6 Fun and Nutritious Recipes You Can Cook In Your College Dorm Room
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The fall semester is in full swing, leaving many first-time students longing for the comfort and familiarity of nutritious, home-cooked food. While many campuses have strict rules on which types of kitchenware are allowed inside a dorm room, a few simple appliances such as a microwave and mini-fridge are enough to open the door to a slew of fun and healthy meal options, beyond the stereotypical ramen dinners (What wine goes well with dinner?).
Mini Caprese Salad Bites
This fun-to-eat version of a timeless summer classic makes for the perfect evening study snack. If your campus is located near a fresh farmer's market, try some late-summer tomatoes for the ultimate burst of fresh, tangy flavor.
Often deemed a superfood by nutritionists, tomatoes offer a range of helpful vitamins including lycopene: an antioxidant known to guard against free radical molecules that can damage your immune system. The fat from ingredients such as mozzarella helps your body to absorb the nutrients more effectively, making it the perfect meal for a super-powered school day! For a dorm-friendly no-cook option, simply opt for premade balsamic dressing. Click here for the full recipe.
Crunchy Cucumber Salad with Pickled Mustard Seeds
While cucumber may seem like a bland choice for a snack, it pairs splendidly with a wide variety of flavors ranging from sweet to sour, to spicy.
Making your own homemade dressing is a breeze, with a no-cook combination of rice vinegar (how long does rice vinegar last?), honey, sesame oil (how long does sesame oil last?) and salt. If the autumn allergies are weighing you down, try using a local honey harvested from within fifty miles of your college campus. This can act as a natural “vaccine” of sorts, introducing your immune system to the local pollen and minimizing allergic reactions. Click here for the full recipe.
Cheesy Egg in a Basket
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day: one often neglected by busy college students in a rush to get to class. This sunrise special is a quick and easy fix, featuring creamy cheddar, salted butter and two large eggs served over your favorite type of toast.
One single egg contains vital nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and zinc, along with lutein and zeaxanthin which are known to promote long-term ocular health. Preparation requires the use of a small stovetop burner or hot plate, which can be purchased on average for around $20-$30. Click here for the full recipe.
Twice-Baked Potatoes (Microwave Style)
Satisfying and savory, twice-baked potatoes are a go-to comfort food that takes minimal effort to prepare. With just a few simple toppings such as bacon, chives (how long do chives last?) and sour cream, you'll have an appetizer that's sure to please at your next weekend party or study session.
In addition to offering many antioxidants and vitamins such as Magnesium, Potassium and Vitamin B6, potatoes are incredibly filling, providing the stick-to-your-ribs stamina required to power you through a challenging day of coursework. No oven? No problem--a microwave can be substituted for this and many other potato-based dishes. Click here for the full recipe.
Classic Cajun Lemonade
This spicy southern twist on a timeless drink is the perfect way to relax after long hours spent hitting the books. Blending tart lemon juice with spiced rum, sugar and just a dash of hot sauce (how long does hot sauce last?), this lemonade is sure to be the star of any drink menu.
Better yet, lemons are a wonderful source of Vitamin C and fiber, lowering your risk for heart disease, cancer, and various airborne illnesses. Click here for the full recipe.
Frito Pie
Frito Pie is a versatile, simple solution to any dinner dilemma. Use whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand--from grated beef, to onion and sour cream. While perhaps not the healthiest item on today's list, the stressors of college life call for a little indulgence now and then. The best part: this meal can be assembled and eaten straight out of a Frito bag, eliminating the need for after-dinner dish duty. Click here for the full recipe.
Before donning your favorite chef’s apron, be sure to check your college campus rules regarding kitchen appliances that are permitted for use in the dorms. For more great recipes and guides for purchasing local produce in your area, check out our handy directory.
