As summer time approaches we may find ourselves more motivated to host picnics, BBQs, and squad brunches out in the backyard. Or maybe the warm weather will make you feel like doing nothing but catching rays at the beach.

Whatever the reason, we can all agree that meals with the least amount of work are more optimal for the student lifestyle. By the time the new semester rolls around, you’ll be so thankful for knowing these healthy one-pot dishes.

1. Paella   

onion, shrimp, tomato, corn, meat, vegetable, pepper
Christina Robinson

This flavorful dish is perfect for potlucks, summer picnics, BBQs and even a comfort dinner for one. Sub the shrimp with other fish, meats, or try it with tofu.

2. Baked Cauliflower Pizzaiola

This healthy spin on pizza that tastes just as good as the real deal.

3. Shrimp Scampi and Zucchini 

vegetable, shrimp, pasta
Maddie Cole

You’re going to fall in love this light, but savory, summer dish.

4. Shakshuka

meat, cream, vegetable, parsley, bread, soup
Rebecca Simonov

There’s a reason this dish gets thrown around in every other listicle found on Spoon: it works for every occasion and is the ideal student meal.

5. Classic One-Pan Pasta

macaroni, sauce, vegetable, spaghetti, pasta
Abigail Wang

You can’t ever go wrong with the classics.

4. Shakshuka

meat, cream, vegetable, parsley, bread, soup
Rebecca Simonov

There’s a reason this dish gets thrown around in every other listicle found on Spoon: it works for every occasion and is the ideal student meal.

5. Classic One-Pan Pasta

tomato, garlic, macaroni, vegetable, basil, pasta, spaghetti
Abigai Wang

You can’t ever go wrong with the classics.

6. Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes

If you’re into eating based on what’s in season then this dish is for you. You might also like variations with olives and potatoes or with white beans.

7. Broccoli Parmesan Pasta

cheese, sauce, broccoli, macaroni, pasta
Katherine Baker

Meals are so much more delicious when they’re this easy to make.

8. Mango-Coconut Curry

Mango and coconut together are a match made in heaven.

9. Greek Style Orzo and Bean Salad

If you find salads plain and boring, then this recipe is for you.

10. Summer Gazpacho

chili, chicken, soup
Amanda Shulman

A tasty and light dish to cool you off from the summer heat.

11. Vegetable Risotto

pepper, corn, vegetable
Kaley French

A dish that should be on every college student’s ‘must-know-how-to-make’ lists.

12. Wild-Rice Stuffed Red Peppers

pepper, vegetable, tomato, salad, rice
Megan Prendergast

Stuffed veggies never fail to satisfy.

13. Coconut and Quinoa Black Bean Stew

black beans, soup, meat, vegetable
Keah Hansen

A hearty and filling dish that won’t ruin your summer bod.

14. Sweet and Spicy Roasted Acorn Squash

While this recipe would be perfect for winter, I believe this is a winning dish for all seasons.

15. Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Pasta

spaghetti, pasta, sauce
Maggie Gorman

I’m already thinking about how good this recipe is going to taste just from the title.

16. Shrimp, Fennel, and Rocket Risotto

Because you’re a rocket and you deserve this one-pot dish.

17. Crispy Potatoes with Baked Eggs and Pesto Yogurt

vegetable, pasture, potato, tuber, carbohydrate
Caroline Ingalls

One of the easiest recipes I came across that’s perfect for any meal of the day.

18. Fontina Frittata

omelette, spinach, frittata, omelet
Rose Wong

An egg-cellent recipe for those on a budget. Make this here.

19. Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks

cheese, sauce, vegetable, meat
Kai Huang

Impress your steak-loving friends with this recipe.

#SpoonTip: Mix it up by adding pine nuts or lemon juice/zest.

20. Sun-dried Tomato and White Bean Gnocchi

sweet, bread, pastry, cookie, gnocchi, flour, dough
Felice Segall

Pan-fried gnocchi will bring it to the next level, while still packing in a nutrient kick from the beans and the tomatoes.

21. Huevos Rancheros

tomato, meat, cheese, sauce, vegetable, huevos rancheros
Gabby Phi

Squad brunches in the sun wouldn’t be complete without these.

22. Rainbow Ricciolo

pepper, pasta, vegetable
Tess Le Moing

Bring your plain pasta dish to life with this recipe.

23. Channa Purgi

corn, vegetable, meat, rice
Stephanie DeVaux

Perfect this breakfast recipe now while you have the time and get ready to jump start your semester mornings like a champ.

24. Szechuan Peanut and Chili Zucchini Noodles

tea
Miranda Reilly

The spice of a Szechuan pepper, also known as Chinese coriander, is no joke. If you’re feeling bold and daring, try this recipe now.

25. Eggplant Caponata

bruschetta, meat, tomato, pepper, vegetable
Max Bartick

Paired with some red wine on the side, this dish is perfect for late-night summer meals.

26. Eggs and Beet Hash

An upgrade from your usual breakfast hash and some beautiful colours to start your morning. Get the recipe here.

27. Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Some say they would choose this over a chipotle burrito.

28. Halibut with Tomato, Orange, and Dill

asparagus, sea bass, bass, Halibut
Zoe Malin

If halibut doesn’t fancy you, try this recipe out with salmon or tofu. The real fun in cooking comes from experimenting.

29. Pan-Roasted Asparagus with Pomegranate

pepper, pasture, asparagus, vegetable
Alex Vu

Asparagus is now in season, so this recipe is perfect for you.