Are you a college student who wants to eat healthy but doesn't have much time or money? If so, you're not alone.
Many students struggle with finding nutritious and affordable meals that are easy to prepare and don't require fancy ingredients or equipment.
That's why I've compiled this list of 10 healthy dinner ideas for college students that you can make in 30 minutes or less with minimal effort and cost.
These recipes are not only delicious, but also balanced, satisfying, and good for your body and mind. Here they are:
1. Roasted chicken and vegetables: A simple and nutritious meal that can be prepared in advance and reheated in the microwave.
One of my favorite meals to make is roasted chicken and vegetables. It's easy, delicious and healthy. All you need is a whole chicken, some potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper and olive oil. First, you preheat the oven to 375°F and rinse the chicken inside and out.
Then you pat it dry with paper towels and season it with salt, pepper and some of the herbs. You can also stuff some garlic cloves and lemon wedges inside the cavity for extra flavor.
Next, you chop the potatoes, carrots and onions into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper and the rest of the herbs in a large baking dish.
You make some space in the center and place the chicken on top of the vegetables. You drizzle some more olive oil over the chicken and put it in the oven for about an hour and a half, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the meat is cooked through.
You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
When it's done, you let it rest for 10 minutes before carving it and serving it with the roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
2. Veggie stir-fry with brown rice: A quick and easy way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge.
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's packed with veggies and whole grains, try this veggie stir-fry with brown rice. It's a simple dish that you can customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.
All you need is some oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch to make a flavorful sauce that coats the veggies and rice. You can also add some tofu, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein if you like. This veggie stir-fry with brown rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal in no time.
3. Greek salad with pita bread: A refreshing and satisfying salad that can be made with basic ingredients.
One of my favorite dishes to make for dinner is a Greek salad with pita bread. It's so easy and refreshing, and it has all the flavors I love. Here's how I make it:
- I chop some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and feta cheese and toss them in a large bowl.
- I whisk some olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl and drizzle it over the salad.
- I warm some pita bread in the oven or microwave and cut it into wedges.
- I serve the salad with the pita bread on the side, and enjoy!
This salad is perfect for a hot night , or when you want something light and satisfying. You can also add some grilled chicken or hummus for extra protein. Try it and let me know what you think!
4. Spaghetti with turkey meatballs: A classic comfort food that can be made healthier with some swaps.
Spaghetti with turkey meatballs is one of my favorite dishes to make on a lazy weekend. It's easy, delicious and satisfying. All you need is some spaghetti, ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil and your favorite tomato sauce. You can also add some cheese if you like. Here's how I make it:
- First, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Next, in a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat and simmer the tomato sauce for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. You can also add some basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- Finally, toss the spaghetti with the sauce and serve with the meatballs on top. Sprinkle some cheese if you like and enjoy!
5. Omelet with cheese and spinach: A protein-packed breakfast that can also be eaten for dinner.
One of my favorite dinner is a fluffy omelet with cheese and spinach. It's easy to make and delicious to eat. Here's how I do it:
- I whisk two eggs with a splash of milk and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- I heat some butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and pour the egg mixture into the pan.
- I use a spatula to lift the edges of the omelet and tilt the pan to let the uncooked egg run underneath.
- When the omelet is almost set, I sprinkle some shredded cheese and fresh spinach leaves on one half of the omelet.
- I fold the other half over the cheese and spinach and slide the omelet onto a plate.
- I enjoy my omelet with some toast and fruit on the side.
That's it! You can customize your omelet with different cheeses, veggies, meats, or herbs. What do you like to put in your omelet?
6. Black bean and corn quesadillas: A cheesy and spicy meal that can be customized to your liking.
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's also delicious and nutritious, you can't go wrong with black bean and corn quesadillas.
These cheesy, crispy, and colorful treats are packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, and they only take about 15 minutes to make. All you need are some tortillas, canned black beans, frozen corn, shredded cheese, salsa, and your favorite seasonings.
Just heat up a skillet, layer the ingredients on one half of a tortilla, fold it over, and cook until golden and melty. Cut into wedges and serve with more salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. You'll love how satisfying and tasty these quesadillas are!
7. Vegetable soup with whole wheat bread: A warm and cozy soup that can be made with any vegetables you have on hand.
Vegetable soup with whole wheat bread is a delicious and healthy meal that you can make in less than an hour. All you need is some fresh or frozen veggies, vegetable broth, herbs and spices, and a loaf of whole wheat bread.
You can use any combination of vegetables you like, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, peas, beans, or tomatoes. Just chop them up and simmer them in the broth until they are tender. You can also add some cooked chicken, beef, or tofu for extra protein. Season the soup with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, parsley, thyme, or whatever you prefer.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with slices of warm whole wheat bread. You can also sprinkle some cheese or croutons on top for extra crunch and flavor. This is a simple and satisfying meal that will fill you up and keep you warm on a cold night.
8. Peanut butter and banana sandwich: A simple and sweet sandwich that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches for dinner. They are so easy to make and so satisfying to eat.
I just toast some bread, spread some creamy peanut butter on one slice, and slice up a ripe banana on the other. Then I put them together and enjoy the sweet and salty combination. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are also nutritious and filling. They have protein, fiber, potassium, and healthy fats. They keep me full until breakfast and give me energy for the night. I don't care what anyone says, peanut butter and banana sandwiches are the best dinner ever.
9. Tuna salad wrap: A light and refreshing wrap that can be made in minutes.
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's also healthy and delicious, you can't go wrong with a tuna salad wrap for dinner. Here's how to make one in just a few minutes:
- In a small bowl, mix together a can of tuna (drained), some mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can also add some chopped celery, onion, or pickle for some crunch and flavor.
- Lay a large tortilla on a flat surface and spread some lettuce leaves over it. Spoon the tuna mixture over the lettuce, leaving some space around the edges.
- Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Cut in half and enjoy your tuna salad wrap!
10. Hummus and veggie platter: A fun and colorful snack that can also be a meal.
If you're looking for a healthy, easy and delicious meal, you can't go wrong with a hummus and veggie platter. Hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and spices. It's rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats, and it goes well with any kind of vegetable.
You can make your own hummus or buy it ready-made from the store. A veggie platter can include any combination of fresh or roasted vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumber, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and more.
You can also add some bread, crackers, cheese or olives for extra variety and flavor. To make a hummus and veggie platter for dinner, just follow these simple steps:
- Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds more nutrients and fiber.
- Arrange the vegetables on a large platter or tray. You can group them by color, shape or type, or just mix them randomly.
- Spoon some hummus into a small bowl and place it in the center of the platter. You can drizzle some olive oil, sprinkle some paprika or add some fresh herbs on top of the hummus for extra flavor.
- Serve the platter with some bread, crackers, cheese or olives on the side. You can also add some salt, pepper or lemon juice to taste.
- Enjoy your hummus and veggie platter for dinner with your family or friends. It's a great way to eat more vegetables and have a satisfying meal without spending too much time or money.
