13+ Easy and Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - Best of Vegan (2024)

Navigating the demands of college life while maintaining a plant-based diet can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to strain your budget. There’s a common misconception that vegan meals are expensive and complicated, but we’re here to dispel that notion. In this article, we have a selection of 13+ Easy and Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students. These recipes prioritize simplicity and the best part, affordability, featuring clear instructions and ingredients that won’t have you running all over town.

Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

(By Hannah Sunderani)

A perfect blend of flavors inspired by Mexican food. This budget-friendly recipe is one of the best cheap vegan recipes for college students. Incorporating sweet potatoes, this dish offers an easy way to prepare a delicious and satisfying meal. Packed with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro, it delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Elevate your experience by topping it with a simple guacamole and a drizzle of vegan sour cream. Click here to get the recipe.

Lemon Tahini White Bean Caesar Salad

(By Lauren McNeill)

This recipe delivers a tantalizing twist on the classic Caesar. The creamy, lemony dressing harmonizes with crisp kale, white beans, nutritional yeast, and a savory vegan Parmesan. In just 20 minutes, you can relish a satisfying and calcium-rich meal. White beans and nutritional yeast create a delicious meal that’s not only a great option but also doesn’t take much time to prepare. Click here to get the recipe.

Vegan Lentil Soup

(By Waseem Hijazi)

Perfect for those on a vegan diet, and packed with aromatic flavors. This easy meal is topped with crispy pita, and you have the option to add homemade meatless meatballs for extra protein. Ideal for busy college students on a tight budget, this dish is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. It’s a convenient and quick option, making it perfect as a meal of its own for dinner. Click here to get the recipe.

10-Minute Black Bean & Corn Salad

(By Two Spoons)

Looking for cheap vegan recipes for college students? This is an easy recipe with black beans, ready in just 10 minutes, this dish is the ideal choice for a quick and affordable meal option. Whether you’re a student on a budget or simply looking for nutritious and healthy meals, this black bean salad checks all the boxes for easy preparation and wholesome ingredients. Click here to get the recipe.

Vegan Buddha Bowl

(By Ela Vegan)

Buddha bowls, usually comprise a fun mixture of leafy greens, healthy fats, protein, and carbs. The result is a nourishing bowl, this recipe features a can of chickpeas, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber – providing a healthy way to enjoy a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Click here to get the recipe.

(By Seiran Sinjari)

This Spinach Lemon Pasta is a fuss-free recipe that you can whip together in no time, perfect for those looking for easy vegan meals. It’s so flavorful and well-balanced with only a few nutritious food ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a quick and easy dinner. Click here to get the recipe.

(By Andrea Soranidis)

This easy pumpkin soup is perfect for those looking for cheap vegan meals that can be prepared in little time. It’s a meal of the day contender with its thick, velvety texture and rich flavor. Best of all, you get a nice protein kick thanks to the addition of cannellini beans, which are blended in and hidden in the creamy soup. This dish freezes beautifully too, allowing you to make a big batch and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Simply thaw and reheat it using your chosen method for a quick and convenient meal. Click here to get the recipe.

Easy Glazed Mushrooms

(By Maria Gureeva | Earth of Maria)

These easy glazed mushrooms, perfect for next day meals, are prepared quickly with basic ingredients and are best served over a bowl of rice. Discover budget-friendly options with cheap vegan recipes for college students, ensuring you enjoy healthy plant-based meals without compromising on taste. Click here to get the recipe.

Plantain Black Bean Burger

(By Livhuwani Tshikhudo)

A delectable recipe for meatless meals, perfect for college kids at any social event. This inventive vegan burger combines hearty black beans with the tropical sweetness of plantains, providing a mouthwatering experience that caters to diverse tastes. With extra time saved in preparation, you can enjoy the simplicity of crafting your personalized burger with a medley of optional toppings. Elevate your dining experience with these simple meals that are sure to satisfy both vegans and non-vegans alike. Click here to get the recipe.

Herby Lentil “Meatballs” and Garlic Bread

(By Lauren McNeill)

These savory ‘meatballs,’ ideal for vegan lifestyles, are loaded with Italian herbs and paired with warm garlic bread, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Discover quick, easy, and satisfying cooking process – a plant-based protein boost in just 35 minutes! Explore cheap vegan recipes for college students with this delicious dish. Click here to get the recipe.

Vegan “Filet-No-Fish” Sandwiches

(By Valerie Libutti | Vegan Travel Eats)

A delectable plant-based twist on classic fish filet sandwiches designed for college vegans. These sandwiches feature crispy, breaded tofu slabs seasoned with kelp, paired with a tangy tartare sauce made from vegan mayonnaise, sweet relish, lemon juice, and spices. Click here to get the recipe.

Vegan Quesadillas

(By Géraldine Chlubna)

Vegan quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food that’s a great way to enjoy delicious and cheap vegan recipes for college students. Highly customizable, pantry-friendly, and filling, this recipe uses no meat substitute. Instead, it incorporates beans and corn for protein, mushrooms for that umami hit, and of course, plenty of vegan cheese. Click here to get the recipe.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

(By Rachel Steenland)

Savor an easy lunch break with this Easy Chickpea Tuna Salad – a vegan twist on the classic tuna sandwich, providing a great alternative rich in plant-based protein. Click here to get the recipe.

Vegan Soul Bowl

(By Todd Anderson)

Experience a symphony of flavors with the Vegan Soul Bowl, where roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with smoked paprika meet the wholesome goodness of brown or black rice. Sautéed collard greens, garlic, and liquid aminos create a savory melody, while seasoned black-eyed peas add a protein-packed harmony. Click here to get the recipe.

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