16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2024)

Modified: by TheDiabetesCouncil Team · This post may contain affiliate links ·

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (1)

Living in a dorm room is limiting enough when it comes to preparing inexpensive and nutritious food, but living in a dorm room on a vegan diet can be even more challenging. While everyone else is heating up microwave pizza and mac and cheese, you’re stuck living off vegan snacks that don’t fill you up as much as a hearty meal would. However, with just a few pantry ingredients and access to a stove, you can whip up some seriously delicious vegan dishes that don’t cost much but will keep you satisfied hours after the microwave pizza eaters are scrounging for their next meal.

If you’re struggling to find vegan-friendly breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even desserts, use our guide for 16 cheap vegan recipes for college students to find your favorite dorm room dishes, all of which can be ready to go in less than 30 minutes.

15 Minute Soy Peanut Noodles

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2)

Credit: thecookreport.co.uk

This tasty noodle dish comes together in just 15 minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (3) 15 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (4) 400 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (5) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: 15 Minute Soy Peanut Noodles.

Crispy Tortilla Pizza

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (6)

Credit: hurrythefoodup.com

Pizza is a standard when it comes to a college dorm room diet, but yours doesn’t have to be a greasy or unhealthy one. This tortilla pizza comes together in just a few minutes using inexpensive but flavorful ingredients.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (7) 25 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (8) 290 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (9) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Crispy Tortilla Pizza.

5-Minute Tomato Basil Pantry Soup with Garlic Croutons

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (10)

Credit: momsdinner.net

Fry up a few grilled cheese sandwiches to go with this velvety tomato soup that’s entirely made up of pantry ingredients.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (11) 5 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (12) 180 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (13) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: 5-Minute Tomato Basil Pantry Soup with Garlic Croutons.

Fresh Mango Coconut Chia Seed Parfait

This fresh fruit parfait can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, and requires no baking.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (15) 15 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (16) 300 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (17) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Fresh Mango Coconut Chia Seed Parfait.

2-Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (18)

Credit: hurrythefoodup.com

Cooking up nutritious, fluffy pancakes doesn’t require a laundry list of ingredients. As long as you have eggs, bananas, and a saute pan, you’ve got an impressive breakfast.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (19) 10 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (20) 230 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (21) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: 2-Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes.

Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (22)

Credit: www.acouplecooks.com

This nutritious sandwich is incredibly versatile, so feel free to add any toppings you’d like to complete this satisfying meal.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (23) 10 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (24) 384 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (25) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich.

Rice and Beans

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (26)

Credit: www.fullofbeans.us

This dish is ideal for the college student who wants to stick to a budget without sacrificing flavor. Spice up your rice and beans with sriracha and soy sauce and throw in a side of sauteed broccoli or bok choy for a well-rounded and beyond simple dish.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (27) 5 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (28) 150 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (29) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Rice and Beans.

Vegan Ramen

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (30)

Credit: www.theedgyveg.com

Ramen is a dorm room staple, but if you’ve got the creativity and a few additional ingredients, you can dress yours up. This ramen omits the flavor packet and uses a spicy almond butter sauce for a delicious twist.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (31) 5 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (32) 250 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (33) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Vegan Ramen.

Healthy Dorm Room Microwave Pasta

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (34)

Credit: www.flippedoutfood.com

This healthy pasta only requires four ingredients, a microwave, and a microwave-safe pasta maker. Add in some greens for some added nutrients, or enjoy that filling bowl of noodles all on their own.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (35) 10 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (36) 160 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (37) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Healthy Dorm Room Microwave Pasta.

Better Than Chipotle Veggie Bowl

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (38)

Credit: modestdish.com

Just four steps is all that stands between you and a veggie bowl that tastes great and is actually good for you.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (39) 20 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (40) 380 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (41) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Better Than Chipotle Veggie Bowl.

Vegan Grilled Hummus Burgers and Sweet Potatoes

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (42)

Credit: modestdish.com

Rather than spreading hummus on a burger and calling it a hummus burger, this recipe thickens hummus so that it can be grilled as its own solid, thick burger. Use the garnishes of your choice and grill the sweet potatoes as a flavorful, crispy side dish.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (43) 20 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (44) 350 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (45) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Vegan Grilled Hummus Burgers and Sweet Potatoes.

Quick Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (46)

Credit: veggieprimer.com

This chocolatey oatmeal goes far beyond the oatmeal bar in the dining hall. Topped with chocolate, sweet cherries, and cooked banana, you can enjoy this satisfying bowl of oatmeal without any guilt.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (47) 10 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (48) 290 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (49) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Quick Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal.

Mini Microwave French Toast

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (50)

Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

If all you’ve got access to is a microwave in your dorm room, you can still make a great plate of French toast that tastes like the traditional version without the saute pan or a mess to clean up.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (51) 2 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (52) 120 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (53) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Mini Microwave French Toast.

Vegan Peanut Butter Microwave Mug Cake

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (54)

Credit: www.rhianrecipes.com

Free from refined sugar, this mug cake is a healthy treat you can easily heat up if you’re craving something sweet.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (55) 5 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (56) 330 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (57) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Vegan Peanut Butter Microwave Mug Cake.

Vegan Hummus, Ricotta, Kale, and Spinach Wrap

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (58)

Credit: www.veganosity.com

Hummus is great to keep in a dorm room refrigerator – it’s loaded with savory spices, clean protein, and has a creamy texture that is great in a wrap, on a sandwich, or just spread on a cracker. This wrap is loaded with nutritious veggies and comes together with a creamy hummus for a quick and delicious meal.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (59) 5 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (60) 115 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (61) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Vegan Hummus, Ricotta, Kale, and Spinach Wrap.

Simple Vegan Panzanella

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (62)

Credit: www.yumsome.com

Impress your dorm mates with this healthy salad that’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (63) 10 minutes16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (64) 205 calories16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (65) Easy

VE Vegan

Visit the page to learn more: Simple Vegan Panzanella.

16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2024)

FAQs

How to eat as a poor college student? ›

These meal ideas are perfect for college students living on a budget who don't have much time to cook.
  1. 10 Cheap Meals for College Students. ...
  2. Chicken and Veggie Baking Sheet. ...
  3. Tater Tot Casserole. ...
  4. Ramen. ...
  5. Mac and Cheese. ...
  6. Two Scrambled Eggs and Toast. ...
  7. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. ...
  8. Baked Ravioli.
Jul 8, 2022

What do picky vegans eat? ›

  • Carrot Dogs. One of our most popular recipes, these smoky carrot dogs taste remarkably like hot dogs. ...
  • Zucchini Fritters. ...
  • Homemade Vegan Pesto. ...
  • Sneaky Chickpea Burgers. ...
  • Lentil Vegetable Soup. ...
  • Mixed Berry Jam with Chia Seeds. ...
  • 5-Minute Ketchup. ...
  • Spinach Lasagna.
Aug 18, 2023

What is the cheapest way to eat in college? ›

22 Cheap and Easy Meals for College Students
  • 01 of 23. Simple Macaroni and Cheese. View Recipe. ...
  • 02 of 23. Cheesy Ramen Noodles. ...
  • 03 of 23. Sloppy Joes II. ...
  • 04 of 23. Simple Macaroni and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 23. Baked Chicken Wings. ...
  • 06 of 23. Tatertot Casserole. ...
  • 07 of 23. Shipwreck Dinner. ...
  • 08 of 23. Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole.
Feb 8, 2024

What are vegans most deficient in? ›

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

What do vegans struggle with the most? ›

Numerous studies have shown that vegans consume insufficient calcium and vitamin D, not only owing to the absence of dairy products but also due to calcium bioavailability problems in plant-based diets [28]. Vitamin D insufficiency exacerbates calcium shortage further owing to impaired intestinal absorption.

What is surprisingly not vegan? ›

Honey. Honey is a controversial food for many vegans. Bees do produce it, and it is also a food source in the hive. Because bees produce it, and bees have died to make it, honey is not considered vegan.

How can college students eat cheap and healthy? ›

9 Tips for Eating Healthy in College
  1. Eat Breakfast. Regardless of when you wake up, always eat a breakfast rich in fiber and protein. ...
  2. Be Wary of the Dining Hall. ...
  3. Always Have a Water Bottle. ...
  4. Always Have To-Go Snacks. ...
  5. Watch Your Caffeine. ...
  6. Plan Your Grocery Shopping Trips. ...
  7. Meal Prep. ...
  8. No Late Snacks or Meals.

How to spend little money on food as a broke college student? ›

Learning to save money on food in college could lead to strong money saving habits in the long-run.
  1. Make meals at home. ...
  2. Simplify your coffee. ...
  3. Buy in bulk. ...
  4. Freeze your leftovers. ...
  5. Pack snacks and drinks for class. ...
  6. Use your meal plan in the dining hall. ...
  7. Hit up Taco Tuesday or other restaurant specials.
Sep 11, 2023

How do you survive being a broke college student? ›

Broke College Student: 7 Ways to Get Through
  1. Take advantage of free things.
  2. If it's not free, use your student discounts.
  3. Participate in paid online surveys.
  4. Switch to your “broke college student” mode.
  5. Get healthcare and housing allowances.
  6. Create a student budget (and stick to it)
  7. Don't be broke in college... Get a job!
Jan 18, 2024

Is it OK to eat unhealthy in college? ›

A typical student diet of high-sugar or high-calorie foods can become a long-term issue as these habits can lead to obesity. Dr. Bottorff says there is evidence to show that stress and anxiety can cause overeating, but overeating can also lead to stress and depression.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6532

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.