Easy Meals You Can Make In Your Dorm Instead Of The Dining Hall
If you’re a college student and anything like myself, you most likely hate going to the dining hall. For your next dinner in, check out these Easy Meals You Can Make In Your Dorm Instead Of The Dining Hall!
Once you begin the next exciting chapter of life at college, there are so many things to look forward to doing. Dorm life is definitely the most memorable, but with this unfortunately comes eating at the dining hall for practically every meal. After a while, the options served at the dining hall can get pretty old, plus sometimes you don’t want to leave the comfort of your dorm room. Also, the dining hall is the key destination for gaining the unwanted freshmen 15 (that is very real!!). If you need some easy dorm room meals to make that only require your typical college mini fridge and microwave, these are perfect for you! All of these meals take little prep time and I can guarantee will taste good, if not better than your basic and bland dining hall options.
1. Pesto Pasta In A Cup
Everyone’s heard of your traditional microwavable mac & cheese, so if you’re craving pasta but want something a little more tasty than your classic Kraft mac, try out this pesto pasta in a cup that you can make in the microwave! This is one of my favorite dorm room meals because it doesn’t taste like it was made in a microwave at all.
Ingredients:
- Box Of Pasta
- Premade Pesto Sauce
- Parmesan Cheese
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Salt & Red Chili Pepper Flakes To Taste
Begin by grabbing a microwave friendly mug, then filling it up with your desired amount of
pasta. Next, add just enough water to the cup that it fully covers the pasta, with a little extra water above the pasta’s surface. If you use too much water, it is perfectly okay and will still cook your pasta.
Microwave the pasta and water mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until it is fully cooked. Make sure to
stir your pasta every 30 seconds to allow it to fully cook all pieces. Once it is done, add a decent sized
scoop of your pesto sauce, depending on how much you prefer and mix it in. Slice up some cherry tomatoes to add to the cup, then mix in some salt and red pepper flakes for added flavor. Lastly, finish off your pasta with some Parmesan cheese and you’re all done!
2. Cheesy Nachos
Nachos make a great dorm room snack that is quick and easy to prepare. You most likely might already have some of the ingredients lying around as well. You can choose to make a personal size for yourself, or a larger amount to share your dorm room meals with your roommates!
Ingredients:
- Bag Of Tortilla Chips
- Cheese Of Choice (Mexican Blend, Sharp Cheddar, etc.)
- Sour Cream
- Premade Guacamole
- Diced Tomatoes
- Diced Onions
Start by laying out your desired amount of tortilla chips on a large plate that is microwave friendly. Next, evenly spread a decent amount of Mexican cheese to fully cover all of your chips. Sprinkle on your diced tomatoes and diced onions, then cook in your microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the cheese is fully melted. Dip nachos with a side of premade, refrigerated guacamole and sour cream t0 enjoy! You can also add your own choice of already cooked meat for some added protein and flavor.
3. Avocado Salad In A Jar
If you’re looking for a healthy option from list our dorm room meals, this salad in a jar is calling your name! This is an easy way to take your food on the go, without having to heat anything up, or it can be enjoyed right away.
Ingredients:
- Choice Of Greens
- 1 Avocado
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Goat Cheese Crumbles
- 5 Cherry Tomatoes
- Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
- Crushed Walnuts
Choose whichever greens are your favorite, but I recommend going with either spinach or arugula. After this, slice up your avocado into small cube-like pieces and cut your cherry tomatoes in half. Once the prepping is done, take your jar and fill the bottom with the desired amount of lemon vinaigrette dressing. Next, layer your other ingredients, beginning with the tomatoes, avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and shredded parm. Top off the jar with your greens, then sprinkle the crushed walnuts on top, leaving a little empty room. Cover your salad, and store in the fridge. Once you are ready to eat, give your salad a good shake to mix up the ingredients, and you’re avocado salad in a jar is all set!
4. Fried Rice In The Microwave
Another easy dish to recreate dorm-room style is microwaved fried rice! When you’re craving some Chinese food but want to save your cash, try making this cheaper alternative from the comfort of your dorm. If you’re wondering how fried rice can make one of our dorm room meals, it is actually a quite simple recipe to follow.
Ingredients:
- 1 Packet of Minute Instant Rice
- 1 Tablespoon of Soy Sauce
- 2 Eggs
- Frozen Peas, Carrots, And Corn Combo Pack
- Salt & Pepper
- Red Chili Pepper Flakes
Begin by microwaving the instant rice according to the package. Retrieve a larger, microwave safe bowl and pour the cooked rice in once done. Heat up your frozen vegetable mixture pack in the microwave according to the instructions on the bag. Next, beat your two eggs in a separate bowl, then cook the eggs for 1-2 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Once this is done, combine your cooked eggs with the rice, then pour the soy sauce on top and mix in thoroughly. Now you can add your veggies and some salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is evenly mixed together, then top it off with some red chili pepper flakes if desired.
