5 Healthy & Cheap Dorm-Friendly Microwave Meals
Eating healthy on a budget can be tough, especially when you’re living in a dorm with limited cooking equipment. But don’t worry—here are 5 simple, affordable, and nutritious microwave recipes that are perfect for busy college students! You don’t need a full kitchen to enjoy these quick and tasty meals.
1. Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad
This hearty and nutritious dish is loaded with fiber and protein, making it a filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
1 medium sweet potato
½ cup canned black beans, rinsed
1 medium tomato, diced
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp coriander
Salt to taste
Sour cream
Cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Prick the sweet potato with a fork several times. Microwave on high for 12-15 minutes until tender.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, and salt. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Once the sweet potato is done, slice it open lengthwise and make a well in the center.
Spoon the warm bean salad into the sweet potato. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
2. Quick Mixed Berry Topping
This easy berry topping is a great addition to your breakfast routine. It’s perfect for overnight oats or French toast, adding a sweet and tangy kick to your meal.
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen mixed berries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions:
Toss the berries, sugar, and cornstarch together in a large microwave-safe bowl until well mixed.
Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then stir. Microwave for an additional 2 ½ minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and is steaming.
Add to overnight oats, top your French toast, or use as a fruity topping for waffles!
3. "Fried" Rice
This quick microwave version of fried rice is packed with veggies and protein, making it an ideal healthy meal on a student’s budget.
Ingredients:
¾ cup cooked brown rice
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 cup spinach or arugula
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 hard-boiled egg, quartered
Instructions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the rice, curry powder, peas, spinach, and carrot.
Microwave on high for 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Add the hard-boiled egg, mix gently, and serve!
4. Pesto Veggie Scramble
Start your day with this protein-packed microwave scramble filled with veggies. It’s perfect on its own or served on toast.
Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cottage cheese
1 teaspoon pesto
¼ cup mixed slaw
½ cup green veggies (beans, broccoli, spinach)
1-2 slices of grainy bread (optional)
Instructions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the eggs, cottage cheese, pesto, slaw, and green veggies.
Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, for 1 ½ - 2 minutes until cooked.
Toast your bread and serve the scramble on top. Enjoy!
5. Black Bean Quesadilla
This easy quesadilla uses a microwave to melt the cheese and black bean filling for a quick, satisfying Tex-Mex treat.
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup frozen corn
Fajita seasoning blend
Chopped cilantro
Lime juice
Diced red onion
Shredded Mexican-style cheese
Corn tortillas
Salsa (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the black beans, fajita seasoning, cilantro, and lime juice. Use a fork to mash everything together.
Spread the bean mixture on one tortilla, then top with corn, diced onion, and a handful of cheese.
Top with another tortilla and microwave on a glass plate for 1 minute, or until the cheese melts.
Serve with your favorite salsa on the side!
These easy microwave meals are budget-friendly, healthy, and quick to make—perfect for any college student living in a dorm! Give them a try and enjoy delicious meals without the hassle of a full kitchen.