As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, it’s the perfect time to shake up your usual meal routine with some fresh, affordable, and simple Spring recipes. Cooking in shared student accommodation doesn’t need to be a hassle – these five dishes are budget-friendly, easy to make, and don’t require any fancy equipment.
Pea and Mint Pasta
Fresh, light, and full of Spring flavour – this pasta dish is a student favourite.
Ingredients:
- 200g pasta (any kind)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- A handful of fresh mint (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 garlic clove (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon
Method:
Boil the pasta, then add peas for the last 3 minutes. Drain and return to the pan. Stir in olive oil, finely chopped garlic, mint, and a bit of lemon juice. Season to taste. Add grated cheese if you’ve got some and you fancy it – or leave this as a delicious vegan dish!
Veggie Stir-Fry with Noodles
Quick, colourful, and totally customisable.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet instant noodles (ditch the flavour sachet)
- Any veg: carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, spring onions etc
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil or cooking oil
- Optional: chilli flakes or sriracha
Method:
Cook the noodles according to the packet, then stir-fry your veg in oil until just tender. Toss in noodles, soy sauce, and any extras – chicken, beef, tofu or whatever tickles your pickle. Done in under 15 minutes and you can make an extra portion of this tasty Spring recipe to share with your flatmate, or as lunch for the following day.
Jacket Potato with Spring Toppings
A British classic with a seasonal twist – perfect for lunch or a small dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 large baking potato
- Toppings: cottage cheese & chives, tuna & sweetcorn, or smashed avocado with lemon
Method:
Cook your jacket potato however works best for you – microwave, oven, even the air fryer. Add your favourite Spring topping and enjoy a hot, filling meal that’s easy on your wallet.
Spring Veg Frittata
Perfect for lunchboxes, or when you want something healthy but hearty.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 courgette
- A handful of spinach
- 1 small onion
- Salt, pepper, and cheese (if you fancy)
Method:
Fry chopped onion, courgette, and spinach in a pan. Beat eggs and pour over veg, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the cheese if you want to, cook on low until nearly set, then grill the top until golden. Slice into wedges and save the leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. You’ll feel like a real chef with this easy Spring recipe!
Strawberries and Yogurt with Granola
A simple Spring dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- Plain or Greek yogurt
- A handful of granola or crushed digestive biscuits
- Honey (optional)
Method:
Layer yogurt, sliced strawberries, and granola in a glass or bowl. Drizzle with honey if you’re feeling fancy. It’s light, refreshing, and takes less than 5 minutes.
Eating well on a budget at uni or college doesn’t mean boring meals. These Spring-inspired recipes are cheap, cheerful, and don’t require a culinary degree to pull off. Give them a go, mix things up, and maybe even impress your housemates in the process. Happy cooking!
Photo: Mikey Frost.
