What Is TikTok’s Viral Girl Dinner?

The term “Girl Dinner” refers to the popular TikTok trend of women eating snack boards for dinner, instead of traditional entrées. The typical “Girl Dinner” is a snack plate with bread, cheese, fruit, and pickles, but it can also be whatever you like—your go-to comfort food or even leftovers from the night before.

We've got you covered on the trend that's going viral on the internet, from mac and cheese to visually appealing charcuterie board-inspired meals.

If you're a regular user of TikTok, you've undoubtedly been unable to avoid the “girl dinner” trend and its accompanying catchy song for the past month. Even if you're not into TikTok, it's likely that you've heard of it.

But don't worry if girl dinner still doesn't appeal to you. We are here to dissect the fad that shows women assembling seemingly carefree meals out of incredibly disparate ingredients.

In just a few weeks, this trend has gone viral online, amassing over 990 million views on TikTok and showing no signs of abating. Thus,

This trend has exploded across the internet in the past few weeks, garnering over 990 million views on TikTok with no signs of slowing down. So, if you enjoy aesthetically pleasing meals that are at times nonsensical, feel free to sit back while we explain.

What Exactly Is Girl Dinner?

The term “Girl Dinner” refers to the popular TikTok trend of women eating snack boards for dinner, instead of traditional entrées. The typical “Girl Dinner” is a snack plate with bread, cheese, fruit, and pickles, but it can also be whatever you like—your go-to comfort food or even leftovers from the night before.

Girl dinner is the epitome of various snacks coming together into one effortless meal. We're talking unsophisticated charcuterie boards (in the best way) to random assemblages based on fridge and pantry findings. However, because girl dinner is whatever you make it, it can also be a go-to comfort dish rather than arbitrary appetizers.

Many have praised the trend for turning a traditional dinner—full of preparation and labor—on its head. Girl dinner is the easy meal you turn to after a tiring day when you just want to stay home. It relies on carefree satisfaction with your kitchen's contents.

The trend comes from TikTok user Olivia Maher whose social media handle is @liviemaher. In her original TikTok, which now has over 1.5 million views, Maher captures a plate featuring a glass of red wine, pieces of bread, butter, cheese, grapes and pickles. “I call this girl dinner,” she asserts “or medieval peasant.” Fellow TikTok users could relate, to say the least. Thus, thousands of videos and likes later, the viral girl dinner trend is a sensation.

In fact, the trend was so popular Popeyes even decided to offer its own rendition of girl dinner. The chain's “girl dinner” order was comprised of classic Popeyes sides—mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, Cajun fries, coleslaw, biscuits and red beans with rice.

Is Girl Dinner Healthy?

There is some controversy surrounding this trend, and with good reason. Experts across the internet warn that girl dinners should be eaten in moderation—not for every dinner of the week—in order to get nutritional balance. Because of the contents of what frequently makes up a girl dinner, and the often small portion sizes, the trend could diverge into toxic diet culture if users are not wary.

However, experts agree that if, at the trend's core, it inspires people to occasionally throw together an assortment of whatever sides or tried-and-true dishes come to mind or to their liking, then go for it. A girl dinner can be both an act of self-care and indulgence.

On the viral trend, Maher explains the versatility and intention of empowerment behind girl dinner. In an interview with Today, Maher says that “Girl dinner can look like many things. But what matters is the feeling it evokes,” she says. “Giddiness often goes along with it, because it's what you want. It satisfies you.”

Girl Dinners We've Always Loved

These are some of our timeless personal favorite girl dinners:

• Mac and cheese with chicken tenders: There's nothing like the classic combo of mac and cheese with chicken tenders. And we especially love the special touch of eating it out of a wine glass! Talk about aesthetically pleasing.