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Trim your lunch budget without shortchanging your taste buds. We’ve curated a list of cheap lunch ideas for work that are simple to make, satisfying to eat, and kind on your wallet. Expect no-nonsense recipes that save you cash with every delicious bite.
Are you tired of breaking the bank on lunch every day? Look no further! Affordable lunch options are not only budget-friendly but also delicious and nutritious. With creativity and planning, you can create tasty meals that won’t dent your wallet. From classic sandwiches to international inspirations, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore affordable lunch options and provide tips, tricks, and recipes to make your lunchtime a breeze.
Innovative sandwich updates, such as Turkey, Avocado, Hummus Wrap or Pesto Chicken Salad, can revitalize a classic work lunch with nutritious twists.
Meal prep bowls, such as the Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl and Mason jar salads, offer versatile, nutritious lunch options that can be prepared in advance to save time and money.
Bento boxes, creative pasta dishes like Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach and Feta Stuffed Shells, and vegetarian options like the Falafel Wrap provide diverse, budget-friendly lunches.
Let’s start with something familiar: sandwiches. But we’re not talking about your basic ham and cheese sandwich. We’re talking about sandwich makeovers that transform the ordinary into something extraordinary yet budget-friendly.
Here are some delicious sandwich ideas to try:
Our turkey, avocado, and hummus wrap is a delicious and pocket-friendly way to upgrade your lunch routine. It’s as simple as spreading a dollop of hummus on a whole-wheat wrap, topping it with slices of turkey and fresh avocado, and rolling it up. Not only does this sandwich makeover taste great, but it’s also packed with protein and heart-healthy fats to keep you satisfied throughout your workday. And the best part? You can make it in less than 5 minutes!
If you like the classic grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll love our veggie-packed version. Adding spinach, tomatoes, and onions transforms a simple cheese sandwich into a more nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for those who enjoy cheese sandwiches with a twist. The vegetables add a variety of flavours and textures, from the subtle flavour and plentiful nutrients of spinach to the juiciness and hint of acidity from the tomatoes and the slightly sweet and savoury crunch of onions. And the best part? No complicated cooking techniques are required!
Got leftover chicken? Great! Turn it into a flavorful pesto chicken salad sandwich. Simply:
The result is a creamy, flavourful chicken salad with a hint of lemon juice and a touch of ranch dressing, which tastes excellent on homemade or whole-wheat bread.
This sandwich makeover saves money and reduces food waste by repurposing leftovers. Plus, it’s so delicious that you won’t even realize you’re eating yesterday’s dinner!
If you’re looking for a way to save money and eat healthily during the workweek, meal prep bowls are the answer. These versatile bowls can be filled with various nutritious ingredients and prepared ahead of time, taking the stress out of deciding what to have for lunch each day.
For example, quinoa and roasted vegetable bowls are a great option, as are Asian-inspired rice noodle salads and protein-packed lentil and chickpea salads. The endless possibilities result in a tasty, nutritious lunch that won’t break the bank.
Among our favourite meal prep bowls are the quinoa and roasted vegetable bowls. This bowl consists of cooked quinoa paired with a medley of roasted vegetables like red onions, red and green peppers, sweet potatoes, and yellow squash, often garnished with tahini sauce. What’s great about this bowl is that it’s easily customizable. You can incorporate seasonal vegetables or your favourites and add toppings like fresh citrus juice, fresh herbs like cilantro or chives, or sesame seeds to enhance the flavour.
Plus, it’s not just tasty but also good for you, with approximately 413 calories, 11 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 9 grams of dietary fibre per serving.
Looking for a refreshing lunch option? Try our Asian-inspired brown rice noodle salad. This salad features a rich tahini and smooth peanut butter dressing, enhanced with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and spices like ginger, garlic, or chilli. Add a variety of crunchy vegetables such as carrots, red bell peppers, and cucumbers, and you have a salad that’s not only delicious but also satisfying and budget-friendly.
And for an unexpected twist, why not add some ripe mango pieces for a touch of natural sweetness?
Our protein-packed lentil and chickpea salad is a must-try for those who want to add more protein to their diet. It’s as simple as mixing lentils and chickpeas with your favourite salad ingredients, and you have a filling lunch option that’s also budget-friendly.
This salad is also ideal for picnics and work lunches, as it can be prepared and stored in the fridge.
Mason jar salads are a fantastic solution for anyone looking for quick and easy lunch ideas for work. These salads can be prepared in advance and stay fresh for up to a week, making them a highly convenient and practical lunch option.
You can make a variety of mason jar salads, such as Greek, Southwest, or spinach and strawberry salads. The key is to layer the ingredients correctly so the salad stays fresh and crisp until you’re ready to eat it.
A Greek salad in a jar is a simple and delicious lunch option. To make it, you start by putting Greek dressing at the bottom of the jar. On top of the dressing, you layer:
diced tomatoes
cucumbers
chickpeas
red onions
kalamata olives
feta crumbles
Grilled or baked chicken breast: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy twist.
The last layer should be chopped romaine lettuce, which stays crisp until you’re ready to eat.
When it’s lunchtime, pour the salad onto a plate or into a bowl and enjoy.
You’ll love the Southwest-style salad in a jar if you like bold flavours. This salad includes corn and red onion seasoned and roasted to enhance their flavours. Add spiced black beans and creamy avocado for a genuine Southwest experience. And the best part? You can prepare it in advance so it’s ready to go when needed.
Try the spinach and strawberry salad in a jar for a light and refreshing lunch. This salad features:
A nutrient-rich base of spinach
Sweet and tangy strawberries
Crunchy nuts like almonds or walnuts
A dressing made with balsamic vinegar and olive oil
This delightful salad, featuring fresh parsley and a delicious salad dressing, is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Soups are a comforting and filling lunch option, especially during colder months. Depending on the ingredients used, they are also economical and easy to transport. From hearty vegetable soup to chicken and rice soup and lentil and sausage soup, there are countless possibilities to explore.
One of our favourite soups for work lunches is a hearty vegetable soup. This soup uses canned or frozen vegetables and pasta to create a nutritious and filling meal. You can prepare it in bulk, making it an efficient way to have ready-to-go, low-calorie lunches for work.
Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to get a variety of vegetables into your diet.
Chicken and rice soup is another excellent cheap lunch idea, especially for work lunch. This soup is an excellent way to repurpose leftover dinner, such as pre-cooked chicken and leftover rice, making it tasty and budget-friendly. Add a homemade pesto swirl for a quick Italian flair to enhance the flavour. Consider exploring soup recipes that utilize leftovers and inexpensive ingredients for cheaper lunch ideas.
This soup is a great way to use up leftovers and create a satisfying lunch at the same time.
If you’re looking for something different, try lentil and sausage soup. This soup uses a flavourful broth as a base, with lentils and sausage adding protein and depth of flavour. Lentils and sausage are cost-effective ingredients, making this soup an affordable lunch option.
Pasta is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into countless delicious dishes. The possibilities are endless, from pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes to pasta salad, cold sesame noodle salad, and spinach and feta stuffed shells.
One of our favourite pasta dishes is pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. This dish bursts with flavour thanks to a homemade sun-dried tomato pesto and browned butter sauce. Adding pasta water helps create a creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, delivering maximum flavour in every bite.
And the best part? Leftover pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks so that you can enjoy this tasty dish repeatedly.
For a refreshing change, why not try a cold sesame noodle salad? This salad features a rich dressing made from a mix of:
tahini
smooth peanut butter
rice wine vinegar
sesame oil
soy sauce
spices like ginger, garlic, or chilli
You can add various crunchy vegetables such as fresh broccoli, carrots, red bell peppers, and cucumbers for a satisfying crunch, and even some ripe mango pieces for a touch of natural sweetness.
Spinach and feta stuffed shells are a hearty, delicious pasta dish for lunch. This dish combines Greek and Italian flavours with a filling of:
spinach
garlic
ricotta
mozzarella
feta
walnuts
lemon zest
spices
Stuffed into jumbo pasta shells with parmesan cheese.
Once filled, the shells are covered with tomato sauce and baked to perfection, resulting in a tasty and satisfying lunch that’s also budget-friendly.
Bento boxes originated in Japan and are a great way to pack a balanced lunch. These boxes typically contain a variety of foods, such as vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates, neatly arranged in a compact box.
You can make protein-packed, Mediterranean-inspired, or sushi-style bento boxes, depending on your preferences.
Check out our roundup of the Top 5 Bento Boxes for Adults
A protein-packed bento box is a great way to stay full and satisfied throughout your workday. This box could include store-bought rotisserie chicken, a variety of grains, and additions of fruits, vegetables, and a fat source. It’s a balanced and satisfying lunch option that’s also budget-friendly.
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavours, you’ll love a Mediterranean-inspired bento box. This box features:
A versatile selection of hummus flavours paired with pita bread for a protein-rich and flavourful lunch
Common plant-based sides such as cherry tomatoes, baby bell peppers, and sliced cucumbers for added freshness and colour
Nuts like almonds, pine nuts, and pistachios for an extra flavour boost
For a Japanese-inspired lunch, try a sushi-style bento box. These boxes traditionally include fish, rice, and fresh vegetables as common ingredients, but you can customize them to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of sushi or just looking to try something different, a sushi-style bento box is a tasty and healthy lunch option.
If you’re following a vegetarian diet, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of budget-friendly and tasty lunch ideas for you too. The options are varied and delicious, from stuffed bell peppers to veggie quesadillas and falafel wraps. For a quick and easy lunch, consider pairing a peanut butter wrap with a cheese stick, which is kid-friendly and cost-effective.
Vegetarian stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and budget-friendly lunch option. These peppers are filled with a protein-rich mixture of chickpeas and quinoa, which provide essential amino acids for a plant-based diet. For added flavour and nutrition, you can also add various vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, onions, and garlic. And for flavour, why not add flavourful spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric?
To finish, add some vegan cheese for a deliciously cheesy flavour. And if you want to get creative, you can even carve jack-o-lantern faces into the peppers for a fun Halloween twist.
Veggie quesadillas are a fast, savoury, and cheap lunch choice. They are made with a flour tortilla filled with melty cheese and a mix of veggies. You can customize the fillings to include your favourite vegetables and add beans for extra protein.
For the best results, layer the cheese on the bottom and top of the other fillings inside the tortilla. This helps to keep the quesadilla closed after folding. When it comes to cheese, choose one that melts quickly, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, with freshly grated cheese preferred over pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
You can serve the quesadillas with a variety of accompaniments, such as:
guacamole
salsa
sour cream
fresh cilantro
These additions will add flavour and texture to your quesadillas. This recipe can be completed in roughly 10 minutes, making it a convenient, cheap lunch option for those with limited time.
Finally, for a plant-based protein option, try a falafel wrap. This wrap features:
Falafel is a mix of ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices that are formed into balls and deep-fried
Fresh vegetables
A flavourful sauce, such as tahini or tzatziki
The falafel, often enjoyed with feta cheese, is then wrapped in a pita or flatbread.
This wrap is delicious and packed with protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious lunch option.
Take a culinary journey around the world without leaving your kitchen! International inspiration can add a twist to your usual lunch routine. Try making a Korean-style bibimbap with leftover rice, fresh vegetables, and a fried egg. Or, whip up a Mexican-inspired quesadilla with shredded cheese, beans, and salsa. For a taste of India, make a simple chickpea curry with coconut milk and serve it over brown rice. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you.
No lunch is complete without a tasty snack to complement it. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, there’s a plethora of budget-friendly and easy snack options that you can pair with your lunch. From homemade trail mix to fruit and nut bars and veggie sticks with dip, these snacks will help keep you energized throughout the day without breaking the bank.
Homemade trail mix is an excellent snack option that you can customize. Whether you prefer a mix of glazed nuts and dried cherries, a festive mix with cranberries and chocolate, or a sweet and spicy combination using ingredients like Sriracha and pretzels, the possibilities are endless.
And if you’re following a specific diet, you have options, too. You can create a nut-free mix by substituting seeds for nuts or a Keto-friendly mix with low-carb nuts and low-sugar chocolate chips.
Fruit and nut bars are another great snack that’s easy to make at home. These bars balance healthy fats, fibre, and natural sugars to energize you throughout the day.
They’re a budget-friendly snack option that can easily be packed in your lunch bag.
If you’re looking for a snack low in calories and nutrients, veggie sticks with dip are a great choice. You can cut up your favourite vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, and pair them with a healthy dip like hummus or tzatziki.
This snack is delicious and budget-friendly, especially if you buy vegetables in season.
Eating on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavour or nutrition. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money on lunch:
Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Repurposing last night’s dinner can make for a delicious and convenient lunch. Try turning last night’s roast chicken into a chicken salad with Greek yogurt, celery, and grapes. Or, use leftover vegetables to make a hearty soup or stew. Get creative and find new ways to use up leftovers.
Condiments can make or break a meal. Elevate your lunch with these simple yet flavourful condiments:
These condiments can add a world of flavour to your lunch without breaking the bank. Experiment with different combinations to find your new favourite flavour!
In conclusion, there are numerous ways to enjoy a tasty and budget-friendly lunch at work. The possibilities are endless, from sandwich makeovers and meal prep bowls to mason jar salads, soups, pasta dishes, bento boxes, and vegetarian options. And let’s not forget about the snacks that can complement your lunch. Whether you prefer homemade trail mix, fruit and nut bars, or veggie sticks with dip, there’s a snack option for you. So why not try some of these lunch ideas and make your lunch break something to look forward to?
Absolutely! Many of the lunch ideas listed, such as meal prep bowls, mason jar salads, and bento boxes, are designed for advance preparation. By preparing these meals ahead of time, you can save both time and money during the busy workweek.
Yes, many of the lunch ideas mentioned can be adjusted to fit specific diets, such as vegetarian ones. Stuffed bell peppers, veggie quesadillas, and falafel wraps suit vegetarian diets.
No, these lunch ideas are designed to be simple and easy to prepare, even for those with minimal cooking experience. Most recipes require basic cooking techniques and standard kitchen tools.
Definitely! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have available at home. Customizing these recipes allows you to create lunches that are both affordable and tailored to your taste.
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