Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students Book: Top Picks

Are you a college student searching for delicious, budget-friendly vegan meals? You’re not alone!

Whether you’re living in a dorm with just a microwave and a mini fridge, or you have access to a shared kitchen, eating plant-based on a student budget is absolutely possible. Over the years, I’ve found that cooking vegan meals isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s also a great way to boost your energy, fuel your studies, and explore new flavors from around the world.

In this blog post, inspired by the concept of a cheap vegan recipes for college students book, I’m sharing a collection of easy, affordable, and tasty vegan recipes. These dishes require minimal equipment, use supermarket staples, and each can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or simply looking to stretch your food dollars further, this listicle will help you eat well without breaking the bank!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Collection

College life is busy and often overwhelming. That’s why these recipes are designed to be quick, easy, and fuss-free.

You don’t need fancy gadgets or rare ingredients—just a few pantry basics and a willingness to experiment! Here’s why you’ll love these vegan recipes:

• Budget-Friendly: Each recipe costs just a few dollars per serving.
• Minimal Equipment: Perfect for dorms or shared kitchens.
• Nutrient-Packed: Balanced meals to keep you energized.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your tastes and what’s on sale.
• Delicious: Discover how tasty and satisfying vegan food can be!

“Eating vegan in college doesn’t have to mean bland salads or boring ramen. With a few smart recipes, you can eat well, save money, and even impress your friends!”

Ingredients

Here’s a sample ingredients table for the recipes featured in this post. Most are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store:

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients based on what you have or what’s on sale at your local store.

Equipment

• Microwave or stovetop
• Medium saucepan
• Frying pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Can opener
• Colander (for draining beans and pasta)
• Bowl (for mixing and serving)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

If you only have a microwave, don’t worry—many of these recipes include microwave instructions!

Instructions

Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions for three of the most popular cheap vegan recipes for college students. Each recipe can be made with basic equipment and minimal prep.

5-Minute Microwave Vegan Burrito Bowl

1. Gather Ingredients: 1 cup cooked rice (microwaveable or leftover), 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained), 1/2 cup frozen corn, 1/2 cup salsa, dash of cumin and chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Layer in a microwave-safe bowl: Start with rice, then beans, corn, salsa, and spices.
3. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot throughout.
4. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. Top with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
5. Enjoy immediately! This bowl is filling, protein-packed, and endlessly customizable.

One-Pot Chickpea Tomato Pasta

1. Gather Ingredients: 2 cups dry pasta, 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 2 cups spinach, 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
2. Boil pasta in a medium saucepan according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Return pasta to pan, add chickpeas, spinach, tomato sauce, and reserved pasta water.
4. Simmer for 3-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring, until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
5. Season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

1. Gather Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 cup plant-based milk, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 ripe banana (sliced), 1 tsp chia seeds (optional), dash of cinnamon.
2. In a jar or container, mix oats, milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
3. Add peanut butter and banana slices. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
4. In the morning, stir well and add more plant milk if needed. Enjoy cold or heat briefly in the microwave.

Tips & Variations

• Use What You Have: Swap out black beans for lentils, corn for peas, or spinach for kale, depending on what’s in your fridge.
• Shop the Sales: Buy canned goods, pasta, rice, and oats in bulk when they’re on sale to save even more.
• Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices like turmeric, smoked paprika, or curry powder for extra flavor.
• Make It a Meal Prep: Double recipes on the weekend and portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.
• Microwave Hacks: You can cook grains, steam veggies, and even make mug cakes in a microwave with the right containers!

“Even if you’re short on time or space, a few pantry staples and a microwave can lead to amazing vegan meals.”

Nutrition Facts

Here are approximate nutrition facts for each recipe per serving:

Note: Nutritional information is estimated and will vary based on specific brands and serving sizes.

Serving Suggestions

• Burrito Bowl: Serve with tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime for a Tex-Mex flair.
• Chickpea Pasta: Pair with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for extra greens.
• Overnight Oats: Top with extra banana, berries, or a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
• Quick Snacks: Keep apples, carrots, or rice cakes on hand for snacking between classes.
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers to grab-and-go for busy mornings and late-night study sessions.

“Presentation matters! Serve your vegan meals in a fun bowl or with colorful toppings to make them more appetizing.”

More Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students

Looking for even more meal inspiration? Here are additional recipes perfect for the college lifestyle:

• Lentil & Veggie Stir Fry: Sauté canned lentils, frozen veggies, and a splash of soy sauce for a lightning-fast dinner.
• Vegan Chili: Simmer canned tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and chili spices in one pot for a cozy, hearty meal. Try it with Low Salt Biscuits for a complete dinner.
• Microwave Mug Cake: Combine flour, cocoa powder, plant milk, sugar, and baking powder in a mug—microwave for 1 minute for a sweet treat.
• Simple Veggie Wraps: Stuff tortillas with hummus, raw veggies, and greens for a refreshing lunch.
• Vegan Ramen: Cook instant ramen noodles, add frozen edamame, spinach, and a spoonful of peanut butter for extra flavor and protein.
• Banana Nice Cream: Blend frozen bananas with a splash of plant milk for a healthy ice cream alternative. For more dessert ideas, check out this Kolasnittar Recipe.
• Chickpea Salad Sandwich: Mash chickpeas with vegan mayo, chopped celery, and a pinch of salt. Serve on bread with lettuce and tomato.
• Tofu Scramble: Crumble firm tofu into a skillet with turmeric, garlic powder, and diced bell peppers. Serve with toast for a protein-packed breakfast.
• Harvest Hash: Roast sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and onions with olive oil and your favorite spices. Try this Harvest Hash Recipe for a full guide.

“Having a repertoire of 5-10 easy vegan meals makes it easy to stick to your budget and eat well all semester long.”

Conclusion

Eating vegan in college doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or time-consuming. With the right recipes and a few pantry staples, you can enjoy filling, healthy, and delicious meals every day—even in a dorm or busy student kitchen.

The key is keeping your meals simple, using what’s available, and not being afraid to get creative.

Bookmark this post, share it with your roommates, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own twists! For more inspiration, explore our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or try something totally new like Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble.

Remember: good food is for everyone, no matter your budget or dietary preference. Happy cooking, and enjoy your plant-based college adventure!

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