Try these 19 easy, healthy, and delicious best meal prep student recipes that take no time at all ranging from from overnight oats to cheesy quesadillas.

Introduction

As a student I have had to start cooking for myself basically everyday. In the beginning I started to realise how complicated and long some recipes took to make even though I just wanted to make a quick and easy dinner. Try other easy meal prep ideas on a budget HERE. So what did I do? I then started to experiment with different ingredients and made some recipes that didn’t take long while simultaneously tasting amazing! In this post I am going to show you a few of these recipes that I have come up for you guys to try out! These recipes have made my life a whole lot easier and have become staples in my everyday diet.

1. Overnight Oats 

• Overview: This is an extremely simple and nutritious breakfast which you can make ahead and grab in the morning. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day and makes a great dessert. You can try different topping combinations as well to create your own personalized creations! 
• Ingredients: Oats, milk or yogurt, honey, chia seeds, toppings (fruit, nuts, anything you feel like). 
• Prep Time: 5 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Add ½ cup oats and ½ cup milk/yogurt to a jar. 
• Stir in 1 tsp chia seeds and 1 tbsp honey. 
• Add toppings like fruits or nuts. 
• Cover and refrigerate overnight. 

2. Egg Muffins 

• Overview: These mini omelettes are packed with veggies and protein and will start your day off just right! They are perfect as a quick scran and for on-the-go. If you get bored of the same flavour combinations try different ingredients such as mushrooms, leek and bacon for a bit of balance. 
• Ingredients: Eggs, cheese, spinach, bell peppers, salt, pepper. 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a muffin tin. 
• Whisk eggs and season with salt & pepper. 
• Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, and cheese. 
• Pour mixture into muffin cups and bake for 12-15 min. 

3. Banana Pancakes 

• Overview: Feel like having a cheat meal but are trying to eat well? Try these healthy pancakes with no flour, just bananas, eggs, and oats. They will take you no time and are one of Chris Bumstead’s favourites so give them a try! 
• Ingredients: 1 banana, 2 eggs, ¼ cup oats. 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Mash banana in a bowl. 
• Mix in eggs and oats until smooth. 
• Cook on a non-stick pan over medium heat for 2 minutes per side. 

4. Greek Yogurt Parfaits 

• Overview: A layered yogurt and fruit parfait that stays fresh for days. These are great for breakfasts or desserts. Here you can really let your creativity take over and experiment with different fruits! 
• Ingredients: Greek yogurt, granola, honey, mixed berries, fruit of your choice. 
• Prep Time: 5 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a jar. 
• Drizzle with honey. 
• Repeat layers as needed. 

5. Chicken & Rice Bowls 

• Overview: If you are an athlete or anyone looking to get a good amount of protein carbs and vegetables in, this one is for you! You can have this meal forever and its super simple to make. Getting bored of it? Trade the chicken for beef or fish and the broccoli for another vegetable of your choice, for example asparagus. 
• Ingredients: Chicken breast, rice, broccoli, soy sauce. 
• Prep Time: 20 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Cook rice according to package instructions. 
• Season and pan-fry chicken breast until golden brown. 
• Steam broccoli for 5 minutes. 
• Combine everything and drizzle with soy sauce. 

6. Veggie & Hummus Wraps 

• Overview: This one is an ideal lunch for when you don’t have time to go grab some lunch. Its super easy and a delicious vegetarian option for everyone! 
• Ingredients: Tortilla, hummus, cucumber, bell peppers, spinach. 
• Prep Time: 5 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Spread hummus on a tortilla. 
• Add sliced cucumber, bell peppers, and spinach. 
• Roll up and slice in half. 

7. Pasta Salad with Tuna 

• Overview: Fancy a protein packed, Mediterranean style lunch? Give it a go because it does not disappoint. This great combination will up your pasta game dramatically and others around will be impressed. Its ideal for prepping a few lunches when you are in a rush and for athletes when you are in a heavy training phase and need those carbs and protein!  
• Ingredients: Pasta, tuna, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, feta cheese. 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Cook pasta and drain. 
• Mix with drained tuna, sliced cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta. 
• Drizzle with olive oil and mix well. 

8. Cheesy Quesadillas 

• Overview: If you ask my brothers, this will be one of their all time favourite things to eat! Have in mind this is not the healthiest thing to eat but everyone deserves a treat every now and again. Add ketchup, mayonnaise or any sauce of your choice on the side to upgrade your meal!
• Ingredients: Tortilla, shredded cheese, salsa, optional chicken or beans. 
• Prep Time: 5 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Sprinkle cheese over one half of a tortilla. 
• Add salsa and optional cooked chicken or beans. 
• Fold in half and cook in a pan for 2 minutes per side. 

9. Garlic Butter Noodles 

• Overview: Feel like pasta but don’t want to make a big deal out of it? This is one of my go to recipes. It’s simple, doesn’t take long, tasty and perfect for either a meal or even a snack. Sometimes the most simple recipes are the best and this one is really one of them! Try it and it will instantly become one of your favourites, trust me!
• Ingredients: Spaghetti, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt & pepper. 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Cook spaghetti and drain. 
• Melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic. 
• Toss pasta in the garlic butter. 
• Top with parmesan, salt, and pepper. 

10. Stir-Fry with Rice & Veggies 

• Overview: This one is perfect if you want to eat healthy but feel like something Asian to eat. It doesn’t take long and is still one of my favourite Asian recipes, so give it a go!
• Ingredients: Rice, chicken/tofu, bell peppers, soy sauce. 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Cook rice. 
• Sauté sliced chicken or tofu in a pan. 
• Add bell peppers and stir-fry for 3 minutes. 
• Mix with rice and drizzle with soy sauce. 

11. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta 

• Overview: This hearty warm and delicious recipe is a safe bet for anyone to like. The rich creaminess of the sauce in combination with the chicken is one of my all time favourites to eat especially during cold winter months.
• Ingredients: Pasta, chicken, heavy cream, parmesan cheese. 
• Prep Time: 20 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Cook pasta in a pot, drain. 
• In the same pot, cook diced chicken. 
• Add heavy cream and parmesan, stir. 
• Mix with pasta and serve. 

12. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes 

• Overview: A delicious and hearty dish that hits the sweet-savoury balance perfectly. Packed with nutrients and fibre, it’s great for lunch or dinner, especially after a workout or on a chilly day. The roasted sweet potato base with fillings like black beans, avocado, and tahini is comforting, filling, and endlessly customizable.
• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, cheese, avocado. 
• Prep Time: 30 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Bake sweet potatoes for 30 minutes. 
• Slice open and fill with black beans and cheese. 
• Top with avocado. 

13. Energy Balls 

• Overview: These bite-sized snacks are little powerhouses, perfect for a quick energy boost between meals or before/after a workout. Made with wholesome ingredients they’re sweet, satisfying, and easy to grab on the go. Why they’re amazing? No baking required, they taste like dessert, and they’re packed with energy.
• Ingredients: Oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips. 
• Prep Time: 5 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl. 
• Roll into small balls. 
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

14. Homemade Granola Bars 

• Overview: These are a delicious and customizable snack with a perfect balance of crunch and chew. Great for breakfast or a mid-day snack, they provide steady energy without the crash. Why they’re amazing? They’re homemade, so you control the ingredients, ensuring they’re free from artificial additives, and they’re packed with fibre and protein to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
• Ingredients: Oats, honey, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter. 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl. 
• Press into a pan and refrigerate. 
• Cut into bars. 

15. Mason Jar Salads 

• Overview: Mason jar salads are a fresh, portable meal option that layers ingredients in a jar to keep everything crisp until you’re ready to eat. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, these salads are super convenient and customizable with your favourite veggies, proteins, and dressings. The jar keeps your ingredients separated until you shake them up, ensuring freshness, and they’re a great way to meal prep for the week.
• Ingredients: Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, dressing. 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Layer ingredients in a jar: dressing first, then chickpeas, veggies, and lettuce on top. 
• Shake before eating. 

16. Roasted Chickpeas 

• Overview: Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, savoury snack that’s high in protein and fibre. They’re perfect for munching on during the day when peckish or as a topping for salads and bowls. The best part? You can season them any way you like, from spicy to sweet, making them an incredibly versatile snack. They’re also healthy, low in calories, and provide a satisfying crunch without the guilt. Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be stored for a quick snack throughout the week!
• Ingredients: Chickpeas, olive oil, salt, paprika. 
• Prep Time: 20 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Toss chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings. 
• Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes. 

17. Caprese Avocado Toast 

• Overview: Caprese avocado toast is a delicious twist on the classic avocado toast, combining creamy avocado with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect breakfast or light lunch option, offering a refreshing mix of flavours and textures. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato and basil, while the balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness. It’s packed with healthy fats and vitamins, making it both nourishing and satisfying!
• Ingredients: Bread, avocado, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, balsamic glaze. 
• Prep Time: 5 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Toast bread. 
• Mash avocado and spread on top. 
• Add sliced cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. 
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze. 

18. Baked Oatmeal Cups 

• Overview: Baked oatmeal cups are a convenient, healthy breakfast option packed with fibre and protein. These portable little cups make them a great grab-and-go meal. They’re customizable, perfect for meal prep and, provide a filling, wholesome start to your day, keeping you energized and satisfied for hours.
• Ingredients: Oats, banana, eggs, cinnamon, milk. 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Mix all ingredients. 
• Pour into muffin tins. 
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. 

19. Peanut Butter & Banana Wraps 

• Overview: Peanut Butter & Banana wraps are a twist to your classic peanut butter and banana sandwich. It’s a simple yet delicious snack or light meal. Combining creamy peanut butter with sweet banana in a whole-grain wrap, this dish is rich in healthy fats, fibre, and protein. They satisfy both sweet and savoury cravings, and provide long-lasting energy. They’re perfect for a mid-morning, afternoon snack or even a post or pre-workout bite to refuel.
• Ingredients: Tortilla, peanut butter, banana, honey. 
• Prep Time: 5 minutes 
• Recipe: 
• Spread peanut butter on a tortilla. 
• Add sliced banana and drizzle with honey. 
• Roll up and slice. 

Conclusion

These recipes have really made a big impact as some have become staples in my weekly diet. Most of these recipes are really good for you and will make you feel great! Give them a try and you will be shocked at how easy and quick they are to make. Hopefully you have found at least one that you will try out in the future and if you have any questions or other ideas about recipes just write them in the comments! If you are new to healthy eating and want to start eating healthy click HERE!