38 Healthy College Meals Any Student (No Matter Their Cooking Experience!) Can Master

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38 Healthy College Meals Any Student (No Matter Their Cooking Experience!) Can Master2/38 Zucchini Pizza Bites 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Mini Zucchini Pizzas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings about 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 1 mini pizza: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. 3/38 Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chicken &

Vegetable Curry Couscous Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25

Vegetable Curry Couscous Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat. 4/38 Open-Faced Egg

This one became one of my favorites!

Sandwiches Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 15 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I always experiment with different herbs on my eggs, since I eat them every morning. This one became one of my favorites! —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 231 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat. 5/38 Baked Salmon 58 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Baked Salmon Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat

Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I often make this very moist and flavorful baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked salmon: 209 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat. 6/38 Slow-Cooker Swiss Steak 37 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak Recipe photo by Julia

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat,

Hartbeck for Taste of Home Total Time 6 hours 10 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my favorite recipes to make because I can flour and season the steaks and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, I just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and I have a delicious dinner waiting when I arrive home from work. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 171 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat,

1 vegetable

1 vegetable. 7/38 Homemade Peanut Butter 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings about 1 cup Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. My homemade version is easier on my wallet, and I know what ingredients are in it. It’s also a lot tastier! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska Nutrition Facts: 1 tablespoon: 111 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges:

I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor

2 fat. 8/38 Turkey & Apricot Wraps 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Turkey & Apricot Wraps Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 33g

carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein

carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat. 9/38 Curry Scramble 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 160 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.

Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat

Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat. 10/38 Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a main course that tastes rich yet isn’t high in saturated fat. It’s easy for weeknights, but the creamy sauce makes it special enough for weekends. —Bonnie Brown-Watson, Houston, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1 pork chop: 283 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat. 11/38 Peanut Butter Oatmeal 14 Reviews Contest Winner

My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast

Test Kitchen Approved Peanut Butter Oatmeal Recipe photo by Leticia Almeida for Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It’s a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 323 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein. 12/38 Confetti Quinoa 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go

to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 196 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat. 13/38 Roasted Carrots with Thyme 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These roasted carrots are so simple but always a hit.

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat

Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty.—Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 73 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat. 14/38 Caribbean Chicken Stir-Fry 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It’s a promising go-to option when time’s tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota Nutrition Facts:

Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish

3/4 cup stir-fry with 1 cup rice: 419 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. 15/38 Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish. Even folks who aren’t cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 65 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber),

2g protein

2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 16/38 Rise and Shine Parfait 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Jim Wieland for Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 259 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.

They’ve remained a family favorite to this day

17/38 Lemon Oregano Potatoes 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband, Tom, made these tender potatoes when we were first married. They’ve remained a family favorite to this day. —Kate Hilts, Grand Rapids, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 214 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch. 18/38 Parmesan Baked Cod 30 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

• Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

• Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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