Something I noticed about college: not everyone subsists on ramen, frozen meals, and snacks packed with giant lists of additives. Just a large portion of the population. No shame to you, though—eating “right” is a struggle. Even those who consume real food in college may have trouble choosing healthy options. Sure, they’re available in the dining hall, but those without a meal plan and those who don’t feel like leaving their dorm run into a problem: ordering food is expensive and cooking is hard. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. I myself am no chef, but I cook in my tiny dorm kitchen all the time, from breakfast to dinner and all the snacks in between. So for all you struggling students in need of food inspiration, here are eight recipes for every occasion.
1: PB-B-and-Chocolate Soft Serve: for when you’re craving a pint of ice cream but not what comes after.
Kitchen requirements: food processor/ blender
Okay, it doesn’t taste exactly like the sugary goodness of ice cream, but it’s so yummy and EASY to make! You can have it for breakfast or a snack and know you’re actually eating something that’s good for you. Recipe here.
2: Prosciutto-Wrapped Pesto Chicken: for when you want an Instagrammable dinner but are lazy AF.
Kitchen requirements: toaster oven
I made this for my mom and she thought I was some sort of chef at a four star restaurant. But here’s the catch: all you have to do is put the pesto and mozzarella into the chicken breast, wrap it in prosciutto, and pop that shiz in the toaster oven. DONE. And all the ingredients are things you can feel good about eating. Recipe here.
3: Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars: for those mornings when you need a grab-and-go before class.
Kitchen requirements: ZILCH (a fridge and two hands)
These are super delicious as a breakfast or snack and reaaaally filling (if you use the kind of peanut butter that’s just peanuts and salt). They’re packed with protein and best of all, you don’t need any fancy gadgets to make them! Recipe here.
4: Butternut Squash Soup: for those cold winter nights when you’re seeking comfort food.
Kitchen requirements: stovetop, toaster oven and food processor/ blender
This one is a bit more ambitious but still quite doable. If you skip the peanut garnish, there aren’t too many ingredients, either. The tricky part is transferring the soup to the food processor (I use a Nutribullet) in batches without making a mess. But once it’s finished, you’ll be glad you made it! Plus one batch makes a good four to five servings, giving you a week’s worth of dinner. Recipe here.
5: Tomato Avocado Grilled Cheese: for when you want grilled cheese but also wanna say you’re eating healthy.
Kitchen requirements: stovetop or toaster oven
A great replacement to the classic cheesy sandwich that’s delicious, but not excellent for you. The avocado is a huge bonus (#avocadotoast). For those who hate sun-dried tomatoes, try the cherry or grape variety instead. Recipe here.
6: Date Chocolate Balls: for when you’re craving a (chocolatey) snack.
Kitchen requirements: food processor or blender
These are called brownie bites, so I’d like to make a disclaimer: though they don’t exactly taste like brownies, they’re rich, tasty and great to share. (I made them for my whole floor earlier in the semester because we never seem to talk to each other.) Also a good gluten free, oven free, dessert-ish recipe to replace cookies. Recipe here.
7: Stuffed Sweet Potato: for when you want something simple
Kitchen requirements: microwave
I absolutely love baked sweet potatoes, and while this may look more like a side dish than a dinner, it’s surprisingly filling. Try sautéing the black beans and kale in coconut oil and they taste AMAZING. Recipe here.
8: Sweet Potato Toast: for those mornings when you’re feeling extra creative— in-dorm brunch?
Kitchen requirements: stovetop or toaster oven
Again, sweet potatoes are the best (as are bananas and peanut butter) and they’re better for you than bread. Like the chicken, these are totally Instagrammable and very impressive-looking. Recipe here.
As you can see, many of these recipes have repeats in ingredients: all the more reason to try a bunch! And remember, although it’s important to avoid feeding your body junk all the time, a few Oreos every once in a while won’t hurt.