Sometimes you (and your wallet) need a break from dining hall food. These easy college meals are simple enough to cook in your dorm: all you need is a fridge, microwave or toaster. (Yep, even for that egg sandwich!)
32 Easy College Meals You’ll Actually Want to Make in Your Dorm Room
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
DIY Ramen Soup
This jarred version of ramen soup is a healthier alternative than most commercial varieties. Play favorites with the veggies to suit your taste. —Michelle, Clair, Seattle, Washington
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Mini Burgers with the Works
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 68 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 341 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.
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Egg-Topped Avocado Toast
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have avocados on hand, so it's easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It's really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 313 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
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Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls
Total Time
12 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients into a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 433 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
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Coconut Acorn Squash
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save yourself some time in the kitchen and toss the squash in the microwave for a quick dish. Sometimes squash can be a bit tasteless, so I conquer this by adding a bit of mango chutney and coconut. —Dierdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled squash half: 251 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
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Hasselback Tomato Clubs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed tomatoes: 272 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
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Healthy Apple Crisp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy dish is a tradition in my family. It's as quick as a boxed cake mix but it's a healthier dessert choice. It's ideal in fall when it seems that everyone has a bag or two of fresh apples to give away! —Terri Wetzel, Roseburg, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 252 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
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DIY Salad in a Jar
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 364 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
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Ramen Noodle Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For potlucks and picnics, this ramen noodle salad is a knockout. I tote the veggies in a bowl, dressing in a jar and noodles in a bag. Then I just shake them all together when it's time to eat. —LJ Porter, Bauxite, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 189 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
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Easy Gazpacho
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter got this gazpacho recipe from a college friend and shared it with me. Now I serve it often as an appetizer. It certainly is the talk of any party. —Lorna Sirtoli, Cortland, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
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Chicken Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Chocolate Chip, PB & Banana Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love finding new ways to combine peanut butter, chocolate and bananas. I was shocked when my nephews (who are very picky eaters) loved these sammies. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 502 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
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Pizza Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings (about 3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 62 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lime juice and cilantro in tuna salad – who knew? This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. —Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 506 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
8 meatballs: 794 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
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Chocolate Pecan Pie Snack Mix
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My crowd-pleasing party mix is buttery, chocolaty and nutty. The recipe yields a party-sized portion, but I recommend keeping it covered so it doesn’t disappear before the event. —Annette Niemiec, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 350 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pumpkin Cream of Wheat
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This autumn-inspired breakfast tastes like pumpkin pie—without the guilt! Double the recipe if you feel like sharing. —Amy Bashtovoi, Sidney, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
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Turkey-Jalapeno Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a turkey sandwich meets modern Thai, it’s a fun mix of classic and trendy food. I love it when my mixing and matching turns out so tasty. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 483 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1500mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
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Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 309 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
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Honey-Lemon Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Honey, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas (calculated without optional toppings) : 349 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
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Tuna Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Zucchini Frittata
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we travel by car, I make the frittata the night before, stuff it into pita bread in the morning and microwave for a minute or two. I wrap them in a towel so down the road we can enjoy a still-warm breakfast! —Carol Blumenberg, Lehigh Acres, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 304mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
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Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just like Mom or Grandma used to make—but so much quicker! Store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you turn out this heartwarming combination before you can say, “Order up!” —Ruth Ann Bott, Lake Wales, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup meat mixture with 1/2 cup potatoes and 1 slice bread: 347 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 2051mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
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Microwave Egg Sandwich
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 218 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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15-Minute Meat Loaf
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined a few awesome-tasting meat loaf recipes to create this flavorful version, which my husband loves. And because it's made in the microwave, the entree is ideal for busy nights. —Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 386 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
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Broccoli Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my favorite twist on broccoli salad. It's so easy to make and has an irresistible tangy crunch. —Konny Thomas, Citrus Heights, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 225 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Breakfast Potatoes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 180 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 151 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Feta Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up eating chicken because my father was the manager at a poultry facility, but this is the one dish that never gets boring. —Cheryl Lundquist, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 198 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
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Italian-Style Veggie Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Yummy! There are so many great flavors and textures in these wraps. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients—use mozzarella, pepperoni or any combo you like. —Maria Simmons, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 373 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 1298mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
