Bringing lunch to work can save you a ton of money, but sometimes it’s hard to find budget-friendly ideas that are also tasty and filling. No need to worry! You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a delicious, homemade lunch. In this article, we’ll explore cheap lunch ideas for work under $5 that are easy to prepare, healthy, and perfect for busy weekdays.
Why Pack Your Own Lunch?
Eating out every day can get expensive quickly, and it’s often difficult to find truly healthy options on a budget. Packing your own lunch gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose affordable meals that are healthier, fresher, and tailored to your taste.
These budget-friendly lunch ideas will help you enjoy a satisfying meal for less than $5.
1. Chicken Salad Wrap
A chicken salad wrap is not only delicious but also super affordable. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can create this quick lunch in just minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- ½ tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped celery
- 1 large tortilla wrap
Cost breakdown:
- Chicken: $1.50
- Greek yogurt: $0.30
- Celery: $0.20
- Tortilla: $0.50
Total cost: $2.50 per serving
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mustard, and celery.
- Spread the mixture onto the tortilla and wrap it up tightly.
- Slice in half and enjoy!
2. Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
A veggie and hummus sandwich is an easy, no-cook option that’s perfect for a busy workday. It’s packed with fiber and nutrients while staying light on your wallet.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- ¼ cup hummus
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ½ bell pepper, sliced
Cost breakdown:
- Whole wheat bread: $0.40
- Hummus: $0.60
- Cucumber: $0.50
- Bell pepper: $0.50
Total cost: $2.00 per serving
Directions:
- Spread hummus on both slices of bread.
- Layer the cucumber and bell pepper slices on one side, then top with the other slice.
- Cut in half and pack for work.
3. Lentil Soup
Lentils are a budget-friendly, protein-packed food that makes a hearty and satisfying lunch. A bowl of lentil soup is perfect for meal prep and can be made in large batches.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Cost breakdown:
- Lentils: $1.00
- Carrot: $0.20
- Celery: $0.20
- Onion: $0.20
- Olive oil: $0.10
- Vegetable broth: $0.80
Total cost: $2.50 per serving (makes 2-3 servings)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add the lentils and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
If you’re looking for a light but filling lunch, tuna salad lettuce wraps are an excellent choice. They’re low-carb, high in protein, and very budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in water, drained
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 large lettuce leaves
Cost breakdown:
- Tuna: $1.00
- Greek yogurt: $0.30
- Mustard: $0.10
- Lettuce: $0.40
Total cost: $1.80 per serving
Directions:
- Mix the tuna, Greek yogurt, and mustard in a bowl.
- Spoon the tuna mixture onto the lettuce leaves and roll them up.
- Pack in a container for an easy work lunch.
5. Egg and Veggie Fried Rice
Egg and veggie fried rice is a simple, delicious, and affordable lunch that can be made with leftovers. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with vegetables and protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice (leftover is fine)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Cost breakdown:
- Cooked rice: $0.30
- Egg: $0.25
- Mixed vegetables: $0.50
- Soy sauce: $0.10
- Olive oil: $0.10
Total cost: $1.25 per serving
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and scramble the egg.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce, and heat until everything is combined.
6. Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Feta
Quinoa salad is a healthy and satisfying lunch option that’s perfect for meal prep. This version with chickpeas and feta is protein-packed and super affordable.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup chickpeas (canned)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cost breakdown:
- Quinoa: $0.75
- Chickpeas: $0.50
- Feta cheese: $0.50
- Olive oil: $0.10
- Lemon juice: $0.15
Total cost: $2.00 per serving
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and toss to combine.
7. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
This classic peanut butter and banana sandwich is not only affordable but also packed with protein and healthy fats. It’s a perfect lunch that will keep you full until dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 banana, sliced
Cost breakdown:
- Whole wheat bread: $0.40
- Peanut butter: $0.40
- Banana: $0.30
Total cost: $1.10 per serving
Directions:
- Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread.
- Layer banana slices on top and close the sandwich.
- Slice in half and enjoy!
Conclusion
Eating lunch at work doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With these cheap lunch ideas for work under $5, you can enjoy delicious, homemade meals without overspending. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty soup, a fresh salad, or a simple sandwich, these options are sure to keep you satisfied and energized throughout your workday. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance, saving you time and money!