Ditch the Ramen for Healthy Dorm Room Meals

Hey bestie, it’s your Internet BFF, Kaylannk here! Let’s talk dorm meals.

It’s time to ditch the dining hall sludge and embrace the glorious world of healthy dorm room eats. I know, I know, “dorm food” and “healthy” are not synonymous. Plus, we all know the dorm struggle – limited space, questionable appliances, and greasy takeout calling your name. But fear not, I’m here to equip you with seriously delicious and nutritious meals you can whip up in your tiny room. Check out the meals and recipes below.

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1. Overnight oats

Overnight oats is a meal that lives up to its name. You prepare a serving size of oaks overnight soaked in your choice of milk and store in the refrigerator. This meal is perfect for any college student because you can grab and go. Depending on how you top this meal it can be perfect for breakfast or a snack during the day.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings of your choice, such as fresh fruit, granola, nuts, or honey

Instructions:

Combine milk, yogurt, chia seeds, rolled oats, and vanilla extract in a jar or container.
Stir well to combine.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Enjoy the next day with the toppings of choice. My personal favorite toppings are berries, bananas, granola, and honey.

2. Microwave oatmeal

If you forget to make your overnight oats, simple microwave oatmeal is a quick and easy alternative to get a similar tasting, nutritious meal in less time.

Ingredients:

Microwavable packet of oatmeal of your choice
1/2 cup water or milk of choice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon maple syrup
Toppings of your choice

Instructions:

Combine all the packet and choice of liquid in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave according to the packet.
Stir in toppings of your choice and enjoy. My topping of choice is a sprinkle of cinnamon. I usually eat an apple or a banana on the side.

3. Microwave scrambled eggs

Eggs are essential to almost every type of breakfast. Eggs are a great source of protein early in the morning for a nutritious meal. Eat your eggs alone or with veggies, green onions, and fruit for a heartier meal.

To make microwave scrambled eggs, you will need:

2 eggs
1 tablespoon milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Crack the eggs into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the milk and salt and pepper.
Whisk the eggs until well combined.
Microwave the eggs on high for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the eggs.
Continue microwaving and stirring the eggs at 30 seconds intervals until they are cooked through.
Serve the eggs immediately and enjoy.

4. Breakfast burrito

Breakfast burritos are a perfect way to spice up eggs and make it a hearty, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

1 whole-wheat tortilla
1/4 cup cooked eggs
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup salsa
Optional: other toppings, such as cooked bacon or sausage, chopped vegetables, or avocado

Instructions:

Spread the salsa evenly over the tortilla.
Top with the eggs, cheese, and any other desired toppings.
Roll up the tortilla tightly and place on a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the burrito is heated through.
Cut in half and serve immediately.

5. Chickpea soup

Chickpea soup is so good because the chickpeas easily absorb any seasoning you put on it. This soup is easy to make and a great source of protein for vegans. This hearty soup is a great lunch or dinner option.

Ingredients:

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth (and thin the broth with water)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
Microwavable quinoa or brown rice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Guacamole

Instructions:

Cook the microwavable quinoa or brown rice.
Combine the chickpeas, broth, water, and seasonings, and veggies in a microwave-safe bowl.
Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Stir the soup and microwave on high for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender.
Let the soup cool for a few minutes before serving.
Top the soup with guacamole and enjoy.

6. Salad in a jar

Salads in a jar is another meal that is exactly what it sounds like. A salad in a jar is an actual salad in a jar that you can eat as is or pour into a bowl. This meal is completely customizable and a great source of nutrition on the go. This is a great lunch or dinner option for any college student.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing or salad dressing of choice
1/4 cup chopped vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions
1/4 cup protein, such as chickpeas, black beans, grilled chicken, or tofu
1/4 cup whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, or farro

For the grains and protein, you can purchase the frozen microwavable option or pick them up fresh from the food bar in any grocery store.

Instructions:

Layer the ingredients in a jar, starting with the dressing at the bottom and toppings at the top.
Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight.
To eat, shake the jar and eat as is or pour into a bowl for more blending of ingredients.

7. Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a universal meal option that is quick, easy, and has a lot of variations depending on your choice of protein.

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread of your choice
Choice of protein (deli meat, tuna, mashed chickpeas)
Choice of toppings: sliced tomatoes, pickle slices, cheese, red onions, lettuce
Choice of sandwich sauce: mustard, mayonnaise, specialized sandwich sauce, guacamole

Instructions: