Prepare this noodle salad the night before so you can enjoy a healthy lunch and a stress-free morning. It provides 34 grams of protein and about one-third of the daily recommended fiber to keep you full and satisfied all afternoon.

This recipe doubles or even triples easily so you can enjoy this lunch throughout the week. Sandwiches are a classic and well-deserved lunch standby. They're quick and easy and have endless options. This version uses mashed avocado for a creamy spread that's lighter than mayonnaise. For sides, try veggies and hummus, yogurt or fruit to round out this meal.

EatingWell frozen entrees come in many varieties and are a great option for lunch. Packed with whole grains, protein and a full cup of vegetables, they're great to keep stashed in the office freezer for those days when you simply don't have time to pack lunch or go out.

With 22 grams of protein, this lunch will keep you full all afternoon. Find this EatingWell Frozen Dinner and more in the freezer aisle of your local grocery store.

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Healthy Eating Budget Cooking Guide. Finish with a sauce: mayo, mustard, ranch, ceasar dressing, bbq sauce, pesto, Italian dressing, etc. salmon patties: This is a super simple pantry meal that is dirt cheap. They are easy to whip up for lunch or make them the night before and eat them cold the next day.

Serve with ketchup. ramen: We enjoy this healthier ramen and like adding soft boiled egg, leftover meat, mushrooms, carrots, or any veggies in the fridge. It's not great for lunch boxes because the ramen soaks up all of the liquid while sitting in the thermos and then turns mushy.

Save this for an at home lunch. tuna salad : eat with crackers, pepper slices, or on a sandwich. For a hot melt, top bread with tuna salad and cheese and pop it under the broiler to melt. RELATED: 16 canned tuna recipes.

egg salad : Eat with crackers, in a lettuce wrap, or on bread. Simple and cheap. chicken salad: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken.

Mix with a chopped apple or grapes, chopped celery, mayo, squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper.

Serve on bread for a delicious chicken salad sandwich, or as a wrap, with crackers or sliced veggies. lentils and rice: cheap and great for making ahead and reheating.

grain bowl: Prep ahead by roasting veggies and cooking your grain and protein of choice. Then mix and match for grain bowls throughout the week. beans and rice: Batch cook beans and rice and top them with salsa, cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.

grilled cheese sandwiches: Always a classic and delicious dunked in tomato soup. mac and cheese : Buy a boxed mac and cheese.

Add tuna or ground beef and frozen peas for extra protein and nutrition. fried egg sandwich : Eggs are a great cheap protein source. Fry and egg and eat it as a sandwich. salad: A head of lettuce is fairly inexpensive. Stay away from pre-cut bags of lettuce as they are typically soggy and not a great value for the price.

Inexpensive toppings include boiled eggs, tuna, leftover meat, beans or chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, and homemade salad dressing. baked potato bar: Potatoes are cheap and can be topped with so many things.

Try one of these cheap baked potato toppings. If you have leftovers, find a new way to use your leftover baked potatoes. buttered noodles or pesto noodles: You can't get much cheaper than noodles with butter.

Add peas, broccoli, or parmesan cheese for more nutrition and interest. You could also mix a jarred pesto with noodles for a yummy change. Round out your lunch by adding some side dishes which included fiber, carbs, and fat.

You could even make a "snack lunch" with a smorgasbord of any of the ideas below. My kids often eat a snack lunch with random fridge finds for a cheap meal. fruit strawberries, grapes, apples, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe, watermelon, bananas, pineapple, peaches Budget tip: Buy fruit that is on sale.

vegetables carrots, celery, snap peas, bell pepper strips, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes Try a homemade sour cream dip to add interest. cheese: Cutting it up yourself will be the cheapest option. Pre-cut cubes or slices will be the most convenient.

Budget tip: Buy cheese in bulk when on sale and freeze for lowest cost. bean dip. banana oat muffins. peanut butter oat balls: Any nut or seed butter mixed with honey and then mixed with oats and rolled into balls.

You could also add any mix ins that you wish: chia seeds, chocolate chips, raisins, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Your email address will not be published.

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menu icon. search icon. Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube. Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest Twitter. Components of a great lunch In my opinion there are three components that make a great lunch.

Tasty: If it doesn't please the taste buds, I'm not interested. The good news is that even and cheap food can actually taste good. Easy: It's lunch time. I don't have time for ten steps; I need a quick lunch.

It has to be either made ahead so I can warm it up, require no cooking, or can be made in just a few minutes. Have no fear. All of these are easy lunch ideas. Read my strategies for prepping lunch the easy way for more ideas on easy meal prep. Nutritious: My requirements for a nutritious lunch are a meal with a mixture of these things: protein, carb, fat, and fiber.

If we check off all of these boxes, we're good.

that will please kids and adults alike. With crunch from granola and creamy, salty peanut butter holding everything together, this ridiculously affordable lunch allows for a lot of wallet wiggle room to add sides like a banana and a cheese stick.

From there, it takes just four minutes of cooking time to reach gooey provolone perfection inside these economical eats. Make this your own with your favorite meat, cheese, and dressing. Try the same ratios with different building blocks for a new flavor experience each time.

Do you like ramen but dislike all the preservatives in those little seasoning packets? Then try this jar of goodness made with ingredients you can pronounce beef stock, teriyaki sauce, fresh ginger, garlic , plus satisfying shredded chicken for a protein boost. All that can be yours in this cheap lunch idea for work—for less than two bucks per serving.

Enjoy the flavors of an epic holiday dinner any day of the year with these flatbreads topped with smashed sweet potatoes, sliced ham, melty mozzarella, and cranberry sauce. All of this can be yours just 25 minutes from now! We call for starting with whole sweet potatoes , microwaving, and mashing with orange juice.

If you're too busy to invest the full 25 into prepping for this cheap lunch idea, snag a package of mashed sweet potatoes from the refrigerated produce section during your next grocery run. Say "See ya! Instead, mash up homemade meatless patties.

You can absolutely afford to make it a double with pantry staples like canned beans , corn, salsa, and rice. Potatoes never break the bank, but they can get soggy if cooked and stored in specific ways.

When you sauté up a hash made with potato cubes rather than shreds , spuds are perfect for a pack-and-reheat cheap lunch idea.

Try it out with this minute Mexican meal—and add some grilled chicken or steak for extra hunger-fighting protein. Bring the whole avocado with you to slice and add to the cheap lunch for work immediately before serving. Alternatively, grab a single-serving cup of premade guacamole from the supermarket instead.

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Learn about BHG's Editorial Process. The chicken stays moist and delicious while waiting in the fridge, especially if you coat it with sticky sauce.

Enter my sweet honey garlic chicken recipe! This sauce is the bomb, packed with many delicious Asian flavors to keep your chicken moist and tasty. Serve over noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or rice. Chopped salads are ideal for work lunches. Plus, you can customize them to suit your tastes!

This mason jar Thai chopped salad is simple to prepare and flavorful. The mason jar helps keep everything contained, making assembling your lunch a breeze. Check out these other healthy college lunch ideas!

Overnight oats for lunch? Overnight oats are a treat you can enjoy at any time of day, and these banana cinnamon oats will be calling your name by noon.

While the recipe calls for them to sit overnight, you can always make these in the morning and let them sit until lunch for the same effect. Add a kick of spice to the middle of your workday with this delicious Cajun chicken salad.

You can use this chicken salad however you like! I love how versatile it is. Sandwich it between two slices of bread, enjoy it in a lettuce cup, or use it to top your favorite greens for a summer salad.

Chicken and rice are one of those lunchtime staples we all know and love. However, plain chicken and rice get boring fast! It invites all the convenience of a simple chicken and rice recipe with the flavor of a comforting weeknight dinner. These recipes prove that you can enjoy healthy lunches without breaking the bank!

Looking for something high in protein, nutrients, and fiber? This super simple recipe comes together in no time. This punchy recipe is great for meal prepping, offering a quick and easy lunch recipe that produces a huge batch.

You only need half an hour, a generous amount of kimchi, and your favorite vegetables. If you love a little spice, this is the recipe for you. The low-level kick from the kimchi is the ideal midday pick-me-up, especially in summer. This is a cold salad with a ton of heat to back it up. You only need seven minutes to make this recipe happen.

Even the most vehement salad haters will fall in love with this recipe. My favorite part of this recipe is all the different textures. They come together into the perfect bite every single time. You can assemble the salad beforehand or bring the ingredients to work.

Spice and sweetness are the oldest of culinary friends. Serve it with delicious brown rice, saucy noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. The pineapple in this recipe is what makes it sing. The pineapple enzymes break down the chicken, making it ultra tender. Are you after the perfect intersection of sweet and savory?

This curried quinoa and apple salad has the textures, flavors, and nutrients to make your lunch break the best part of your day. The key to success is crunchy, crispy apples instead of mealy ones.

Cheap, healthy, and easy to make? This recipe is my invention, and I always reach for it. With just three ingredients, this is a killer teriyaki chicken sauce that moistens the chicken.

I also love how versatile this recipe is. Serve it on noodles, on vegetables, or even on its own. Soups are one of the best lunchtime meal prep recipes because you can make a ton at once!

Soups — particularly vegetarian soups — also freeze well, so they last longer. This vegetarian black bean soup is rich in protein and earthy flavors. Plus, it uses mostly canned ingredients. Feed yourself for an entire week for less than ten dollars, or prep for the whole family!

This dish is a great midday treat with a sweet, earthy sauce. Best of all, you can make it in just fifteen minutes! This vegetarian sandwich recipe is packed with Mediterranean flavors that feel fresh and delightful.

With all the ingredients, you can knock this sandwich together in ten minutes or less. This tangy veggie wrap has all the protein, texture, and flavor you could ask for from a great meal prep recipe. This will easily get you through the latter half of your day.

You can even slice the wrap into two portions to enjoy at different afternoon times when you start feeling snacky. Their mellow flavor makes them an ideal salad base, so you can toss whichever ingredients you want into the fray.

Enjoy a classic Caesar salad for your lunch with this simple recipe. The homemade dressing makes this recipe sing, thanks to its creamy, tangy flavor profile. Paired with a generous sprinkling of croutons, this salad is addictive. With an easy dressing and some refreshing chopped vegetables, this salad is ideal for summer work lunches.

Serve this as a side dish, or enjoy a big bowl of this simple chickpea salad for your main meal. If you prefer grazing throughout the day, this also makes for a healthy and delicious snack.

We all know the feeling of being in a rush and still needing to fuel up! Need a quick and easy vegetarian or vegan option? This is a cozy lunch option that comes together as fast as anything.

The zucchini and onion cook quickly, absorbing all the sauce to become moist. Drop on top of your favorite noodles or serve with a steaming heap of fragrant jasmine rice to get you through the middle of your day. This is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite treat without needing to buy a ton of ingredients, make dough, or even worry about the sauce.

If you have an oven where you work, this is a wonderful workday lunch! Otherwise, you can make this as soon as you come home. Whether you need it for lunch or dinner, this recipe will deliver.

The nutty, creamy sauce is super comforting, making this the ideal way to get through a midday slump. Enjoy cold on a summer afternoon, or make it fresh and warm for a winter night. This chickpea salad sandwich has all the flavors you know and love from this potluck staple.

Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient here, making the sandwich creamy and savory without adding a ton of mayonnaise. Whether you need a recipe for tea time or a quick and easy low-carb lunch, this is the place to be.

This makes this recipe super refreshing and crunchy! These other low calorie turkey recipes will be perfect for your lunch bag! This five-minute buffalo chicken wrap uses leftover chicken tenders and any loose vegetables to create something divine. Quesadillas are one of the best lunches you can enjoy on a budget.

All you need is cheese, a tortilla, and a delicious dipping sauce to complete the meal. Reach for this recipe if you have a grilled sandwich maker, stove, or oven at your workplace to melt the cheese. This is a fantastic after-school snack for your kids, too.

Asian-inspired noodle dishes are perfect for meal-prepping your work lunches! This super simple twenty-minute stir fry proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

This chickpea salad is a vegetarian version of a classic chicken salad--and can be eaten in the exact same way. Let's be clear, though: it doesn't taste like chicken, but it is a delicious and fiber-packed vegetarian alternative!

Plus, it's easily transportable, perfect for picnics and will surely step up your sad desk lunch. Curry doesn't have to take hours to prepare. With the help of our sheet-pan meal-prep chicken see associated recipe and some cooked whole grains, you can make these meal-prep bowls in just a few minutes!

Keep them in the fridge for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight or for healthy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Avocado makes an exceptionally creamy and healthful dressing for this chicken salad.

A bit of ranch dressing with pickled jalapeño adds a tangy spin to the lunchtime classic. Serve it on a slice of whole-wheat toast for an open-face sandwich or in a lettuce cup for a low-carb lunch.

This wrap is stuffed with chicken tenders and couscous with a hit of lemon and a healthy dose of fresh herbs. Save any leftovers to wrap up for an easy lunch.

Serve with: Mixed green salad and a glass of crisp white wine. Take canned tuna to new heights by adding cannellini beans, red onion and dill, tossing it in a lemon-pepper-Dijon dressing and serving it over a spinach salad with canned beets.

Make your own cup of instant soup at home with this vegetarian ramen recipe. Pack several jars at once to take to work for easy lunches throughout the week.

Quinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. This copycat version of store-bought frozen burritos is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch to store in the freezer for healthy packable lunches or a quick campsite meal.

This flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner. This single-serving recipe for Cobb salad swaps chicken in for bacon, which makes it a great source of protein for lunch.

If you prefer another salad dressing, feel free to use that instead of our honey-mustard vinaigrette. The ingredients in this vegan grain bowl recipe can be prepped ahead for an easy lunch to pack for work. The tangy citrus dressing is a refreshing flavor with the sweet caramel of the roasted sheet-pan veggies.

Enjoy this refreshing bento box idea over your lunch break that combines cucumber salad, hummus, pita and more for a satisfying work lunch. A Mexican-style torta is just like a burrito, except the "wrapper" is a hollowed-out roll instead of a tortilla. Here it's filled with mashed spiced black beans and a quick guacamole.

Take this vegetarian version to another level and add calcium by melting Monterey Jack cheese onto the bean side of the sandwich. Serve with: Grilled corn on the cob or Spanish rice. In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs.

The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables. Go light and fresh when you're craving pizza: these easy lettuce wraps have all the taste with fewer carbs and calories.

This sweet twist on a classic tuna-salad sandwich is a healthy high-protein lunch that even your kids will love. Skip the hassle of making sushi rolls at home and just go for this grain bowl. Start with a base of brown rice and add veggies, dressing and creamy avocado for a delicious and easy meal.

This cold noodle salad with peanut butter, snow pea pods, chicken, and bell pepper is easy to make ahead and pack for lunch. Looking for a clean, packable lunch for work? This healthy homemade chicken salad served inside an avocado instead of with bread is just the ticket.

Plus, this recipe makes enough for ready-made lunches for the week! Who says bento boxes are just for kids? This healthy bento-style lunch--loaded with clean, satisfying foods--is perfect to pack for work.