Make these light and easy meals during move-in week


Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

All of the hustle and bustle of move-­in week got you looking for an easy way to unwind and refresh? All settled into your dorm or apartment but not yet willing to settle for the dining halls? Try these light and easy recipes that you can whip up without the need for any electric kitchen appliances.

Breakfast/snack: Fresh fruit and yogurt

Stop by Fresh & Easy, or if your parents are still around, have them drive you to Ralph’s to stock up on some fresh fruits and yogurt (also any items that are a bit heavier to lug to your dorm like a pack of water or pop).

Opt for either a large container of yogurt—I like plain and vanilla greek yogurt—or individual containers of yogurt you can toss after eating (if you don’t have bowls or don’t want to have bowls to wash).

Rinse and cut larger pieces of fruit like strawberries and toss them into your bowl or cup of yogurt. Feel free to add some nuts for added protein or honey for added sweetness. Pair with coffee for a morning energy boost.

Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

Lunch: Salad

Salads can be light, refreshing, customizable and perfect for a hot and busy day in L.A. In a bowl, toss together washed lettuce (you can grab a bag of chopped lettuce or spinach at Fresh & Easy) and any veggies or additions you like. As a fan of the BLT, I threw together a lettuce, tomato, avocado, bacon and chicken salad. If you don’t have a stove to cook chicken or bacon, you can sub for other sources of protein or buy precooked chicken. And if you’re really craving bacon (because who doesn’t love bacon?), then toss a few slices into your microwave to cook.

Sometimes, I like to add in nuts, cheese or even fruit. If you’ve got some leftover strawberries, tossing together spinach, strawberries, walnuts, feta and/or figs with a light vinaigrette makes for a great light salad as well.

Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

Beverage: Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade 

Mixing a bit of strawberry lemonade with sparkling water (I use the Fresh & Easy version of both) with strawberries or lemons is a great way to cool off and indulge in a quick and delicious beverage.

Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

Natalie Laczewski | Daily Trojan

And for dinner…

Head to the dining halls! If you’re new to campus or back for another year, make a stop at Parkside, Cafe 84 or EVK to check out what’s available, meet other new students or catch up with your friends on their summer adventures!

Keep checking SCrumptious this semester for awesome recipes, ideas, nearby restaurant reviews and food tips to get you through a tasty new semester!