Not Sad Desk Lunch

13 Low-Cost Lunches to Pack for Work

by: Katie Macdonald

January 16, 2018

Maybe you’re trying to keep to a budget to save up for a special trip or a new Dutch oven. Or maybe you’ve recently taken a look at your billing statements and would like to stop personally funding Seamless. Whatever your reason, the new year is a great time to reassess our habits, including what we bring for lunch.

We all know dining in saves money, and that sandwiches and salads and soups are budget-friendly and also travel well. But don't feel like that has to mean subsisting off of PB&Js for days straight (unless that's your thing). Smart meal planning can keep brown bagging it from feeling like a sacrifice. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 13 lunches guaranteed to keep you (and your wallet) full.

Japanese 7-11 Egg Salad Sandwich

World's Easiest Falafel and Tzatziki

Chicken & Cabbage Salad with Sesame Seeds, Scallions & Almonds

5 Bean Curry

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta (a.k.a. the Lazy Cook's Fettuccine Alfredo)

Vegan Hoppin' John

Marcella Hazan's White Bean Soup with Garlic and Parsley

Two-Peas Pesto Chicken Salad

Of Course the Endlessly Adaptable Frittata Needs No Recipe

Weeknight Ragù

Charred Broccoli and Lentil Salad

Mom's Aloo Gobhi

Joan's on Third's Curried Chickpeas

What's your favorite low-cost lunch? Share your tasty tips in the comments!

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Katie is a food writer and editor who loves cheesy puns and cheesy cheese.

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1 Comment

Molly W. January 16, 2018

As a freelancer who works from home, I have to force myself to actually stop to eat lunch like a civilized person. My easy go to is a few good handfuls of spinach sauteed with red peppers (roasted or raw), turkey (deli), and a handful of toasted walnuts. If I want to splurge on the calories I add a shake of parm on top. Filling and cheap and delicious. And in the winter, nice ' n' warm!