20 Easy Recipes for College Students

Eating well when you’re in college isn’t always easy. Not only are college kids usually on a tight budget, but trying to cook in a dorm room or community kitchen presents its own set of challenges.  Finding a few simple recipes for foods you enjoy will help you save money and stay healthy.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at these 20 delicious and easy recipes for college students!

No-cook recipes college students love

Since many colleges don’t allow appliances like hot plates and toaster ovens in your dorm room, it’s important to have some easy no-cook recipes up your sleeve. You’re sure to love these options, and, best of all, you can make them right in your room:

1. Acai coconut smoothie bowl

All you need to make this tasty acai smoothie bowl is a mini-fridge/freezer, a blender, and a bowl. It doesn’t get any easier than that! The mixture of fresh fruit, granola, and coconut water is sure to start your day off right.

Pro Tip: While a full-sized blender might not work for your dorm room, a small bullet blender is perfect for college students!

2. Chicken and fruit salad

When looking for recipes for college students, healthy and easy are two of the most important features. This chicken and fruit salad meets both requirements and is super tasty! Since it uses pre-cooked chicken, you can make it without having to use a stove or oven.

3. Watermelon strawberry smoothie

Making fresh, healthy meals in a blender is a great idea for college students. Try experimenting with different flavors, like this tasty watermelon strawberry smoothie.

4. Turkey, corn, and sundried tomato wraps

When you want something healthy and tasty on the go, these quick and easy turkey, corn, and sundried tomato wraps are always a great option.

5. Tuna-stuffed avocados

A light, refreshing meal or snack, these tuna-stuffed avocados are super easy to make! They’ll give you a nice boost of protein and some healthy fats to keep you energized and feeling full.

6. Quick strawberry “cheesecake”

When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake, this quick strawberry “cheesecake” is sure to hit the spot.

7. Roast beef and horseradish roll-ups

This recipe for roast beef and horseradish roll-ups makes six servings, so you can make it once and eat it a few times during the week.

Microwave recipes for college students

Most college students have access to a microwave, making these simple recipes a go-to option whether you’re living in a dorm room or off-campus.

1. Three-bean salad

To make this zesty three-bean salad, you’ll need a can opener, a microwave to cook the edamame, and a large bowl to mix everything. This dish tastes better after it sits for 24 hours, so make sure you plan ahead. One great thing about this recipe is that it makes enough so you’ll have leftovers to eat the next day.

2. Five-minute fudge

This delicious five-minute fudge is sure to satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth! Warm everything up in the microwave, then refrigerate it and enjoy!

3. Fruit and nut trail mix

This fruit and nut trail mix recipe has three ingredients – microwave popcorn, pistachios, and dried fruit. It’s easy to make and is the perfect snack whether you’re on the go or settling in for movie night.

Comfort food for college students

Sometimes, you want to enjoy a home-cooked meal just like Mom makes – but without all the hassle. These comfort food recipes will hit the spot without being too complicated to make:

1. Fettuccine alfredo

This creamy and decadent fettuccine alfredo recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. For an added bonus, bake some frozen garlic bread to go with it.

2. Mac and cheese cups

Nothing says “home” like mac and cheese. Put a twist on the classic recipe with these tasty mac and cheese cups.

3. Garlic and chive mashed potatoes

Once you learn how to make these delicious garlic and chive mashed potatoes, you’ll never make boxed potatoes again!

4. Quesadilla casserole

Next time you’re craving Mexican food, make this quick and easy quesadilla casserole. It only takes about 15 minutes of prep time and will make enough for several meals throughout the week.

5. Restaurant-style artichoke spinach dip

No need to spend your hard-earned money ordering this appetizer from a restaurant. Make your own decadent spinach artichoke dip with just 15 minutes of prep time. Don’t forget to pick up some bread or tortilla chips to serve with it.

Easy recipes for college students

If you have access to a kitchen, you’ll love making these simple, easy recipes. You can make them for yourself and enjoy leftovers for the next few days or share what you’ve made with your roommates or friends:

1. Breakfast casserole

To make this wake-up casserole, dump all the ingredients in a pan and bake. It’s the perfect way to start off your weekend.

2. Turkey Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes always hit the spot, especially on a cold day. To make this easy turkey sloppy Joe recipe, just put everything in a slow cooker and serve it on a bun.

3. Easiest-ever one-dish chicken tamales

These one-dish chicken tamales are so delicious you’ll hardly believe how easy it was to make!

4. Egg salad avocado toast

Egg salad avocado toast is more filling than the traditional version. Even better, making this popular snack at home is much cheaper than getting it from your favorite restaurant.

5. Pesto, mozzarella, and egg breakfast sandwich

This delicious pesto, mozzarella, and egg sandwich takes just five minutes to make, and it tastes even better than the breakfast sandwiches you get from the drive-thru.

Let Instacart do the shopping for you!

When you’re busy studying, going to classes, and having a social life, it’s hard to find time to go to the grocery store. Instacart makes it easy! Just visit Instacart.com, create your shopping list, and let professional shoppers take care of it for you! With Instacart Express, delivery is free for orders over $35, so check it out today!

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