As a college student, you probably appreciate the luxury of popping into the dining hall for a quick bite whenever you need a fast meal between classes. But sometimes you might just need a break or have a craving for something healthy and homemade, right?
Whether you're living in a dorm [1] or in an off-campus apartment, there are several easy, healthy, and delicious recipes [2] to make, many of which don't even require any cooking whatsoever. Here are 30 to get you started.
Avocado Toast
You can't get much easier than avocado toast [3], which provides the perfect balance of healthy carbs and fat for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Turkey Wrap
If you're in a dorm room with a fridge but no oven, stove, or microwave, turkey wraps [4] are a great lunch option that don't require any heating.
Healthy Grilled Cheese
When you're crunched for time and craving a hot lunch, a grilled cheese panini [5] will surely hit the spot.
Microwaveable Banana Oatmeal
If all your meals come out of a microwave — we get it, college is busy — this banana oatmeal [6] can be a healthy breakfast staple.
Microwaveable Egg Sandwich
Did you know you can make eggs in the microwave? Skip the drive-through in favour of a healthier homemade egg sandwich [7].
Indian Red Beans and Rice
Red beans and rice wins all around for being packed with protein, inexpensive, and easy to make. This version [8] gets bonus points for not requiring a stove.
Mason Jar Taco Salad
If you're in search of a healthy lunch you can take to go, this healthy layered taco salad [9] is a great way to mix things up.
Avocado Chicken Salad
Subbing in avocado for mayo is an easy way to make a healthy version of chicken salad [10].
Easy Baked Salmon
If you've never cooked fish before, you need not be scared. This baked salmon [11] takes only 15 minutes to cook and is actually pretty hard to mess up.
Paleo Courgette Pasta
When you're craving pasta but watching your carbs, this zoodle pasta [12] will definitely bring the flavour.
Hard-Boiled Eggs With Avocado
If you make a bunch of hard-boiled eggs ahead of time, this low-carb, protein-filled eggs and avocado bowl [13] can quickly become an easy go-to breakfast or lunch.
Turkey Sausage Muffins
Meal-prep a batch of these egg and sausage muffins [14] for a satisfying grab-and-go breakfast option.
Baked Egg in Avocado
This simple baked egg recipe [15] packs protein and healthy fat to start your day off right.
Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
When it comes to quick and easy vegetarian lunches, it's tough to beat a simple veggie and hummus sandwich [16].
Veggie Burrito Bowl
If you're craving Chipotle, skip the line and DIY [17] this easy and healthy veggie burrito bowl [18].
Lemon Tuna Salad
For a healthy take on tuna salad [19], skip the mayo and sub in lemon and olive oil for a still-flavourful sandwich.
Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad
This satisfying avocado and chickpea vegetarian salad [20] takes just minutes to put together and yields a few days' worth of meals.
Vegan Bean Salad
With mango and black beans, this protein-packed vegan salad [21] packs the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
Avocado Shell Salad
If it's one of those days or nights when it's just too hot to cook, these veggie- and cheese-stuffed avocado cups [22] are a great option for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Paleo Stuffed Peppers
Whether you're following the paleo diet or not, these Italian-style stuffed peppers [23] are an easy and tasty dinner option.
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
If you're craving a comforting bowl of mac and cheese but want to make something healthier, this spaghetti squash version [24] made with broccoli will get the job done.
Lightened-Up Spaghetti Carbonara
If creamy, salty spaghetti is one of your Italian restaurant favourites, you'll definitely want to try this light version of carbonara pasta [25] at home.
Healthy Chicken Salad
For another healthy take on chicken salad [26], try this simple recipe, in which you'll swap the mayo for Greek yoghurt.
Chicken Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Don't let the seemingly big pile of ingredients fool you — this nutrient-packed chicken quinoa bowl [27] actually comes together fast and is perfect for after a workout.
Watermelon Caprese Salad
Watermelon adds the perfect touch of sweetness to this fruity Caprese salad [28].
Chocolate Overnight Oats
If you love to get your chocolate fix even at breakfast time, these overnight oats [29] are an excellent and portable option to do it.
Scrambled Eggs With Veggies
It's no secret that scrambled eggs [30] are ridiculously fast and easy to whip up. Make them a bit healthier by adding in veggies like spinach, tomato, and bell peppers.
Vegan Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito
Veggies like sweet potato, black beans, and corn make this vegan burrito [31] a satisfying lunch option.