Eating healthy while in college can be challenging. These healthy college meals will help you to stay on a healthy diet even on a very busy budget.

It’s time to head off for college! Time for new experiences and newfound freedom – sorry, mom!

There will be no one hounding you to eat your veggies. You can make your own rules now.

There are parties to attend – and new friends to meet. It will be so much fun.

But if you’re not careful, you’ll gain the Freshman 15. You know, those 15 pounds you gain in your first year of college.

And there’s no fun in that.

So, today I’m sharing 27 Healthy College Recipes. Not only are they tasty, but they’ll help you stay in your skinny jeans.

And to prevent all your hard work from going to waste, store your food well.

I personally like glass food storage containers like these. That’s because they keep food fresher than, say, plastic containers.

They are also more eco-friendly. However, suppose you don’t care about lugging heavy containers in your backpack. In that case, these BPA-free plastic containers are another excellent alternative.

1. Honey Chicken Wings

Credit: allnutritious.com

And speaking about parties, you’ll likely be attending a party or two. Then you’ll want to return the favor by hosting friends at your place.

You’ve got the music and the drinks. But you need some food too.

That’s where my Honey Chicken Wings come in handy. They’re crispy and delicious.

That’s because you’re coating them in Italian seasonings. And you’re drizzling them with honey.

So, they’re sweet, and savory, and finger-licking good.

What’s more, they’re very cheap to make. That’s because chicken wings don’t cost a ton of money.

All you’ll need are 3 ingredients: chicken wings, Italian seasoning, and honey.

Toss the wing in the Italian seasoning. Then place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.

This baking sheet should do the trick. Bake for about 45 minutes.

Finally, drizzle with honey. Easy peasy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 527
• Fats: 37g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6.2g

Recipe

2. Broccoli Cheddar Egg Muffins

Credit: theketoqueens.com

As you know, college is not all fun and games. You have classes to attend.

And unfortunately, some of them will be in the morning. And after a night out with your friends, you may not be in the mood to make breakfast.

These Broccoli Cheddar Egg Muffins are great for those hectic mornings. Prep them over the weekend.

Then grab your breakfast to go for an entire week. Sweet!

They’re tasty, cheesy, and even contain some broccoli. Your mom will be so proud of you.

And they’re super easy to make. All you need is ten minutes of prep time.

Then you put them in the oven to bake for 20 minutes.

To prevent the egg muffins from sticking, make sure you use a silicone muffin pan. Also, oil the muffin pan before adding the batter.

I recommend these silicone muffin pans. Not only are they non-stick, but they are also a microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.

Check out more healthy low calorie meals.
Per Serving:

• Calories: 112
• Fats: 8
• Protein: 7
• Carbs: 1
• Fiber:
• Sugar:

Recipe

3. Lemon Pepper Salmon

Credit: alwaysusebutter.com

College life can get pretty hectic – particularly during exam time.

And at times like that, it’s so much easier to order takeout. But takeout can get pretty expensive – and it’s often unhealthy too.

With this Lemon Pepper Salmon, you’ll have dinner on the table in 22 minutes. So, it’s even quicker than takeout.

And it’s healthier for you too. That’s because salmon is packed with brain-boosting omega-3s.

And with exam time, you need all the brain-boosting you can get.

But most importantly, the salmon tastes delicious. It’s succulent and flaky and perfectly seasoned with lemon pepper.

And the squeeze of lemon juice makes it taste really fresh.

To make it a meal, you can serve it with steamed broccoli.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 221
• Fats: 9g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

4. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Credit: allnutritious.com

Chances are that as a kid, your mom made you eat Brussels Sprouts. And you hated them.

And you swore that as an adult, you would never touch them again. But before you write them off, give my Brussels Sprouts with Bacon a try – you may just change your mind.

These Brussels Sprouts are full of flavor. That’s because you’re sauteing them in bacon fat.

This adds savory notes to the Brussels Sprouts. You’re also coating them in a date syrup mixture.

So, your Brussels Sprouts taste sweet as well.

And let’s not forget about the bacon. Crispy bacon with Brussels Sprouts causes an explosion of flavor and textures.

You’ll be coming back for seconds. Just saying.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 251
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 7.6g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8.6g

Recipe

5. Moroccan Baked Eggs

Credit: reciperunner.com

College offers the chance to participate in so many clubs – and so many activities. You may want to try out horseback riding, figure skating, or even canoeing.

The last place you want to be is in your kitchen. So, easy recipes like this Moroccan Baked Eggs are essential.

It takes only 30 minutes to make. And you can have it for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

So, it does triple duty.

And it’s creamy, saucy and full of exotic Moroccan flavors.

You’ll be starting the eggs on the stove. And later baking them in the oven.

So, make sure you’re using an oven-safe skillet. You don’t want to cause a fire.

These skillets here are not only oven safe, but they also distribute heat evenly. So your eggs cook evenly.

And they come with heat-resistant holders. That way, your hands don’t get burnt.

You’ll want to mop up all that delicious sauce too. So make sure you have some warm naan or crusty bread on hand.

Check out more low calorie egg recipes.
Per Serving:

• Calories: 249
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs:
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 12g

Recipe

6. London Broil

Credit: lemonblossoms.com

You’re going to be meeting lots of new people on campus. Who knows, you may even find that special someone.

Cooking them something special is sure to impress them. But good old mac and cheese definitely won’t fit the bill.

This London Broil looks and tastes fantastic. It’s super-flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth good.

That’s because you’re marinating it first. You will be using several spices and sauces to marinate the steak.

But don’t let that scare you off. The spices and sauces are everyday ingredients like Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.

The only condiment you may not have on hand is balsamic vinegar. But your local grocery store should carry it.

As you’re well aware, though, beef has a large carbon footprint. So, you may want to make this dish less often for your sweetie.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 299
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

Recipe

7. Chicken Shawarma

Credit: lemonblossoms.com

And talking about impressing your sweetie, this dish is also sure to impress. After all, who makes their own Shawarma?

You, of course! And it’s so much easier than you think. You’ll be kicking yourself for all that money you wasted at your local Shawarma place.

The chicken is tender, juicy, and full of incredible Mediterranean flavors.

The key to this magic is the marinade. It’s a mixture of olive oil, water, lemon juice, and 8 different spices.

So, make sure you have a proper set of spoons in your kitchen. These measuring spoons should last you through college and beyond.

That’s because they’re made of heavy-duty premium stainless steel.

For best results, you’ll want to marinate your chicken overnight. After your chicken is done marinating,

Mix it with yogurt garlic sauce.

To whip it up, simply mix plain Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.

Finally, grill the chicken for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Don’t have a grill? I didn’t expect you too😊.

Not to worry. You can also make do with a grill pan like this instead.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 339
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

8. Granola Banana Nut Bowl

Credit: allnutritious.com

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And for a good reason.

College students who eat breakfast on exam day are more likely to pass their exams. And who doesn’t want to pass their exams?

Yet many college students skip breakfast. That’s because they don’t have time.

My Granola Banana Nut Bowl takes only 10 minutes to make. In fact, it’s cutting up the pistachios that take the majority of the time.

So, to save time, you can simply cut the pistachios the night before. Or you can use nuts/seeds that don’t need cutting, such as almonds.

Then toss your Greek yogurt, granola, berries, and nuts together. There you have it: the breakfast of champions.

Need more variation for your breakfast? Try these smoothies for weight loss.

Per Serving:

• Calories:
• Fats:
• Protein:
• Carbs:
• Fiber:
• Sugar:

Recipe

9. No-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Credit: veganhuggs.com

All that studying can make you feel hungry. So you go hit the vending machine.

But those vending machine snacks can be so unhealthy. And let’s face it: they’re often overpriced.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are much healthier. And they’re easier on your wallet too. Yay!

They’re crunchy and full of peanut butter and chocolate goodness – the perfect combination.

What’s more, they’re no-bake. And all you need are 5 ingredients: rice cereal, peanut butter, maple syrups, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.

Yay!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 252
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 12g

Recipe

10. Vegan Tuna Sandwich

Credit: veganhuggs.com

More and more of us are transitioning to plant-based diets. And for excellent reasons.

Eating a more plant-forward diet can be better for your health – and the environment.

But overhauling your diet can be a hurdle. After your old favorites are favorites for a reason, right?

This Vegan Tuna is an excellent remake of an old favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, and tasty.

And by adding dulse, you give it an ocean flavor. Yum.

Dulse not only adds taste but nutrition too. It’s packed with iodine which supports healthy thyroid function.

It also contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Besides adding it to “tuna” sandwiches, you can also add it to pickled veggies or even your morning eggs. If you’d like to give dulse a try, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 241
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

11. Spicy Tuna Wrap

Credit: allnutritious.com

Sometimes your classes are back to back. You barely have time to reach your classroom, let alone sit down to lunch.

That’s where having wraps come in handy. They’re portable – perfect for eating on the run.

My Spicy Tuna Wrap is – you guessed it – spicy. That’s because you’re adding a generous amount of Sriracha sauce.

The Greek yogurt and avocado provide some relief from the heat. Meanwhile, the carrots and cucumber add sweetness and freshness.

Besides being tasty and affordable, canned tuna is good for you too. It is rich in omega-3s.

And it contains a ton of protein. So, your stomach won’t be rumbling in class.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 207
• Fats: 7.6g
• Protein: 8.5g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4.1g

Recipe

12. Zucchini Fritters

Credit: minimalistbaker.com

You’ve finally left the family nest. So, it’s time to make your own food rules.

But no matter how old you’ll get, veggies are always a good idea. The question is how to make them taste, well, a little bit more palatable?

These Zucchini Fritters make eating veggies much more enjoyable. They’re savory and yummy – perfect for popping in your mouth.

And the fresh parsley adds a lovely herby flavor.

These Zucchini Fritters are great just the way they are. But if you like, you can serve them with hummus or this honey dill sauce.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 110
• Fats: 3.6g
• Protein: 3.1g
• Carbs: 16.8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1.7g

Recipe

13. Banana Oat Pancakes

Credit: cookieandkate.com

You’ve been working hard-hitting the books all week. Now the weekend rolls around, and it’s time to sleep in.

But all good things come to an end. And eventually, you’ll need to have breakfast, or perhaps, brunch.

And these Banana Oat Pancakes are perfect for that. They’re creamy and fluffy and full of banana goodness.

Now they do take some work. You’re looking at about 25 minutes to make a batch of 8 pancakes.

But 10 minutes of that time is spent letting the batter sit. Letting the batter sit ensures that your pancakes are fluffy and light.

While your batter is sitting, you can sit down and relax. Or you can slice some strawberries to top your pancakes with.

Besides being tastier, these pancakes are healthier than the pre-packaged stuff. That’s because you’re using oat flour.

Oat products like oat flour help you feel longer. They also contain beta-glucans which are essential for heart health.

Don’t have any oat flour on hand? You can get some here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 277
• Fats: 11.8g
• Protein: 7.8g
• Carbs: 36.6g
• Fiber: 3.9g
• Sugar: 11.1g

Recipe

14. Chicken Salad Wrap

Credit: allnutritious.com

Are you tired of those boxed-egg salad sandwiches at the school cafeteria? Make my Chicken Salad Wrap instead.

Not only are they fresh, but they’re delicious too – if I may say so myself.

The Dijon mustard adds a pleasant heat, while the honey adds sweetness. Meanwhile, the Greek yogurt and avocados add creaminess.

And the creaminess is offset by the crunchy celery and lettuce. It’s an explosion of textures and flavors with every bite.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 277
• Fats: 8.5g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 2.9g

Recipe

15. BBQ Chicken Cauliflower Wings

Credit: jessicainthekitchen.com

College can be like the United Nations of places. You may be discovering that people don’t think or eat as you do – and that’s okay.

This BBQ Chicken Cauliflower Wings dish is perfect for your vegan friends. They’re crispy, saucy, and super tasty.

Your vegan friends will love them – and so will you.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 51
• Fats: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

16. Cheesy Garlic Broccoli

Credit: allnutritious.com

And talking about differences, you may make vegetarian friends. You may start out in the same classes.

Then you hang out at the bars and go to parties together. But eventually, they’ll want to socialize at your place.

But as a meat-eater, you may be wondering what to feed them. That’s where my Cheesy Garlic Broccoli comes to the rescue.

It’s savory and cheesy. And because you’re roasting the broccoli, it gets caramelized.

So it transforms from bitter to sweet.

Besides being yummy, this dish is full of protein. So, you won’t be reaching for burgers after your friends leave your place.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 363
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 6.7g

Recipe

17. Hummus

Credit: nourishplate.com

Sometimes, your days will be jam-packed with classes. So, to keep your energy levels and concentration up, snacks are vital.

And you can’t get any healthier than cut veggies. Not only are they portable, but they’re full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

But plain veggies can get dry soon – literally. So, it’s nice to have a dip to go with them.

This hummus takes veggies from boring to extraordinary. It’s smooth, creamy, and yummy.

And it’s so easy to make. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make your own hummus before.

To make it, just place your ingredients in a food processor like this. Then blend until smooth.

Next, add a bit more water until you reach a smooth consistency.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 56
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

18. Instant Pot Chicken Piccata

Credit: flavormosaic.com

Now that you’ve left the family home, your parents are bound to visit you. After all, you’re always going to be their baby.

So, they’ll want to make sure you’re doing okay. This Instant Pot Chicken helps you prove just that.

On the menu are tender, juicy chicken breasts. And they are bathed in a creamy, creamy, buttery garlic lemon sauce.

It’s so good that your parents will think you spent hours making it. But it will take you only 24 minutes flat.

Yes, you read that right.

The reason it takes such a short time is that you’re using an Instant Pot. Instant Pots are great ways to cook meals fast.

And they also save you money. That’s because they’re fantastic for cooking cheaper cuts of meat.

Don’t have an Instant Pot yet? There’s a great deal on this high-quality Instant Pot right now.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 422
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

19. Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Credit: flavormosaic.com

When you lived at home, you probably just did the dishes. Or you made dinner – but not both.

Now that you’re at college, you’re king of the throne. And you have to make dinner, and wash the dishes.

It’s enough to make you want to move right back into your parents’ house.

But don’t do that before you make these Skillet Chicken Fajitas. You use only one skillet to make it.

So, clean-up is way easier.

But more importantly, these Skillet Chicken Fajitas are the real deal. They’re bursting with Tex-Mex flavors.

And they’re juicy on the inside and perfectly seared on the outside.

With a dish like this, you won’t be moving back home any time soon. Check out more 500 calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 529
• Fats: 33g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

Recipe

20. Vegan Tzatziki

Credit: nourishplate.com

Time for some Vegan Tzatziki. Yes, you read that right.

It’s made without dairy – and it totally works. It’s garlicky, creamy, and fresh – just the way it should be.

Instead of regular yogurt, you’ll be using coconut yogurt to make it.

Besides adding creaminess, coconut yogurt is good for you too. It is rich in probiotics which feed the good bacteria in your gut.

These good bacteria, in turn, boost your immune system. So, it’s a win-win.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 118
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g

Recipe

21. Sweet Potato Hummus

Credit: nourishplate.com

“Sweet Potato Hummus?” you’re saying…this girl is getting all weird on me. Yes, I can read your mind.

But just like the Vegan Tzatziki, this hummus tastes good too. In fact, I prefer this to regular hummus.

That’s because I have a sweet tooth. And the sweet potatoes add sweetness, complementing the savory of the tahini and chickpeas.

Besides being delicious, this hummus is very nutritious. That’s because you’re adding sweet potatoes, which are rich in Vitamin A.

Vitamin A promotes not only healthy eyes but a healthy immune system too.

Check out more 200 calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 171
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

22. Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet

Credit: theroastedroot.net

The pressure to make good grades at college is overwhelming. Good grades can help boost your chances of getting into grad school.

And a lot of large companies expect a GPA of at least 3.0. Ouch!

So come exam time, you may have takeout on speed dial. This Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet takes just 20 minutes to make.

And it’s big on color and taste. The salty kalamata olives are complemented by the tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Meanwhile, the earthiness of the artichokes balances the seafood-ness of the shrimp.

Besides being yummy, shrimp is good for you too. It contains selenium, a powerful antioxidant.

And it contains B vitamins and omega-3s, which are good for your brain.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 274
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

23. Pesto Chicken and Broccoli

Credit: theroastedroot.net

Need another quick and easy dinner idea? This Pesto Chicken and Broccoli dish is a good option.

It takes all of 25 minutes to make, and it’s a one-skillet meal. So, you won’t have a ton of pots and pans to worry about at the end.

And it’s full of yummy Mediterranean flavors. That’s from the sun-dried tomatoes and basil pesto sauce.

Now, this dish uses homemade basil pesto sauce. But you can use this premium jarred basil pesto sauce instead.

Not only is it good with chicken, but you can also use it on pizza, fish, and even veggies.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 425
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 47g
• Carbs: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Recipe

24. Instant Pot Fried Rice

Credit: fitfoodiefinds.com

College can get pretty expensive. With rent, books, and tuition paid, there’s barely enough money left for food.

But that doesn’t mean you have to live on Ramen noodles. This Instant Pot Fried Rice is very budget-friendly.

That’s because you’re using ingredients like brown rice, frozen veggies, and eggs. The fried rice tastes yummy too.

It has a nice balance of umami, savory, sweet, and salty flavors.

Eggs are a terrific budget-friendly source of protein. They also contain several B vitamins.

As an added bonus, they contain choline which is used to make cell membranes. So eat up those eggs.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 222
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

25. Chickpea, Avocado, and Feta Salad

Credit: twopeasandtheirpod.com

College can be pretty draining. So sometimes, you may just not be in the mood to cook.

That’s where no-cook dishes like this salad comes in handy. Simply toss your ingredients together, and dinner is served.

But even though it’s simple, it’s not lacking in flavor. The avocados add a nice creaminess, while the feta cheese adds saltiness.

Meanwhile, the chickpeas make it super filling. And the fresh lime juice brightens up the salad.

Who knew healthy eating could be this easy? Love this recipe? Check out more 300 calorie meals.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 369
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 15g
• Sugar: 6g

Recipe

26. Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Credit: minimalistbaker.com

So you know you should have a good breakfast every day. But somehow, you always end up skipping it.

There’s just enough time to get dressed, let alone make breakfast. These Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are the perfect solution.

You make them the night before. And voila, breakfast is ready the next day.

All you have to do is toss a jar of them into your bag. And then you can eat them on the run.

They’re creamy, nutty, and sweet. You’ll be so glad you made them.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 452
• Fats: 22.8g

• Protein: 14.6g
• Carbs: 51.7g
• Fiber: 8.3g
• Sugar: 15.8g

Recipe

27. Black Bean Soup

Credit: favfamilyrecipes.com

Winters can get quite dreary. And when that happens, it’s easy to feel a bit down in the dumps.

This Black Bean Soup is sure to chase away the winter blues. It’s warm, thick, flavorful, and comforting.

The crushed tortilla chips add layers of crunchiness. And what’s Black Bean Soup without some cheese and sour cream on top?

Like it spicy? Feel free to add some jalapeno peppers.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 273
• Fats: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 52g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe