Students

Easy & Affordable Recipes for Students

Student life is busy, and eating well on a budget can be challenging. Takeout and instant meals may seem convenient, but home-cooked food is healthier and cheaper. The good news? Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated!

This page shares simple, affordable, and nutritious recipes perfect for students, whether you're in a dorm or a small kitchen. From quick breakfasts to hearty dinners, these easy meals will keep you fueled without breaking the bank. And of course, sharing the work and the results with friends can take the experience to the next level!

And when things get really exciting and need to celebrate big events and successes, it's time for the one and only Tiramisu of Vivian! or my Chocolate cake with mascarpone & nutella (my unique recipes ;)

Breakfast Ideas

1. Overnight Oats – Oats, yogurt/milk, fruit, and honey. 
2. Banana Pancakes – Just bananas, eggs, and oats.
3. Greek Yogurt with Nuts & Honey – High in protein and energy.

Lunch & Dinner Ideas

4. Vegetable & Cheese Omelet – Fast, protein-packed, and customizable.
5. One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce & Tuna – Easy, filling, and packed with protein.
6. Rice & Lentil Bowl – Budget-friendly, full of fiber and protein.
7. Greek-Inspired Wraps – Whole wheat tortilla, feta, veggies, and chicken or beans.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt & Herbs – Nutritious and tasty.
9. Quick Stir-Fry – Use frozen veggies, tofu/chicken, and soy sauce over rice.
10. Greek Spanakorizo (Spinach Rice) – Simple, nutritious, and delicious.
11. Simple French Crêpes (Salty & Sweet) – Thin pancakes with endless topping options: cheese & ham, nutella, or honey & cinnamon.
12. Easy Vegetable Soup – A basic soup using affordable vegetables, lentils, small pasta or chickpeas for protein.
13. Basic Risotto – Start with onion, rice, and broth, then customize with mushrooms, spinach & feta, or lemon & chicken.

Snacks & Quick Bites

14. Homemade Hummus with Pita – Easy protein-rich snack.
15. Fruit & Peanut Butter Toast – A quick, energy-boosting snack.
16. Simple Avocado Dip – Mashed avocado with lemon, salt, and a bit of yogurt, perfect with whole wheat crackers or veggies.

Easy Desserts

17. Greek Yogurt with Dark Chocolate – Healthy and satisfying.
18. Microwave Mug Cake – Quick fix for sweet cravings.
19. Rice pudding (Greek risogalo) – Make several and keep them in closed jars in the fridge. 

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Student-friendly grocery list

Basic Pantry Staples

✔ Oats
✔ Rice (white, brown, or risotto)
✔ Pasta (whole wheat or regular)
✔ Lentils (dry or canned)
✔ Chickpeas (canned or dry)
✔ Flour (all-purpose for crêpes)
✔ Olive oil
✔ Vegetable or chicken broth (for risotto & soup)
✔ Honey
✔ Peanut butter
✔ Dark chocolate (for dessert/snacks)
✔ Nuts (almonds, walnuts, or mixed)
✔ Canned tuna
✔ Soy sauce (for stir-fry)
✔ Salt, pepper, basic spices (paprika, oregano, cinnamon, cumin)

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Fresh Ingredients

🥚 Eggs
🥛 Milk or plant-based alternative
🥑 Avocado
🧀 Feta cheese (for Greek dishes)
🧀 Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
🍗 Chicken (for wraps & risotto)
🫑 Bell peppers
🍅 Tomatoes (fresh or canned for sauces)
🥬 Spinach (fresh or frozen)
🧅 Onion & garlic
🥕 Carrots
🥔 Potatoes or sweet potatoes
🍌 Bananas (for pancakes)
🍏 Apples or other fruit (for snacks & breakfast)
🍋 Lemons (for seasoning & risotto)
🥛 Greek yogurt

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TIPS

Breakfast Ideas:

1. Overnight Oats: Prepare the oats in mason jars or small containers, so they’re grab-and-go. You can mix up the toppings, adding chia seeds or nuts for extra crunch and nutrients.
2. Banana Pancakes: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze individual pancakes. Pop them in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
3. Greek Yogurt with Nuts & Honey: Add a sprinkle of granola or dried fruit for more texture. You could also use a mix of seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

Lunch & Dinner Ideas:

1. Vegetable & Cheese Omelet: Add leftover vegetables or even some deli meat to make it more filling. A dash of hot sauce or salsa can add a nice kick.
2. One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce & Tuna: Use canned tuna or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Add spinach or frozen veggies to the pasta for more nutrients.
3. Rice & Lentil Bowl: Spice it up with some curry powder, cumin, or paprika. You can use any leftover rice or lentils to save time.
4. Greek-Inspired Wraps: Swap out chicken for falafel or roasted veggies for a vegetarian option.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt & Herbs: You can bake multiple sweet potatoes at once and keep them in the fridge for quick reheats.
6. Quick Stir-Fry: Stir-fries are great for using up any leftover veggies. Just add a protein like tofu, chicken, or tempeh.
7. Greek Spanakorizo (Spinach Rice): For an even faster version, use frozen spinach and pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice packets.
8. Simple French Crêpes: Pre-make a batch of crêpes and store them in the fridge. You can fill them with both savory or sweet toppings as desired.
9. Easy Vegetable Soup: Use a mix of frozen vegetables to cut down on prep time. Lentils or canned beans will boost the protein.
10. Basic Risotto: Cook up a big batch and refrigerate or freeze leftovers. You can reheat it easily and add extra veggies or protein to change things up.

Snacks & Quick Bites:

1. Homemade Hummus with Pita: Make a large batch of hummus and store it in the fridge for a few days of snacks.
2. Fruit & Peanut Butter Toast: You can top this with chia seeds or even dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent snack.
3. Simple Avocado Dip: Add a chopped tomato or a little garlic for extra flavor. This dip works well as a topping for rice bowls too.

Easy Desserts:

1. Greek Yogurt with Dark Chocolate: You can add some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra twist.
2. Microwave Mug Cake: Make sure to use a microwave-safe mug, and you can add a spoonful of peanut butter or chocolate chips to take it up a notch.
3. Rice pudding: You can add coconut powder on top instead of cinnamon or use your imagination for original decorations.