This post contains affiliate links. Purchases may earn TheTastyFlavors a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stuck in the lunch rut? Here are over 51+ cheap lunch ideas that won’t break the bank and will keep your workweek meals exciting! From quick wraps to hearty salads, these budget-friendly options are tasty, simple to prep, and perfect for the office. Get ready to mix up your lunch game!
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Vegetable stir-fry is a quick and easy lunch option that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. This dish is colorful, vibrant, and perfect for a busy workday. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a flexible choice.
To make a simple vegetable stir-fry, start with fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Heat some oil in a pan, toss in the vegetables, and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Add soy sauce, garlic, or ginger for extra flavor.
This dish is not only tasty but also budget-friendly. You can serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge.
Hummus and Veggie Wrap
The hummus and veggie wrap is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy lunch at work. It’s colorful and packed with nutrients, making it both appealing and satisfying.
This wrap typically includes a soft tortilla filled with creamy hummus, fresh lettuce, and a mix of crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers. The vibrant colors of the veggies make it visually inviting, while the hummus adds a delicious, creamy texture.
Pair it with some carrot sticks for a crunchy side. This combo not only adds flavor but also boosts your veggie intake for the day. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in just a few minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
To make your own, simply spread hummus on a tortilla, layer in your favorite veggies, roll it up, and slice. It’s that simple! This wrap is not only tasty but also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone looking to save money while enjoying a healthy meal.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
The chickpea salad sandwich is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy lunch. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a great choice for those busy workdays.
This sandwich features a hearty layer of chickpeas, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato, all nestled between slices of whole grain bread. The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, too!
To make this sandwich, you’ll need canned chickpeas, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite bread. Simply mash the chickpeas, mix in some seasoning, and layer everything together. It’s that easy!
This meal is not only nutritious but also budget-friendly. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Perfect for meal prep!
Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Egg salad lettuce wraps are a fresh and tasty option for lunch at work. They are light, easy to prepare, and perfect for a quick meal. The image shows vibrant green lettuce leaves filled with creamy egg salad, making it a visually appealing dish.
To make these wraps, you’ll need boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simply chop the eggs and mix them with the other ingredients. Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves for a crunchy, satisfying bite.
This lunch idea is not only budget-friendly but also healthy. Pair it with some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and extra flavor. These wraps are a great way to enjoy a classic dish in a new way!
Rice and Bean Bowl
The rice and bean bowl is a fantastic option for a cheap lunch at work. It’s colorful and packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying meal. The image shows a bowl filled with fluffy rice, black beans, and a mix of other beans, topped with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of cilantro.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also very customizable. You can add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. For a basic recipe, start with cooked rice and a variety of beans. Toss in some diced tomatoes, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
To make it even more delicious, consider adding a squeeze of lime or your favorite dressing. This bowl is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make several servings at once. Just pack it in a container, and you’re set for the week!
Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a colorful and fresh dish that brings a burst of flavors to your lunch. It’s perfect for work, as it’s easy to prepare and pack. The image shows a vibrant plate of pasta tossed with a variety of vegetables, making it not only tasty but also visually appealing.
This dish typically includes ingredients like spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, peas, and spinach. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. The best part? You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
To make Pasta Primavera, start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté your chosen vegetables in olive oil until they are tender. Toss the cooked pasta with the veggies, season with salt and pepper, and finish with cheese. It’s that simple!
This meal is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to enjoy a healthy lunch at work. Plus, it tastes just as good cold, making it a versatile option for your lunchbox.
Quinoa Salad with Veggies
This quinoa salad is a colorful and nutritious option for lunch at work. Packed with fresh veggies, it’s not only tasty but also easy to prepare. The bright colors of the peppers, onions, and greens make it visually appealing.
To make this salad, start with cooked quinoa as your base. Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, and black beans for protein. Toss in some chopped green onions for a bit of crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the flavors.
This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, making it both economical and versatile. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish!
Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
Couscous with roasted vegetables is a simple and tasty lunch option for work. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. The fluffy couscous serves as a perfect base for the colorful, roasted veggies.
To make this dish, you’ll need couscous, a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, olive oil, and some herbs for seasoning. Start by roasting the vegetables in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Meanwhile, prepare the couscous by following the package instructions. Combine everything in a bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs.
This meal is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for the week. It’s filling, healthy, and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and tasty option for lunch at work. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weekdays. Each pepper is filled with a delicious mixture that can be customized to your liking.
To make these, start with fresh bell peppers in vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds. For the filling, you can use a combination of cooked rice, beans, vegetables, and spices. Add some cheese on top for extra flavor.
Once filled, bake them in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. These stuffed peppers not only look appealing but also provide a balanced meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
The peanut butter and banana sandwich is a classic choice for a quick and satisfying lunch. It’s simple, tasty, and packed with energy. This sandwich combines creamy peanut butter with sweet banana, making it a delightful treat.
To make this sandwich, you only need a few ingredients: bread, peanut butter, and a ripe banana. Start by spreading a generous layer of peanut butter on one slice of bread. Then, slice the banana and layer the pieces on top. Finally, place another slice of bread on top to complete your sandwich.
This meal is not just easy to prepare, but it also offers a great balance of protein and carbohydrates. It’s perfect for a busy workday when you need something quick and filling. Plus, it’s budget-friendly!
Zucchini Noodles with Marinara
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta. They are light, healthy, and perfect for a quick lunch at work. The image showcases a delicious plate of zoodles topped with a rich marinara sauce, making it both appealing and satisfying.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly. You just need a few simple ingredients: fresh zucchini, marinara sauce, and some herbs for garnish. Spiralize the zucchini to create noodles, sauté them briefly, and then mix in the marinara sauce. It’s that simple!
For added flavor, consider tossing in some garlic or fresh basil. This meal can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy workdays. Pack it in a container, and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty, healthy lunch.
Tuna Salad with Crackers
Tuna salad with crackers is a quick and easy lunch option that fits perfectly into a busy workday. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying choice.
The image shows a bowl of creamy tuna salad, garnished with fresh herbs. Next to it, you can see a pile of crunchy crackers, ready to be paired with the salad. This combination is simple yet delightful, providing a nice contrast in textures.
To make this dish, you’ll need canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, and seasonings. Mix these ingredients together, and you’re good to go! Serve it with your favorite crackers for a satisfying crunch.
This lunch idea is budget-friendly and can be prepared in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious lunch without the hassle during your workweek.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad skewers are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic dish. These colorful bites are made with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves. They are not only tasty but also look great on your lunch table.
To make these skewers, simply thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto a skewer. Repeat until the skewer is filled. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra flavor. This simple preparation makes it easy to pack for work.
These skewers are perfect for a quick lunch or a snack. They are light yet satisfying, making them a great option for those busy workdays. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, so you can grab them on your way out the door.
Vegetable Soup in a Thermos
Vegetable soup is a fantastic option for a work lunch. It’s warm, filling, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to make in advance and store in a thermos.
To whip up a delicious vegetable soup, gather some fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and spinach. You can also add potatoes for heartiness. Start by sautéing the vegetables in a pot, then add vegetable broth and let it simmer. Season with herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
Once your soup is ready, pour it into a thermos to keep it hot until lunchtime. This way, you can enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle of microwaving at work. Pair it with some whole grain bread or a side salad for a complete lunch.
Savory Oatmeal with Spinach and Eggs
Savory oatmeal is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy lunch at work. This dish combines wholesome oats with fresh spinach and a perfectly cooked egg. The creamy yolk adds richness, making each bite satisfying.
To make this meal, start with rolled oats. Cook them in water or broth for extra flavor. Once they’re ready, stir in some sautéed spinach. You can use fresh or frozen spinach, depending on what you have on hand.
Top it off with a poached or fried egg. The runny yolk will blend beautifully with the oats, creating a delicious sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese for added taste.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal without spending too much time or money. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings!
