Description
Finding cheap lunch options that are both satisfying and delicious can be a tough task, especially when you’re trying to maintain a budget. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition for affordability. In this article, we’ll explore seven budget-friendly lunch recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
1. Vegetable Stir-Fry
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 cups cooked rice or noodles
- Optional: sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish
2. Chickpea Salad
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- Green onions for garnish
4. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 banana, sliced
5. Pasta Salad
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic or red wine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
6. Cheese Board Lunch Box
- Assorted cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
- Whole grain crackers
- Fresh fruit (grapes, apple slices)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
7. Tuna Salad Wrap
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 whole wheat tortillas
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
1. Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
2. Chickpea Salad
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
3. Egg Fried Rice
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
- Scramble the beaten eggs in the pan until cooked, then set aside.
- In the same pan, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine everything.
- Finally, fold in the scrambled eggs and drizzle with sesame oil.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
4. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
- Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
- Place the banana slices on top of the peanut butter.
- Top with the second slice of bread and cut in half.
5. Pasta Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Cheese Board Lunch Box
- Arrange the assorted cheeses on a plate or in a lunch box.
- Add a variety of crackers on one side.
- Include fresh fruit and a handful of nuts to complete the board.
7. Tuna Salad Wrap
- In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion until well combined.
- Lay a tortilla flat and place a few lettuce leaves on top.
- Spoon the tuna mixture onto the lettuce and roll the tortilla tightly.
- Slice in half and serve.
Notes
With these cheap lunch recipes, you can enjoy delicious and budget-friendly meals throughout the week. Whether you’re packing for work or enjoying a meal at home, these ideas will keep your wallet happy while satisfying your taste buds! Don’t forget to get creative and customize these recipes to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: lunch
- Cuisine: Global
Keywords: cheap lunch