As a college student, eating right on a budget can be difficult. But there are plenty of things you can do to make it happen — including making salads. Salads are a great way to get the nutrients you need without breaking the bank. With pre-washed greens, nuts and fruits, you can have a fast and healthy meal any day of the week.
But when you’re living in a dorm room with limited cooking space, it can be hard to know what to make. Here are some tips and recipes to make the most of the little cooking space you have.
Cooking Tips for Small Spaces
- Keep things simple. Stick to the ingredients that are essential for a salad and don’t add too much else.
- Invest in a mini-fridge. It’ll help keep the ingredients intact and help you save money on groceries.
- Choose versatile ingredients. Mix and match them to make different salads.
- Keep ingredients in bins or baskets in the fridge or pantry, and make sure to label them.
Improving the Nutritional Value of Salads
- Choose a variety of vegetables, such as spinach, kale, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers, for a balanced diet.
- Add fruit for flavor and nutrition. Berries, diced apples, clementines, oranges and pears are great choices.
- Include healthy fats like avocado, olives or nuts. This will help keep you full for longer.
- Bring protein to the table. Add pieces of grilled chicken breast, canned tuna or a boiled egg.
- Choose a vinaigrette dressing or lemon juice in place of calorie-laden heavy dressings.
Quick and Easy Salad Recipes
Mediterranean Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, rinsed and torn
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Enjoy!
Taco-Licious Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, rinsed and shredded
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the lettuce, beans, chickpeas, tomatoes and cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the salsa and olive oil. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Making salads at home is a great way for college students to get the nutrition they need, even when they’re on a budget. With pre-washed greens, nuts, fruits and tasty dressing, you can make a delicious and healthy salad in minutes. Plus, with these tips and recipes, you can make the most of the limited kitchen space you have.
