5 more easy and healthy meals + snacks you can make in a dorm room

With a few basic ingredients, there are plenty of simple, healthy meals you can prepare in your dorm room. Here are 5 more ideas to help bring some variety and nutrition into your life at school. See Easy and Healthy Meals + Snacks (Part 1) for the first 5 recipes in this series.

All recipes are for one serving size, adjust quantity as needed.

1. Avocado toast with a twist

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (sourdough is ideal)
• 1 avocado
• half a tomato
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Optional:

• 4 basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of balsamic

For a quick and satisfying snack or light lunch, spread mashed avocado on bread, then top with fresh tomato slices and mozzarella cheese. If you don’t have access to a toaster, sourdough is ideal for untoasted bread. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add some basil leaves, lemon juice, or balsamic for extra flavour.

2. Chia pudding

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ½ cup almond milk
• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup berries
• ¼ cup nuts

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Chia pudding is an easy, no-cook option that you can make the night before and enjoy in the morning. Combine chia seeds with almond milk (or any milk you prefer) and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Stir it well, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of more honey or maple syrup butter for added texture and flavor. You can also add cocoa powder to make the recipe chocolate chia pudding.

3. No bake protein balls

No-bake protein balls are a fantastic snack option that’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for dorm living. Mix the rolled oats, protein powder (if using), pinch of salt, and seeds in a medium bowl. Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and once the mixture is well combined, roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place the protein balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Store your protein balls in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. This recipe makes about 12 protein balls.

4. Rice cakes with ricotta and honey

Ingredients (for one rice cake, adjust quantity as needed):

• 1 rice cake
• 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon honey

Optional:

• 2 tablespoons of berries
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Spread ricotta cheese on a rice cake and drizzle with honey. You can top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. This sweet and creamy snack is a great source of protein and healthy fats, while also satisfying your sweet tooth.

5. Avocado corn salad

Ingredients:

• ½ cup corn
• half an avocado
• ¼ cup red onion
• ¼ cup tomato
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• pinch of salt

Optional:

• ¼ cup feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon cilantro
• ¼ cup black beans

Combine canned corn (drained) with diced avocado, red onion, and tomato. Add feta cheese, chopped cilantro, and canned beans (drained) if preferred. Add lime juice, olive oil, and salt, and mix all together. This salad is bright and refreshing, packed with healthy fats and fibre, perfect as a side dish or light meal.