41 Easy College Dorm Room-Friendly Vegan Recipes (2024)

41 fantastic easy vegan recipes that are suitable for a college dorm room! Minimal tools required while full of flavor and nutrients, these are the kind of recipes that are doable in a dorm room with a full day of classes. We've got a wide variety, including flavored waters, breakfast ideas including a latte, snack & dessert options, lunches/dinners, even a seasoning mix! All are vegan and some are gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free. Provided by a variety of food bloggers from around the world.

41 Easy College Dorm Room-Friendly Vegan Recipes (1)

Nutritious vegan options are becoming more prevalent in college dining halls - yay! Still, it's not necessarily a wide variety of options available day to day, so I called on some of my fellow food bloggers to help me compile a resource for you college students to help you discover what you can cook on your own. That's right, in your dorm room! A special thank you to each of these wonderful contributors.

All of these recipes can be made with just the following appliances:

  • a mini-fridge
  • a microwave
  • coffee maker, milk frother

It would also be a good idea to have the following basics:

  • bowl
  • dish
  • cup
  • utensils
  • jar with a lid or other storage container
  • cutting board and knife (if not allowed, use one in the dorm kitchen or buy already-chopped fruit & veg from the dining hall)

Where to Find Ingredients

  • See what you can bring back to your room from the dining halls. Remember the on-campus market, too, where you can also (usually) use your dining card.
  • Most college towns have a farmers market nearby, which can add much-desired variety to your diet, even with a small amount of cash. And you get to support local, hard-working farmers! You can't beat the quality found at most markets, with their fresh-picked selections.
  • Check out the nearby grocery store. Some schools even have a shuttle that will take you on the weekends.
  • Try growing a few herbs on your windowsill! It's easy and adds so much to your dish. Think fresh mint in your water, basil in your salad.

Go solo or buddy system

Your roommate or someone else in your hall might want to go in on some groceries and use these recipes, too! They're bound to find something they like on this long list, whether or not they consider themselves "vegan." You'll be doing them a favor, introducing them to some delicious and nutritious food. More brain power for school! You could even start a group dinner club, with each person making a recipe from the list and eating them together, discovering your favorites. Have fun!

41 Easy Vegan College Dorm Room Recipes

compiled by Beautiful Ingredient

Flavored Water

Lemon Mint Flavored Water by Beautiful Ingredient

Cherry Vanilla Flavored Water by Beautiful Ingredient

Breakfast

Homemade Vegan Caramel Latte by Beautiful Ingredient

Vegan Caramel Steamer by Beautiful Ingredient

Quick Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal by Veggie Primer

Homemade Instant Oatmeal, 4 Flavors! by Veganosity

Almond Joy Chia Pudding by Dianne's Vegan Kitchen

Chocolate Chia Pudding by Yummy Mummy Kitchen

Pink Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding by Beautiful Ingredient

Tropical Chia Pudding by Beautiful Ingredient

Mini Microwave French Toast by Strength & Sunshine

Snacks & Desserts

Vegan Peanut Butter Microwave Mug Cake (3 Ingredients) by Rhian's Recipes

Cookie Dough Protein Balls by V Nutrition & Wellness

Peanut Butter Chocolate Coconut Bites (no bake) by Delightful Adventures

Pistachio Chocolate Banana Sushi by The Petite Cook

Tahini Bon Bons by Fried Dandelions

Healthy Black Forest Bon Bons (gluten-free) by Sunnyside Hanne

Peach and Black Bean Salsa by Cadry's Kitchen

Mango Salsa by Beautiful Ingredient

Vegan Ceviche with Hearts of Palm by Cadry's Kitchen

Creamy Avocado Hummusby Yumsome

Favorite Guacamole by Beautiful Ingredient

Lunch or Dinner

Sandwiches & Salads

Veggie Wrap with Apples & Spicy Hummus by Veggie Inspired

Quick & Easy White Bean Salad (salad or sandwich) by Veggie Inspired

Apple Walnut Chickpea Salad (salad or sandwich) by Where You Get Your Protein

Vegan Tuna Salad (salad or sandwich) by Veggies Save the Day

Chickpea Salad with Jalapeño Relish (salad or sandwich) by Beautiful Ingredient

Avocado Chickpea Lettuce Cupsby Tasting Page

Cannellini Bean Salad with Basil & Sun-Dried Tomatoes by Food Pleasure & Health

Simple Black-Eyed Pea Salad by Delightful Adventures

Black Bean Mango Salad by Dianne's Vegan Kitchen

Healthy Vegan Greek Salad by Yummy Mummy Kitchen

White Bean Cherry Tomato Basil Salad by Veggies Save the Day

Balsamic Bean Salad by Fried Dandelions

Simple Vegan Panzanella by Yumsome

Avocado Artichoke Lentil Salad by Tasting Page

Soup

Mason Jar Miso Soup by Sunnyside Hanne

Summer Rolls

by Beautiful Ingredient

Comfort Food

Microwave Mac & Cheese for One (gluten-free) by Strength & Sunshine

5 Minute Easy Vegan Tacos by Happy Kitchen. Rocks

Seasoning

Smoky Hemp Heart Seasoning Mix by Beautiful Ingredient

Hungry for more?

Check out this Make-Ahead Chia Pudding recipe and info on The College Vegan Cookbook by Heather Nicholds.

41 Easy College Dorm Room-Friendly Vegan Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook for yourself in college dorm? ›

“If your dorm allows desktop appliances, Instant Pot makes a tiny 3-quart dorm version, and air fryers come in super small 1.1-quart sizes,” he explains, “Both are way more versatile than a microwave.” If you have the space and they're allowed, a rice cooker can be huge for preparing one-pot meals, too.

What food should I keep in my college dorm? ›

14 Dorm Food Essentials I'm Stocking in My Room This Fall
  • Greek Yogurt. Single-serving yogurt cups are easy to store in your fridge and eat without needing to dirty a dish. ...
  • Granola. ...
  • Baby Carrots. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Apples. ...
  • Nut Butter. ...
  • Protein Bars. ...
  • Ready-Made Salads.
Aug 21, 2023

How can I cook in college without a kitchen? ›

If you want to cook with heat (and your dorm allows it), consider getting a rice cooker, electric pressure cooker, toaster oven, or electric water kettle. Your mantra: Assemble, don't cook. It's as if you're on a permanent camping trip without so much as a camp stove.

What should I prepare for a vegan guest? ›

Vegan dinner party snacks and starters
  1. Beetroot vegan hummus. ...
  2. Purple sprouting broccoli tempura with ponzu dipping sauce. ...
  3. Crispy fried cabbage. ...
  4. Grilled vegetable antipasti. ...
  5. Vegan summer rolls. ...
  6. Warm hummus with pine nuts, raisins and olives. ...
  7. Beer batter pakoras. ...
  8. Cashew cream and ancho chilli elotes.

Why do dorms not allow air fryers? ›

An air fryer might seem like a great tool to take to college and pop in your dorm, especially if you're someone who loves to snack and cook, but the truth is most dorms actually ban air fryers due to the fire risk.

What cooking appliances can you have in a dorm? ›

Experts weigh in on which cooking appliances are typically allowed in dorm rooms and explain how to safely use them. Most college dorms allow mini fridges, microwaves, blenders and electric kettles, though policies may vary across campuses.

What are easy snacks to have in a dorm room? ›

Bananas, apples, oranges, dried fruit, applesauce, canned fruits with no added sugar, tomatoes and low-sodium canned vegetables are examples of fruits and vegetables that can be kept in a dorm room without refrigeration.

What are high protein college dorm snacks? ›

Nuts: Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews are high in protein and healthy fats. They are also a good source of fiber and can help keep you full for longer periods. Protein bars: There are several protein bars available in the market that are high in protein, low in sugar, and easy to carry around as a snack.

What healthy food does not require cooking? ›

Pre-cooked whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa. Pre-cut fresh vegetables and fruit. Frozen vegetables and fruit (no added salt, sugar or sauce) Instant oatmeal (unflavored)

Why is cooking not allowed in dorms? ›

In order to prevent fire risk, many dorms do not allow appliances that have an exposed heating element.

What food doesn't need to be cooked or refrigerated? ›

Fresh apples, oranges, kiwi, mangoes, watermelon, pineapple, and even avocado can be enjoyed without a fridge. Just ensure you finish eating them after slicing them up as soon as possible. This will help you keep bugs away. You can also opt for dry/dehydrated fruits or canned varieties.

What snack foods can vegans eat? ›

Try These Popular Vegan Snacks (Chips, Cookies, and More)
  • Vegan Rob's Chips.
  • Rivalz Extra Chedda' Mac.
  • Outstanding Foods PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds.
  • Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars—Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate.
  • Trader Joe's Almond Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.

What not to do when going vegan? ›

Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
  1. Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
  2. Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
  3. Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
  4. Eggs.
  5. Cheese.
  6. Butter.
  7. Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
  8. Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Nov 3, 2023

Do college students cook their own food? ›

For college students, cooking a fresh meal is not necessarily a top priority. Convenience and cost are usually the first two factors that dictate what the next meal will be. Since most universities require that students have meal plans, many naturally gravitate toward the dining hall.

What percent of college students cook for themselves? ›

Most college students reported often (45.7%) or sometimes (40.3%) cooking.

How do you plan a meal in a dorm? ›

How to Meal Prep: 5 Essential Tips for Students
  1. Organize Your Groceries. After you've done your grocery shopping or had your groceries delivered, organize your groceries and put them in the refrigerator. ...
  2. Plan Ahead. ...
  3. Use Clear Containers or Baggies. ...
  4. Use the Same Meat in Different Recipes. ...
  5. Always Have Staple Foods on Hand.

How do you heat food in a dorm? ›

Microwave

Whenever you need to heat up leftovers, frozen meals, or looking for other ways to cook your meals, the microwave is there for you. You can make anything from brownies to mac and cheese to even meat loaf, making this essential for cooking in the dorm.

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