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If your dining hall is serving daily disappointments, it’s time to start looking elsewhere for your next meal. If you’ve got some basic ingredients and are feeling adventurous, you could be tempted to try and create your own cafeteria alternatives. Although you might be intimidated by the thought of cooking something for yourself, it’s easier than you’d think to make restaurant-worthy dishes with only a microwave and a mini-fridge. We’ve made a list of the top ten recipes covering healthy meals and desserts, that look great and taste even better!
10. Nacho Cheese
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To make your favorite Tostito’s pairing, dice up your cheese of choice into small blocks and mix it with a tablespoon of milk. Microwave both ingredients (in a safe bowl) for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Add chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.
9. Vegan Cucumber Salad
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Whether you’re already vegan or thinking about converting, nothing could be easier to make than this vegan cucumber salad. Simply mix cucumber, cranberries, sunflower seeds, almonds, and a bit of onion together, adding lemon juice, soy sauce and a pinch of pepper or garlic powder to taste.
8. Strawberry Caprese Salad
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Although this recipe sounds like it could be complicated, it’s anything but. Simply mix a pound of fresh or frozen strawberries with a 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup of chopped mint or basil, and 2-3 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar with salt and pepper for seasoning.
7. Mason Jar Oatmeal
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This insta-worthy dish involves combining a cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/3 cup greek yogurt, 1 cup low-fat milk, 1/3 cup fruit of choice, and honey or almond extract for sweetness.
6. Dorm Room Guacamole
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To pair with our nacho cheese recipe, scoop out an avocado and chop until smooth. Place in a bowl with salt, pepper, lime juice and tomatoes, and enjoy!
5. Mug Mac’ N Cheese
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Mac’n cheese is a college staple, and this mug version can have your meal ready in minutes. Combine macaroni and water, microwaving for 1 minute or until the water has been absorbed by the macaroni. Add in cheese of choice and milk, and melted butter if you’re looking for a creamier texture. Microwave for another minute and eat up.
4. 5 Minute Mug Pizza
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Late night pizza runs just got a whole lot easier. Mix 4 tablespoons of flour with 1/8 teaspoons baking soda and a pinch of salt. Add 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon olive oil and stir. Next, spread a layer of marinara sauce over the batter, and top with cheese, pepperoni, and herbs of choice, microwaving for 90 seconds or until the cheese starts to bubble.
3. Microwave Rice Krispie Treats
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Snack, crackle, pop these tasty treats in minutes with your microwave. Combine 4 large marshmallows and a teaspoon of butter in a bowl or mug, microwaving for 30 seconds or until the marshmallows have puffed up and the butter has melted. Add in 1/2 cup of cereal and stir.
2. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Balls
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Nothing says comfort like a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies. Luckily you can make this version with only 3 ingredients! Mix a 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter with 2 mashed ripe bananas and 2 1/2 cups dry oats. Add chocolate chips or crushed up candy to make these bites extra sweet.
1. Snickers Cream Cheese
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Spice up your classic cream cheese and bagel combo by mixing 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts, 2 tablespoons dulce de leche or caramel soft candies, 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Spread on bagels or eat straight from the bowl.
Try out these recipes and let us know which one you like best in the comments below!
