20 Delicious Budget Lunch Ideas To Eat Well & Save Money!

Last Updated June 27, 2024 by Davina Kelly

If you’re looking for ways to save money and still eat well, these budget lunch ideas will satisfy your taste buds without hurting your purse. 

You guys loved my post on extreme budget meals so I thought I’d share my favourite budget lunch ideas. 

When it comes to lunchtime, eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour.

With a little creativity and smart planning, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank. 

I’m all about saving money, but not at the expense of enjoying the food I love. Eating flavourful, balanced and nutritious meals makes me feel good. 

Through trial and error, I’ve mastered the art of eating well while sticking to a budget.

Now, I can whip up a variety of delicious affordable meals that satisfy both my taste buds and my wallet. 

In this post, you’re going to learn budget lunch ideas along with cheap, easy lunch ideas for work.

After reading this post you’ll have plenty of easy budget lunch ideas that are nutritious, satisfying and bursting with flavour.  

This post is all about budget lunch ideas.

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20 Budget Friendly Lunch Ideas:

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1. Quinoa Tray Bake

If you love chicken and quinoa salad, you’ll love this tray bake. It uses simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and the combination of flavours tastes amazing. It is also a great lunch to meal prep and have throughout the week. 

The original recipe is veggie-based so you can keep it the same to make it a real budget-friendly meal. I usually add some cooked chicken breast to bulk it up and add some extra protein. But with or without meat this meal is delicious and full of flavour. 

2. Tuna Salad Sandwich

Having a sandwich for lunch sounds basic, but you can make it fancy with this tuna salad sandwich recipe. 

Throw a can of drained tuna into a bowl with some chopped onions and spinach and your choice of seasoning. Add about two tablespoons of mayo and some siracha and mix it well. If you want to make it healthier you can use Greek yoghurt instead of mayo. 

Toast two slices of bread, add your tuna mix, some salad and a slice of cheese, and there you have a simple but tasty tuna salad sandwich. 

You can’t have a sandwich without chips so serve it with a side of your favourite chips for some crunch. 

3. Juicy Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are one of my favourite easy budget lunch ideas. Peppers are inexpensive, versatile and are so juicy when baked. 

You can stuff the peppers with whatever ingredients you have in the fridge so it’s a great lunch to make and utilise leftovers. 

Simply stuff a bell pepper with a mix of rice, a protein source, veggies and cheese and bake it in the oven until it is tender. I usually use any leftover minced meat but it will taste good with any meat. 

Once it is cooked serve it with a side salad and there you have a juicy budget friendly lunch. 

4. Nandos Inspired Chicken Wraps

I love Nandos, but it’s getting expensive so I’ve started making homemade versions of my favourites. (If you’re not from the UK Nandos is a chain restaurant that specialises in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri chicken).

These chicken wraps are one of my go-to’s for lunch. They’re quick and easy to make, in just 10 minutes you can whip up a satisfying lunch. 

Fry some chicken and peppers in Nandos seasoning, once it is cooked through slice up some halloumi cheese and fry it in the same pan. If you don’t have Nandos seasoning you can use whatever you have. 

Once everything is cooked it’s time to assemble your wraps. Add some salad and the cooked chicken, peppers and halloumi to a wrap and top it with some Perinaise or regular mayo. This quick lunch will leave you feeling full and satisfied. 

5. Burrito Bowl

This Chipotle inspired burrito bowl is a nutritious budget lunch idea you can throw together using simple ingredients.

Cook a protein of your choice and boil some rice. Once everything is cooked add your chicken and rice to a bowl with some avocado, black beans, and salad and top it off with some sour cream and cheese. 

I usually use chicken or minced meat as my protein source. To keep costs low I swap the sour cream for Greek yoghurt and I buy the store-brand black beans. They’re cheaper and taste just as good. 

Once your main ingredients are cooked you can put this bowl together in no time. So this is a great lunch to make on busy work days. 

Grab my free printable meal planner to help you plan your budget lunches for the week.

6. Pork & Pepper Teriyaki Stir Fry

Stir fries are a quick, easy and budget friendly lunch idea. I have been having this Teriyaki stir fry for the past few weeks and it tastes amazing every time. 

Cook the pork and red pepper in some Teriyaki sauce, then serve over some rice or noodles for a satisfying meal packed with flavour.

7. Simple Jacket Potato

Baked potatoes are a budget friendly lunch idea that can be customised with all your favourite toppings. 

Simply bake the potatoes until tender, then top with whatever you like. My go-to toppings are classic beans and cheese, tuna mayo, leftover minced meat or a cooked chicken tomato mix. 

8. Fancy Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a simple nutritious meal you can have for breakfast or lunch. I have this for lunch on days when I’m really short on time, but I make it fancy. 

Mash a ripe avocado with some pesto onto toasted bread and top with some cooked chicken, onions, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar glaze and sriracha. This takes basic avocado toast to another level.

9. Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are a great meal to have on days when you fancy a light lunch with some crunch to it. 

Wash some romaine lettuce hearts and top it with any filling you like. You can fill them with tuna mayo or chicken salad. Or you can add some minced meat and top it with sour cream and cheese to make it a lettuce wrap taco. 

10. Chicken Caesar Salad

You can’t go wrong with a classic chicken Caesar salad for lunch. It’s a great way to utilise leftover chicken and you can throw it together in 5 minutes.

In a bowl add some lettuce, leftover chicken, croutons, parmesan cheese and a Caesar dressing and mix or shake. You can use an inexpensive store dressing or you can make your own with some mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic salt. 

This is a hearty delicious salad that is easy to make and even easier on the wallet.

11. Vegetable Couscous Salad

Couscous is an affordable and versatile ingredient that makes a great base for any salad. If you’re a meat lover vegetable salads can sound boring. But this dish will leave you feeling satisfied without the need for meat.

Combine cooked couscous with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions. Any vegetables you have will do so throw in whatever you have in the fridge.

Add a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper for a refreshing budget-friendly lunch idea. 

12. Air Fryer Chicken & Wedges

When it comes to lunch time you want something quick and easy so I had to include an air fryer meal. I only got an air fryer a few months ago and I have been obsessed lol  

Chop your potatoes into wedges and season them along with some chicken pieces with your favourite spices. Air fry them until golden and crispy and serve with your favourite dipping sauce for a cost-effective meal.  

13. Chopped Chicken Salad Bagel

Turn a simple bagel into a gourmet meal with this chopped chicken salad filling. Mix cooked chicken, onions and salad with mayonnaise and siracha and chop it into small pieces. 

Spread the chicken salad onto a toasted bagel and add a slice of cheese for a delicious cheap easy lunch.  

14. Loaded Burger Bowl 

Loaded burger bowls are my new favourite dish. I made it a few weeks ago and I have been obsessed ever since. 

It’s a low cost healthier alternative to a traditional burger and it tastes so good! Try it for yourself by following this recipe.

If you don’t have all the ingredients just use what you have. For example, I don’t have burger sauce so I just mixed some Greek yoghurt, ketchup, garlic powder and lemon juice. 

Quick tip: To speed up the cooking time you can cook your potatoes in the air fryer while you cook the minced meat. 

15. Satay Special Fried Rice

Fried rice is an easy way to use up leftover rice and vegetables and a super cheap quick lunch idea. I have this dish when I’m craving Chinese food.

Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, honey, siracha, and fresh garlic. Then saute cooked rice with some oil, add in chopped vegetables, spinach, and scrambled eggs, and pour the sauce on top. 

For some extra protein, you can throw in some cooked chicken, pork, tofu or any leftover protein source.

Frozen vegetables work well with this dish, they’re also cheaper and a great freezer staple for budget lunch ideas. 

16. Spanish Omelette

Spanish omelette, or tortilla is a great budget lunch idea that’s packed with flavour. 

Combine sliced potatoes and onions in a pan, then pour beaten eggs over the top. Cook until set and golden then slice into wedges. 

This is a filling and purse-friendly dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

17. Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a quick, easy-budget lunch option. Use your favourite bread and cheese and grill until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. To spice it up add a tiny bit of pesto and some bacon or sliced meat before grilling. 

This pairs nicely with some tomato soup and makes a comforting inexpensive meal. 

18. Pasta Salad

Pasta is a versatile and budget-friendly lunch option. You can keep it simple or dress it up for a nutritious and filling meal. 

Cook some pasta and toss with some chopped vegetables, onions and a simple vinaigrette. You can add leftover chicken, tuna salad, cheese or chickpeas for extra protein. 

This is an easy lunch to meal prep and can be enjoyed hot or cold.  

19. Egg Salad Sandwich

Egg salad is a cost-effective lunch option that is packed with protein to keep you full and satiated. 

Mix hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise, mustard and a bit of salt and pepper. Spread the egg salad onto a bread or a roll and add some salad if you like. 

This is a simple satisfying lunch that’s easy on your budget. 

20. Mexican Rice Salad 

For a zesty and budget lunch idea try this Mexican rice salad. Combine cooked rice with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro. 

Dress with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of cumin or any seasoning you like for a refreshing flavourful meal. 

There you have it, I have shared my favourite budget lunch ideas.

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Final Thoughts on Budget Lunch Ideas

Eating on a budget doesn’t have to mean bland or boring lunches. With these delicious and cost-effective lunch ideas, you can enjoy a variety of flavours and ingredients without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a quick and easy lunch, these recipes will help you stay satisfied and on budget. 

I hope you have found this post helpful and now have many delicious budget lunch ideas. Which meal will you try? Let me know in the comments below. 

This post was all about budget lunch ideas.

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