5 Eco-Friendly Singles Valentine’s Day Recipes for the Perfect One-Person Party

Every year on Valentine's Day, couples from around the globe express their love for one another with sweet nothings, curated gifts, or sinfully delicious desserts. But for those who are flying solo, February 14th means pushing aside piles of cards with red hearts, boxed chocolates, and stuffed teddy bears. Luckily, this year, you can say goodbye to the usual two-people V-Day activities and start new solo traditions, like cooking solo and pampering yourself with a nice home-cooked meal. More than that, since we are all in a committed relationship with the planet, we ensured the following recipes are sustainable, meaning they produce as little waste as possible. So, are you ready to get started with our eco-friendly singles Valentine's Day recipes? Cue the small pots and pans!

Bacon Lettuce Chickpea Salad

Crisp • Savory • Vinaigrette-Kissed
Serves: 2–3
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Even though it sticks to just a handful of flavors, this salad still manages to delight with the likes of savory bacon and a tangy vinaigrette. The roasted garlic chickpeas serve as stand-in croutons, making the salad a tad fancier and Valentine's Day-worthy.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Chickpeas:

• 1 cup dehydrated garbanzo beans
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Salad:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 4–5 slices)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Chickpeas:
   Add dehydrated garbanzo beans to a small pot and cover with water.
   Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30–35 minutes or until fork-tender.
   Drain well.

2. Roast the Chickpeas:
   Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
   Spread in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

3. Cook the Bacon:
   While chickpeas roast, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop once cooled.

4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
   Add the chopped romaine, roasted chickpeas, and bacon. Toss to coat evenly.

5. Serve Immediately:
   Best served fresh while the chickpeas are still warm and crispy.

Ramenara (Ramen Carbonara)

Creamy • Decadent • Solo-Friendly
Serves: 1–2
Total Time: ~20 minutes

Combining ramen's single-serving convenience and carbonara's deliciousness, this fusion dish is the perfect choice for a decadent yet eco-friendly singles Valentine's Day meal. And since you don't have anyone but yourself to impress with this meal, we recommend swapping the usual pancetta with sausage bits.

Ingredients:

• 2 packets instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• ¾ cup cooked sausage, crumbled (use your favorite pork, turkey, or chicken sausage)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:
   Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions—do not add the seasoning packets.
   Before draining, reserve 3 tablespoons of the starchy noodle water.
   Drain the noodles and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce Base:
   In a bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, Parmesan cheese, and the reserved noodle water until smooth. Set aside.

3. Cook the Sausage:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   Add crumbled sausage and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until browned and slightly crispy.

4. Combine and Serve:
   Toss the warm noodles with the sausage and pour in the egg-cheese mixture.
   Stir continuously off the heat until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
   Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Make sure the noodles are hot but not steaming when mixing in the egg sauce—this prevents scrambling.
• Top with extra cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.

Baked Chicken & Gnocchi with Creamy Pesto

Comforting • Creamy • Effortlessly Elegant
Serves: 2
Total Time: ~40 minutes

When you think of pesto, chances are you think of pasta. But in this innovative recipe, pesto dresses up a simple bake of chicken and gnocchi, proving it's as versatile as ever. Despite its fancy looks, the dish also requires little effort, so you can spend more time pampering yourself than cooking for a group or doing any other typical Valentine's Day couples' activity.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup refrigerated gnocchi
• ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 3 tablespoons dried onions (or ¼ cup finely chopped fresh onion)
• ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ tablespoon heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons toasted almonds (or substitute with pine nuts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. Sauté the Chicken:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   Add the diced chicken, dried onions, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.

3. Deglaze and Simmer:
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
   Pour in the white wine and simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3–4 minutes.

4. Add Liquids & Gnocchi:
   Stir in the stock and cream. Bring to a light simmer, then add the gnocchi.
   Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove and let cool slightly.

6. Make the Pesto:
   In a blender or food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, and toasted almonds.
   Add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.

7. Finish and Serve:
   Spoon the pesto over the warm chicken and gnocchi, then stir gently to combine.
   Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Chocolate Chip Banana Mug Cake

Fast • Cozy • Single-Serve
Serves: 1
Total Time: ~5 minutes

The best part about this recipe (besides being ready in under 5 minutes) is that it doesn't require any special equipment. All you need is a heat proof mug and a microwave. Plus, the ingredients are measured to the tee, so a) it's destined for solo nibbling, and b) it's zero waste. Could it get any better?

Ingredients:

• ½ cup freeze-dried bananas
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• ¼ cup self-raising flour
• 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon pecans, crushed
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream (for topping)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the Bananas:
   Add the freeze-dried bananas to a small bowl and cover with warm water.
   Soak for 15 minutes, then drain and gently squeeze out excess liquid.

2. Mash and Mix:
   Transfer bananas to a microwave-safe 350ml (12 oz) mug. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth.
   Add vegetable oil, milk, and egg. Beat together until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Stir in flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until no dry patches remain.
   Fold in chocolate chips and crushed pecans.

4. Microwave:
   Microwave on high for 3 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when touched. (Microwave times may vary slightly.)

5. Top and Serve:
   Spoon whipped cream over the warm mug cake and enjoy immediately.

Tips:

• Add a dash of vanilla or nutmeg for extra flavor.
• For a gooey center, press an extra piece of chocolate into the middle before microwaving.

Cherry Sidecar Cocktail

Fruity • Boozy • Valentine’s-Ready
Serves: 1
Total Time: ~20 minutes

Sip on this super sweet sidecar cocktail to make this singles Valentine's Day even more special. Adding cherries to the drink makes it a tad more sweet than usual. Plus, its flavor pairs well with the ramenara and chicken bake we shared before.

Ingredients:

• 5 freeze-dried cherries
• ¼ cup cognac
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon triple sec
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the Cherries:
   Place freeze-dried cherries in a cup and cover with warm water.
   Soak for 15 minutes, then drain and transfer to a cocktail shaker.

2. Muddle:
   Gently mash the cherries in the shaker with a spoon or muddler to release their juices.

3. Shake It Up:
   Add ice, cognac, lemon juice, triple sec, and agave nectar.
   Shake well for 20–30 seconds until chilled.

4. Serve:
   Strain into a tall glass or coupe. Serve immediately, garnished with a fresh cherry or citrus twist if desired.

Tips:

• For a stronger citrus note, double the lemon juice.
• Want a mocktail version? Swap cognac and triple sec with cherry juice and orange sparkling water.

What are your suggestions for an eco-friendly singles Valentine's Day dinner? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

• https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/ramenara-ramen-carbonara-recipe/80u7r8qe
• https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/chicken-pesto-gnocchi/

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