Eating healthy while in college can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to dinner time. After all, studying and academics take priority, leaving little room for meal prep.
However, that’s precisely why I’m excited to share 27 Healthy College Dinner Ideas that not only satisfy your hunger but also nourish your body.
Cheesy Garlic Broccoli
Broccoli is often touted as a superfood, and for good reason. Its impressive nutritional profile is packed with antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been shown to shield your eyes from cellular damage. Beyond its ocular benefits, eating broccoli may also have a positive impact on cardiovascular and cognitive health, potentially even boosting your immune system. With its impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it’s no wonder that a single serving of broccoli provides a substantial amount of essential nutrients.
Per Serving:
Calories: 363
Fat: 20g
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 6.7g
Baked Pesto Salmon
This mouthwatering Baked Pesto Salmon is a breeze to prepare. Simply layer salmon fillets with pesto, breadcrumbs, and shaved parmesan cheese, then let the oven do its magic. For an added touch of elegance, serve your dish on sturdy yet sophisticated dinner platters that are sure to impress. Per serving, this recipe boasts a nutritional profile of approximately 449 calories, with 11g of fat, 5g of protein, and 8g of carbohydrates, as well as negligible amounts of fiber, sugar, and other essential nutrients.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Mushroom Stroganoff, a perfect Meatless Monday option. This hearty dish combines tender egg noodles with a rich cream sauce and an abundance of sautéed mushrooms. The key to this recipe’s success lies in the mushrooms’ meaty texture and depth of umami flavor, which effortlessly replaces any need for meat. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pot.
Per serving, you can expect:
Calories: 233
Fats: 10g
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Recipe
Honey Chicken Wings
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of these Honey Chicken wings, where crispy texture meets irresistible flavor. You’ll be tempted to lick your fingers clean, no judgment here! The perfect harmony of sweetness and savory notes is achieved by tossing the wings in a honey-infused mixture with Italian seasoning. With a nutritional breakdown per serving that reads: Calories – 527, Fats – 37g, Protein – 26g, Carbs – 23g, Fiber – 2g, Sugar – 6.2g, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Slow Cooker Cauliflower-Cheese Soup
Begin by setting your slow cooker to cook the Cauliflower Cheese Soup. As you walk in the door, the aroma of this comforting soup will greet you, filling your home with warm and inviting scents.
To achieve the perfect creamy texture, simply use an immersion blender to blend the soup. For added convenience, consider investing in a programmable slow cooker like the one featured here. This feature allows you to set the timer to cook for 6 hours, ensuring that your soup is ready when you need it.
Per serving:
Calories: 359
Fat: 25g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: [insert sugar content here]
Recipe
Cabbage Soup
This hearty soup is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also an excellent source of essential vitamins and nutrients. The medley of cabbage, onions, carrots, and potatoes creates a rich tapestry of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
But don’t worry about sacrificing flavor for nutrition – this soup is equally satisfying to meat lovers. A generous serving size provides the perfect blend of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep energy levels soaring throughout the day.
Per Serving:
Calories: 353
Fats: 28g
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Savory and sweet, these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a flavor-packed delight. To start, you’ll be cooking the sprouts in bacon fat, which infuses them with a rich, savory taste that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.
But before we dive into the recipe itself, take a look at the nutritional information for each serving:
Per Serving:
Calories: 251,
Fats: 18g,
Protein: 7.6g,
Carbs: 17g,
Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 8.6g.
Now, let’s get started! Here’s the recipe:
Vegan White Bean and Kale Soup
This vibrant and satisfying soup is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. What’s more, it’s packed with nutrients – one cup of cannellini beans boasts an impressive 15.4 grams of protein, making it a great option for those looking to boost their protein intake. These creamy beans are also a good source of fiber, providing a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.When storing your soup in the freezer, choose containers that prioritize eco-friendliness, such as glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass containers like these offer a sustainable solution, while BPA-free plastic alternatives provide a safe and reliable option for food storage.Nutritional Information (per serving):Calories: 363Fats: 4.3gProtein: 23.9gCarbs: 60.2gFiber: 23.2gSugar: 5.5g
Chicken with Green Beans and Sugar Snap Pea Amandine
Indulge in the savory delight of chicken with green beans and sugar snap pea amandine, a dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. The key to its rich flavor lies in the careful balance of nine spices used during sautéing. Don’t worry about precision – just make sure to grab your trusty measuring spoons, which will withstand the test of time and become a staple in your kitchen arsenal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 713
Fat Content: 25.5g
Protein: 94.8g
Carbohydrates: 24.6g
Fiber: [no specific value provided]
Sugar: 6.7g
Recipe: (insert recipe details)
Mexican Lentil Soup
This Mexican Lentil Soup is a refreshing twist on traditional soups. Its rich and satisfying flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for a comforting meal that’s both filling and nutritious. The Instant Pot’s speed and convenience make it ideal for whipping up a quick and delicious meal, even when you’re short on time. If you don’t have an Instant Pot yet, you can easily purchase one at a reasonable price. For those without the luxury of an Instant Pot, traditional cooking methods can also produce excellent results.Per Serving:Calories: 97Fats: 1gProtein: 6gCarbs: 9gFiber: 9gSugar: 3gRecipe:
Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese
The stark reality is that a mere six percent of college students consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which is a disconcerting fact, to say the least. To boost your veggie consumption, why not try having a salad for dinner? The Spinach Tomato Salad recipe we’re about to share will have you eagerly piling on the greens. For those looking for more healthy recipes, be sure to check out our selection of macro-friendly options.
Per Serving:
Calories: 315
Fats: 27g
Protein: 5.8g
Carbs: 10.3g
Fiber: 2.7g
Sugar: 7.9g
Recipe
Instant Pot Fried Rice
Cravings for Chinese takeout got you down? Satisfy your hunger with a healthier, homemade alternative that’s just as delicious – Instant Pot Fried Rice. This mouthwatering dish boasts an impressive texture and array of flavors from the perfect blend of rice, eggs, chicken, carrots, and peas. The best part? It’s not only a tasty substitute for takeout but also a nutritious choice.
Mushroom Stew
This Mushroom Stew is a comforting and surprisingly light option, thanks to the absence of meat. Instead, the star of the show is an abundance of mushrooms, which bring a wealth of textures and umami flavor to the table. But what’s truly remarkable about this stew is its nutritional profile – with each serving providing a significant boost of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Shepherds Pie
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this decadent Shepherd’s pie, boasting a rich and creamy texture, melted cheese, and an undeniable sense of warmth. As prescribed by your therapist (ahem, doctor), this dish is sure to soothe your soul.To create this mouthwatering masterpiece, you’ll be working with ground beef – though we must acknowledge its significant carbon footprint. For a more eco-friendly approach, consider using ground turkey as a substitute. Alternatively, make it an occasional treat or modify the recipe to suit your preferences.Nutritional Information (per serving):* Calories: 466* Fat: 31g* Protein: 29g* Carbohydrates: 18g* Fiber: 4g* Sugar: 2gRecipe: [Insert original recipe instructions here]
Mexican Bean Salad
Looking for a break from the usual green salad? This Mexican Bean Salad is a flavorful alternative that’s sure to satisfy. The combination of sweet and tangy elements, along with a spicy kick from the jalapeno peppers, makes it a refreshing change from the norm.
This recipe is perfect just as it is, but feel free to take it up a notch by adding some crunchy tortilla strips on top. With its impressive nutrient profile – per serving you can expect 287 calories, 10g of fat, 12g of protein, 26g of carbohydrates, and a whopping 13g of fiber, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
Lentil Dahl
If you’re looking to keep your meal light, a serving of cauliflower rice paired with the dish is an excellent option. Not only does it contain only 25 calories per cup, but it’s also extremely low in carbs, making it perfect for those on a low-carb diet. Additionally, cauliflower rice is a nutritious choice, offering a range of health benefits. You can choose to use pre-packaged rice or opt to make your own using a food processor with a large capacity. With this option, you’ll be able to save money and still enjoy the convenience of a quick and easy meal preparation. Per serving, the dish contains 107 calories, with 7g of fat, 26g of protein, 10g of carbs, 3g of fiber, and 3g of sugar.
Instant Pot Chicken Piccata
Indulge in the rich flavors of Instant Pot Chicken Piccata, where tender and juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a delectable buttery, creamy garlic lemon sauce. This mouthwatering dish is a game-changer for anyone seeking a satisfying meal. With its impressive nutritional profile, including 422 calories per serving, 24g of fats, 40g of protein, 8g of carbohydrates, and only 1g each of fiber and sugar, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Herb Crusted Salmon
Savory, flaky salmon takes center stage when paired with a pop of freshness from herbs and a burst of flavor from oven-roasted cherry tomatoes drizzled in rich balsamic vinegar. But it’s not just the taste that makes this dish stand out – salmon is also a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an impressive amount of heart-healthy omega-3s.
Looking closer at the nutrition facts, we can see that per serving:
Calories: 333, Fats: 20g, Protein: 27g, Carbs: 8.3g, Fiber: 2.7g, Sugar: 6.2g
Chicken Fajitas
To prepare these Chicken Fajitas, you’ll need a versatile oven-safe skillet. This cooking vessel will allow you to sauté the chicken on the stovetop initially before finishing it off in the oven. I highly recommend using a cast-iron skillet for this recipe, as its ability to distribute heat evenly and produce a perfect sear is unmatched.
In terms of nutritional information per serving, our Chicken Fajitas offer:
* Calories: 529
* Fat: 33g
* Protein: 40g
* Carbohydrates: 19g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 12g
Kale Salad
Indulge in this delectable kale salad, a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The sweetness of carrots and red bell peppers provides a delightful contrast to the earthy bitterness of the kale, while the creaminess of cheddar cheese adds a rich and indulgent touch. Meanwhile, the crunchy roasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the cheese. With a nutritional profile that’s just as impressive as it is delicious – Per Serving: 135 calories, 11g fat, 2g protein, 10g carbs, 2g fiber, and 6g sugar – this salad is the perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a healthy treat.
Mango Avocado Salad
Indulge in the symphony of flavors and textures in this Mango Avocado Salad, where juicy mangos, creamy avocados, crunchy onions, and refreshing cucumbers harmonize to create a truly tropical experience. The sweetness of the mangos is expertly balanced by the savory notes of the avocado, while the onions and cucumbers add a satisfying crunch.Beyond its irresistible taste, mango boasts impressive health benefits. Rich in immune-boosting vitamins A and C, this fruit is an excellent addition to any salad or smoothie. And with only 312 calories per serving, you can indulge guilt-free!Per serving:Calories: 312Fats: 20gProtein: 5.2gCarbs: 22gFiber: 13gSugar: 18g
Chickpea Spinach Curry
Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank, and this Chickpea Spinach Curry is a perfect example. The creamy and savory curry boasts aromatic spices that add a warm depth of flavor, while the fresh baby spinach adds a bright and refreshing touch. But what really sets this dish apart is its satisfying nature, courtesy of canned chickpeas which provide an affordable source of protein and fiber. In fact, one serving of this curry packs a significant amount of nutrients, including 471 calories, 31g of fat, 15g of protein, 40g of carbohydrates, 12g of fiber, and only 3g of sugar. With its impressive nutritional profile and ease of preparation, this Chickpea Spinach Curry is a must-try for anyone looking to fuel their body without breaking the bank.
Vegan Tortilla Soup
Cravings for Mexican cuisine get fulfilled with Vegan Tortilla Soup, boasting a rich blend of flavors. The dish is infused with the bold zest of spicy jalapenos and the tanginess of fire-roasted tomatoes. A game-changer lies in the addition of crunchy tortilla strips, which can be homemade or substituted with store-bought options if preferred.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 197
Fat: 8g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Recipe
Tofu Veggie Stir Fry
A harmonious blend of flavors and textures, crispy tofu is paired with savory noodles, an assortment of vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish strikes the perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and spiciness. To achieve the ideal crunch, it’s essential to remove excess moisture from the tofu before cooking. One effective method is to wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen cloth, making the process mess-free with the aid of a tofu press. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving: Calories – 342g, Fats – 12g, Protein – 3g, Carbs – 51g, Fiber – 1g, Sugar – 4g.
Vegan Tex Mex Quinoa
If you’ve got leftover quinoa lingering in your pantry, don’t let it go to waste. Instead, transform it into a flavorful Vegan Tex Mex Quinoa dish that’s packed with nutrients and textures. The sweetness of the corn, the heat from the jalapeno peppers, and the satisfying crunch from the red bell peppers and red cabbage all come together to create a mouthwatering experience. Plus, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. If you’re looking to stock up on this nutritious ingredient, you can find some high-quality quinoa online. As for the nutritional breakdown of this recipe, here are the details: Per Serving: Calories – 290, Fats – 14g, Protein – 8g, Carbs – 37g, Fiber – 8g, Sugar – 5g.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Satisfy your Chipotle cravings with a delicious twist – Chicken Burrito Bowls! Piled high with vibrant Mexican flavors, each bowl is a flavorful fiesta. Sweet corn, tangy cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and succulent taco-seasoned ground chicken come together in perfect harmony. A drizzle of chipotle sauce adds a delightful spicy kick. And the best part? This recipe is just as satisfying as your favorite burrito joint, but with significantly fewer calories.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 517
Fats: 17g
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 57g
Fiber: 15g
Sugar: 8g
Instant Pot Vegan Stuffed Pepper Soup
Indulge in the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle by trying this Instant Pot Vegan Stuffed Pepper Soup. This innovative twist on the classic dish presents all the deliciousness you know and love, but in a convenient soup form. And because no stuffed pepper experience is complete without cheese, this recipe delivers on that front too. With only 157 calories per serving, this nutritious option packs a punch with 7g of protein, 6g of fiber, and 26g of carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those looking to refuel. Here’s the recipe: [insert recipe details]