As college students, we are all struggling to eat on a budget. While fancy food is great, dining out every day is not practical. Even if your dorm food isn’t terrible, you may be tempted to eat out more often than needed. Below, I have provided dorm-friendly recipes that will help you save time, effort, and money!
Breakfast
1. Oatmeal
With extra grains, fiber, and protein options, oatmeal is revolutionary for breakfast lovers. It is extremely filling and can be topped with fruits, cinnamon, honey, or nuts. It comes in a generous amount of packages or it can be bought in a canister; regardless, oatmeal is quick and easily made within the walls of a dorm.
2. Yogurt and Toppings
Whether you have a preference for greek, non-dairy, or plain flavors, yogurt can be found in almost every convenience store. If purchased in a larger tub, it will last for more than one use. Additionally, there are a variety of creative toppings that can be purchased. From granola to blueberries, yogurt is a terrific meal for the morning!
Lunch
1. Classic Sandwich
Many people forget that sandwiches are convenient and can be easily made in a dorm. Simply purchase a loaf of bread and your desired toppings, such as mayonnaise, mustard, cheese, turkey, and more. If you find yourself wanting to eat the sandwich later, tin foil or a lunch container can be handy.
2. Avocado Toast
This trendy, delicious lunch can be made in under a minute. Using a bowl, slice and mash the avocado until it is as smooth as possible. Then, using a knife, spread the avocado onto the piece of bread and add your preferred toppings. This can include sliced tomato, salt, pepper, or even microgreens!
Dinner
1. Barilla Ready Pasta
With this product, your cravings can finally be satisfied and you will no longer deal with pre-packaged pasta meals, which limit the opportunity to customize your meal. With Barilla Ready Pasta, you can rip open the top, place the bag in the microwave for 60 seconds, and pour out the contents into the bowl. In one minute, you have a bowl of cooked pasta! Since it is plain, you can enjoy this pasta any sauce you desire!
2. Salad
Salads are doable in dorm rooms, but you must be sanitary! Always begin by washing the greens of your choice, with soap, in a sink (where the soap can be rinsed off after). Place the bed of greens in your bowl, and top with tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, or anything else you may enjoy on a salad. Don’t forget to place the items back in the fridge and clean up after!
Overall, living in university housing should not limit your desires to eat non-processed meals. Although you may not have access to an oven, grill, or toaster, greatness relies within imagination. Take your ingredients, open up your mind, and get creative!