Sometimes, you just need something light, fresh, and packed with flavour—whether it’s a crisp salad, a cool sorbet, or a zesty drink. These five refreshing recipes are perfect for solo dining, bringing a mix of sweet, savoury, and spicy elements to your plate (or glass!). From a vibrant chicken and avocado salad with coconut sorbet to a homemade copycat of Sonic’s cherry limeade, these recipes are easy to make and big on taste.
Savoury Chicken and Avocado Salad with Coconut Sorbet
This delightful recipe features a savoury chicken salad that combines tender, marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado, drizzled with a zesty lime dressing. For dessert, enjoy a refreshing coconut sorbet that perfectly complements the meal while adhering to vegetarian, dairy-free, and nut-free requirements. The contrast of textures and flavours makes this dish both satisfying and appealing.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 0.5 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 4 oz / 113g)
- 0.75 tablespoon olive oil (11ml)
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder (1.25g)
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (1.25g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed salad greens (about 30g)
- 0.25 ripe avocado, diced (about 50g)
- 0.25 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 40g)
- 0.25 cucumber, diced (about 50g)
- 1 tablespoon red onion, thinly sliced (about 10g)
- Juice of 0.5 limes (about 30ml)
- 0.75 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (about 2.5g)
- 0.5 cup coconut milk (canned) (120ml)
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup or maple syrup (15ml)
- 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract (1.25ml)
- 0.75 tablespoon lime juice (11ml)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- For the coconut sorbet, in a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, agave syrup, vanilla extract, and lime juice. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a sorbet consistency. If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it is firm.
- Serve the salad alongside a scoop of coconut sorbet for a refreshing finish.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
300
Protein:
20 g
Carbs:
30 g
Fat:
15 g
Fiber:
5 g
Sugar:
8 g
Cucumber and Melon Salad with Mint Dressing
This refreshing Cucumber and Melon Salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with the sweetness of melon, all brought together by a zesty mint dressing. The dish is light, vibrant, and perfect for summer gatherings or as a side to grilled meats. It’s a delightful balance of flavours and textures that respects traditional salad principles while adding a creative twist with the mint dressing.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 0.5 cups cucumber, diced (75g)
- 0.5 cups melon (such as cantaloupe or honeydew), diced (75g)
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped (30g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (5g)
- 0.5 tablespoons olive oil (7.5ml)
- 0.25 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (3.75ml)
- 0.25 tablespoons honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option) (3.75g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: feta cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, diced melon, and chopped red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add the chopped mint leaves and toss lightly again.
- If desired, crumble feta cheese on top before serving.
- Serve chilled for the best flavour.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
120
Protein:
2 g
Carbs:
15 g
Fat:
7 g
Fiber:
2 g
Sugar:
6 g
Spicy Margarita Sorbet
This refreshing Spicy Margarita Sorbet is a delightful blend of traditional margarita flavours with a creative twist. The zesty lime and orange flavours combine seamlessly with a hint of jalapeño for a heat that complements the sweetness of the sorbet. Perfect as a palate cleanser or a light dessert, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 0.5 cups fresh lime juice (120ml)
- 0.25 cups fresh orange juice (60ml)
- 0.125 cups agave syrup (30ml)
- 1/4 jalapeño, thinly sliced (adjust for spice preference)
- 0.25 cups water (60ml)
- 1 tablespoon tequila (optional) (15ml)
- Zest of 1/4 lime
- Zest of 1/4 orange
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sliced jalapeño. Bring to a simmer and let it steep for about 15 minutes to infuse the flavour.
- Strain the jalapeño-infused water into a bowl, discarding the jalapeño slices.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, orange juice, agave syrup, tequila (if using), lime zest, orange zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the jalapeño-infused water to the citrus mixture and stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer.
- Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture until it’s fully frozen and has a fluffy texture, about 3-4 hours.
- Once frozen, scoop the sorbet into serving bowls and serve immediately.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
120
Protein:
0 g
Carbs:
30 g
Fat:
0 g
Fiber:
1 g
Sugar:
24 g
Sonic Drive-In Cherry Limeade (Copycat Recipe)
This refreshing Cherry Limeade captures the vibrant flavours of the classic drink from Sonic Drive-In. With the perfect balance of tart lime and sweet cherry, it’s a delightful beverage that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple to make and uses traditional ingredients, ensuring a deliciously nostalgic experience.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 0.25 cup fresh lime juice (60ml)
- 0.25 cup cherry syrup (60ml)
- 1 cup sparkling water (240ml)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste) (12g)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lime slices and cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lime juice and cherry syrup.
- If desired, stir in granulated sugar until dissolved.
- Add the sparkling water and mix gently to combine.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Cherry Limeade over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh lime slices and cherries before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
150
Protein:
0 g
Carbs:
38 g
Fat:
0 g
Fiber:
0 g
Sugar:
30 g
Umami Citrus Spritzer
This refreshing Umami Citrus Spritzer combines the rich, savoury notes of miso with the bright, zesty flavours of citrus fruits. Topped with sparkling water, it creates a unique beverage that tantalizes the taste buds and provides a delightful umami kick. Perfect for gatherings or as a sophisticated refreshment, this drink is both invigorating and satisfying, while being gluten-free and vegan.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15g) white miso paste
- 120ml (1/2 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) lemon juice
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) lime juice
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) agave syrup (optional, to taste)
- 480ml (2 cups) sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Orange, lemon, and lime slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and agave syrup until smooth and well combined.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the miso citrus mixture over the ice.
- Top off the glass with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with slices of orange, lemon, and lime, as well as a sprig of fresh mint.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing umami flavours!
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
120
Protein:
3 g
Carbs:
29 g
Fat:
1 g
Fiber:
1 g
Sugar:
18 g
My Final Thoughts
Who says solo meals have to be heavy or complicated? These five recipes prove that fresh, flavorful, and refreshing dishes can be quick and satisfying. Whether you’re cooling down with a sorbet, sipping a citrus spritzer, or enjoying a crisp salad, each recipe is designed to make solo dining feel like a treat. So grab your ingredients, mix things up, and enjoy a little burst of freshness—just for you!
