A fresh start, newfound freedom and the promise of a budding future….college really offers an abundance of opportunity. Well, at least metaphorically. Because those dorm rooms and apartments are a totally different story.
Limited space could be a problem for storage, but then there’s the obvious concern: kitchen space and, most importantly…FOOD! If you’re lucky, you have a small kitchen with tiny appliances that barely fit (or you stayed home). But for people in dorms, it’s much worse. Why? Because there’s no personal kitchen.
A great imagination (and determination) is needed to be keep from splurging on campus food or fast food.
This problem has launched thousands of lists about how to “bake” a brownie in a mug in the microwave on top of your mini-fridge. The first time, it’s cute and it tastes okay — the next few though? It’s just sad…
Let’s be real. We live in the United States in 2018 and poor choices are sometimes inevitable. BUT, we can also seize control a good majority of the time and prepare ourselves for those indulgences.
This is why we encourage daily staples like Core 4 – Nutrition or individual products, like:
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However, we also LOVE food. Being a young adult is all about experimenting, learning and figuring out what you like and don’t like.
Our college gift to you is a list that can help you discover that nutritious and delicious food can be easy and healthy. No brownies, we promise.
Pro Tip: Add herbs, snacks and condiments to spruce up your basic dish of brown rice or yogurt. Black Beans, Liquid Aminos (Soy Sauce alternative), Balsamic Vinegar, coconut flakes, chia seeds, curry, cashews, hot sauce, eggs, frozen peas or berries, tomatoes, bananas, bell peppers, olives, jalapenos…the list is endless! They help find the flavor without indulgence!
We’d wish you luck, but we know that you don’t need it!
Enjoy the ride (and the eats)!
1. Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Tuna and salad are two of the easiest plates to create. So, why not combine them to make something truly filling? Best of all, you can make loads or just small batches.
A Pinch of Healthy created the perfect ingredient combination, integrated foods from a Mediterranean diet (which are good for you). All you have to do is mix in a bowl and you’re done. You could enjoy these on a lettuce cup, on crackers or in a sandwich. Quick and easy!
Keep in mind that you want to be environmentally and healthily aware when buying and eating tuna. Learn more from Eco Watch and the Environmental Defense Fund.
2. Risotto Cups
Having rice on hand is always a good idea. All you need is some hot water and access to some kind of food heating device, and boom – you have a delicious side (or the main course on some nights).
Although rice can get a bit boring, it’s super easy (and cheap and healthy) to spruce up!
That’s where Brit + Co’s microwave risotto recipe comes in. Everyone knows risotto is Italian for “fancy rice.” Okay, maybe it’s not, but it’s easy to make. This recipe gives you three options: Butternut Squash and Sage, Mushrooms and Thyme, and Bacon, Kale and Mushroom.
3. Caprese Pita Pizza
Here’s another fancy sounding recipe that is way simpler than it sounds. When you have a hankering for pizza but don’t want to wait thirty minutes for delivery, give this recipe a try.
Tasty lists only 4 steps for their microwavable pizza recipe. Grab a pita and throw some sauce, cheese, salt and tomato and maybe a little pepperoni if that’s what you want. In a couple of minutes, you have a personal pan pizza to enjoy in your dorm room.
4. Overnight Chia Seed Pudding
We love overnight oats, but a little change of pace is always nice. Instead of dropping some oats in a mason jar or container, why not opt for chia seeds instead?
Of course, not on their own! This Marie Reginato recipe calls for chia seeds, coconut milk, cinnamon and the fruits of your choosing. Overnight, this can create a satiating pudding that will have you feeling like you’re snacking on dessert.
5. Hummus Collard Wraps
Okay, this one is for you guys looking for a super green, super scrumptious meal. This vegan and gluten-free recipe packs a punch and is sure to help you stay full all day long.
Eating Bird Food outlines how to use collard leaves, hummus and the veggies in your fridge to make a truly delectable wrap. Make one for now AND for later.
6. Vegan Pizza Pockets
Yes, please! Anytime we can work pizza in, that’s a win in our book. As it turns out, you can do this in a healthy way within the small confines of your dorm room.
Check out The Edgy Veg‘s recipe for bite-sized, VEGAN pizza pockets. Share with friends or keep to yourself.
7. Dorm-friendly, Vegan Mac n’ Cheese
Boxed mac n’ cheese is a gift from a higher power, but it’s a little hard to cook when you don’t have a stove. Luckily, you can get the job down with a microwave in some cases.
Tempted Tastebuds gives a vegan, but still equally yummy recipe that will have a warm bowl in your hands in no time. You won’t need a oven, so don’t sweat it.
8. Nutella Energy Bites
What kind of dorm eats list would this be without a little dessert? But don’t worry, we promised no brownies. How about some Nutella instead?
This Love & Bellinis recipe for energy bites is quick, and will leave with bite-sized snacks to for that afternoon slump.
9. Festive Ramen
Sorry to stereotype, but there’s a chance that you have ramen cups somewhere in your dorm or small kitchen. No shame in the game, we understand; they get the job done.
But when you want to upgrade that ramen and make it a little more festive, Target has you covered (of all places, right?) These ramen hacks include adding meatballs and even a chilli-cheese variation.
You might want to limit the times you use this one though. Think about the MSG!
What’s Your Favorite Dorm-Friendly Dish?
What’s your go-to? Does it include any Purium favorites? Share the love down below!
