zHow to make a healthy cheap packed lunch ideas
I was always a big fan of packed lunchs. I think they are great, whether you’re a student, working in an office or simply don’t like eating out. Below are some of my favourite cheap healthy lunch box ideas.
Healthy Cheap Packed Lunch Ideas
Waffle Iron Turkey Melt Panini
Ooey-gooey Colby Jack cheese balances out the salty bacon and tart apple slices in this lunchtime favorite. If you don’t have a waffle maker, this can easily be made in a panini press or grilled-cheese style in a nonstick pan.
Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
This pasta-like meal is easy to pull together and pack for a work lunch. Spaghetti squash is an inexpensive, low-carb option and pairs with surprisingly simple ingredients for a perfect bite.
Pan Bagnat Tuna Sandwich
Tuna sandwiches have been your go-to cheap meal since college, but our version feels extra flavorful. Egg, lettuce, tomato, and salty tuna salad come together seamlessly, and it tastes even better if you make it the night before.
Lemon-Thyme Chicken Salad
This classic chicken salad can be used in a multitude of ways: scoop it over a bed of greens, spread it over bread, or even build our Chicken Salad Lunch Box. It’s the best way to stretch leftover baked chicken breasts or a grocery store rotisserie chicken.
Steak Salad Niçoise
We took this classic French salad made with staple ingredients like eggs, olives, potatoes, and green beans, and turned it on its head. Toss in thinly-sliced steak for an indulgent meal that won’t break the bank.
Orange-Almond Chicken-and-Cabbage Bowls
Just six ingredients will become your new favorite lunch to prep and pack. Fresh orange slices bring brightness, while coleslaw mix and almonds offer unexpected crunch. Plus, store-bought dressing keeps this recipe quick and easy (read: perfect for throwing together on weekday mornings).
Greek Slaw and Chicken Pitas
Toss feta cheese, cabbage, and green onions in a light, lemony dressing and pair with rotisserie chicken for a simple lunchtime sandwich. Add additional veggies for something different, and easily assemble during your lunch hour.
The Cheeseburger Salad
How to make a healthy cheap packed lunch ideas
I was always a big fan of packed lunchs. I think they are great, whether you’re a student, working in an office or simply don’t like eating out. Below are some of my favourite cheap healthy lunch box ideas.
Healthy Cheap Packed Lunch Ideas
Waffle Iron Turkey Melt Panini
Ooey-gooey Colby Jack cheese balances out the salty bacon and tart apple slices in this lunchtime favorite. If you don’t have a waffle maker, this can easily be made in a panini press or grilled-cheese style in a nonstick pan.
Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
This pasta-like meal is easy to pull together and pack for a work lunch. Spaghetti squash is an inexpensive, low-carb option and pairs with surprisingly simple ingredients for a perfect bite.
Pan Bagnat Tuna Sandwich
Tuna sandwiches have been your go-to cheap meal since college, but our version feels extra flavorful. Egg, lettuce, tomato, and salty tuna salad come together seamlessly, and it tastes even better if you make it the night before.
Lemon-Thyme Chicken Salad
This classic chicken salad can be used in a multitude of ways: scoop it over a bed of greens, spread it over bread, or even build our Chicken Salad Lunch Box. It’s the best way to stretch leftover baked chicken breasts or a grocery store rotisserie chicken.
Steak Salad Niçoise
We took this classic French salad made with staple ingredients like eggs, olives, potatoes, and green beans, and turned it on its head. Toss in thinly-sliced steak for an indulgent meal that won’t break the bank.
Orange-Almond Chicken-and-Cabbage Bowls
Just six ingredients will become your new favorite lunch to prep and pack. Fresh orange slices bring brightness, while coleslaw mix and almonds offer unexpected crunch. Plus, store-bought dressing keeps this recipe quick and easy (read: perfect for throwing together on weekday mornings).
Greek Slaw and Chicken Pitas
Toss feta cheese, cabbage, and green onions in a light, lemony dressing and pair with rotisserie chicken for a simple lunchtime sandwich. Add additional veggies for something different, and easily assemble during your lunch hour.
The Cheeseburger Salad
When you’re looking for something meaty that doesn’t break the bank, this is the salad for you. All of the ingredients are reminiscent of your favorite fast food meal—beef patty and cheese, plus lettuce, tomato, and onion topped with crumbled potato chips. Drizzle on the ketchup and mayo mixture for the ultimate indulgence.
Chickpea Panzanella
Crunchy croutons and creamy feta cheese are essential in this hearty vegetarian main. Canned chickpeas and artichoke hearts are budget-friendly, and it only takes 20 minutes to assemble your plate.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with Spinach
Ground turkey is a fantastic, cheap alternative to more expensive meats like steak or sausage. For a healthier pasta, we swapped in spaghetti squash for classic lasagna noodles and added spinach for a vitamin boost.
One-Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
A can of diced tomatoes is brought to life with onions, garlic, oregano, and chicken stock, and cooking the pasta directly in the sauce adds major flavor. Brighten the dish with parmesan and spinach for the perfect one-pot meal.
Mini Bow Ties with Bacon and Peas
Carrots, peas, and onions get next-level flavor when cooked in bacon fat. Stir in cream cheese for the ultimate, veggie-packed dish that gets more cheesy and delicious with every bite
Cheap and Healthy Brown-Bag Lunch Ideas (for Grownups)
10 Easy Lunch Ideas
American Dietetic Association spokesperson Angela Ginn-Meadow, RD, says planning ahead is essential for quick lunch assembly. “A planned menu with all the ingredients in the kitchen will make it easy to put together tomorrow’s lunch after dinner,” she says.
Romaine lettuce
2 tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 bag baby carrots
1 bag of apples & oranges
1 can of light tuna in water
1 can of salmon (split for two meals)
1 prepared grilled chicken
3 cans of low-sodium, broth-based soup
With this list of foods, you can prepare:
- 1 pita with lettuce and grilled chicken with light Caesar dressing; baby carrots; and an apple.
- Salmon lettuce wraps with light sesame Asian dressing; 1 can of broth-based soup; and an orange.
- Tomato & cucumber salad with olive oil and vinegar; tuna salad on pita; baby carrots; and an apple.
- 1 can of soup; and grilled chicken on a bed of romaine with sliced apple and light vinaigrette.
- Garden salad with salmon, tomato, cucumber, and baby carrots; an orange; and 1 can of soup.
- Whole-wheat tortilla wrap of hummus, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, feta cheese and black olives; plus a carton of fat-free vanilla yogurt, and berries.
- Whole wheat pita stuffed with vegetarian refried beans, salsa, lettuce and shredded cheddar cheese; and apple slices with peanut butter.
- A green salad loaded with canned chunk light tuna, carrot strips, pepper slices, tomato wedges, red beans, and dried cranberries topped with balsamic vinaigrette; with a cup of low fat chocolate milk.
- A peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread; a piece of fresh fruit; and low fat yogurt.
- Whole-wheat tortilla roll with sliced turkey, sliced low-fat mozzarella cheese, red pepper strips, and lettuce leaf (chill and slice into bite size pieces); with fruit salad and a glass of skim milk.
To save money on beverages, use the water cooler at work instead of buying bottled water or a soda from the vending machine. And bring coffee in a to-go mug instead of stopping at your favorite coffee shop. Got a sweet tooth after lunch? Have fruit, a few pieces of hard candy, or a few low-fat Graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Keep Your Lunch Healthy and Safe
Don’t forget: Lunches that include meat, fish, poultry, or dairy need to kept refrigerated. Toss your lunch in the refrigerator at work. If you don’t have access to refrigeration, invest in a lunchbox, Thermos, reusable plastic containers, plastic baggies, and ice packs to keep your lunch at the proper temperature.
Healthy Brown Bag Lunch Ideas for School, Work, and Life On-the-Go
Turkey Chopped Salad with Orange-Poppy Seed Dressing
Santa Fe Turkey Wraps
Avocado-Yogurt Spaghetti with Veggies
Burrito Bowls
Shrimp and Broccoli Noodle Bowl
Sweet Potato, White Bean Hummus, and Israeli Salad
Crunchy PB-and-A Wrap
Greek Sloppy Joe Pitas
Turkey-Quinoa Salad
Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce
When you’re looking for something meaty that doesn’t break the bank, this is the salad for you. All of the ingredients are reminiscent of your favorite fast food meal—beef patty and cheese, plus lettuce, tomato, and onion topped with crumbled potato chips. Drizzle on the ketchup and mayo mixture for the ultimate indulgence.
The Cheeseburger Salad
Chickpea Panzanella
Crunchy croutons and creamy feta cheese are essential in this hearty vegetarian main. Canned chickpeas and artichoke hearts are budget-friendly, and it only takes 20 minutes to assemble your plate.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with Spinach
Ground turkey is a fantastic, cheap alternative to more expensive meats like steak or sausage. For a healthier pasta, we swapped in spaghetti squash for classic lasagna noodles and added spinach for a vitamin boost.
One-Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
A can of diced tomatoes is brought to life with onions, garlic, oregano, and chicken stock, and cooking the pasta directly in the sauce adds major flavor. Brighten the dish with parmesan and spinach for the perfect one-pot meal.
Mini Bow Ties with Bacon and Peas
Carrots, peas, and onions get next-level flavor when cooked in bacon fat. Stir in cream cheese for the ultimate, veggie-packed dish that gets more cheesy and delicious with every bite.
Cheap and Healthy Brown-Bag Lunch Ideas (for Grownups)
10 Easy Lunch Ideas
American Dietetic Association spokesperson Angela Ginn-Meadow, RD, says planning ahead is essential for quick lunch assembly. “A planned menu with all the ingredients in the kitchen will make it easy to put together tomorrow’s lunch after dinner,” she says.
Romaine lettuce
2 tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 bag baby carrots
1 bag of apples & oranges
1 can of light tuna in water
1 can of salmon (split for two meals)
1 prepared grilled chicken
3 cans of low-sodium, broth-based soup
With this list of foods, you can prepare:
- 1 pita with lettuce and grilled chicken with light Caesar dressing; baby carrots; and an apple.
- Salmon lettuce wraps with light sesame Asian dressing; 1 can of broth-based soup; and an orange.
- Tomato & cucumber salad with olive oil and vinegar; tuna salad on pita; baby carrots; and an apple.
- 1 can of soup; and grilled chicken on a bed of romaine with sliced apple and light vinaigrette.
- Garden salad with salmon, tomato, cucumber, and baby carrots; an orange; and 1 can of soup.
- Whole-wheat tortilla wrap of hummus, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, feta cheese and black olives; plus a carton of fat-free vanilla yogurt, and berries.
- Whole wheat pita stuffed with vegetarian refried beans, salsa, lettuce and shredded cheddar cheese; and apple slices with peanut butter.
- A green salad loaded with canned chunk light tuna, carrot strips, pepper slices, tomato wedges, red beans, and dried cranberries topped with balsamic vinaigrette; with a cup of low fat chocolate milk.
- A peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread; a piece of fresh fruit; and low fat yogurt.
- Whole-wheat tortilla roll with sliced turkey, sliced low-fat mozzarella cheese, red pepper strips, and lettuce leaf (chill and slice into bite size pieces); with fruit salad and a glass of skim milk.
To save money on beverages, use the water cooler at work instead of buying bottled water or a soda from the vending machine. And bring coffee in a to-go mug instead of stopping at your favorite coffee shop. Got a sweet tooth after lunch? Have fruit, a few pieces of hard candy, or a few low-fat Graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Keep Your Lunch Healthy and Safe
Don’t forget: Lunches that include meat, fish, poultry, or dairy need to kept refrigerated. Toss your lunch in the refrigerator at work. If you don’t have access to refrigeration, invest in a lunchbox, Thermos, reusable plastic containers, plastic baggies, and ice packs to keep your lunch at the proper temperature.