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Close-up of a bowl filled with tuna mixed with rice and herbs, a simple Dorm-Friendly easy dinner recipe.

Dorm-Friendly Easy Dinner Ideas on a Budget

This collection offers 24 simple dinner ideas suitable for a dorm setting, focusing on budget-friendly ingredients and minimal cooking requirements.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 can Tuna or chicken (drained) Or use beans for vegetarian option
  • 1/2 cup Instant rice or ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet) Cooked according to package directions
  • 1 tbsp Mayonnaise or mustard
  • 1 stalk Celery (optional, chopped) If available

Equipment

  • Microwave
  • Small pot or microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook the instant rice or ramen noodles using the microwave or a small pot of boiling water, following the package directions. Drain any excess water.
  2. In a bowl, combine the drained tuna or chicken with mayonnaise or mustard. If you have celery, chop it finely and mix it in.
  3. Mix the tuna/chicken salad mixture with the cooked rice or noodles.
  4. Eat immediately. This makes a simple, filling meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For added flavor without much cost, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs if you have them on hand. This recipe is easily adaptable based on what shelf-stable items you keep stocked.

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