5 Healthy Dorm Room Cooking Recipes That Require Zero Space

Let’s face it, dorm room cooking doesn’t sound ultra appetizing. But it doesn’t have to subsist solely around instant noodles, frozen prepackaged meals, or Postmates delivery. In fact, college cooking can be nutrient-packed and delicious – even when confined to a tiny dorm room without a kitchen.
All you’ll need for these five simple recipes are a mini-fridge, a food processor, and a few standard kitchen supplies like a sharp knife and mason jar. Bonus: these dorm room cooking recipes are ideal for taking to class or the library, stashing in the fridge, and staying energized between classes.
Here’s how to make the most of out that tiny space, and even impress your roommate, too.

1. Overnight Coconut Chia Seed Pudding
This simple overnight coconut chia seed pudding from 8th and Lake is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome and nutrient-packed breakfast on busy mornings, or as a great afternoon snack. Made with just chia seeds, coconut milk, a pinch of cinnamon, and optional toppings like fruit and nuts, this chia seed pudding is the perfect thing to stash in your bag for early classes. Plus, because chia seeds are packed with both healthy fats and fiber, they will keep you satiated and focused for hours on end.

2. Greek Chicken Salad
It’s simple to take a salad on the go when the greens and toppings are layered in a mason jar, like this Greek chicken salad from Ambitious Kitchen. Adding the dressing to the bottom of the jar and layering heartier vegetables, chickpeas, chicken, feta, and greens ensures that nothing will get mushy or wilted. When ready to enjoy this salad, simply shake it up! If adding chicken, look for precooked organic chicken at the grocery store. Trader Joe’s has a great option, as does Whole Foods Market and Wegman’s. Even better, snag an organic rotisserie chicken and incorporate it into meals all week long.

3. Five Minute Creamy Bircher Muesli
Have five minutes to spare in the morning? Then you should definitely make this delicious breakfast from Blissful Basil made with quick cook oats, almond milk, and coconut yogurt. Loaded with ample fiber from oats, flax seeds, and chia seeds, this bircher muesli will support healthy digestive function, too. Top this bowl with nut butter, banana, coconut flakes, seeds, or whatever else you have lingering around the dorm room.

4. Hummus Collard Wraps
Consider this an elevated college burrito. Instead of using a tortilla, make a filling meal with fresh collard greens and vegetables, like these delicious hummus collard wraps from Eating Bird Food. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as cucumbers, avocado, red cabbage, and zucchini, and layer everything together with hummus on a collard green. Hummus is a college fridge staple and provides filling fiber, protein, and B vitamins, among other vitamins and minerals. Look for a store-bought version with minimal ingredients, or whip up your own batch in a food processor.

5. No-Bake Cookie Bars
These no-bake cookie bars from Minimalist Baker are the ultimate healthy snack to have in-between classes or during a late night study sesh. Made with only four ingredients (oats, peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, and dates), they’re ridiculously easy to throw together and taste like an indulgent treat. Simply pulse all the ingredients together in a food processor until mixed, press into a cookie sheet or pan to flatten, chill, and slice. Bonus points for sharing these cookie bars with your roommate.
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