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3 Comments

Healthy Recipes for College Students

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Jul 26, 2021

Pin with three images, crack chicken tacos, sloppy joes and buffalo chicken sandwiches, all easy and healthy recipes for college students.

Healthy Recipes for College Students! Perfect for any college student, not just the foodie but any young person just starting out. Many easy, delicious and simple recipes that college students can make in their dorm or apartment.

My son helped cultivate this recipe round-up after his freshman year in college. Recipes from our personal test kitchen (by that I mean, my son’s favorites) as well as from other experienced bloggers.

Recipes that can be made easily with limited equipment and supplies.

Read to the end of the post, I give my best list of kitchen equipment for college students as well!

Pin with three images, crack chicken tacos, sloppy joes and buffalo chicken sandwiches, all easy and healthy recipes for college students.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

I am excited to share with you this incredible collection from my fellow blogger and friend Anecia from SmartyPants Kitchen, she has put together this amazing post of 25 Cheap and Healthy Meals for College Students easy and quick recipes.

40+ HEALTHY RECIPES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS 

Delicious chicken gyros in tortilla with fresh tomatoes and sour cream.

I have a few ideas of my own, like original overnight oats recipe or a big batch of crockpot granola, or this chicken salad recipe; they make enough for several meals, and are easy to whip up.

Pin with image of bowl of broccoli cheese soup with words Easy Healthy Recipes for college students in apartments.

I hope you enjoy this journey through these 59+ healthy recipes for college students. Many of these recipes are easy, low ingredient, budget friendly recipes, sure to please most college students.

Healthy Recipes for College Students

Best Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Tender, shaved beef, caramelized onions, lots of flavor thanks to Worcestershire Sauce and oodles of gooey, stringy, drippy cheese -- piled on top of a buttery, toasted french roll. Best part, it's pretty much a one pan meal, done in 30 minutes!

Easy Barbacoa Beef Street Tacos

Simple and tasty, slow cooker Barbacoa Beef Street Tacos. Slow cooked in a savory, spicy (but not hot) sauce, with loads of fresh taco toppings. An easy weeknight meal or lunch.

Easy Beef & Broccoli

Tender beef, crisp broccoli perfectly stir fried in a delicious tangy sauce. Give me 30 minutes and you'll have dinner on the table.

Honey Chicken

Just like take out, but made at home this recipe for honey bourbon chicken is ready in 30 minutes! Sticky, tangy, sweet and tender chicken with crisp broccoli and carrots. Serve over rice and you have dinner.

Turkey and Cheese Sliders (the Best!)

One of the best thing about the holidays are the amazing leftovers and these Turkey and Cheese Sliders are one of our favorites! Leftover turkey, gooey, rich cheese makes the most amazing quick dinner, appetizer or lunch!

Caprese BLT Sandwich

The ultimate summertime sandwich! With the seasons best; juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, mozzarella, sweet basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze and of course bacon! The ultimate Caprese BLT Sandwich!

Easy Ham, Mac & Cheese Soup

An easy recipe for ham, mac & cheese soup that is part creamy mac n cheese, part delicious pasta soup! Use leftover ham to make this soup even easier, plus the ingredients are all real food ingredients, no canned cheese soup here!

Hawaiian Roll Hammy Sammy's | Sliders for a Crowd

Make ahead ham and swiss sandwiches that never fail to please. Delicious!

Yes-You-Can Black Bean Chili

Photo Credit: eatplant-based.com

A microwave and 3 ingredients are all you really need to make this healthy and delicious Yes-You-Can Chili. It's a perfect dorm room meal that keeps you full for putting in those long studying nights.

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings

Photo Credit: stuffmattycooks.com

Simple yet unique chicken wings, Jerk wings have a ton of flavor. Just a few ingredients.

Crispy Keto Whole30 Carnitas (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)

Photo Credit: organicallyaddison.com

These Carnitas are easy, healthy and delicious and can be made in an Instant Pot or slow cooker!

Easy Crockpot Lasagna with Ravioli

Photo Credit: https://thecarefreekitchen.com

Crockpot Lasagna is quite possibly the easiest lasagna of all time ever! It's so easy to make and the leftovers are even better the next day.

Easy Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Photo Credit: masonfit.com

You'll only need an air fryer and 6 ingredients to make this Mediterranean inspired chicken and potatoes combo.

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

Only a few ingredients in your slow cooker and some instant rice make for a healthy, delicious and economical meal!

Grilled Chicken Tenders

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Asian Grilled Chicken Tenders are flavorful and cook fast so they are perfect for serving as a healthier weeknight dinner. Easily made with a grill pan or on the grill!

Microwave Chocolate Banana Mug Cake

Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

This Microwave Chocolate Banana Mug Cake is fast, easy, flourless, gluten-free and healthy. It will quickly and completely satisfy any chocolate craving!

Healthy Gluten Free Breakfast Cookies

Healthy gluten free breakfast cookies are so delicious! A 1 bowl recipe loaded with good for you ingredients like banana, pumpkin, oats, almond butter, nuts, cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Craving a Chipotle Chicken burrito, bowls or just looking for a chicken recipe with amazing flavor? Now you can make this copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe at home, this recipe is on repeat in our home! In fact, I double the recipe and freeze one for later.

Easy Raspberry Glazed Salmon

A deliciously easy Raspberry Glazed Salmon recipe using 3 simple ingredients for out of this world flavor and a few simple steps to the best baked restaurant style salmon ever!

The Best Cheeseburger Soup

Healthy Cheeseburger soup is filled with your favorite cheeseburger ingredients! Seasoned beef, caramelized onions, carrots, peppers and garlic, rich chopped tomatoes and beef broth, potatoes, pickles all combine to make a flavorful, hearty and simple soup. Make on the stove top or crockpot, plus it's gluten free!

Slow Cooker Chicken Soup Recipe

Photo Credit: www.drugstoredivas.net

It's awful when you're sick, in college, and away from home and can't have mom's chicken soup to make you feel better. But you can easily make your own batch in the slow cooker.

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Photo Credit: karalydon.com

Cook up a big batch of this instant pot BBQ chicken in just 30 minutes! Add to sandwiches, salads, or eat on its own for a week of delicious lunches.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe - Freezer Meal

Photo Credit: www.thefoodieaffair.com

This simple recipe is bursting with Tex-Mex flavor; beans, corn, ground beef flavored with taco seasoning mix and topped with your favorite condiment.

The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes

Delicious brown sugar bacon sloppy joes are simmered in a rich, thick, full-bodied, sweet and sticky tomato sauce loaded with caramelized onion, red pepper, and bacon!

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Sliders

Photo Credit: https://www.devourdinner.com/

Invite friends over and enjoy these Fajita Sliders loaded with seasoned chicken and fresh vegetables. This recipe will elevate your game.

Best Baked Potato Recipe

Potatoes are one of the least expensive and easiest meals. You can make this in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta

A restaurant quality pasta dinner; creamy, loaded with flavor and ready in about 20 minutes. This light and creamy Bow Tie Pasta recipe is easy enough for everyday, elegant enough for company. Make in the Instant Pot or stove top this bow tie pasta is ready to wow your taste buds in minutes!

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Photo Credit: www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com

Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken (or Slow Cooker)

Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is an amazingly simple, tasty, and a ridiculously easy recipe. This healthy 30 minute meal is perfect for a busy weeknight, game day appetizer, tailgating, lazy weekend or meal prep!

Healthy Crack Chicken aka Creamy Salsa Chicken

This healthier crack chicken recipe (aka creamy salsa chicken) is easily made in your instant pot or slow cooker! Loaded with better for you ingredients, but still packs a ton of flavor. This recipe is great in tacos, sandwiches, quesadillas, enchiladas, salads or by itself for a low carb meal.

Chicken Quesadillas with Peppers and Onions

A bodacious quesadilla bursting with caramelized peppers and onions, filled with  tender chicken and a mixture of parmesan, goat, sharp cheddar and cream cheeses.

Easy Pizza Monkey Bread

Photo Credit: onedishkitchen.com

Lunch Box Walking Tacos

Photo Credit: www.soulfullymade.com

Easy Marinara Sauce

Photo Credit: juliassimplysouthern.com

A simple, one pot flavorful marinara sauce!

Trail mix for the college student

Photo Credit: www.schneiderpeeps.com

A hearty trail mix granola for the college student!

Homemade Ramen Noodle Bowls

Photo Credit: www.sustainablecooks.com

Delicious and easy classic ramen noodle bowls, but healthier!

Fried Rice

Photo Credit: www.mydaintysoulcurry.com

Super simple curried fried rice, easy enough to make for anyone!

A Student's Survival Guide to Cooking

Photo Credit: www.fabfood4all.co.uk

Just what it says, a student's survival guide to cooking!

One Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe 

Photo Credit: www.happyfoodstube.com

A delicious one pot pasta recipe!

Easy Pasta Arrabiata Recipe

Photo Credit: neilshealthymeals.com

A simple, classic and easy pasta recipe.

Try This Ultimate Chinese Chow Mein

Photo Credit: www.savorybitesrecipes.com

Tasty Chinese Chow Mein that a college student can make!

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Photo Credit: girlheartfood.com

Rich and cheesy, ground beef quesadillas are so simple to whip up!

Boil "Out of the Bag" Chicken and Rice

Photo Credit: www.soulfullymade.com

A comfort food meal perfect for college students who are missing mom's homemade cooking.

Vegetarian Chili , A Satisfying Cold Weather Meal

Photo Credit: motherwouldknow.com

A classic, easy vegetarian chili recipe.

Chili Garlic Chinese Noodles

Photo Credit: profusioncurry.com

Chinese food that is easier than takeout!

Easy Canned Tuna Pasta 

Photo Credit: www.saltandlavender.com

Easy canned tuna pasta noodle bake! Ready in 15 minutes!

Supreme Bread Pizza

Photo Credit: www.sandraseasycooking.com

Now this is true college food, super simple anyone can make this!

Ham and Cheese Skillet Sliders

Photo Credit: www.sandraseasycooking.com

Easy, skillet ham and cheese sliders, yes please!

Chorizo & Egg Breakfast Taco | A Dorm Room Recipe

Photo Credit: www.fusioncraftiness.com

So easy you can make this in your dorm room!

Cherry Clementine Protein Smoothie

This Cherry Clementine Protein Smoothie tastes like a cherry version of an Orange Julius, but with healthy, keep you full, nutrient rich ingredients! 

Easy Homemade Blender Salsa

This Easy Homemade Blender Salsa recipe is quick and easy and comes together in minutes! A restaurant style salsa that is fresh, flavorful and healthy.

Easy & Healthy Cobb Salad

You will want to try this hearty, simple to make Cobb Salad, this is no side salad, this is a hearty and filling, loaded with meats, cheese and veggies! The perfect no cook meal.

Easy Chicken Parmesan {30 Minute Meal}

Easy and Quick Chicken Parmesan is the perfect skillet 30 minute meal. Easily adapted for low-carb, healthy and Keto diets. Lightly breaded chicken breasts, simmered in a hearty marinara sauce, topped with creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheese, served over your favorite pasta or zoodles.

Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

Ah, Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle soup that's loaded with amazing flavors, simple ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes or less. A comfort food classic that's both hearty and quick! Instructions for making into a vegan or vegetarian option as well.

Mock Eggs Benedict

A simple egg dish, perfect for a special weekend, potluck or special brunch. Melting with creamy cheesy goodness, a low carb, high taste easy dish.

Broccoli Cheese Soup (Better than Panera)

Delicious, better-than-Panera Broccoli Cheese soup. Fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, rich in a flavorful beautifully balanced, cream soup base, finished with sharp cheddar cheese. Easily convert to gluten-free and/or vegetarian.

Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade

Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade is so refreshing, but today I'm showing you how to make one at home for a fraction fo the cost. It's one of my favorite zero to low calorie drinks, especially in the Spring and Summer!

Bulletproof Coffee {Keto Coffee}

Bulletproof Coffee or as my husband and I call it, "Brain Coffee" is so smooth, rich and nutrient dense! Plus I'll share the benefits of drinking this coffee, also known as "Keto Coffee" and "Butter Coffee".

Bircher Muesli (Original Overnight Oats)

Bircher Muesli is the original overnight oats; a quick and easy recipe for a healthy, whole grain and delicious breakfast. 

Easy Creamy White Queso Dip

An all natural, easy creamy white queso dip recipe you can get behind! Loaded with real cheese, green chiles, and aromatic spices. No fake cheese or velveeta here!

ESSENTIAL KITCHEN TOOLS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Kitchen Tools for College Students

Rapid Ramen Cooker | Microwave Ramen in 3 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm, Small Kitchen, or Office | Dishwasher-Safe, Microwaveable, BPA-Free (Red, 2 Pack)

Because they are still going to eat ramen!

Tovolo Vented Collapsible Microwave Splatter Proof Food Plate Cover  BPA-Free Silicone & Plastic, 10.5" Round, 

Because splatter happens.

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 to 12 Oz. Brew Sizes, Studio Gray

For those who need their coffee right when they wake up.

COSORI Air Fryer Max XL Digital Hot Oven Cooker,

Safer than most small appliances they will get very creative with this air fryer.

OXO Good Grips Wooden Spoon Set, 3-Piece

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

A good wooden spoon is essential.

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids (Set of 5) Nesting Bowls

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Great for mixing, marinating, serving a salad, and food storage.

Instant Pot 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute; Yogurt Maker and Warmer

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Instant pots are ideal for college students, dorm rooms and apartments! You can pressure cook, slow cook, saute and steam.

Crock-pot Slow Cooker, 7 quart, Polished

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Alternative to an InstantPot is the Slow Cooker, I like programmable so that it has an auto shut-off. Great for chili, soups, stews.

Gorilla Grip Original Set of 5 Flexible Plastic Cutting Boards, 4 Large Plus Bonus Small Board, BPA Free, 

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

These cutting boards don't take up space and so versatile.

Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons and Cups Combo, Set of 8, Silver

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set, Multicolored

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

The liquid measures are perfect for all types of cooking and baking needs.

Kitchen Gizmo Snap 'N Strain Strainer, Clip On Silicone Colander, Fits all Pots and Bowls - Lime Green

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Fits any pot, like those mismatched ones your student brings from home, because pasta is a college staple.

Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel - Super Sharp and Easy To Clean Slicer

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Because, pizza will always be a college staple.

18 Piece Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

BPA free these storage containers serve as leftover containers, storage, reheatable and more.

Lodge 6.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. Extra Small Cast Iron Skillet 

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Nearly indestructible, this cast iron pan is perfect for cooking for small jobs. These go from stovetop to oven easily - think skillet cookie!

This college student cookbook, keeps popping up in all of my research, so it might be worth a look!

Let me know what tools and essentials have worked the best for your college student. 

Looking for college dorm ideas, money saving tips, student survival tips? Check out this post from parents who have “been there, done that” for a Back to College A Students Survival Guide.

Thanks for hanging out with me, be sure to comment on your favorite recipe or what you would like to see!

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Hello, Sunshine!

My 2025 Summer Recipe Round-up

FREE EMAIL BONUS: 5 days of summerโ€™s greatest hits

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. Miz Helen

    Fri, Aug 23, 2019 at 11:57 am

    Congratulations, your awesome post is featured on Full Plate Thursday,446! Thanks so much for sharing with us and sure hope you will come back soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Fri, Aug 23, 2019 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you so much Miz Helen!!

      Reply

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Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

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