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    Home » Meal Plans

    32 College Commuter Lunch Ideas

    Author: admin | Published: Oct 28, 2022 | Modified: Oct 28, 2022

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    Eating on campus as a commuter can quickly become expensive and unhealthy. Why not try some of these delicious and budget-friendly college commuter lunch ideas that will be easy on the wallet and the tummy?

    colorful banner detailing recipe ideas for commute

    Between getting to class, part-time work, work experience, and family and social time, college students often end up rushing here, there, and everywhere.

    Throw in a long commute, and the struggle is real.

    Eating in the dining hall, residence halls, or work cafeteria is always an option, but that can fast add up. Not only in terms of money but also in terms of a constant flow of less desirable food options that are almost akin to eating fast food every day.

    What Is A Commuter Lunch?

    The best commuter lunches are:

    • easily portable
    • easily heated up with the addition of hot water or a quick blitz in the microwave
    • lightweight
    • preferably not too smelly (I love a good tuna salad as much as the next person, but that stuff can quickly clear out a busload of people in no time!)
    • able to last the day without refrigeration
    • filling and preferably healthy.

    Try out some of these easy recipes using healthy easy-to-find ingredients that can be bought from the grocery store to switch things up.

    Quick Fix Lunch Suggestions

    Ramen Noodles

    Ramen noodles have kind of become the inside joke when it comes to college students and their food options, but they are actually really easy to make that little bit healthier by simply ditching the packet seasonings they come with and adding your own with a combination of vegetables.

    Try adding:

    • a handful of frozen vegetables
    • some frozen edamame
    • a boiled egg
    • some chopped rotisserie chicken (make your own and use for lunches for a couple of days)
    • a handful of baby spinach
    • a teaspoon of good quality chicken or vegetable stock powder in place of the seasoning packets
    • a good sprinkle of sesame seeds or other nuts or seeds for some added protein
    noodles with spring onions served in a black and white bowl
    Pair ramen noodles with some veggies for a great meal that comes together in no time and travels well.

    Simple Salads

    Homemade salads can be a simple affair, or something altogether more on the extravagant side of things.

    I would suggest throwing together some simple ingredients like baby spinach with chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a simple salad that pairs well with most meals.

    Add a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon and you are good to go. With this type of dressing, you won't need a food processor, which is handy if you are living in a dorm room.

    Make up a couple of jar salads with different variations of simple ingredients to grab on the way out the door in the morning.

    Tip: make your salad in a jar! This keeps all of the salad ingredients separate from the dressing and simply needs to be given a good shake before being enjoyed.

    Bacon ranch chicken salad stuffed into a gem lettuce leaf
    A quick and easy salad like this Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad) is perfect for packing for a long day.

    High-Protein Foods

    Getting extra protein into your diet will help keep you feeling full for longer, and can be as easy as bringing along a high-protein smoothie like this red berry protein smoothie.

    A stack of two golden muffins on a white plate with a drizzle of honey on top of the muffins and extra muffins in the background
    Add a scoop of protein powder to muffins to keep you full for longer.

    What To Eat On Campus

    If you find yourself having to eat on campus then look for healthier options that make your dollar go further.

    Dining halls can be a great place to find a variety of menu options which gives you the ability to make unlimited meals, you just have to get creative.

    • check out the salad bar and add a protein option such as chicken for a nutritious chicken salad;
    • why not add some ground beef with a low-carb tortilla and some sour cream for a taco salad;
    • look for filling proteins like peanut butter and other nut butters. These are a great option paired with chopped fruit and vegetable sticks, or even eaten on their own;
    • sweet potatoes are always a great option as they are filling, and loaded with good things. Top up with other veggies for a complete meal.
    A white platter holding multiple vegetable sticks and two small bowls of dip on the side
    Fresh vegetables are a great option!

    Food To Keep In The Dorm Room

    If you have a mini fridge and a microwave in the dorm room then you are in luck as there are so many meals you can make that don't take up much space and can last quite a while.

    Bringing your own food along for the day can save some serious dollars if you don't have a lot of money or dining dollars to spend.

    • protein bars: a good protein bar is worth its weight in gold as it keeps you fuller for longer, which means you can have one for breakfast, or with lunch, and you won't be hungry until the next meal. Make a batch of your own at home to keep stored in your dorm fridge (like these almond butter banana oatmeal bars), or buy premade bars from the store;
    • oatmeal: whether you buy whole rolled oats or the packets of oats with flavoring, this is a great inexpensive option to have in the dorm room for a satisfying breakfast that will keep you fuller for longer;
    • nut butter: these usually last pretty well without the need for refrigeration and are great for snacking on. Dip some fruit or veggies, add to smoothies, or even smear on top of your protein bar for extra goodness;
    • smoothies: invest in a mini blender that doesn't take up much space. Portable blenders are also super cheap and handy. Make up a smoothie in the morning and it will keep you fuller for longer. Add a scoop of protein powder to keep you even more full.
    A red protein smoothie served in a glass with some fresh coconut in the background

    A Commuter Meal Plan For Commuter Students

    Making a meal plan is a great way to ensure you have a toteable lunch to see you through the week.

    Even if it is just snacks, that's still a start!

    Check out some of these amazing recipes that are easy to make and take with you on your commute, make a shopping list based on the recipes you would like to incorporate into your commute, and start loading up on healthy eating, nutritious foods, and more money in your wallet.

    Breakfast Recipes

    Banana Blueberry Pancake Protein Smoothie
    Banana blueberry pancake smoothie makes a healthy breakfast using simple ingredients that also happen to be loaded with protein to keep you full and going for longer.
    Check out this recipe
    Banana Blueberry Pancake Protein Smoothie
    Red Berry Protein Smoothie Without Protein Powder
    This smoothie is so simple and delicious, with the addition of white beans making it super creamy and chock full of protein. Don’t worry, you won’t even know the beans are in there.
    Check out this recipe
    Red Berry Protein Smoothie Without Protein Powder
    Apple and Blueberry Quinoa Overnight Oats
    These Quinoa Overnight Oats are perfect for when you need something on the go that can be prepped ahead of time. They pack well in a jar and keep in the fridge for a few days, which means you can make a batch and simply grab them from the fridge the next morning.
    Check out this recipe
    Quinoa overnight oats
    Overnight Raspberry Chia Pudding
    An overnight raspberry chia pudding is the perfect way to start the day. Plant-based and full of the natural sweetness of frozen raspberries, this is a delicious breakfast the whole family will love.
    Check out this recipe
    Overnight Raspberry Chia Pudding
    Peach Overnight Oats
    Want to eat a tastier, homemade breakfast but worried you don’t have the time? Read on for a simple and seasonal breakfast you can throw together tonight to enjoy tomorrow. I’ve been making overnight oats
    Check out this recipe
    Peach Overnight Oats
    Healthy Bircher Muesli - aka overnight oats - Cinnamon and Kale
    Make your bircher muesli in a jar, and you've got the perfect healthy breakfast for your daily commute. Delicious, filling and great for meal prep.
    Check out this recipe
    Healthy Bircher Muesli - aka overnight oats - Cinnamon and Kale
    Air Fryer Egg White Bites
    This air fryer egg white bites recipe is meal prep heaven! They can be batch cooked in the air fryer and stored in the fridge for a scrumptious and filling breakfast to pull out in the morning.
    Check out this recipe
    Air Fryer Egg White Bites
    Keto Breakfast Sandwich Recipe (Meal Prep)
    This low carb keto breakfast sandwich recipe is the ultimate freezer friendly keto breakfast meal prep! It has layers of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    Keto Breakfast Sandwich Recipe (Meal Prep)
    Broccoli Cheese Egg Muffins - The Healthy Epicurean
    These little broccoli cheese egg muffins are delicious as-is, with their flavorful egg base, tender broccoli and chunks of cheddar cheese. They are the perfect make-ahead breakfast the entire family will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Broccoli Cheese Egg Muffins - The Healthy Epicurean
    10 Minute Spinach and Feta Breakfast Quesadilla
    Our 10 Minute Spinach and Feta Breakfast Quesadilla recipe is a new favorite in our house not only because it’s ready in no time, but it’s also packed full of healthy spinach, eggs, and plenty of cheese for a hearty, healthy, vegetarian breakfast, fast!
    Check out this recipe
    10 Minute Spinach and Feta Breakfast Quesadilla

    Commuter Snack Recipes

    Vanilla Greek Yogurt Muffins With Pancake Mix
    These little Greek yogurt muffins are so easy to make, with just 5 main ingredients, and lots of options for varying up with additional ingredients. Slightly sweet and loaded with protein from the addition of Greek yogurt, vanilla pancake mix muffins make the perfect addition to any lunchbox for easy breakfasts or afternoon snacks.
    Check out this recipe
    A stack of two yogurt muffins made from pancake mixture with a drizzle of honey on top
    Almond Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
    Avoid the added sugar in store-bought bars, and enjoy this homemade version instead. Chock full of whole grains, chia seeds, oats, and almonds. The perfect snack for filling up hungry bellies fast.
    Check out this recipe
    Almond Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
    Homemade Fruit and Nut Mix
    Make this fruit and nut mix your own! If you have little ones, set out all of the ingredients and let them create their own special trail mix
    Check out this recipe
    Homemade Fruit and Nut Mix
    Almond Milk Stovetop Rice Pudding
    Forget the canned rice pudding you enjoyed as a child, this easy almond milk stovetop rice pudding is the perfect easy to prepare a sweet snack that can be eaten as is or dressed up.
    Check out this recipe
    Almond Milk Stovetop Rice Pudding
    5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites
    No Bake 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites. Loaded with old fashioned oats, peanut butter and flax seeds. A healthy protein packed breakfast or snack!
    Check out this recipe
    5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites
    Best Grain Free Granola Bars
    Grain Free Granola Bars made with less than 10-ingredients! These protein-packed, crunchy granola bars are gluten-free, vegan, and oil-free!
    Check out this recipe
    Best Grain Free Granola Bars
    Super Soft Cookie Dough Protein Bars
    An easy and delicious no-bake snack with 12 grams of protein per serving. These cookie dough protein bars are a fun treat to have in the fridge and work as a post-workout snack or an on-the-go snack for busy days
    Check out this recipe
    Super Soft Cookie Dough Protein Bars

    Commuter Lunch Recipes

    Baked Quinoa Breakfast Pizza Bites
    These baked quinoa breakfast pizza bites make the perfect addition to your lunchbox. Make a batch ahead of time and simply grab-n-go in the morning. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a healthy snack. They are high in protein so will keep you fuller for longer.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked quinoa breakfast bites served on a white plate
    The Best Bacon Chicken Ranch Salad
    This bacon chicken ranch salad is amazingly versatile, and just bursting with flavors. Great stuffed into lettuce leaves for a light but filling lunchbox option, or in a wrap or sandwich for something more substantial.
    Check out this recipe
    A bacon and chicken ranch salad with mayo stuffed into a gem lettuce leaf on a wooden background
    Gluten-Free Zucchini Slice
    The perfect addition to lunch boxes big and small, this gluten-free zucchini slice ticks all the boxes. Loaded with veggies, low in carbs, gluten-free, and enjoyable both hot or cold.
    Check out this recipe
    Gluten-Free Zucchini Slice
    Grab-n-Go Pork Sausage Egg Muffin Cups
    Definitely not the prettiest breakfast around, but these grab-n-go pork sausage egg muffins make a great addition to your make-ahead breakfast rotations for the week.
    Check out this recipe
    Grab-n-Go Pork Sausage Egg Muffin Cups
    Thyme Feta and Pumpkin Phyllo (Filo) Rolls
    This recipe for feta and pumpkin phyllo (filo) savory hand pies is so easy, looks fancy, and tastes amazing. They can be served as an appetizer as is, or they can be served as a main dish with salad.
    Check out this recipe
    Thyme Feta and Pumpkin Phyllo (Filo) Rolls
    Vegetable Vegan Kimbap (Gimbap)
    This vegan kimbap is incredibly filling, delicious, and is packed with flavours! The perfect on-the-go meal that is non-messy and transportable.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegetable Vegan Kimbap (Gimbap)
    Vegan and Easy Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Empanadas Recipe
    If you're looking for a delicious and convenient option for your commute, these Spinach and Ricotta Empanadas are perfect! Made with fresh ingredients like ricotta cheese, spinach, and garlic, they're sure to give you the energy you need to start your day.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan and Easy Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Empanadas Recipe
    Roast Beef Cheddar and Pickle Sandwich - a delicious lunchbox sandwich
    This tasty roast beef, cheddar and pickle sandwich is a great way to use up any cold roast beef from your Sunday Roast. Delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Roast Beef Cheddar and Pickle Sandwich - a delicious lunchbox sandwich
    Falafel Wrap with Tzatziki Sauce - Yummy Addiction
    Healthy and nutritious, this wrap is packed with falafel balls, fresh vegetables, pickled red cabbage, and generously topped with homemade tzatziki sauce. A great light but filling lunch idea!
    Check out this recipe
    Falafel Wrap with Tzatziki Sauce - Yummy Addiction
    Healthy Mediterranean Tuna Melt Sandwich
    Light healthy Mediterranean tuna melt sandwich made with crumbled feta and nonfat Greek yogurt. Easy on-the-go meal prep lunch or dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    Healthy Mediterranean Tuna Melt Sandwich
    TRI-COLOR QUINOA BOWL - GF, Easily Vegan. WORLDLY TREAT
    This tri-color quinoa bowl is gluten-free, and it’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s perfect for a picnic or commuters lunch.
    Check out this recipe
    TRI-COLOR QUINOA BOWL - GF, Easily Vegan. WORLDLY TREAT
    Chicken Fruit salad-(copycat recipe) Worldly Treat
    Grilled chicken fruit salad -Juicy chicken breast, fruits, nuts, salty blue cheese, and fresh greens topped with homemade vinaigrette dressing bring this crunchy summer salad with fruit to a whole new level.
    Check out this recipe
    Chicken Fruit salad-(copycat recipe) Worldly Treat
    Summer Antipasto Salad in a Jar
    Summer Antipasto Salad in a Jar, with five variations, for an assortment of meal prep ideas to take to work or school for lunch or for easy weeknight dinners.
    Check out this recipe
    Summer Antipasto Salad in a Jar
    Southwestern Chicken Wraps
    Southwestern Chicken Wraps. Simple recipe. L’Epicurien Pesto Rosso, rice, chicken, black beans. Roll it up and you lunch in 30 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    Southwestern Chicken Wraps
    Coronation Chickpea Sandwich (Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich)
    A beautiful plant-based sandwich that will impress with the flavours and the textures. Coronation Chickpeas, delicately spiced with curry powder and sweetened with mango chutney are truly the most flavoursome sandwich filling! What is more, you can keep them out of the fridge for up to 4 hours, making it a perfect office lunch option!
    Check out this recipe
    Coronation Chickpea Sandwich (Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich)

    I hope you have found some inspiration from these commuter-friendly recipes.

    If you have a favorite snack or meal you like to enjoy on your commute to and from school or work be sure to leave a comment below and let me know so that I can update the list!

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    Hi, I'm Donna!

    Move over boring old ham and cheese sandwiches, we are all about revolutionizing the modern lunchbox with fun and creative lunch options everyone will be excited to eat.

    From cute bento boxes to healthier instant noodles, you will find recipes that will have everyone in the family waiting to dig in.

    Get ready for those lunchboxes to come home empty.

    More about me →

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