20 Cold Lunch Ideas For Adults (That Are Easy On Your Wallet)
Tired of the same boring desk lunches or spending too much on takeout?
These budget-friendly cold lunch ideas for adults are quick to prep, full of flavor, and totally microwave-free. They are perfect for busy adults who want to eat well at lunchtime and spend less.
Try one of these simple ideas this week and give your lunch break a tasty upgrade!
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20 Cheap (& Delicious) Cold Lunch Ideas For Adults
1. Hummus & Veggie Wrap
*Great vegetarian option
This hummus and veggie wrap is a light, healthy, and budget-friendly meal option. Load up your wrap with whatever crisp and colorful veggies you have on hand. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and full of satisfying crunch.
2. Ramen Noodle Salad
Make this light and fresh ramen noodle salad recipe that you can use for lunch all week!
3. Chickpea Salad
This chickpea salad recipe combines fresh vegetables, is easy (and perfect) to make ahead, and is packed with protein.
4. Turkey Ranch Club Wrap
Packed with lean turkey, crunchy lettuce, crisp bacon, and juicy tomatoes, this turkey wrap is a lighter, wallet-friendly twist on the classic BLT. Wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and easy to prep ahead, it’s a balanced lunch that keeps you full.
Pro Tip: Cook the bacon and chop all the veggies ahead of time, storing them in containers for easy access. Then, assemble your wrap fresh on the day you plan to eat it for the best flavor and texture.
5. Adult Lunchable
Mix and match budget-friendly favorites like hard-boiled eggs, cheese cubes, apple slices, deli meats, crackers, and carrot sticks. It’s versatile, healthy, and a nostalgic upgrade from the lunchables you ate as a kid.
6. Apple Broccoli Salad
*Vegan option
This brocooli apple salad combines vegetables, fruits, and seeds for a nutritious lunch that can be prepped quickly and eaten throughout the week.
Related: Cheap & Easy Dinner Ideas
7. Veggie & Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, add grated carrots, broccoli, red bell pepper, and spices. Roll and slice into pinwheels for a fun and unique lunch option.
8. Leftover Grain Bowl
Use leftover rice, quinoa, or couscous. Top with whatever veggies or protein you have on hand, plus a splash of dressing for a healthy and filling lunch.
9. Healthier Chicken Salad
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt, add diced apples, celery, and a bit of Dijon mustard for this lighter version of classic chicken salad. Serve in a wrap, on a bagel, over greens, or with crackers.
Pro Tip: If you have leftover cooked chicken from dinner, shred it to use for easy lunches.
10. Hummus & Veggie Snack Box
Assemble your own snack lunch with hummus, sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, pita wedges, and a hard-boiled egg.
11. Antipasto Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with chopped salami, olives, peppers, and a splash of vinaigrette for a savory lunchtime treat.
12. Cottage Cheese Power Bowl
Cottage cheese is having a moment and it’s easy to see why. It’s high in protein, super versatile, and budget-friendly.
Create your own power-packed lunch bowl by topping it with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, avocado, a sliced hard-boiled egg, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or black pepper.
13. Black Bean Salad
Mix canned black beans, corn, red onion, peppers, lime juice, and cilantro, and seasonings. This black bean salad recipe is delicious served as a salad or scooped up with chips.
14. Apple & Cheddar Sandwich
Sliced apples and cheddar cheese on whole grain bread make a sweet and savory combo that’s surprisingly filling. Add greens and turkey for extra protein.
15. Tuna Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill raw bell pepper halves with tuna salad for a crunchy, colorful twist.
16. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
A classic egg salad wrapped in romaine or butter lettuce leaves keeps things light and low-carb. Buy eggs in bulk to save money.
You could also have this egg salad:
- on whole grain bread
- with crackers
- in a wrap
17. Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a splash of balsamic glaze = a fancy-feeling, low-cost lunch. Put it on a baguette to make it a sandwich!
18. Rotisserie Chicken Wrap
Shred rotisserie chicken, add lettuce and your favorite dressing in a tortilla. Simple and no cooking required!
19. Greek Yogurt & Fruit Parfait
*Easy and healthy
Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola for a high-protein, low-cost option.
Related: Best Cheap Breakfast Ideas For On The Go
20. Pesto Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with store-bought pesto, cherry tomatoes, and shredded parmesan for a tasty lunchbox win. Add rotisserie chicken for more protein if desired.
Related: 10 Simple Meal Plan Worksheets & Ideas
Quick Ideas to Save More
- Shop seasonal produce for the best deals
- Buy in bulk (grains, beans, wraps)
- Prep several lunches at onces to save time
- Make your own dressing to cust costs (and sugar!)
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