Eating healthy in college doesn’t have to mean limp salads, dry toast, or endless packets of instant noodles! These healthy meals for college students will get you through the school year!

With a little creativity and minimal effort, you can whip up meals that are nutritious and delicious.

Whether you’re surviving on a tight budget or completely over cafeteria food, these 23 healthy meals for college students will keep you fueled, satisfied, and feeling your best.

Get ready to enjoy the thought of a tempting meal – without breaking the bank!

1. Sweet Potato Black Bean Rice Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com

There’s something so satisfying about a bowl of steaming, healthy goodness, especially when you’re studying for long hours.

This zesty black bean bowl is filling and creamy. It’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and plant-based protein.

What’s better than roasted sweet potatoes and black beans drizzled in olive oil and topped with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime?

To vary this healthy college meal, you can top it with tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or diced jalapeños (if you LUV the heat).

Per Serving:

• Calories: 308
• Fats: 5.5g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 4.2g

2. Cottage Cheese Pasta

Source: allnutritious.com

Here’s a fun recipe for a bowl of creamy pasta that doesn’t rely on heavy cream.

This recipe uses cottage cheese which creates the ultimate silky-textured creamy sauce – delicious!

I like to use rigatoni pasta, as its shape is great for holding the sauce. But you can also use penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 368
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Sugar: 8.8g

3. Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Source: allnutritious.com

Take a break from the books and treat your fellow students to a delicious meal of succulent BBQ chicken. 

This easy-to-make dish is topped with sweet pineapple chunks, diced smokey bacon, and mozzarella cheese.

Baked to golden perfection, it’s a sweet-and-savory combo that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 465
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 28g

4. Baked Tuscan Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Chicken is so budget-friendly and versatile! With just a few simple steps, you can pop this dish in the oven and let it bake to perfection while you race to finish that last-minute project.

I use boneless chicken breasts, loads of garlic, and my fave – sun-dried tomatoes. The cheesy element can be Mozzarella, Fontina, Gruyere, or a combo of all three!

Easy, delicious, and totally stress-free.

Check out these other tips on how to eat healthy in college.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 471
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Sugar: 1.8g

5. Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

Source: allnutritious.com

Skillet recipes are perfect for students. Because you do all the cooking in one pan, you don’t have dozens of dishes to wash.

With smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and a touch of garlic, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and convenience! Add a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 356
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 9.2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4.1g

6. Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Source: allnutritious.com

This nutritious dish takes only 30 minutes to make.

Imagine combining tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy orzo pasta! Very tasty!

If you like your food spicy, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. This dish is also made in a skillet for easy no-fuss cleaning.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 723
• Fats: 38g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 58g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 9g

7. Teriyaki Chicken Casserole

Source: allnutritious.com

Casseroles are another winner for students. They require minimal effort in the kitchen and produce maximum results when it comes to health and wellness.

This dish combines tender chicken breasts with fresh vegetables, all smothered in a savory teriyaki sauce.

It’s high in protein and low in fat, and feels like a hug in a bowl! Just what you need before a late-night study sesh.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 428
• Fats: 3.7g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 64g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Sugar: 20g

8. Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Source: allnutritious.com

Why spend a fortune on take-outs when you can make a quick and easy Cajun dish yourself?

This recipe has it all, mixing French, African, and Spanish flavors to create the ultimate burst of exotic flavors.

Picture it – succulent, spiced chicken breasts with the natural sweetness of sweet peppers, topped with creamy cheese.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 521
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 51g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugar: 5.5g

9. Creamy Pesto Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Cook up a dish that feels ultra-fancy but takes minimal effort.

I love the vibrant, garlicky taste of pesto sauce made from basil, parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil, adding instant flavor to any dish.

Combined with skinless and boneless chicken breasts, it’s easy-eating while you’re studying.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 425
• Fats: 28g
• Protein: 31g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Sugar: 4.3g

10. Pizza Pasta Casserole

Source: allnutritious.com

Pizza and pasta are two student staples and my casserole combines both to create a unique and fun dish.

Don’t toss your leftover pizza toppings! Mix them into a casserole with pasta, ground beef, Italian sausages, and loads of spices and cheese.

You can also vary it by using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 526
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fiber: 5.3g
• Sugar: 11g

11. Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Source: allnutritious.com

The key word here is ‘Lazy’! You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen like an Italian grandma!

This recipe makes a yummy casserole that is hearty and comforting.

Think – tender pasta, savory beef, creamy cheese, and a rich sauce, hot out of the oven. Perfect for a student.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 449
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 3.9g
• Sugar: 9.2g

12. One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Here’s an easy way to prepare dinner when you’re in college. You only need one pan, so cleaning up is a breeze.

Enjoy succulent chicken topped with the tartness of balsamic vinegar, the sweetness of honey, and the punch of Italian seasoning.

Add a quick side of garlic pasta to complete the meal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 608
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 63g
• Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 14g

13. Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Source: allnutritious.com

If you need a pick-me-up after a day of studying, sun-dried tomatoes are a burst of flavor and sunshine!

This luscious bowl of sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, chicken, and spinach tastes just as good on day two, saving you from making another meal.

Indulge in the decadence of heavy cream or replace it with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 618
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 54g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 9.4g

14. Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Source: allnutritious.com

I’ve always been a fan of comfort food, and this dish is guaranteed to make you feel warm inside.

This easy-to-make casserole combines the strong flavors of buffalo chicken with the rich and caramelized taste of sweet potatoes and the crunch of broccoli. All with a topping of cheese to finish it off.

It’s proof that casseroles don’t need to be boring!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 443
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 6.8g
• Sugar: 6.5g

15. Easy Chicken and Noodles

Source: ourhomemadeeasy.com

Being a college student doesn’t mean you have to settle for 2-minute noodles.

Jazz up your noodles with rotisserie chicken, garlic, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and creamy chicken broth. For an extra pop of nutrition and color, add some fresh veggies!

The delicious aroma will bring your roommates running for their share.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 231
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

16. Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Source: basicswithbails.com

An air fryer is a college student’s best friend!

Stop buying take-outs and save your money for one of these must-have appliances. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up tasty meals in no time.

Grab some turkey burgers when they’re on special, freeze them and make this recipe when you’re craving a burger. Top it with a dollop of tzatziki for a hint of Greek island freshness.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 224
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

17. Quinoa Spinach Avocado Power Salad

Source: basicswithbails.com

Quinoa is a protein-packed superfood that keeps you full and energized for those long study sessions. Easy to cook and super versatile, it’s perfect for quick bowls, salads, or even a hearty breakfast!

This power quinoa salad includes spinach, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and loads of seasoning. It’s a refreshing energy-giving bowl that you’ll want to make at least once a week.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 203
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 2g

18. Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Source: theroastedroot.net

Protein is brain food, and you need as much as you can get without having to spend hours in the kitchen or break the bank.

You’ll love this ground turkey taco casserole! It has rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and big bold flavors to create a Mexican-inspired meal, packed with protein.

It’s easy to make – just give the onions and ground turkey a little pre-cook, then dump everything into a casserole dish, stir, and bake!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 412
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 3g

19. Veggie Fajitas

Source: happykitchen.rocks

Does having an early lecture mean that you skip breakfast?

These veggie fajitas can be kept in the fridge for a few days, offering a fast and easy heat-up option for those early mornings.

It includes delicious ingredients like bell peppers and portobello mushrooms, taking your cooking skills to the next level, while still being fast and easy to prepare.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 269
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 8g

20. Vegan Ramen

Source: worldofvegan.com

Next up is a tasty dish for vegans! Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s proof that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying.

In just 25 minutes you can make this delicious ramen dish with minimal prep. It uses gluten-free rice ramen noodles, tofu, and loads of veggies.

I love that you can customize it easily by changing up the veggies (check what you have in your fridge) and adding different spices for extra umami!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 586
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 77g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 12g

21. Sweet Potato Wraps

Source: livinglou.com

Wraps are a college go-to, especially when you’re pressed for time and need to eat something wholesome in the middle of a marathon study session.

You can make them ahead of time and simply grab one when you’re ready.

Imagine – roasted sweet potatoes, spinach, creamy hummus, smoky chipotle, cheese and crispy bell peppers all wrapped up in a whole wheat tortilla! Scrumptious!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 441
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 16g
• Carbs: 53g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 8g

22. Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Source: sweetandsavorymeals.com

I think that by the time we get to college, we are over the hate-broccoli syndrome we had as kids?

Because broccoli is downright delicious when cooked right! It’s also a powerhouse veggie that gives you a serious nutritional boost, needed to ace those high scores.

How about – chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with a unique blend of spices and flavorings, combined with tender florets of broccoli on a bed of rice? Heat your air fryer and give it a try!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 559
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 52g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g

23. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Source: letusmunchlettuce.com

My last recipe (for now!) is a salad. When studying, you don’t want to stress about what to make for dinner.

This delicious Mediterranean salad is a quick and easy option, made with quinoa, black olives, red onion, feta, red bell pepper and cucumber, all topped with a lemon oregano vinaigrette.

Make a batch and enjoy it as a quick snack throughout the week. It also makes the perfect side dish for a flavorful chicken or turkey meal.

You’ll also want to see these ingenious ways to eat healthy on a low budget.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 241
• Fats: 15.1g
• Protein: 6.9g
• Carbs: 20.3g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugar: 2.6g