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The Passport Kitchen

15 Cheap Lunch Ideas That Are So Good, You Won’t Believe They’re Affordable

December 1, 2024 by Donna Dizon Leave a Comment

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After all the fun (and stress) of Thanksgiving, it might be a bit of a shock to go back to “regular” life and actually have to make lunch every day! Back to work and back to school means that you need real food for lunch, and someone has to make it! 

With the added expenses of the holiday season, most people are looking for ways to cut down on their basic expenses so they can spend their money on fun things! These cheap lunch ideas will fill you up and save you money!

Creamy Almond Butter Noodles

Creamy Almond Butter Noodles.

Image Credit: A Sweet Alternative.

Almond butter noodles offer a creamy and savory taste, and they’re incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Ideal for those times when you need a speedy yet satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Almond Butter Noodles

 

Salmon Head Soup on a Budget

Salmon Head Soup On a Budget.

Image Credit: Foody Wise.

Salmon head soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly winter day and also makes for a refreshing light lunch during the warm summer months. Whether it’s a regular family dinner or a special meal for guests, this soup’s simplicity and elegance make it suitable for nearly any event.

Get the Recipe: Salmon Head Soup On a Budget

 

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken Salad Sandwiches.

Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

This Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it an ideal meal for any time! It’s perfect served on bread, a croissant, or a bed of lettuce. A versatile dish that can be prepared in advance, it’s great as a side or a main course!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwiches

 

Chunky Veg Soup 

Chunky Veg Soup In Soup Maker.

Image Credit: iRecipeThis.com.

Enjoy a delicious chunky vegetable soup made in a soup maker. This hearty soup is versatile, allowing for an easy combination of various seasonal vegetables, and it’s ideal for freezing.

Get the Recipe: Chunky Veg Soup In Soup Maker

 

Protein Snack Pack 

Protein Snack Pack – Easy Lunch Meal Prep.

Image Credit: The Forked Spoon.

Protein Snack Packs, brimming with hard-boiled eggs, almonds, hummus, and crunchy vegetables, offer an easy and tasty meal-prep option for lunchtime. Ideal for anyone who loves protein, these superb snack packs are great for school lunches, post-workout fuel, or enjoying during a picnic in the park.

Get the Recipe: Protein Snack Pack 

 

Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Recipe With Fried Chicken

Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Recipe with Fried Chicken.

Image Credit: The Butterfly Fairytale.

This gluten-free chicken salad recipe is mind-blowing! Enjoy succulent crispy chicken, vibrant crunchy vegetables, and a delectable creamy dressing that unites all the flavors. It doesn’t get better than this! Plus, this salad is not only gluten-free but also dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and incredibly simple to prepare. Yay!

Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Recipe with Fried Chicken

 

Peanut Butter Jelly and Banana Sliders

Peanut Butter Jelly and Banana Sliders.

Image Credit: Mommy Evolution.

Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Banana Sliders are a fantastic option for a back-to-school lunch or an afternoon snack.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Jelly and Banana Sliders

 

Homemade Egg Salad

Homemade Egg Salad.

Image Credit: Flavorful Eats.

Homemade Egg Salad, crafted with smooth mayo, crisp celery, fresh chives, and a zesty touch from two varieties of mustard, is bound to become your sandwich of choice!

Get the Recipe: Homemade Egg Salad

 

Easy Steak Pizzaiola Recipe (Carne Alla Pizzaiola)

Easy Steak Pizzaiola Recipe (Carne Alla Pizzaiola).

Image Credit: Cusina by Elena.

The Easy Steak Pizzaiola Recipe (Carne Alla Pizzaiola) is a quick and simple dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. This traditional Italian recipe features succulent, thinly sliced steak seared and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by the salty tang of green olives and capers for a flavorful and lively meal.

Get the Recipe: Easy Steak Pizzaiola Recipe (Carne Alla Pizzaiola)

 

Microwave Grilled Cheese Recipe

Grilled Cheese in Microwave (Microwave Grilled Cheese Recipe).

Image Credit: Summer Yule.

Making a grilled cheese in the microwave is definitely possible! With just two simple ingredients, you can create a delicious sandwich featuring melted cheese and perfectly toasted bread. Discover the steps for crafting a microwave grilled cheese, also known as cheese on toast or a cheese toastie in the UK. Additionally, explore the optimal methods for preparing grilled cheese, including techniques for those without a toaster.

Get the Recipe: Microwave Grilled Cheese Recipe

 

Chickpea Curry Soup

Chickpea Curry Soup.

Image Credit: Vegan Huggs.

This Chickpea Curry Soup is the perfect antidote to a chilly winter day. It’s robust, rich in protein, and brimming with savory tastes. Moreover, it’s quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes, and requires straightforward ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry Soup

 

Leftover Turkey Roll-Up 

Leftover Turkey Roll Up Appetizer.

Image Credit: Homemade Heather.

These delicious turkey roll-ups make the perfect lunch. It’s great because you can use Thanksgiving leftovers or make the dishes for dinner and then use the leftovers for a cheap and easy lunch. 

Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Roll-Up

 

Egg Salad With Greek Yogurt

Healthy High Protein Egg Salad With Greek Yogurt.

Image Credit: Basics with Bails.

This High-Protein Egg Salad offers a creamy, delectable, and healthful variation on the traditional recipe, incorporating Greek yogurt for an additional protein punch. It’s ideal for a speedy lunch, a snack, or a light supper, being simple to prepare and brimming with taste!

Get the Recipe: Healthy High Protein Egg Salad With Greek Yogurt

 

Rice Flour Chicken Wings With Egg Whites

Rice Flour Chicken Wings With Egg Whites.

Image Credit: Box Mix Recipes.

Simple, gluten-free, and incredibly tasty! You’re going to enjoy these Rice Flour Chicken Wings with Egg Whites.

Get the Recipe: Rice Flour Chicken Wings With Egg Whites

 

Croatian Style Grilled Chicken Marinated in Lemon

Croatian Style Grilled Chicken Marinated In Lemon.

Image Credit: Recipe Idea Shop.

This succulent, Croatian-style grilled chicken, seasoned with lemon, salt, and pepper, is grilled to perfection, reminiscent of the chicken enjoyed in Croatia. For optimal tenderness, marinate the chicken in a blend of lemon juice and olive oil for several hours; it pairs beautifully with any dish!

Get the Recipe: Croatian Style Grilled Chicken Marinated In Lemon

Read More:

Attractive woman is eating vegetable soup in a cafe.

Image Credit: PV productions/Shutterstock.

Check out these other awesome recipes!

  • 30 Irresistible Cabbage Recipes That Prove It’s the Ultimate Superfood
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Filed Under: Great Food

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