Sometimes dinner doesn’t need another recipe. It just needs something extra.

A slice of toast, a bowl of pasta, leftover rice or a basic salad can become a much more satisfying meal with one or two additions.

And no, I’m not suggesting you start making elaborate sauces or buying ingredients you’ll use once before they disappear into the back of the cupboard.

I’m talking about everyday things you probably already have.

Start with what you’ve got

Before deciding what to cook, look at what’s already in front of you.

Perhaps you’ve got some toast, a bowl of rice, leftover pasta, a few eggs or a salad that looks rather uninspiring.

Instead of starting again, ask yourself:

What could I add to make this a proper meal?

I generally look for a little more protein, some vegetables, a source of fibre, healthy fats or simply something that adds flavour and texture.

You don’t need every category in every meal. A couple of thoughtful additions can make all the difference.

1. What could I add to toast?

Toast is one of the most underrated meal foundations.

For protein: Eggs, smoked salmon, tinned sardines, ricotta, cottage cheese or leftover chicken.

For vegetables: Wilted spinach, mushrooms, avocado, roasted tomatoes or leftover greens.

For healthy fats: Olive oil, tahini, nut butter or avocado.

For flavour: Chives, parsley, dill, chilli flakes or a squeeze of lemon.

A slice of sourdough topped with sardines, lemon and parsley makes a wonderful quick lunch. So does a poached egg with mushrooms and spinach.

And if you’ve got a little leftover roasted vegetable hiding in the fridge, put it on toast with some cheese. Lunch sorted.

2. What could I add to pasta?

Pasta is one of the easiest meals to stretch.

Add leftover roasted vegetables, a handful of spinach, peas, beans or lentils. Stir through tuna, leftover chicken or a little ricotta.

A drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs and some lemon zest can transform an otherwise plain bowl.

You don’t always need a complicated sauce.

One of my favourite combinations is smoked trout, greens and orzo. It’s simple, filling and takes very little effort.

3. What could I add to a rice bowl?

Leftover rice is practically an invitation to make something useful.

Try adding an egg, some leftover meat or fish, chopped vegetables, beans or tofu.

Finish with sesame seeds, herbs, a little soy sauce, chilli or whatever dressing you’ve got in the fridge.

Rice bowls are particularly good for using up the small amounts of food that don’t look like enough for another meal.

A spoonful of leftover vegetables, half a chicken breast and a handful of greens suddenly become lunch.

Food safety note: Cool cooked rice promptly, refrigerate it and use it within 24 hours. Reheat until steaming hot and only reheat once.

4. What could I add to a salad?

A bowl of lettuce isn’t always a satisfying lunch.

Try adding chickpeas, lentils, eggs, tuna, leftover roast chicken, cheese or cooked grains.

Then add something crunchy: toasted seeds, nuts or a little homemade dukkah.

A good dressing makes an enormous difference too. Olive oil, lemon juice and mustard will do the job beautifully.

5. What could I add to soup?

Soup is a brilliant way to use leftovers, but sometimes it needs a little more substance.

Add beans, lentils, leftover rice, cooked pasta, shredded chicken or an egg.

A handful of greens stirred through at the end adds colour and variety.

Finish with herbs, yoghurt, toasted seeds or some good bread.

Don’t forget flavour and texture

Sometimes a meal has enough food in it but still feels rather boring.

That’s where the little extras come in.

Fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, kimchi, lemon juice, toasted seeds or a spoonful of dukkah can completely change a dish.

You don’t need much.

The Mrs E approach

Good home cooking isn’t about making everything from scratch every day.

It’s about recognising what you’ve already got and knowing how to make something useful from it.

Next time you’re staring at toast, rice, pasta or a rather sad salad, don’t immediately reach for another recipe.

Ask yourself: What could I add?

That’s exactly why we’ve included What Could I Add? in the EAT by Mrs E app — to help you turn simple meal foundations into something worth eating.