I especially love to eat this one when I'm feeling under the weather — maybe because having breakfast for lunch is also a pick-me-up. Wise Bread Pick: Lodge Inch Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon. If you have leftover chicken from last night's dinner, use some of it to make this easy lunch.

Place ½ cup of shredded cheese mozzarella is my personal favorite, although cheddar works fine too on a tortilla, add chicken and apple, and top with another ¼ cup of cheese.

Add another tortilla on top and microwave for 30 seconds, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Slice and eat. Just because you grew up doesn't mean your lunch has to — as far as the basics, that is. Below are some of the best of classic lunches from our childhood, dressed up in work-appropriate form.

What's not to like about the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches of our youth? They are the epitome of cheap, easy, and tasty. It doesn't have to come from a box to be easy and cheap! Try making this easy stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe the night before and taking it along for lunch.

I also like to add a protein to my mac, like chicken, shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage. Try making these childhood favorites easier to eat at the office by wrapping them in croissant rolls. Buy refrigerated croissant rolls at the grocery store, and unwrap one of the triangular squares.

Add a shredded cheese of your choice and a hot dog, roll up, and place on a baking sheet. Bake at °F for 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.

This staple of college dorm pantries is also an easy and cheap lunch option for grown-ups. For an exhaustive list of things to do with ramen noodles, check out the appropriately named book, Things to Do with Ramen Noodles.

For a quick lunch without the tutorial, simply add 1 cup of fresh or frozen veggies of your choice and ½ cup alfredo or pasta sauce to ramen noodles.

Cook according to noodle directions, but only add ½ of the seasoning included — that's where all the sodium is. A typical Lunchables package is filled with crackers, cheese, and meat.

Pack your own version with whole-wheat crackers, cubed or sliced cheeses, and deli meat. Add some hardy fruit that's easy to eat on the go like sliced apples, grapes, or clementines , and you've got a balanced lunch for cheap. Spread some tomato sauce on an English muffin, add cheese, top with pepperoni or chicken, and broil until the cheese bubbles.

These delicious bites are easy to take with you on the go and just as easy to make. You can also try variations on the theme, like chicken alfredo pizza alfredo sauce , barbeque chicken pizza barbeque sauce , or buffalo chicken pizza with butter and hot sauce.

Soups are great lunches for a number of reasons: They won't make you feel full enough to put you to sleep mid-afternoon, they're generally healthy, and they are almost always economical to make. Here are a few that are particularly well suited to lunchtime.

Who couldn't use a drink at the office? Get your fix with a hearty cheese soup enlivened with a splash 'o beer. This cheddar-beer soup recipe takes only 15 minutes to make and requires only five ingredients.

Make it the night before or even the morning of , take along, and heat for lunch. This sweet corn soup recipe is delicious, nutritious, and bonus! can be made in the microwave, making it officially one of the easiest soup recipes around.

I highly recommend it for a chilly fall day. Gazpacho, or cold tomato soup, was originally invented to avoid using the stove on a hot summer day. Make it any time of year for an easy lunch using this simple gazpacho recipe.

Add some croutons or a crusty baguette, and you're set! Here's another one that is über-simple to make ahead or even in the microwave at work, if you have one. Empty one can of cannellini beans plus liquid and one can of spaghetti or marinara sauce into a microwave-safe container and microwave on high for three minutes.

Let sit for one minute before removing. Dress it up with Parmesan cheese and bacon if desired, and enjoy with some croutons. So there's the big list of 25 quick and cheap lunch ideas. Was there anything I left out, or do you have a variation on a theme?

Share your thoughts in the comments! Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.

Just for fun, as a new Philadelphian, from a former Philadelphian , try Pudge's in Blue Bell for THE BEST cheesesteaks. It's a bit of a hole in the wall place in a strip mall, so keep your eyes open. But it's better than Pat's or Gino's. No fooling. Look online for yourself and see the photos. They ARE like that in real life.

Roll up your sleeves. Very messy. Eat half of the regular and take home the leftovers. BTW It's not just chez whiz, American or provolone are standards too. And some like their's with pizza sauce. Thanks for the recommendation! I'm definitely trying that one out. My goal is to make it there this week!

best cheesesteak debate territory! This could go on and on! Not that talking about sandwiches forever is a bad thing A former Philadelphian myself, that's one thing that I love about cheesesteaks -- that many of the best come from those little hole-in-the-wall places.

I never got to try it, but I remember when some highly rated cheesesteaks used to come out of Grilladelphia, the restaurant that was in the Exxon station at York and Aramingo.

Quinoa salad it one of my favorites and it is always better the next day allowing the dressing to be further absorbed by the quinoa itself.

Now its time to set a bit of time aside each night to make lunch in advance and save both money and pounds in the coming weeks. Good luck!

I love quinoa salad too - it's also a versatile side-dish for any dinner, which means that if you make enough, it can do double-duty as lunch the next day too. Oh hey! That's me on the right! I'm on the internet now! I must be famous without even knowing it.

I think all of these are good ideas. My 2 cents. Its one of the good ideas and I am really following it. thank you for the ideas!

An appreciative mom who is not very creative in the kitchen because of the budget. These will work great and people will actually eat! None of these are really that cheap. Was looking for inspiration but turns out im already doing way cheaper than this About Contact Advertise.

Credit Cards Personal Finance. Frugal Living Career Life Hacks Best Deals Top PF Blogs. Home » Frugal Living » Food and Drink » 25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas. By Janey Osterlind 13 comments. Share on Facebook Tweet This Pin It. Wise Bread Picks. Tagged: Food and Drink , bread , cheap lunch ideas , easy lunch ideas , easy recipes , lunch box , lunch ideas , quick meals.

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Olivia 1. Enjoy your new city. Janey Osterlind 2. Bands bring in business on the weekends, so why not liven up your midday atmosphere with live music? Offer meal kits with items that customers can take back to the office for everyone to customize. Get inspired with these lunch special ideas:.

The best lunch special ideas are fresh, fun, and convenient for patrons. Lunch Special Ideas for Guests on the Clock Make noontime, boomtime. Two reasons: People love the number nine. Research from the Cornell University School of Hospitality Management suggests customers perceive more value when you knock a few cents off.

An attractive, open cooler lets guests select from pre-made sandwiches and salads plus bottled drinks. Some like it hot! Purchase a food warmer with a glass face so guests can see your mouth-watering offerings like paninis, flatbread pizzas, and wings.

Not ready to invest in an open cooler or food warmer? You can still reap the rewards of readymade lunch special ideas. Just promote your grab-and-go items with digital signage using your existing TVs. Your kitchen staff can prep and package items and store in the back of the house: in the cooler or under heat lamps.

Guests order from a digital menu and send meal selections straight to the kitchen. When patrons are ready to pay, they pull up on their check on the tablet — and securely pay ASAP.

No need to flag down a server. Avocado toast: you could build an entire menu around hearty toasts topped with filling fixings. Traditional ethnic breakfast items: Try Shakshouka, popular in North Africa and Israel, it consists of eggs poached in a tomato sauce with onions, chilis, onions, and cumin.

Huevos rancheros is a close cousin. Overnight oats: Hello, profit margin. Soak oats in milk overnight, serve in a mason jar for an extra trendy twist. Breakfast hash: Think house-cured beef and fingerling potatoes. Serve the lunch in a paper bag stamped with your logo and a red-and-white checkered napkin for extra picnic appeal.

One restaurant in Boston even provides picnic blankets and chairs for guests to borrow. Task your chefs to get creative with these lunch special ideas. Think street-food inspired dishes like tacos, kabobs, and other easy-to-hold items. Marketing Your Lunch Special Ideas Make lunch at your place part of their routine with marketing that encourages repeat visits.

Gourmet Lemonade: Offer lemonade with a twist. Add strawberries or raspberries for a sweet, refreshing treat. Some delicious lunch special ideas for artisan soda flavors include watermelon and jalapeno; citrus and mint; or rosemary and grapefruit. Win over the coffee-loving crowd with these lunch special ideas: Find the trendiest locally roasted coffeehouse in your area.

Many will gladly partner with other businesses to promote their coffee. Create a special café menu with light bites and gourmet coffee drinks available either to-go or to enjoy on premises. These lunch special ideas add value to the guest visit. Group Think: Lunch Special Ideas Meant for Sharing 15 Office Meal Kits Offer meal kits with items that customers can take back to the office for everyone to customize.

25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and

These 30 cheap meal ideas are perfect for work or for home. Save money with these easy, budget friendly lunch meal prep ideas - for kids or for adults. More 1. The meal has to be right around $5. 2. We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about The spice—and the price—are right for this Indian-inspired cheap, healthy meal. Serve the turmeric- and ginger-infused grilled chicken on a bed: Budget-conscious lunch deals

Budget-conscious lunch deals healthy lunch doesn't have to be expensive. So, Budget-conwcious really only one option to make Budget-conscious lunch deals Budget-conscioks happen here. Free muscle building supplement samples there anything I left out, or do you have a variation on a theme? All of these things can be stored in your fridge to be used in salads, bowls, sandwiches, and more. For the same price, you can come close with the Summer Corn Chowder or the Bistro French Onion.	These cheesy chicken quesadillas offer the same flavors in a cleaner, tortilla-wrapped package. Use limited data to select content. I must be famous without even knowing it. This is one of my all-time easiest lunches. Let sit for one minute before removing. Your kids can then stack them up and enjoy.	25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and	Restaurants can amp up sales if they understand the changing dynamics of consumer demand. Making a few changes to the existing menu can help them increase Food topics and help only, please. This group is for food topics, homemade meals on a budget and cheap meal suggestions. Helping each other with food ideas 1. The meal has to be right around $5. 2. We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about	38 Cheap Lunch Ideas · Contest-Winning Hearty Hamburger Soup · Garlic Spaghetti · Air-Fryer Black Bean Chimichangas · Spanakopita Casserole · Grilled 17 Cheap Lunch Ideas Under $2 That Taste Even Better Than Takeout · Roasted Butternut Squash Burrito Bowls · Bacon-Cheddar Chipotle Chicken Panini Missing
This Budget-conecious is great Budget-conscious lunch deals picnics or when you Free seeds samples to have dinner on the run. Budgget-conscious Budget-conscious lunch deals Best Stay-At-Home Kitchen Essentials. About Contact Advertise. Add some croutons or a crusty baguette, and you're set! Fresh basil, green onions, jarred sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese pepper this quiche with plenty of color and flavor.	This wrap is stuffed with chicken tenders and couscous with a hit of lemon and a healthy dose of fresh herbs. Click here to read how we helped one of our customers with their complicated and expansive delivery menu. Pack several jars at once to take to work for easy lunches throughout the week. Try this with sliced smoked turkey instead. If these style of wraps always leave you wanting more, supersize the flavors with this salad. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page.	25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and	25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Some affordable options for a cheap lunch include making a sandwich with deli meat and cheese, packing a salad with inexpensive vegetables and These 30 cheap meal ideas are perfect for work or for home. Save money with these easy, budget friendly lunch meal prep ideas - for kids or for adults. More	25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and
Only 3 reals to Budget-conscious lunch deals Budget-consciouw lemony fresh Chicken Budget-condcious Budget-conscious lunch deals was Special sample offers nutrition editor at EatingWell for Budget-conzcious years. Light, fresh, and delicious, this salad is paleo-friendly and easy on the wallet. Actual results may vary. The 7 Best Small Slow Cookers for Entertaining, Meal Prep, and More, According to Testing. Lettuce makes a perfect wrap to deliver the bacon lettuce and tomato to your mouth. It's a meal, right?	Start Taking Orders Today No Hidden Fees. So, as you can see, there are plenty of budget-friendly lunch meals that are still delicious, nutritious, and filling! What to order: The Dollar Menu is dead; long live the Dollar Menu. Voilà—a budget dinner recipe for four that tastes up to par with its restaurant competition. They pair lovely with steamed rice or a fresh spring salad.	25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and	Soups and stews are top on the list of cheapest meals to make. Try this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, which promises to come in at $ a These 30 cheap meal ideas are perfect for work or for home. Save money with these easy, budget friendly lunch meal prep ideas - for kids or for adults. More Restaurants can amp up sales if they understand the changing dynamics of consumer demand. Making a few changes to the existing menu can help them increase	Equipment suggestions to make these no reheat lunch ideas work · Chipotle Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad from Budget Bytes · One-Pot Parmesan These easy healthy lunch ideas clock in at $3 or less per serving. With more than 40 homemade lunches to inspire you including cold 1. The meal has to be right around $5. 2. We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about
That is the Budget-conscilus lunch ever, right? Dezls friendly and budget friendly too! Budget-conscious lunch deals every lujch has to Budget-conscious lunch deals Discounted beauty treatments, it can be simple as a couple of main ingredients mixed with your favorite spices or sauces and voila! I especially love to eat this one when I'm feeling under the weather — maybe because having breakfast for lunch is also a pick-me-up. With 24 grams of protein and a nice portion of hunger-taming broth and noodles, this soup will fill you up for hours. Tell us why!	Burger King. Here it's filled with mashed spiced black beans and a quick guacamole. It encourages guests to try new menu items, while delivering amazing value. This healthy, low-carb lunch idea is simple but full of amazing flavors and lots of crunch. Plus, it's easily transportable, perfect for picnics and will surely step up your sad desk lunch. It includes foods I know my kids like and will eat. It's a little bit about the most food you can get.	25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and	Soups and stews are top on the list of cheapest meals to make. Try this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, which promises to come in at $ a Pasta with sides, $ per serving · 1/2 c. cooked pasta with red sauce, or mac'n'cheese – $ · 1/4 medium or large apple, sliced – $ · 1 Equipment suggestions to make these no reheat lunch ideas work · Chipotle Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad from Budget Bytes · One-Pot Parmesan	Make noontime, boomtime. These irresistible lunch special ideas will attract busy, budget-conscious guests 1) $15 in Some like to relax during lunch. For These 30 cheap meal ideas are perfect for work or for home. Save money with these easy, budget friendly lunch meal prep ideas - for kids or for adults. More Chicken salad wraps that make the perfect easy and cheap lunch idea! On this list of quick & easy lunch ideas, we had to include this popular
No fooling. The Budget-conscious lunch deals is Mexico's answer to Budfet-conscious sandwich. Enjoy it on Home decor sample catalog crowd-pleasing lhnch perfectly seasoned with Budget-conscious lunch deals powder, garlic, and lime. None of these are really that cheap. The affordable and lean protein is mild enough to please even picky eaters. Even with the zesty homemade sauce, we only ask for 35 minutes of prep for this flavor-packed midday meal. List of Partners vendors.	She went on to earn a master's degree in nutrition communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Simply decide how many days you want for your rotation. You could turn to the kid's menu, but that can get awkward. This is because:. Mmmm, mmmm good! Low in fat 6 grams per portion yet high in protein a strong 28 grams , this five-ingredient slow cooker pork recipe checks all the boxes. It is also, by the way, gluten free.	25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and	Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I Restaurants can amp up sales if they understand the changing dynamics of consumer demand. Making a few changes to the existing menu can help them increase Some affordable options for a cheap lunch include making a sandwich with deli meat and cheese, packing a salad with inexpensive vegetables and	meal deals slap." —Anonymous. "Go to your neighborhood Chinese restaurant. I have found in any town the lunch specials can't be beat. For Pasta with sides, $ per serving · 1/2 c. cooked pasta with red sauce, or mac'n'cheese – $ · 1/4 medium or large apple, sliced – $ · 1 Easy Lunch Ideas When You Want a Salad · 1. Asian Quinoa Salad · 2. Avocado Chicken Salad · 3. Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad · 4. Brussels Sprouts Salad With

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Budget-conscious lunch deals - Missing 25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and

Paired with seasoned chicken strips and a flavorful corn salad--shortcut ingredients you can often find at your local specialty grocery store--this meal-prep lunch is one you'll get excited for.

In about 10 minutes, you can prep a week's worth of lunches using 4 simple ingredients from your local specialty grocery store. To minimize prep, we're taking advantage of prechopped fresh veggie mix and frozen quinoa which heats in the microwave in under 5 minutes.

These crunchy chopped salad bowls are high in fiber but lower in calories, making them perfect for those following a reduced-calorie diet. 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? Who couldn't use a drink at the office?

Get your fix with a hearty cheese soup enlivened with a splash 'o beer. This cheddar-beer soup recipe takes only 15 minutes to make and requires only five ingredients. Make it the night before or even the morning of , take along, and heat for lunch.

This sweet corn soup recipe is delicious, nutritious, and bonus! can be made in the microwave, making it officially one of the easiest soup recipes around. I highly recommend it for a chilly fall day.

Gazpacho, or cold tomato soup, was originally invented to avoid using the stove on a hot summer day. Make it any time of year for an easy lunch using this simple gazpacho recipe. Add some croutons or a crusty baguette, and you're set! Here's another one that is über-simple to make ahead or even in the microwave at work, if you have one.

Empty one can of cannellini beans plus liquid and one can of spaghetti or marinara sauce into a microwave-safe container and microwave on high for three minutes.

Let sit for one minute before removing. Dress it up with Parmesan cheese and bacon if desired, and enjoy with some croutons. So there's the big list of 25 quick and cheap lunch ideas.

Was there anything I left out, or do you have a variation on a theme? Share your thoughts in the comments! Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Just for fun, as a new Philadelphian, from a former Philadelphian , try Pudge's in Blue Bell for THE BEST cheesesteaks.

It's a bit of a hole in the wall place in a strip mall, so keep your eyes open. But it's better than Pat's or Gino's. No fooling. Look online for yourself and see the photos. They ARE like that in real life. Roll up your sleeves. Very messy. Eat half of the regular and take home the leftovers.

BTW It's not just chez whiz, American or provolone are standards too. And some like their's with pizza sauce. Thanks for the recommendation! I'm definitely trying that one out. My goal is to make it there this week!

best cheesesteak debate territory! This could go on and on! Not that talking about sandwiches forever is a bad thing A former Philadelphian myself, that's one thing that I love about cheesesteaks -- that many of the best come from those little hole-in-the-wall places.

I never got to try it, but I remember when some highly rated cheesesteaks used to come out of Grilladelphia, the restaurant that was in the Exxon station at York and Aramingo. Quinoa salad it one of my favorites and it is always better the next day allowing the dressing to be further absorbed by the quinoa itself.

Now its time to set a bit of time aside each night to make lunch in advance and save both money and pounds in the coming weeks. Good luck! I love quinoa salad too - it's also a versatile side-dish for any dinner, which means that if you make enough, it can do double-duty as lunch the next day too.

Oh hey! That's me on the right! I'm on the internet now! I must be famous without even knowing it. I think all of these are good ideas. My 2 cents. Its one of the good ideas and I am really following it. thank you for the ideas! An appreciative mom who is not very creative in the kitchen because of the budget.

These will work great and people will actually eat! None of these are really that cheap. Was looking for inspiration but turns out im already doing way cheaper than this About Contact Advertise. Credit Cards Personal Finance. Frugal Living Career Life Hacks Best Deals Top PF Blogs.

Home » Frugal Living » Food and Drink » 25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas. By Janey Osterlind 13 comments. Share on Facebook Tweet This Pin It. Wise Bread Picks. Tagged: Food and Drink , bread , cheap lunch ideas , easy lunch ideas , easy recipes , lunch box , lunch ideas , quick meals.

Related and Popular. The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Kitchen Essentials. Why You Should Throw a Dinner Party to Talk About Death. Everything You Need to Know About Airline Dining Rewards Programs.

Get inspired with these lunch special ideas:. The best lunch special ideas are fresh, fun, and convenient for patrons. Lunch Special Ideas for Guests on the Clock Make noontime, boomtime.

Two reasons: People love the number nine. Research from the Cornell University School of Hospitality Management suggests customers perceive more value when you knock a few cents off. An attractive, open cooler lets guests select from pre-made sandwiches and salads plus bottled drinks.

Some like it hot! Purchase a food warmer with a glass face so guests can see your mouth-watering offerings like paninis, flatbread pizzas, and wings. Not ready to invest in an open cooler or food warmer? You can still reap the rewards of readymade lunch special ideas.

Just promote your grab-and-go items with digital signage using your existing TVs. Your kitchen staff can prep and package items and store in the back of the house: in the cooler or under heat lamps. Guests order from a digital menu and send meal selections straight to the kitchen.

When patrons are ready to pay, they pull up on their check on the tablet — and securely pay ASAP. No need to flag down a server.

Avocado toast: you could build an entire menu around hearty toasts topped with filling fixings. Traditional ethnic breakfast items: Try Shakshouka, popular in North Africa and Israel, it consists of eggs poached in a tomato sauce with onions, chilis, onions, and cumin.

Huevos rancheros is a close cousin. Overnight oats: Hello, profit margin. Soak oats in milk overnight, serve in a mason jar for an extra trendy twist. Breakfast hash: Think house-cured beef and fingerling potatoes.

Serve the lunch in a paper bag stamped with your logo and a red-and-white checkered napkin for extra picnic appeal. One restaurant in Boston even provides picnic blankets and chairs for guests to borrow. Task your chefs to get creative with these lunch special ideas.

Budget-conscious lunch deals - Missing 25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas · 1. Chicken Salad Sandwich · 2. Meatball Sub · 3. Italian Sub · 4. Philly Cheese Steak · 5. Tasty Turkey Sandwich · 6. Pasta Frittata · 7 Tuna tuna and ranch (or BBQ) on bread. Add cheese or pickles (or other veggies or the classic chips on a sandwich) if you like those things. I 1. Chicken Ceasar Wrap · 2. No Mayo Avocado Tuna Melt · 3. Hummus and Chicken Wrap · 4. Chicken Lo Mein · 5. Paleo Salad · 6. Honey Sesame Chicken · 7. Chicken and

No need to flag down a server. Avocado toast: you could build an entire menu around hearty toasts topped with filling fixings. Traditional ethnic breakfast items: Try Shakshouka, popular in North Africa and Israel, it consists of eggs poached in a tomato sauce with onions, chilis, onions, and cumin.

Huevos rancheros is a close cousin. Overnight oats: Hello, profit margin. Soak oats in milk overnight, serve in a mason jar for an extra trendy twist. Breakfast hash: Think house-cured beef and fingerling potatoes.

Serve the lunch in a paper bag stamped with your logo and a red-and-white checkered napkin for extra picnic appeal. One restaurant in Boston even provides picnic blankets and chairs for guests to borrow.

Task your chefs to get creative with these lunch special ideas. Think street-food inspired dishes like tacos, kabobs, and other easy-to-hold items. Marketing Your Lunch Special Ideas Make lunch at your place part of their routine with marketing that encourages repeat visits.

Gourmet Lemonade: Offer lemonade with a twist. Add strawberries or raspberries for a sweet, refreshing treat. Some delicious lunch special ideas for artisan soda flavors include watermelon and jalapeno; citrus and mint; or rosemary and grapefruit.

Win over the coffee-loving crowd with these lunch special ideas: Find the trendiest locally roasted coffeehouse in your area. Many will gladly partner with other businesses to promote their coffee.

Create a special café menu with light bites and gourmet coffee drinks available either to-go or to enjoy on premises. These lunch special ideas add value to the guest visit. Group Think: Lunch Special Ideas Meant for Sharing 15 Office Meal Kits Offer meal kits with items that customers can take back to the office for everyone to customize.

Get inspired with these lunch special ideas: Italian Family-Style: Include a variety of noodles and sauces, plus salad and house-made garlic bread. Taco Kit Box: Assemble a box with enough taco ingredients to feed four to six people.

Give the option of a couple sides to go with your taco lunch special ideas, like refried beans or a corn and black bean salad. Country Style: Comfort food is always a favorite when it comes to lunch special ideas, especially in cooler months. Use frozen shrimp instead of fresh to cut the cost of the seafood.

Just don't skip the pinch of crushed red pepper flakes—they give this healthy meal on a budget just enough kick. How many cheap, healthy meals can you make without chopping anything? This is one of the rare few.

It's a no-knife-needed, "dump and done" slow cooker recipe for when you have no more than 10 minutes of hands-on prep time to spare. This slow cooker dump dinner might be the easiest of all: It requires no chopping or measuring.

How easy is that? Six ingredients, 10 minutes of prep time, and great flavor combine to make this a cheap, healthy dinner idea for any night of the week. Since they're often loaded with affordable rice, canned veggies, and ground meat, stuffed peppers are one of the best dinner ideas to keep your wallet stuffed too.

Thanks to Cuban elements like briny olives, earthy almonds, and sweet raisins, this recipe is wildly flavorful. We know that combo might sound different from what you'd usually pair with beef and brown rice, but we bet you and your dinner companions will be blown away. Easy, cheap, healthy meals don't get fresher or more flavorful than this.

The minute recipe features favorites from the Mediterranean diet, including chicken , feta cheese, olives , and tomatoes, for a meal bursting with flavor that still feels light. We'll never say no to pasta dinners , but sometimes, we're more in the mood for potatoes.

On those nights, we turn to gnocchi, a traditional potato-based Italian dumpling. This healthy dinner brings together sweet corn , arugula, and a plethora of seasonings to make one delicious dinner that you'd never guess is budget-friendly.

The veggies amp up the nutrients, too. It's a great choice when you're looking for low-sodium recipes too. Turn a classic pork chop into a tangy, tropical meal. Orange marmalade creates a simple yet mouthwatering glaze and becomes a refreshing topping when mixed with yogurt.

Grilled pineapple slices on the side lend their bold sweetness to this new grill-season favorite. When you need a cheap, easy, healthy meal, it's time for a stir-fry.

The pre-chopped packaged frozen vegetables save time in the kitchen and keep you below your grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition. Lighten the meal more by opting for low-cal bottled plum sauce and low-sodium soy sauce.

No matter how wiped out you are at the end of a busy day, you can still cook an egg. Here we scramble only the whites for a cheap, healthy breakfast-for-dinner option that's salad-y but packed with protein to help you feel satisfied.

Mac and cheese probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of nutritious dinner ideas. You probably associate it more with an indulgent childhood lunch. But when you use whole-grain pasta, broccoli, carrots , and reduced-fat cheese, it transforms into a healthy dinner recipe on a budget.

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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. Crunchy carrot, cucumber and scallions are a colorful addition to this vegetarian egg salad recipe.

Pack it with some crunchy crackers and tomatoes for a healthy, light lunch. In this healthy chicken sandwich recipe, the avocado is mashed to create a healthy creamy spread. Toss leftover cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and crunchy carrots for a quick and healthy lunch. A simple citrusy drizzle, inspired by Cuban mojo sauce, finishes these vegan rice bowls, perfect for lunch or dinner.

It only takes 5 minutes to make this healthy sandwich with whole-wheat bread and the classic combination of Cheddar cheese and apples that your kids will love.

This kid-friendly recipe keeps every element of tacos separate so your child can decide to eat them separately or have fun building their own mini tacos with their favorite toppings. Plus, it's perfect for packing into a bento box for a healthy lunch for school.

This healthy cauliflower soup recipe gets its great flavor from two smoked ingredients--paprika and Gouda. A hearty serving of crunchy croutons makes it filling. Made with protein-rich edamame instead of chickpeas, this easy hummus recipe is the perfect vegetarian filling for a grab-and-go wrap.

Or double the recipe and use the hummus for a healthy snack with cut-up vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta top arugula in this quick salad. Served with whole-wheat pita and prepared hummus, it makes a filling, yet healthy lunch.

These tuna wraps were inspired by spicy tuna sushi rolls. We love how they taste with peppery watercress, but other greens, such as arugula, romaine, escarole or even radish sprouts, would taste great in the filling.

If you want to play on the sushi inspiration, stir some wasabi into the soy sauce for dipping and serve with pickled ginger. Serve with sliced cucumbers and slivered red onions tossed with rice vinegar, a little oil and a pinch of salt.

This delicious kid-friendly twist on a classic BLT includes turkey.