining your wallet.