Hajrah Khan

Students have hectic schedules with work and classes. It gets hard when students cannot afford healthy foods to make meals that their bodies can benefit from. Eating nutritious meals provide energy that can fuel their bodies throughout the day, but affording them can be a challenge. 

These dorm-friendly, simple meals are made for students on a time crunch—ready in 30 minutes or less. Whether you want to prepare for the week or just have dinner for the night, the options are endless, and the ingredients are flexible—it’s up to how you like it! 

The prices below are sourced from Instacart.com.

1. Mediterranean Salad

Mediterranean salads contain a variety of nutritious vegetables that give a good dose of vitamin A and C to the body, as well as potassium and iron. This salad can be flexible and you can substitute the ingredients to your liking and taste preference. This salad is quick and easy to make because with no cooking involved. You just need to chop up some delicious vegetables and throw them into a big bowl!

Ingredients:

8.75 oz of canned chickpeas

8-10 grape tomatoes 

1 cucumber 

1 iceberg or romaine lettuce

1 tablespoon olives 

1/2 onion

1/4 cilantro [1/4 oz]

1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles 

Seasonings: Salt and black pepper

For the dressing you need two tablespoons of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and oregano; the estimated price for the dressing would be around $8.

The estimated total as of writing this article is $22 for 3-4 servings.

Instructions: 

Chop the vegetables finely and toss them into a large bowl, according to size preference. Mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Pour the dressing into the bowl and toss to make sure every piece gets coated evenly.

2. Bhindi masala (Okra) 

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C. Okra helps support the immune system and is low in calories. Okra also contains antioxidants which help reduce the risk of serious diseases, according to WebMD. Okra is affordable at any market which makes this dish even more delicious!

Ingredients: 

1 tomato

1/2 onion

16 oz okra

Seasonings: Paprika, salt, or curry masala which is optional

This meal can be eaten with wheat pita bread, whole grain rice, or whole wheat naan.

The estimated Total as of writing this article is $13 for two servings

Instructions: 

Heat a pan with olive oil, add finely chopped onion, allow the onion to get golden, and then add the chopped tomatoes. Once the tomatoes are soft, add the okra and cook on medium heat for 15 -20 mins. Season to your heart’s content with some salt and paprika or curry masala.

3. Burrito bowl

 This easy bowl has everything in a burrito—but without the tortilla. This dish is affordable and very filling with savory flavors!

Ingredients:

1 cup of whole grain rice 

1 tomato

1 avocado

8 oz of canned red kidney beans

8 oz of canned corn 

1 piece of chicken breast 

1 cup of cheese of your choice 

1 tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice 

3-4 tablespoons of sour cream or plain greek yogurt 

1 whole jalapeno

2 cloves of garlic

1.4 oz of cilantro

Seasonings: Paprika, salt, and black pepper

The estimated Total as of writing this article is $18 for two servings

Instructions:

Slice chicken into 1/2 inch cubes and combine in a large with 2 spoonfuls of sour cream or yogurt with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes. Start by rinsing half a cup of rice, boil with one cup of water, and add the rice into the pot of water. Season with some salt and let the rice cook for about 18 mins on medium heat. Make the guacamole by cutting up an avocado, and smashing it in a bowl with a fork until you get a nice soft consistency, add salt and pepper, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, chopped up jalapeno peppers, some minced garlic, and squeeze fresh lime juice. Add your marinated chicken pieces to a pan and fry for about 13 mins. After all the ingredients are ready, add the rice first into a bowl with the chicken, guacamole, can of corn and red kidney beans, and finally some cheese. Sour cream or plain greek yogurt can also be added for more flavor.

 4. Broccoli Pasta

This meal is very simple and quick to make with mouthwatering flavors. What makes this dish unique is you can add any vegetables or meats that you have laying around and it will still taste wonderful!

Ingredients:

8 oz of rotini Pasta  

8 oz of broccoli  

1/4 of a cup parmesan cheese 

1/4 of a cup of mozzarella cheese 

2 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons of butter

1 cup of heavy cream 

Seasonings: Salt and pepper

The estimated Total as of writing this article is $22 for one or two servings

Instructions:

Start by boiling two cups of water after the water has started boiling, throw one cup of pasta into the pot. While the pasta is boiling, in a separate pan melt some butter, add garlic, salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Let that sauce boil for a little 4-6 mins then throw in broccoli and other veggies of your choice. Let your veggies soak in the flavors of the sauce and get soft. After the pasta is finished boiling, drain the water out but keep half a cup on the side so you can add it to your sauce for more flavor and creaminess. Stir the pasta into the saucepan and pour in the water you saved from boiling the pasta. Add lots of mozzarella cheese to your liking and bon appétit!