What’s the best dish you can make from ingredients only found in McGloin Market?

If you’re getting tired of the dining halls at this point in the semester, it’s time for a reset. Go to McGloin Market and build the Walking Taco, Residence Hall Edition. Zero dishes are needed, and it can be made with ingredients straight off McGloin’s shelves. This recipe is simple, but it’s a fun meal you can assemble between daytime lectures and nighttime labs. The walking taco is cheap, portable and endlessly customizable. You only need a microwave and a fork. It also scales; make one for you — or a lineup for friends — during a study break. 

Start with your base and grab a personal-size bag of Doritos, Fritos or Tostitos. Add a protein like microwaveable chicken strips or beans, then include a creamy element like sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. For freshness and crunch, toss in a salad kit, a tomato or whatever vegetables you can find. Add any type of cheese and finish with a sauce like salsa, hot sauce or ranch. If you’re feeling extra, throw in Funyuns, jalapeños, a lime or lemon packet, hot honey or everything-bagel seasoning. 

To assemble, heat your protein according to the label. Open the chip bag and layer your ingredients by spooning in the protein, adding the lettuce or vegetables, scattering the cheese, then dolloping on the sour cream, yogurt and salsa. Season and sauce to taste with hot sauce, citrus or even a drizzle of hot honey! Eat it right from the bag with your fork, and when you’re done, cleanup is as easy as throwing away the bag and fork. 

If you need flavor inspiration, try the Buffalo Ranch version with chicken strips, ranch, hot sauce, string cheese and celery or carrots from a snack pack. For a veggie option, combine black beans, salsa, chopped cucumber, tomato, hummus and shredded lettuce. Or go for the Chili Crunch twist with chili, shredded cheese, jalapeños, sour cream and a drizzle of hot honey. 

Remember a few tips! For a melty texture, add the cheese right after the hot protein so it softens. To keep things crisp, leave adding lettuce/crunchy bits for last.  

You should expect the whole process to take about eight to 10 minutes and cost between 10 and 12 dollars, depending on your ingredients. It’s warm, travels easily to the library without leaking, and you can mix it up every time, so it never gets old.  

Happy Studying! You are amazing Bluejays!