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

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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

What foods are cheap for vegans? ›

Vegan on a budget
  • tinned beans and dried pulses of various kinds.
  • vegetables (particularly seasonal ones)
  • potatoes.
  • egg-free pasta and noodles.
  • rice.
  • bread (wholemeal is ideal from a health point of view)
  • dried herbs and spices.
  • seasonal fruit.

What do picky vegans eat? ›

36 Easy Vegan Dinner Ideas That Even Picky Eaters Will Love
  • 01 of 36. Spiced Rice With Crispy Chickpeas. ...
  • 02 of 36. Fish-Free Ceviche. ...
  • 03 of 36. Slow Cooker Black Bean Posole. ...
  • 04 of 36. Tofu Asada With Caramelized Onion Refried Beans. ...
  • 05 of 36. Vegetarian BLT With Shiitake Bacon. ...
  • 06 of 36. Chickpea Salad Sandwich. ...
  • 07 of 36. ...
  • 08 of 36.
Mar 15, 2024

What foods do vegans eat most? ›

A vegan diet is based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

What is the most eaten food by college students? ›

Dish Preference – College Students:
  • Burgers.
  • Pizza.
  • Tacos.
  • Pasta.
  • Hand-helds (sandwiches, wraps, etc)
  • Stir fry.
  • Power bowls/salads.
  • Soup.

How to eat for cheap as a college student? ›

How to Eat Well on a College Student Budget
  1. Ask for grocery store recommendations. ...
  2. Consider splitting a market share. ...
  3. Plan, plan, plan. ...
  4. Pay attention to price. ...
  5. Stock your freezer. ...
  6. Avoid splurging on lunches. ...
  7. Invest in spices and condiments. ...
  8. Keep an eye out for bargain nights at your favorite restaurants.

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 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? ›

10 Vegan deficiencies to be aware of - and how to nix them
  • Iron. ...
  • Vitamin B12. ...
  • Omega-3. ...
  • Zinc. ...
  • Choline. ...
  • Iodine. ...
  • Vitamin D. Who isn't a little bit deficient in the 'Sunshine Vitamin'? ...
  • Protein. 'This nutrient is not an issue in most people's diets especially those who eat meat, fish and eggs,' says Hobson.
Dec 22, 2022

How to be vegan while poor? ›

Staple vegan foods such as oats, lentils, pasta, rice and chickpeas are among the cheapest foods and are in *a lot* of vegan recipes, so should definitely make an appearance on your list. Oh, and avoid shopping whilst hungry.

How can vegans spend less on groceries? ›

How to save money on healthy vegan food
  1. Ask where your (food) money going. ...
  2. Know what you have in stock… and plan to use it! ...
  3. Learn to improvise the most common healthy vegan dishes. ...
  4. Plan your meals. ...
  5. Or use a meal planning service. ...
  6. Shop like a tourist. ...
  7. Forget about coupons. ...
  8. Buy tiny quantities from bulk bins.
Nov 18, 2022

Can a poor person be vegan? ›

A Vegan Poverty Food Diet is Delicious and Nutritious

When you see first-hand how outrageous your monthly spending is on unhealthy foods, you will see that going plant-based and vegan is much easier and does not cost more. Think about other things that you spend money on, and consider what you could do without.

What are basic vegan foods? ›

What to Eat on a Vegan Diet
  • Beans.
  • Lentils.
  • Edamame.
  • Soy.
  • Tofu.
  • Nuts, seeds and nut butters.
  • Whole grains (oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, wheat bread)
  • Seitan.
Nov 11, 2023

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