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    • An overhead view of a bowl of broccoli and tomato pasta with beans.
      Broccoli and Cherry Tomato Pasta
    • Bruschetta on a handmade plate topped with air fryer cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
      Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes
    • Quinoa Salad with Edamame
    • Roasted Sesame Dressing
    • A small bowl of raw vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookie dough with chocolate chips scattered around it.
      Vegan Gluten-free Cookie Dough
    • Iced tea being poured into a glass with a floral ice cube in it.
      How to Make Herbal Iced Tea
    • Edible flower ice cubes scattered on a marble surface.
      Edible Flower Ice Cubes
    • A plateful of golden sourdough croutons.
      Vegan Croutons (oil-free)
    • A jar of nut-free vegan salad dressing in front of a board containing caesar salad.
      Nut-free Vegan Caesar Dressing
    • Vegan mango summer rolls in a coconut bowl with one leaning on the outside.
      Vegan Mango Summer Rolls
    • Balsamic Pasta Salad
    • Tofu steaks on top of oat groats, served next to sauteed mushrooms.
      Tofu Steaks (vegan)
    Home » year round

    41 Easy College Dorm Room-Friendly Vegan Recipes

    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.

    A collage of dishes that can be made in a dorm room, representing 41 vegan recipes.

    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.

    Tools

    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

    Lemon and mint in a glass pitcher filling with water.
    Lemon Mint 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

    Vegan Caramel Latte by Beautiful Ingredient

    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 Hummus by Yumsome

    Favorite Guacamole by Beautiful Ingredient

    A round glass jar filled with mango salsa with cherry tomatoes surrounding it.
    Mango Salsa 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 Cups by 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

    A salad bowl in the foreground with chickpea salad on top, a bagel sandwich filled with vegan chickpea salad behind, and a bowl of just vegan chickpea salad behind that.
    Chickpea Salad with Jalapeño Relish by Beautiful Ingredient

    Soup

    Mason Jar Miso Soup by Sunnyside Hanne

    Summer Rolls

    Easy Green & Purple Summer Rolls by Beautiful Ingredient

    An overhead view of 14 green and purple summer rolls on white parchment, with bowls of dipping sauce and limes next to them.
    Easy Green & Purple 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

    seasoning mix with spices in a ramekin
    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.

    More year round

    • Dairy-free parmesan cheese sprinkles in a small bowl surrounded by large salads.
      Vegan Parmesan Sprinkles
    • Maple dijon salad dressing in a small jar with a cork lid next to a green salad.
      Maple Dijon Dressing
    • A ramekin filled with pink lime pickled onions on a wood surface.
      Lime Pickled Onions
    • Vibrant plant-based queso topped with cilantro leaves and chopped red pepper.
      Plant-Based Queso

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. shivrathor6375@gmail.com

      September 18, 2017 at 5:32 am

      wow, I am always confused to make the food. I am always thought what I make but always fail and buy some food outside. but here is different food to make easy and simple way at the hostel.
      http://kitchentuts.com/

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 19, 2017 at 4:19 pm

        Yes, these are easy recipes to make with limited space, time, and/or tools. I hope you enjoy making something from the list!

    2. shivrathor6375@gmail.com

      September 18, 2017 at 5:32 am

      wow, I am always confused to make the food. I am always thought what I make but always fail and buy some food outside. but here is different food to make easy and simple way at the hostel.
      http://kitchentuts.com/

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 19, 2017 at 4:19 pm

        Yes, these are easy recipes to make with limited space, time, and/or tools. I hope you enjoy making something from the list!

    3. best pressure cooker

      September 18, 2017 at 5:32 am

      wow, I am always confused to make the food. I am always thought what I make but always fail and buy some food outside. but here is different food to make easy and simple way at the hostel.
      http://kitchentuts.com/

      • Kari

        September 19, 2017 at 4:19 pm

        Yes, these are easy recipes to make with limited space, time, and/or tools. I hope you enjoy making something from the list!

    4. sarah.oliver@tufts.edu

      September 16, 2017 at 2:18 am

      I can't wait to try some of these in my own dorm!

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 16, 2017 at 10:50 pm

        I hope you have fun making them, Sarah!

    5. sarah.oliver@tufts.edu

      September 16, 2017 at 2:18 am

      I can't wait to try some of these in my own dorm!

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 16, 2017 at 10:50 pm

        I hope you have fun making them, Sarah!

    6. Sarah

      September 16, 2017 at 2:18 am

      I can't wait to try some of these in my own dorm!

      • Kari

        September 16, 2017 at 10:50 pm

        I hope you have fun making them, Sarah!

    7. dianne@diannesvegankitchen.com

      September 07, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      Such a yummy round up! Thank you for including my recipes.

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 16, 2017 at 10:49 pm

        Happy to, Dianne!

    8. dianne@diannesvegankitchen.com

      September 07, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      Such a yummy round up! Thank you for including my recipes.

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 16, 2017 at 10:49 pm

        Happy to, Dianne!

    9. Dianne Wenz

      September 07, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      Such a yummy round up! Thank you for including my recipes.

      • Kari

        September 16, 2017 at 10:49 pm

        Happy to, Dianne!

    10. cadryn@hotmail.com

      September 04, 2017 at 12:43 am

      What an excellent round-up! I know this will be so useful to vegans in college. It's amazing what can be made with a few simple kitchen tools.

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 04, 2017 at 6:54 pm

        Thank you! I hope so - and I hope it's useful to anyone else who is only working with a few kitchen tools, for whatever reason.

    11. cadryn@hotmail.com

      September 04, 2017 at 12:43 am

      What an excellent round-up! I know this will be so useful to vegans in college. It's amazing what can be made with a few simple kitchen tools.

      • kari@beautifulingredient.com

        September 04, 2017 at 6:54 pm

        Thank you! I hope so - and I hope it's useful to anyone else who is only working with a few kitchen tools, for whatever reason.

    12. Cadry's Kitchen

      September 04, 2017 at 12:43 am

      What an excellent round-up! I know this will be so useful to vegans in college. It's amazing what can be made with a few simple kitchen tools.

      • Kari

        September 04, 2017 at 6:54 pm

        Thank you! I hope so - and I hope it's useful to anyone else who is only working with a few kitchen tools, for whatever reason.

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    Welcome to a world of beautiful food!

    I'm Kari, and this is where I celebrate beautiful ingredients and focus on ways to make eating more plants easier. Recipes are centered around whole foods and are vegan, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and mostly gluten-free. And so delicious!

    types of recipes we're hungry for

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    A collage of dishes that can be made in a dorm room, representing 41 vegan recipes.