Easy Healthy Lunch Ideas For College Students

Packaged pesto makes this creamy, hearty pasta dish a breeze. For a lower-fat option, substitute fat-free milk. It all comes together in just 25 minutes: “Super easy and very quick as promised,” says reviewer Rebecca Gavin Ruster.

As a college kid with limited time and money, it can be difficult to incorporate fresh, healthy ingredients into your meals. This simple sandwich does just that — fresh tomatoes, avocados, and provolone cheese are drizzled in balsamic vinegar and sandwiched between bread slices of your choice.

Naan (or you can also use pita bread) makes the crust for this no-bake pizza that’s topped with hummus, arugula, dates, pumpkin seeds, and balsamic vinegar. If you have a little extra time, try toasting the naan in the oven or toaster oven first.

No need to spend time over the stove for a fresh veggie side dish. Here, zucchini, celery, onion, and mushrooms are steamed in the microwave and tossed with melted Cheddar cheese. To mix it up, experiment with different types of cheese like reviewer Jim: “Shredded habanero cheese is great if you want some spice.”

This creamy breakfast bowl may look like dessert, but don’t be fooled — it’s full of protein to keep you full all morning. “The creaminess of the ricotta, crunch of the coconut and almonds, and sweetness of the blueberries and honey worked perfectly together,” says Allrecipes Allstar Happyschmoopies. “I would eat this for dessert!”

Recipe creator samanathon describes these oven-roasted green beans as “A great alternative to fast-food French fries.” Serve this 4-ingredient recipe as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Prepared polenta is upgraded with the help of a little Parmesan cheese and paprika. Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen suggests serving this side alongside some baked chicken.

Scrambled eggs day after day gets old. Sriracha brings its signature tang and spice to liven up the party.

What could make this dorm-room delicacy all the more enticing? Cook it with cheese on the outside too. Reviewer Coleykim says, “The cheese on the outside of the bread had an amazing crunch and a different almost smoked tasting flavor and crunch that offset the melted cheese inside.”

Some days call for comfort, but making a family-sized dessert isn’t ideal for a college student. Fortunately, this single-serve dessert — which is made entirely in the toaster oven — gives you all the joy of mom’s homemade apple crisp without the leftovers. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prepared cheese sauce is the base in this bar-inspired snack. Horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic powder add bite. Just be sure to plan ahead of time, the ingredients need time to mingle in the fridge before serving.

Keep frozen salmon on hand for this simple, 5-ingredient dinner. Salmon fillets are topped with basil, tomato slices, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, before baking in the oven. Serve over rice.

Steamed broccoli in a bag is, well, sad. Instead, try roasting it for a veggie that is tender on the inside, and caramelized on the outside.

Believe or not, this healthy side dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Unlike many other sweet potato side dishes which tend to be overly sweet, this recipe uses garlic, basil, and thyme for a more savory, robust dish.

As the name recipe title implies, this chicken is ideal for when you need to throw dinner together in a pinch. Chicken is sautéed in a mixture of barbeque sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.

When mom’s homemade lasagna isn’t an option, make this “lasagna” using leftover spaghetti and prepared sauce. The layers mimic that of traditional lasagna, but with shortcut ingredients.

“Make your own potato chips using your microwave. A tasty and easy alternative to store-bought potato chips (not to mention economical)!” says recipe creator Jessica. If you have one potato, vegetable oil, and salt, you have all the ingredients needed to make this homemade version of a classic snack food.

Frozen French fries are combined with scrambled eggs in this innovative breakfast that any college kid would be delighted with.

Large portobello mushroom caps make an excellent (and budget-friendly) alternative to steak. Each is sautéed, and topped with a flavorful mixture of garlic, onion, and green bell pepper.

This hearty, nutritious dinner is made with just four ingredients: smoked kielbasa sausage, red potatoes, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Serve over rice or quinoa.

Quinoa is a protein-packed and fiber-rich addition to any diet, but it can be a bit…bland. This method for dressing up quinoa (without overpowering it) is a total game changer.

Using ingredients you likely have on hand (except maybe blueberries), you can make this fruity dessert for one in a matter of minutes using your microwave. Reviewer Megan Riley says, “I’m kind of mystified this worked, but it did!”

Mild cabbage and spicy kielbasa were made for each other. What’s the secret ingredient in this Polish dish? A can of beer.

If you’re running late for class, this is the breakfast you need to make. Crack an egg into a microwave-safe mug, beat, add milk, beat again, and microwave for 90 seconds. Bon appétit!

Whole-grain English muffins are topped with tomato salsa (yes, salsa), turkey bacon, and shredded Italian cheese. Bake under the broiler for five to 10 minutes, and you have a lunch or dinner that’s even faster and easier than ordering pizza.

“This is a great quick fix for a chocolate craving!” says recipe creator Katrina DeFrang. “Because it’s microwaved it is different than traditional brownie and has a very moist, pudding-like texture.”

A bread crumb and horseradish topping gives baked pork chops a kick. Serve with wild rice and green beans, as recipe creator Kim Playfair suggests.

By adding a little ground beef for protein to a pre-packaged rice mix, you have a filling, delicious, and cheap dinner that’s ready in just 45 minutes.

If you have a blender or food processor, you can save some money by making your own hummus. All you need is canned garbanzo beans, garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil. Serve with fresh veggies or pita chips.

Takeout is convenient, but it can break a budget fast. Using packaged ramen noodles, frozen stir-fry vegetables, and tofu, you can make your own lo-mein to eat throughout the week.

Using shortcut ingredients like frozen garlic bread, prepared spaghetti sauce, and frozen meatballs, you can turn this favorite sub into a hearty casserole.

Tilapia is a budget-friendly way to sneak more seafood into your diet, and this recipe amps it up with Italian-seasoned bread crumbs and Ranch-style dressing mix.

Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef, but still satisfies your hamburger hankering. Dry onion soup mix brings the flavor here.

Did you know this cafeteria classic can be made using condiments you likely have on hand? Beef or turkey can be used in this recipe.

If you have chicken breasts on hand, you can make this dinner in a pinch using Dijon mustard, teriyaki sauce, bacon bits, and Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of wild rice and veggies for a balanced meal.