Cheap Lunch Recipes Vegetarian: Easy & Tasty Meal Ideas

Are you searching for delicious, affordable, and satisfying vegetarian lunches that won’t break the bank? If so, you’re in the right place!

Eating well on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. In fact, some of the most comforting and flavorful meals are built around humble, plant-based ingredients.

Whether you’re meal prepping for work, feeding a family, or just trying to eat more greens, these cheap lunch recipes vegetarian are designed to make lunchtime easy, healthy, and wallet-friendly.

From hearty bean salads to warming soups and vibrant stir-fries, vegetarian lunches can be endlessly varied and deeply satisfying. In this post, I’ll share three of my favorite cheap vegetarian lunch recipes: Chickpea Salad Sandwiches, Vegetable Fried Rice, and a nourishing Lentil Soup.

Each one is bursting with flavor, packed with nutrients, and—most importantly—easy on your budget. Let’s dive in and discover how simple, affordable vegetarian cooking can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: These recipes use affordable pantry staples like beans, rice, and lentils, making them perfect for families and students alike.
• Easy to Prepare: No fancy ingredients or special skills required—just simple steps and everyday kitchen tools.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Each recipe stores well in the fridge, making your lunches for the week a breeze.
• Nutrient-Packed: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins to keep you full and energized all afternoon.
• Customizable: Swap out veggies, spices, or grains based on what you have on hand.

“Vegetarian lunches don’t have to be expensive or boring. With a few clever tricks and smart shopping, you can enjoy vibrant, filling meals every day!”

Cheap Vegetarian Lunch Recipes: 3 Inexpensive Ideas

Below you’ll find three of my go-to cheap vegetarian lunch recipes, each with a detailed ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of tips for making them your own. Let’s start with a classic sandwich that’s perfect for on-the-go meals.

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Cutting board & knife
• Grater (for carrot)
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Mash the chickpeas: Place drained chickpeas in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them up, leaving some chunks for texture.
2. Prepare the veggies: Add finely chopped celery, grated carrot, and red onion to the bowl.
3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Combine everything: Pour the dressing over the chickpea and veggie mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out bread slices. Pile the chickpea mixture on two slices, top with lettuce if using, and close with the remaining bread.
6. Serve: Slice in half and enjoy immediately, or wrap up for a packed lunch!

Tips & Variations

• Swap in Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter, tangy twist.
• Add chopped pickles, capers, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Serve the salad in lettuce wraps or as a dip with crackers for a low-carb option.
• This filling is also delicious on toasted bagels or stuffed in pita bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Pack with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or apple slices for a balanced lunchbox.
• Pair with a cup of this Lectin Free Soup for a heartier meal.
• Enjoy with homemade Lemon Crackers for a zesty snack on the side.

Conclusion

This chickpea salad sandwich is proof that cheap vegetarian lunches can be both nourishing and crave-worthy. Made with pantry staples and fresh veggies, it’s a versatile option you’ll want to pack again and again.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, keep reading for two more of my favorite affordable vegetarian lunches!

Vegetable Fried Rice

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Chop vegetables and slice green onions. If using eggs, beat lightly in a bowl.
2. Heat oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and white parts of green onions. Sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add vegetables: Toss in mixed vegetables. Cook 3-4 minutes until just tender.
5. Push veggies aside: If using egg, pour it into the cleared side of the pan and scramble until just cooked.
6. Add rice: Add cooked rice, breaking up clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together.
7. Season: Pour over soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well and cook 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
8. Finish: Stir in green onion tops, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use whatever leftover veggies you have—broccoli, spinach, zucchini, or even frozen mixed vegetables work well.
• For a protein boost, add cubed tofu or edamame instead of egg.
• Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice as it prevents sogginess.
• Spice it up with chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.

“Fried rice is the ultimate fridge-cleanout meal. Use what you have and make it your own!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple Harvest Hash for a hearty lunch spread.
• Top with sliced avocado or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
• Serve with a side of Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula for a lunch full of color and flavor.

Conclusion

This vegetable fried rice recipe is a classic for a reason: it’s quick, filling, and incredibly affordable. With endless customization options, it’s a lunch you’ll never get bored of.

Now, let’s finish up with a warming bowl that’s perfect for chilly afternoons or anytime you need something extra comforting on a budget.

Simple Lentil Soup

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer: Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Season: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot, with crusty bread if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
• Use red lentils for a quicker-cooking, creamier soup.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
• For more flavor, toss in a parmesan rind while simmering (remove before serving).

“A pot of lentil soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day—and it costs just pennies per serving!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with toasted High Altitude Wheat Bread for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Pair with a crisp salad or a side of Low Salt Biscuits for extra comfort.

Conclusion

Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these cheap lunch recipes vegetarian, you can fill your lunchbox with nutritious, flavorful meals that are easy on your wallet and your schedule.

Whether you crave a hearty sandwich, a comforting bowl of soup, or a quick stir-fry, these recipes prove that affordable vegetarian lunches can be deliciously satisfying.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients, get creative with leftovers, and make these meals your own. Looking for more inspiring ideas?

Check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or try a sweet treat like Kolasnittar for dessert. Happy cooking, and remember—eating well can be simple, affordable, and absolutely delicious!

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