Eating healthy while studying in college can be a real tough challenge. These healthy college lunches are perfect for college students who are looking to make some delicious, nutritious and yummy meals.
Summer is over, and it’s time to head back to college. And as you know, college is so busy.
You’re juggling classes, tutorials, and maybe, a part-time job. And we can’t forget about sports, hanging out with friends, and parties.
There’s so much to do and so little time to do it. So, it’s easy to grab some fast food for lunch.
But even though it’s yummy, it’s often unhealthy. And it also gets really expensive – fast.
That’s why I’m sharing 27 Healthy College Ideas. Not only are they good for you, but they’re also tasty too.
Let’s dig right in!
1. Avocado Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Don’t have time to sit down for lunch? Have my Avocado Wraps.
They’re perfect for eating on the run. Just grab one or two and put them in your backpack.
They’re creamy, bright, and full of flavor. The nuttiness of the pesto is balanced with the creaminess of the avocado and Greek Yogurt.
The cucumbers make the wraps so refreshing. And the fresh dill adds a nice touch of freshness – so make sure you don’t leave it out.
Want to keep these wraps light? You can use a low-calorie or low-carb tortilla.
These multigrain tortillas contain only 15 calories each. They’re also low in carbs yet high in fiber.
So, they keep you full longer. Love this low-calorie wrap? Check out more here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 244
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 6.1g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 1.4g
2. Chicken Salad
Credit: theketoqueens.com
I enjoy Chicken Salad sandwiches as I’m sure many of you do too. But all those carbs can make you doze off in class.
And if you’re trying to get straight As, that’s a No-No.
This Chicken Salad gives you all the yumminess – without all those pesky carbs. In fact, one serving provides just 3 grams of net carbs.
It’s fresh, creamy, and tastes fantastic. That’s because you’re using 4 different spices to kick up the flavor.
And the fresh parsley and thyme amp up the flavor even more. Meanwhile, the toasted almonds add a nice crunch factor. Yum!
This Chicken Salad is yummy the way it is. But if you prefer, you can serve it on lettuce leaves.
Check out more summer salad recipes like this here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 353
- Fats: 28g
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
3. Curried Cauliflower Soup
Credit: nourishplate.com
Now that summer’s over, winter is close by. And all that snow and ice makes you want to hibernate.
This Curried Cauliflower Soup is perfect for those cold, dreary days. It’s delicious, nourishing, and so comforting.
You won’t believe it’s made with cauliflower. By roasting the cauliflower first, you take away the bitterness.
The curry powder and turmeric add warmth and fragrance. And the coconut milk makes the soup extra creamy.
Besides adding sweetness to the soup, cauliflower is good for you too. It’s packed with Vitamin C, which is vital for an excellent immune system.
And it is rich in sulforaphane which is good for your heart. It also contains choline which supports a healthy metabolism.
So eat up that cauliflower.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 237
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
4. Quinoa Salad
Credit: joyfoodsunshine.com
Do you dream of warmer climes when it’s cold outside? Then give this Quinoa Salad a try.
It’s light, vibrant, and tasty. Green and red bell peppers add natural sweetness.
And the avocado adds a pleasant creaminess. Meanwhile, the cucumbers make this salad so refreshing.
It’s like summer in your mouth.
Besides adding texture, quinoa is very nutritious too. It’s packed with manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.
So, it’s excellent for your bones. And it contains a ton of protein which fills you up.
What’s more, it’s gluten-free too. If you’d like to get some quinoa, you can get some here.
Check out more macro-friendly recipes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 174
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
5. Chicken Salad Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Want to ace your college exams? Then get your workout routine on.
By exercising regularly, you may increase your GPA by an entire point. But after a pre-lunch workout, you’re probably feeling pretty hungry.
Your muscles are also sore as well too. That’s where my Chicken Salad Wrap comes in handy.
It’s packed with protein which helps your muscles recover. And it tastes pretty good as well, if I may say so myself.
The honey adds a nice touch of sweetness. And the Dijon mustard adds a pleasant heat.
The heat is offset by the coolness of the avocado and Greek Yogurt. Meanwhile, the celery and lettuce add the perfect amount of crunch. It’s a party in your mouth.
Now you will need cooked chicken breast to make these wraps. However, if you don’t have any, you can use rotisserie chicken instead.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 277
- Fats: 8.5g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Sugar: 2.9g
6. Shrimp Ceviche
Credit: lemonblossoms.com
Don’t feel like turning on the stove? Then make this shrimp ceviche.
I know; ceviche sounds pretty fancy. But it’s so easy to make – and tastes great too.
This shrimp ceviche has the perfect balance of flavors. You’ve got the heat from the jalapenos and the sweetness from the orange juice.
And the lime and lemon juice add acidity. Meanwhile, the crunchiness of the red onions offsets the tenderness of the shrimp.
Now for the good part – how to make it. Start by cutting your shrimp into small pieces.
Then put your shrimp, vegetables, and herbs in a bowl. To a separate bowl, add your juices, mixing well.
Next, pour the juice mixture on top of the shrimp mixture. Add salt and pepper, mixing well.
Finally, refrigerate for 15 minutes before adding the chopped avocado. Bon appetit!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 178
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
7. Chicken Avocado Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
What’s better than Chicken Salad Wraps? Chicken Avocado Wraps!
The addition of the avocado adds an extra layer of creaminess. And avocados are great for you too.
They’re rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. And they provide a ton of fiber which fills you up.
So, you won’t be hitting the college vending machine at 3:00 p.m. Yay.
My Chicken Avocado Wraps are decadent, fresh, and tasty. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and an extra boost of protein.
And the red onions add a sweet, crunchy taste. Meanwhile, the lime juice adds acidity, balancing out the flavors.
To make these wraps, you’ll need some cooked shredded chicken. To shred your chicken, you can simply use a fork.
Or, for extra convenience, you can shred your chicken with these meat shredders. They’re great not just for chicken, but also pork and beef.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 314
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 6.4g
- Sugar: 1.3g
8. Halloumi Wraps
Credit: alwaysusebutter.com
Time for some more Wraps. After all, you can never have too many of them, right?
You’ve got creamy Halloumi, avocadoes, nutty red pesto, walnuts, and spicy arugula. So, these wraps are full of yummy Mediterranean flavors.
You’ll want to start by frying your Halloumi cheese. Then let your Halloumi cool for 10 minutes.
While your Halloumi is cooling, make your pesto. Add parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, walnuts, and garlic cloves to a food processor, mixing well.
This food processor here should make mixing a breeze. Then add some oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.
Mix until it reaches your desired consistency. Easy peasy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 547
- Fats: 42g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
9. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Credit: veganhuggs.com
Chances are you’re not eating enough veggies. In fact, ¾ of college students aren’t eating their 5 servings of fruits and veggies daily.
Having salads for lunch is a great way to increase your veggie intake. But let’s face it: salads can be so dull.
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is anything but boring. It has many enticing Mediterranean flavors, from salty kalamata olives, tangy roasted red peppers and basil.
The quinoa and tofu add a nice boost of protein. And the salad dressing is the icing on top of the cake – oops, salad!
It’s creamy, tangy, savory, sweet, and has a pleasant heat.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 233
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
10. Baked Falafel
Credit: healthylittlefoodies.com
Do you find traditional falafels too greasy? Try these Baked Falafels instead.
You’re baking them rather than frying them. So, they’re less greasy and healthier for you too.
In fact, one falafel contains only 50 calories. So, you can have a couple – and not feel guilty.
And you certainly want more than one of these. They’re that delicious.
The aromatic spices add plenty of warmth. And the fresh herbs punch up the flavors.
Besides being delicious, this dish is also budget-friendly too. That’s because you’re using canned chickpeas as your protein.
Canned chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein. They are also good sources of folate, which builds up your DNA.
So, use up those chickpeas!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 50
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
11. Spicy Tuna Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do you love all things spicy? Then my Spicy Tuna Wraps will be right up your alley.
The sriracha sauce makes them very spicy. But don’t worry – you’re also getting other flavors too.
You’re getting sweetness from the carrots and umami from the soy sauce. And the avocados and Greek yogurt give you some relief from the heat.
Besides adding coolness, Greek yogurt is good for you too. Greek yogurt is rich in calcium which is vital for strong bones.
It is also packed with probiotics that support healthy digestion and immunity.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 207
- Fats: 7.6g
- Protein: 8.5g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4.1g
12. Bean Chilli
Credit: veganhuggs.com
More and more college students are going plant-based. Chances are you’re adopting more plant-based meals too.
But making the switch can be pretty hard. This Bean Chili is sure to be a keeper.
It’s meaty, smoky, flavorful, and so filling. In fact, one serving provides a whopping 22 grams of protein.
So, you won’t be craving a burger later. What’s more, this chili takes even better the following day.
This makes it perfect for meal prep. Just save your chili in these glass food storage containers.
They keep food longer than plastic containers. As an added bonus, they’re eco-friendly too.
Not into glass containers? These BPA-free plastic containers are another good choice.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 463
- Fats: 12
- Protein: 22
- Carbs: 68
- Fiber: 20g
- Sugar: 13g
13. Vegan Zucchini Corn Fritters
Credit: happykitchen.rocks
Looking for some more plant-based eats? These fritters are for you.
They’re crispy, spicy, and perfect for popping in your mouth. The jalapenos add a kick, while the corn adds sweetness.
And they contain a ton of zucchini. So, they’re a yummy way to get in your veggies.
Zucchini is a powerhouse of nutrition. It provides immune-boosting minerals like Vitamins A and C.
It is even good for your bones. That’s because it contains manganese and magnesium.
Serve with marinara sauce or vegan sour cream.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 205
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
14. Honey Chicken Wings
Credit: allnutritious.com
Want to head to the bar for some chicken wings? Have these Honey Chicken Wings instead.
They’re crispy and full of flavor. They’re nicely seasoned with Italian seasoning and honey.
This makes them savory and sweet. You’ll be licking your fingers.
Making them is much easier than you think. First of all, toss your wings with Italian seasoning.
Then place your wings on a lined baking sheet. Next, bake for about 40 minutes.
Finally, drizzle your wings with honey. Isn’t that easy?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 527
- Fats: 37g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6.2g
15. Avocado Tuna Salad
Credit: theroastedroot.net
Do you love everything Greek? Then you’ll be at home with this Avocado Tuna Salad.
You’ve got tons of Greek flavors in this salad. That’s because you’re adding feta cheese, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill.
The avocados and avocado oil mayonnaise add extra layers of creaminess. Plus, the cucumbers make this salad so refreshing.
You’ll feel like you’re lying on a warm Greek island.
Making the salad is super simple too. Just toss your ingredients together, and there you have it – Avocado Tuna Salad.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 159
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber:
- Sugar: 1g
16. Egg Salad
Credit: wellplated.com
Are you a fan of the classics? Then you’ll enjoy this Egg Salad.
It’s a healthy take on traditional Egg Salad. And it tastes just as good, if not better.
The Dijon mustard adds a mild heat, while the celery adds some crunch. And the fresh dill takes up the flavors a notch.
But unlike your traditional Egg Salad, you’re leaving out the mayo. Instead, you’re using non-fat Greek yogurt.
This not only lowers the calories but increases the protein too. So, you won’t be reaching for those donuts later.
To make this egg salad, you’ll need – you guessed it – some hard-boiled eggs. You’re going to use 4 whole eggs and 2 eggs whites.
By using fewer egg yolks, the egg flavor is less pronounced. Perfect if you don’t like it too “eggy.”
Making the perfect hard-boiled egg can be kind of tricky. So, to get it right without all the hassle, you can simply use an egg maker like this.
It has an automatic shut-off feature. So, you don’t have to baby your eggs.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 125
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
17. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Credit: allnutritious.com
Sandwiches are yummy and all. But after a while, sandwiches can get kind of boring.
My Chicken Lettuce Wraps provide a nice change. They’re refreshing and crunchy.
And they’re packed with umami and sweet flavors.
Best of all, they’re low in carbs. That’s because you’re using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
They’re also high in protein. So, you can have just one and still feel full.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 161
- Fats: 4.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 7.1g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 3.8g
18. Vegan Black Bean Tacos
Credit: simple-veganista.com
Wondering what to have for Taco Tuesday? You can’t go wrong with these Vegan Black Bean Tacos.
They’re full of Mexican Flava. There are creamy black beans, avocado, crunchy red bell peppers, and spicy jalapenos.
The squeeze of lime juice adds tanginess, while the leafy greens add extra freshness.
Besides being yummy, these tacos are nutritious too. Just one serving provides 175% of your daily Vitamin K needs.
And they’re in B vitamins which are good for your brain. Yay!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 463
- Fats: 6.6g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 90.8g
- Fiber: 20.5g
- Sugar: 5.4g
19. Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry
Credit: averiecooks.com
So you go to the grocery store and load up on fresh veggies. But halfway through the week, they’re still lying in your fridge – untouched.
This Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry is an excellent way to use all those veggies. It’s colorful, tasty, and so satisfying.
That’s because you’re using ground turkey as your protein. Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein.
In fact, ground turkey contains about 50 fewer calories than ground beef. And it has less saturated fat too.
So, it’s healthier for you too.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 351
- Fats: 25g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
20. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
Credit: allnutritious.com
I’m a big fan of meat, as I’m sure many of you are. But sometimes, it’s nice to have a change.
My Quinoa and Chickpea Salad provide a pleasant change. It has a bit of everything in it.
On the menu is spiced chickpeas with a medley of veggies. You have crunchy cucumbers, fluffy quinoa, sweet beets, and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Then everything is tossed with a tangy yet sweet lemon dressing. Your tastebuds will be delighted – and so will your tummy.
That’s because you’re getting plenty of fiber. In fact, one serving provides close to ¼ of your daily fiber needs.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 251
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 6.4g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 6.1g
- Sugar: 12g
21. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Credit: damndelicious.net
Are you looking for a low-carb option for Chicken Salad Sandwiches? These Wraps are a great choice.
They’re crunchy, creamy, and full of delightful flavors. That’s because you’re not only adding chicken but bacon too.
And the fresh lemon and basil really elevate the flavors. After having these wraps, you may never go back to traditional Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 235g
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber:
- Sugar: 0g
22. Zucchini Pasta
Credit: lowcarbquick.com
Want to enjoy pasta – but want to ditch the carbs? Have this Zucchini Pasta.
Perfectly spiralized zucchini is cooked to al dente. And it’s tossed with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese.
So, you have all the yumminess of “pasta,” but with fewer carbs. In fact, one serving contains only 10 grams of net carbs.
To make the zucchini pasta, cut off the ends of your zucchini. Then put your zucchini in a spiralizer, and spiralize away.
I recommend this spiralizer as it’s made with cutlery-grade stainless steel blades. This makes it strong enough to handle tough veggies like turnips and potatoes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 111
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
23. Spinach Feta Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Need lunch ready in 1, 2, 3? Then my Spinach Feta Wraps are just for you.
They take only 15 minutes to make. So, you’ll have lunch ready in a jiffy.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These Wraps are simply delicious.
You’ve got the savory from the hummus and the sweetness from the red bell peppers. The feta cheese adds a creaminess that is offset by the freshness of the baby spinach.
Who knew healthy eating could be so easy – yet so yummy?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 270
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Sugar: 2g
24. Sheet Pan Eggs
Credit: fitmealideas.com
Sometimes you want eggs for lunch. These Sheet Pan Eggs are perfect for times like that.
They’re creamy, cheesy, and so decadent. And they’re packed with veggies like tomatoes and bell peppers.
So, you won’t feel guilty eating them.
What’s more, these Sheet Pan Eggs take only 10 minutes to prep. Then you let your oven do its thing.
Feel free to serve with a Garden Salad or crusty bread.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
25. Tofu Panzanella Salad
Credit: fitmealideas.com
Do you need to get out of your lunch rut? Try this Tofu Panzanella Salad.
In case you don’t know, Panzanella Salad is a chopped salad that comes from Tuscany. Usually, you use tomatoes, soaked stale bread, and onions to make it.
But with this Panzanella Salad, you’re using tofu instead of bread. So, this salad has more protein.
You’re also adding more veggies. These include bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
So, you’re adding extra vitamins and minerals.
To get your tofu nice and crispy, make sure you press it well first. You can do so by wrapping your block of tofu in a clean kitchen cloth.
Then place some cans on top. Or, to make it even easier, you can use this tofu press. It doesn’t leave a mess.
That’s because the water from the tofu collects in an outer layer.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 277
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 14g
26. Spanish Omelette
Credit: scrummylane.com
The weekdays are so busy. So, it’s nice when the weekend rolls around.
You can finally sleep in – and catch up on your beauty sleep. But eventually, you have to get up.
This Spanish Omelette is perfect for Brunch. All you need are a few ingredients: eggs, potatoes, onions, salt, and pepper.
Not only is this Omelette tasty, but it’s also lovely to look at. You may even want to take a pic of your beautiful creation!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 317
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
27. Vegetable Quesadillas
Credit: healthylittlefoodies.com
Craving some Mexican food for lunch? These Vegetable Quesadillas are sure to satisfy your cravings.
They’re cheesy and packed with a ton of veggies. You have carrots, red bell peppers, corn, and broccoli.
And you have 2 different kinds of cheese: cheddar and mozzarella. So, these quesadillas are delicious yet good for you too.
To get the best results, you’ll want to use flour tortillas. That’s because flour tortillas are easier to fold than corn tortillas.
These high-protein tortillas here are really filling. In fact, one tortilla contains a whopping 7 grams of protein.
They’re also full of fiber too.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 242
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students
Too busy to cook? These healthy College Lunch Ideas are quick and easy to make. On top of it, super tasty.
Ingredients
- 1. Avocado Wrap
- 2. Chicken Salad
- 3. Curried Cauliflower Soup
- 4. Quinoa Salad
- 5. Chicken Salad Wrap
- 6. Shrimp Ceviche
- 7. Chicken Avocado Wrap
- 8. Halloumi Wraps
- 9. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- 10. Baked Falafel
- 11. Spicy Tuna Wrap
- 12. Bean Chilli
- 13. Vegan Zucchini Corn Fritters
- 14. Honey Chicken Wings
- 15. Avocado Tuna Salad
- 16. Egg Salad
- 17. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 18. Vegan Black Bean Tacos
- 19. Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry
- 20. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
- 21. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
- 22. Zucchini Pasta
- 23. Spinach Feta Wrap
- 24. Sheet Pan Eggs
- 25. Tofu Panzanella Salad
- 26. Spanish Omelette
- 27. Vegetable Quesadillas
Instructions
- Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious recipes. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.
- Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.
- Get cooking and make your next College Lunch!
Notes
Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!