20 Healthy College Meals That Won't Bust Your Budget

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Going meatless, or simply cutting back on meat, is a win-win — it's good for you and your budget. This protein-packed chickpea sandwich filling makes a great alternative to tuna or chicken salad. Serve on a crusty whole grain roll or pita bread as recipe creator FISHLOVE suggests.

Garlic Chicken with Orzo Noodles

This wholesome dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, and features chicken breasts, orzo pasta, and fresh spinach.

Hummus Pizza

Instead of ordering pizza, try making this unique alternative pizza that uses hummus instead of marinara sauce. "I had some reservations but I was blown away by this one!" says reviewer NEERONDOGS. "I'll never go back to red sauce again."

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Sweet potatoes, chopped pecans, ground nutmeg, red onion, and feta cheese make a unique and nutritious filling for these easy quesadillas. Serve with salsa on the side or on top.

Sweet Pepper Pasta Toss with Kale

Dress up farfalle (bow tie) pasta with bell peppers, kale, garlic, spices, and feta cheese. It's a great way to sneak in some veggies.

Chicken with Garlic, Basil, and Parsley

Chicken is seasoned simply with dried herbs and fresh tomato and baked until juicy. It's a good idea to keep frozen chicken breasts on hand so you can easily thaw them and use them to cook simple dinners like this one.

Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal

Instead of tossing a breakfast bar in your backpack, start the morning right with this protein-rich oatmeal made with oats, soy milk, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, walnuts, and honey.

Portobello Mushroom Caps and Veggies

While you may not be able to afford a steak dinner on a college budget, you can enjoy these portobello mushroom cap "steaks" topped with onion and bell peppers.

Simple Lemon Herb Chicken

Here's a super versatile chicken recipe that you can serve with just about any side dish. Try it served over spring green mix or with a side of frozen vegetables for a quick and easy dinner.

Easiest Spicy Cod

White fish like cod or tilapia are some of the cheapest on the market, and their mild flavor takes well to just about any sauce. In this recipe, cod is baked in salsa for a spicy kick.

Cherry Almond Oatmeal

The combination of vanilla almond milk and dried tart cherries makes boring oatmeal something you'll actually look forward to in the morning. You can switch it up with your choice of milk (try chocolate as recipe creator wisweetp suggests) and a bit of honey or agave nectar.

Paleo Teriyaki Stir-Fry Zoodles (Gluten Free)

Whether or not you're on the paleo diet, this stir-fry is a great way to have a plate full of vegetables. Use a box grater or a vegetable peeler to make zoodles if you don't have a spiralizer.

Peanut Butter and Maple Oatmeal

Oatmeal with peanut butter will give you the energy you need to start the day. You can also use quick oats instead of steel-cut to save time.

"Skinny" Chicken Tacos

Here's a lightened up take on tacos that doesn't skimp on flavor: "Pretty darn tasty! The fresh taste of the lime just makes this dish so unique," says Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen.

Zucchini Linguine

This throw-together linguine makes a great alternative to heavier, cream-based pasta dishes. Garlic, zucchini, Cheddar cheese, and nonfat yogurt are all you need to transform plain linguine into an exciting dinner.

Orange Chicken with Asparagus

Opt for this lighter, healthier orange chicken instead of takeout. Serve over rice.

LaWanna's Mango Salsa on Tilapia Fillets

Mild tilapia is seasoned with a pepper blend, pan-fried, and topped with a vibrant fruit salsa. This recipe can also be made with salmon instead of tilapia.

Vegan Smoothie Bowl with Carrot and Banana

Sometimes smoothies are just more fun when served with a spoon. Medjool dates, banana, carrot, almond milk, cinnamon, and ginger combine to make a sweet smoothie with a striking color. Top with coconut and goji berries.

• 15 Healthy Breakfast Bowl Ideas to Start Your Morning Right

Kadai Chicken

Dried red chile peppers and tomatoes are all you need to prepare this super simple dinner that's as good as it is easy. Serve with quinoa or rice.

Asian Cabbage and Tea Rice

Rice is cooked in green tea-infused water and topped with steamed cabbage, edamame, almonds, and bell pepper.

More Recipes for College Students:

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• 50 Easy Recipes for College Students
• 20 Budget-Friendly Dinners for Beginner Cooks
• Browse our entire collection of Campus Cooking Recipes.