27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Eating healthy while studying in college can be a real tough challenge. These healthy college lunches are perfect for college students who are looking to make some delicious, nutritious and yummy meals.

You’re juggling classes, tutorials, and maybe, a part-time job. And we can’t forget about sports, hanging out with friends, and parties.

There’s so much to do and so little time to do it. So it’s easy to grab some fast food for lunch, but it’s often unhealthy, and it gets really expensive.

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (1)

1. Avocado Wrap

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (2)

Credit:allnutritious.com

Avocado Wraps are perfect for eating on the run. Just grab one or two and put them in your backpack.

They’re creamy, bright, and full of flavor. These multigrain tortillas contain only 15 calories each. They’re also low in carbs yet high in fiber.

Love this low-calorie wrap? Check out more here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 244
  • Fats: 13g
  • Protein: 6.1g
  • Carbs: 27g
  • Fiber: 4.4g
  • Sugar: 1.4g

Recipe

2. Chicken Salad

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (3)

Credit:theketoqueens.com

This Chicken Salad gives you all the yumminess – without all those pesky carbs. In fact, one serving provides just 3 grams of net carbs.

It’s fresh, creamy, and tastes fantastic. That’s because you’re using 4 different spices to kick up the flavor.

Check out more summer salad recipes like this here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 353
  • Fats: 28g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g

Recipe

3. Curried Cauliflower Soup

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (4)

Credit:nourishplate.com

This Curried Cauliflower Soup is perfect for those cold, dreary days. It’s delicious, nourishing, and so comforting.

Besides adding sweetness to the soup, cauliflower is good for you too. It also contains choline which supports a healthy metabolism.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 237
  • Fats: 18g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 16g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

4. Quinoa Salad

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (5)

Credit:joyfoodsunshine.com

This Quinoa Salad is light, vibrant, and tasty. Bell peppers add natural sweetness, and the avocado adds a pleasant creaminess.

Besides adding texture, quinoa is very nutritious too. It’s packed with manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. If you’d like to get some quinoa, you can get some here.

Check out more macro-friendly recipes.
Per Serving:

  • Calories: 174
  • Fats: 10g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 3g

Recipe

5. Chicken Salad Wrap

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (6)

Credit:allnutritious.com

By exercising regularly, you may increase your GPA by an entire point. But after a pre-lunch workout, you’re probably feeling pretty hungry.

That’s where my Chicken Salad Wrap comes in handy.

It’s packed with protein which helps your muscles recover. And it tastes pretty good as well, if I may say so myself.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 277
  • Fats: 8.5g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbs: 27g
  • Fiber: 4.1g
  • Sugar: 2.9g

Recipe

6. Shrimp Ceviche

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (7)

Credit:lemonblossoms.com

This shrimp ceviche has the perfect balance of flavors. You’ve got the heat from the jalapenos and the sweetness from the orange juice.

And the lime and lemon juice add acidity. Meanwhile, the crunchiness of the red onions offsets the tenderness of the shrimp.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 178
  • Fats: 5g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g

Recipe

7. Chicken Avocado Wrap

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (8)

Credit:allnutritious.com

My Chicken Avocado Wraps are decadent, fresh, and tasty. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and an extra boost of protein.

To make these wraps, you’ll need some cooked shredded chicken. To shred your chicken, you can simply use a fork.

Or, for extra convenience, you can shred your chicken with these meat shredders.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 314
  • Fats: 16g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fiber: 6.4g
  • Sugar: 1.3g

Recipe

8. Halloumi Wraps

Credit:alwaysusebutter.com

You’ve got creamy Halloumi, avocadoes, nutty red pesto, walnuts, and spicy arugula. So, these wraps are full of yummy Mediterranean flavors.

Add parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, walnuts, and garlic cloves to a food processor, mixing well. This food processor here should make mixing a breeze.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 547
  • Fats: 42g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbs: 29g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

9. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (10)

Credit:veganhuggs.com

Chances are you’re not eating enough veggies. In fact, ¾ of college students aren’t eating their 5 servings of fruits and veggies daily.

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is anything but boring. It has many enticing Mediterranean flavors, from salty kalamata olives, tangy roasted red peppers and basil.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 233
  • Fats: 12g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbs: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 1g

Recipe

10. Baked Falafel

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (11)

Credit:healthylittlefoodies.com

Do you find traditional falafels too greasy? Try these Baked Falafels instead.

You’re baking them rather than frying them. So, they’re less greasy and healthier for you too.

In fact, one falafel contains only 50 calories. So, you can have a couple – and not feel guilty.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 50
  • Fats: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g

Recipe

11. Spicy Tuna Wrap

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (12)

Credit:allnutritious.com

The sriracha sauce makes these Spicy Tuna Wraps very spicy. But don’t worry – you’re also getting other flavors too.

You’re getting sweetness from the carrots and umami from the soy sauce. And the avocados and Greek yogurt give you some relief from the heat.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 207
  • Fats: 7.6g
  • Protein: 8.5g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4.1g

Recipe

12. Bean Chilli

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (13)

Credit:veganhuggs.com

More and more college students are going plant-based. Chances are you’re adopting more plant-based meals too.

But making the switch can be pretty hard. This Bean Chili is sure to be a keeper.

save your chili in these glass food storage containers. These BPA-free plastic containers are another good choice.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 463
  • Fats: 12
  • Protein: 22
  • Carbs: 68
  • Fiber: 20g
  • Sugar: 13g

Recipe

13. Vegan Zucchini Corn Fritters

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (14)

Credit:happykitchen.rocks

These fritters are crispy, spicy, and perfect for popping in your mouth. The jalapenos add a kick, while the corn adds sweetness.

And they contain a ton of zucchini. So, they’re a yummy way to get in your veggies.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 205
  • Fats: 6g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g

Recipe

14. Honey Chicken Wings

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (15)

Credit:allnutritious.com

Want to head to the bar for some chicken wings? Have these Honey Chicken Wings instead.

They’re crispy and full of flavor. They’re nicely seasoned with Italian seasoning and honey. This makes them savory and sweet. You’ll be licking your fingers.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 527
  • Fats: 37g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6.2g

Recipe

15. Avocado Tuna Salad

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (16)

Credit:theroastedroot.net

Do you love everything Greek? Then you’ll be at home with this Avocado Tuna Salad.

You’ve got tons of Greek flavors in this salad. That’s because you’re adding feta cheese, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 159
  • Fats: 11g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber:
  • Sugar: 1g

Recipe

16. Egg Salad

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (17)

Credit:wellplated.com

It’s a healthy take on traditional Egg Salad. And it tastes just as good, if not better.

But unlike your traditional Egg Salad, you’re leaving out the mayo. Instead, you’re using non-fat Greek yogurt.

Making the perfect hard-boiled egg can be kind of tricky. So, to get it right without all the hassle, you can simply use an egg maker like this.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 125
  • Fats: 7g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g

Recipe

17. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (18)

Credit:allnutritious.com

Chicken Lettuce Wraps provide a nice change. They’re refreshing and crunchy. And they’re packed with umami and sweet flavors.

Best of all, they’re low in carbs. That’s because you’re using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas. They’re also high in protein. So, you can have just one and still feel full.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 161
  • Fats: 4.5g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 7.1g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Sugar: 3.8g

Recipe

18. Vegan Black Bean Tacos

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (19)

Credit:simple-veganista.com

Wondering what to have for Taco Tuesday? You can’t go wrong with these Vegan Black Bean Tacos.

Besides being yummy, these tacos are nutritious too. Just one serving provides 175% of your daily Vitamin K needs.

And they’re in B vitamins which are good for your brain. Yay!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 463
  • Fats: 6.6g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Carbs: 90.8g
  • Fiber: 20.5g
  • Sugar: 5.4g

Recipe

19. Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (20)

Credit:averiecooks.com

This Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry is an excellent way to use all those veggies. It’s colorful, tasty, and so satisfying.

That’s because you’re using ground turkey as your protein. Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein.

In fact, ground turkey contains about 50 fewer calories than ground beef.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 351
  • Fats: 25g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

20. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (21)

Credit:allnutritious.com

On the menu is spiced chickpeas with a medley of veggies. You have crunchy cucumbers, fluffy quinoa, sweet beets, and juicy cherry tomatoes.

Then everything is tossed with a tangy yet sweet lemon dressing. Your tastebuds will be delighted – and so will your tummy.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 251
  • Fats: 13g
  • Protein: 6.4g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fiber: 6.1g
  • Sugar: 12g

Recipe

21. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (22)

Credit:damndelicious.net

Are you looking for a low-carb option for Chicken Salad Sandwiches? These Wraps are a great choice.

They’re crunchy, creamy, and full of delightful flavors. That’s because you’re not only adding chicken but bacon too.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 235g
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbs: 1g
  • Fiber:
  • Sugar: 0g

Recipe

22. Zucchini Pasta

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (23)

Credit:lowcarbquick.com

Perfectly spiralized zucchini is cooked to al dente. And it’s tossed with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese.

So, you have all the yumminess of “pasta,” but with fewer carbs. In fact, one serving contains only 10 grams of net carbs.

I recommend this spiralizer as it’s made with cutlery-grade stainless steel blades.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 111
  • Fats: 5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 13g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g

Recipe

23. Spinach Feta Wrap

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (24)

Credit:allnutritious.com

Spinach Feta Wraps take only 15 minutes to make. So, you’ll have lunch ready in a jiffy.

You’ve got the savory from the hummus and the sweetness from the red bell peppers. The feta cheese adds a creaminess that is offset by the freshness of the baby spinach.

Who knew healthy eating could be so easy – yet so yummy?

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 270
  • Fats: 12g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fiber: 4.9g
  • Sugar: 2g

Recipe

24. Sheet Pan Eggs

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (25)

Credit:fitmealideas.com

These Sheet Pan Eggs are creamy, cheesy, and so decadent. And they’re packed with veggies like tomatoes and bell peppers.

So, you won’t feel guilty eating them.

What’s more, these Sheet Pan Eggs take only 10 minutes to prep. Then you let your oven do its thing.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 4g

Recipe

25. Tofu Panzanella Salad

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (26)

Credit:fitmealideas.com

Panzanella Salad is a chopped salad that comes from Tuscany. Usually, you use tomatoes, soaked stale bread, and onions to make it.

But with this Panzanella Salad, you’re using tofu instead of bread. So, this salad has more protein.

To get your tofu nice and crispy, make sure you press it well first. you can use this tofu press.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 277
  • Fats: 9g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbs: 26g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 14g

Recipe

26. Spanish Omelette

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (27)

Credit:scrummylane.com

This Spanish Omelette is perfect for Brunch. All you need are a few ingredients: eggs, potatoes, onions, salt, and pepper.

Not only is this Omelette tasty, but it’s also lovely to look at. You may even want to take a pic of your beautiful creation!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 317
  • Fats: 18g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbs: 29g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 1g

Recipe

27. Vegetable Quesadillas

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (28)

Credit:healthylittlefoodies.com

These Vegetable Quesadillas are sure to satisfy your cravings. They’re cheesy and packed with a ton of veggies. You have carrots, red bell peppers, corn, and broccoli.

These high-protein tortillas here are really filling. In fact, one tortilla contains a whopping 7 grams of protein.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 242
  • Fats: 11g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbs: 26g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (29)

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students

Too busy to cook? These healthy College Lunch Ideas are quick and easy to make. On top of it, super tasty.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4 -6

Ingredients

  • 1. Avocado Wrap
  • 2. Chicken Salad
  • 3. Curried Cauliflower Soup
  • 4. Quinoa Salad
  • 5. Chicken Salad Wrap
  • 6. Shrimp Ceviche
  • 7. Chicken Avocado Wrap
  • 8. Halloumi Wraps
  • 9. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
  • 10. Baked Falafel
  • 11. Spicy Tuna Wrap
  • 12. Bean Chilli
  • 13. Vegan Zucchini Corn Fritters
  • 14. Honey Chicken Wings
  • 15. Avocado Tuna Salad
  • 16. Egg Salad
  • 17. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  • 18. Vegan Black Bean Tacos
  • 19. Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry
  • 20. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
  • 21. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
  • 22. Zucchini Pasta
  • 23. Spinach Feta Wrap
  • 24. Sheet Pan Eggs
  • 25. Tofu Panzanella Salad
  • 26. Spanish Omelette
  • 27. Vegetable Quesadillas

Instructions

  • Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious recipes. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.

  • Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.

  • Get cooking and make your next College Lunch!

Notes

Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!

Rate this recipe!Let us know how it was!

27 Healthy College Lunch Ideas for Busy Students (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. Nancy Dach

Last Updated:

Views: 5644

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. Nancy Dach

Birthday: 1993-08-23

Address: 569 Waelchi Ports, South Blainebury, LA 11589

Phone: +9958996486049

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Web surfing, Scuba diving, Mountaineering, Writing, Sailing, Dance, Blacksmithing

Introduction: My name is Prof. Nancy Dach, I am a lively, joyous, courageous, lovely, tender, charming, open person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.