Healthy Cheap Lunch Options for Under $10


Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right ingredients and a little planning, you can enjoy healthy cheap lunch options for under $10. These meals are packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for quick, nutritious options, this guide will help you stay on track without breaking the bank.

Why Choose Healthy Cheap Lunches?

Opting for healthy lunches on a budget offers multiple benefits:

  • Cost savings: You can enjoy nutritious meals for less than $10 per serving.
  • Health benefits: These lunches are rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
  • Variety: There are endless possibilities for creating tasty, wholesome meals.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad

A grilled chicken salad is a protein-packed lunch that’s both light and filling. You can prepare it in advance or make it fresh on the spot.

Ingredients:

  • 1 chicken breast ($3.00)
  • 2 cups mixed greens ($2.00)
  • 1/2 avocado ($1.00)
  • Cherry tomatoes ($1.50)
  • Olive oil and vinegar ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $8.00 per serving.

Instructions:

  1. Season and grill the chicken breast.
  2. Slice the chicken and layer it over the mixed greens, avocado, and tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar for dressing.

2. Veggie Wrap with Hummus

A veggie wrap with hummus is a delicious and healthy lunch that’s quick to make and easy to pack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole wheat wrap ($1.00)
  • 1/4 cup hummus ($0.75)
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced ($0.50)
  • 1/2 bell pepper, sliced ($0.75)
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $3.50 per serving.

Instructions:

  1. Spread the hummus over the wrap.
  2. Layer the cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots, and roll it up tightly.
  3. Slice in half and serve.

3. Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious lunch option that can be made in large batches for the week.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried lentils ($1.00)
  • 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
  • 2 carrots, chopped ($0.50)
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped ($0.50)
  • Vegetable broth ($2.00)
  • Spices (cumin, salt, pepper) ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $5.00 for four servings.

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot.
  2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, and spices, and bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

4. Tuna Salad with Crackers

For a quick and light lunch, try a tuna salad with crackers. This meal is high in protein and low in cost.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of tuna ($1.50)
  • 1 tablespoon mayo ($0.20)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard ($0.10)
  • Whole grain crackers ($1.50)
  • 1/2 apple, chopped ($0.75)

Total cost: Approximately $4.05 per serving.

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayo, and mustard.
  2. Serve with whole grain crackers and chopped apple on the side.

5. Quinoa Bowl with Vegetables

A quinoa bowl with vegetables is a balanced and healthy lunch that’s both affordable and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa ($1.00)
  • 1/2 zucchini, sliced ($0.50)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes ($1.00)
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese ($1.50)
  • Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $4.50 per serving.

Instructions:

  1. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
  2. In a bowl, mix the quinoa, zucchini, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a light dressing.

Conclusion

With these healthy cheap lunch options for under $10, you can enjoy nutritious meals that are easy on your wallet. From a grilled chicken salad to a hearty lentil soup, these lunches are packed with flavor and nutrients while staying affordable. Incorporate these ideas into your weekly meal planning and enjoy tasty, wholesome lunches that won’t break the bank.

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