Every Sunday, we swear we’re going to pack lunch all week…but then things get busy and we’re back to buying the same $13, subpar salad. (Bye, shoe money.) This week, things will be different: Presenting five exciting lunches that will cost you only $30 to make, plus a few staples you already have in your pantry.
How to Make a Week of Happy Desk Lunches for $30
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Published Feb 7, 2017
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Your Grocery List
1 box quinoa: $3.59
2 sweet potatoes: $2.39
1 bag cut mixed kale: $3.49
1/2 lb Boar’s Head Ovengold turkey breast: $6
1 loaf whole wheat bread: $3.59
1 avocado: $3
1 can chickpeas: 1.39
1 cucumber: $1.29
2 plum tomatoes: $1.19
Sabra hummus: $3.49
Total: $29.42
Monday: Warm Quinoa, Sweet Potato And Kale Salad
What you need: ½ cup uncooked quinoa, ½ sweet potato, 1 cup shredded kale (plus any extra toppings you have in the pantry, like nuts, pomegranate seeds or cheese).
Don’t let homemade salad dressing intimidate you: Use ingredients you already have on hand, like olive oil, vinegar and lemon, to make an easy, zesty citrus dressing.
Tuesday: Power Veggie Sandwich
What you need: 2 slices whole-wheat bread, ½ avocado, 2 tbsp. hummus, sliced tomato and cucumber.
Pile this sandwich high with any extra veggies you have on hand, or add a few slices of deli turkey for extra protein.
Wednesday: Kale Caesar Salad With Roasted Chickpeas
What you need: ½ can chickpeas, 1 cup kale, hummus for dressing, Parmesan cheese (optional, if you have it).
Who needs croutons when you’ve got chickpeas roasted to crispy perfection in garlic powder and olive oil? Make your own vegan Caesar dressing using hummus, lemon and the Dijon mustard sitting in your fridge.
Thursday: Avocado Toast With Turkey
What you need: 2 slices whole-wheat toast, 4 slices deli turkey, ½ avocado, sliced tomato.
Sprinkle a dash of lemon juice and red pepper flakes in the avocado mash. Trust us, it’ll be your new favorite.
Friday: Kale & Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Potato
What you need: 1 sweet potato, ½ cup uncooked quinoa, ½ cup shredded kale.
Edible veggie bowls > normal bowls. Drizzle your masterpiece with olive oil, honey and lime (or whatever else you’ve got on hand) for even more flavor.
