If you're wondering, "how do I eat healthy in college?" you've come to the right place. We'll teach you how to prepare simple, flavorful and healthy college meals.
38 Healthy College Meals Any Student (No Matter Their Cooking Experience!) Can Master
Updated on Feb. 10, 2022
DIY Salad in a Jar
Our farm-fresh salad is layered with gorgeous garden veggies. And we built in a homemade dressing flavored with fresh herbs. Just shake it up to eat the rainbow. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Zucchini Pizza Bites
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple snack is the perfect low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini pizza: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/38
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always experiment with different herbs on my eggs, since I eat them every morning. This one became one of my favorites! —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 231 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
5/38
Baked Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often make this very moist and flavorful baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 209 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
6/38
Slow-Cooker Swiss Steak
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes to make because I can flour and season the steaks and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, I just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and I have a delicious dinner waiting when I arrive home from work. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 171 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
7/38
Homemade Peanut Butter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. My homemade version is easier on my wallet, and I know what ingredients are in it. It's also a lot tastier! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 111 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat.
8/38
Turkey & Apricot Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
9/38
Curry Scramble
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 160 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
10/38
Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a main course that tastes rich yet isn't high in saturated fat. It's easy for weeknights, but the creamy sauce makes it special enough for weekends. —Bonnie Brown-Watson, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 283 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
11/38
Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 323 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
12/38
Confetti Quinoa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 196 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/38
Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These roasted carrots are so simple but always a hit. Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty.—Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 73 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Caribbean Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stir-fry with 1 cup rice: 419 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
15/38
Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish. Even folks who aren't cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 65 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
16/38
Rise and Shine Parfait
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 259 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
17/38
Lemon Oregano Potatoes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Tom, made these tender potatoes when we were first married. They’ve remained a family favorite to this day. —Kate Hilts, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 214 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
18/38
Parmesan Baked Cod
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll need just five ingredients for this goof-proof way to keep oven-baked fish moist. My mom is one of the best cooks in the world, and she shared this recipe with me. It’s a favorite. —Mary Hoppe, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 247 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat.
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Cauliflower Mash
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and easy mashed cauliflower is a wonderful alternative to same-old mashed spuds, and it's healthier, too! —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 26 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
20/38
Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
21/38
Apricot-Ginger Acorn Squash
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and savory flavors come together in this dish that will make a squash lover out of anyone. It’s a treat—but has hardly any butter, and low sodium. For less sugar,
we like to use all-fruit apricot preserves. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 squash: 234 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
22/38
Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 124 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
23/38
Carrots and Snow Peas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is without question my favorite side dish, both for flavor and ease of preparation. Sherry adds an amazing spark to the vegetables. —Cheryl Donnely, Arvada, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 129 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
24/38
Honey-Garlic Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sauce on these honey garlic pork chops is so good, I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggie we have on the side. —Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
25/38
Simple Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pits in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, AK
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 53 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
26/38
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If mashed potatoes are a must at your family Thanksgiving, then why not go all out with the works? I love garlic, onions and bacon, and this dish has all three! —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
27/38
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
28/38
Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
29/38
Mediterranean Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
30/38
Spicy Pumpkin & Corn Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 100 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
31/38
Overnight Cherry-Almond Oatmeal
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Would you like breakfast ready for you when the sun comes up? If so, try my hot cereal. It's so simple—just place the ingredients in the slow cooker and turn it on before you go to bed. In the morning, enjoy a healthy, warm and satisfying dish. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
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Pesto Halibut
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 188 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
33/38
Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 234 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
34/38
Mediterranean Cauliflower
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a recipe I received from a friend to make this delicious—and deliciously different—cauliflower dish. It's prepared quickly in a skillet and uses only a handful of ingredients. What a great way to take ordinary cauliflower to a whole new level! —Valerie Smith, Aston, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 86 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
35/38
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In our house, we sprinkle these whole wheat pancakes with a little confectioners' sugar because the banana is so sweet that you don't need syrup. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 155 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
36/38
Shrimp Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter how you toss 'em, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 413 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
37/38
Confetti Corn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy corn dish is sure to dress up almost any entree. I added the crunch of water chestnuts, red pepper and chopped carrot—along with extra nutrition. —Glenda Watts, Charleston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
38/38
Nectarine and Beet Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beets, nectarines and feta cheese make for scrumptious additions to mixed greens. While the combination of ingredients may seem unlikely, I guarantee it will become a favorite salad on your home menu. —Nicole Werner, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
