Lunch recipes that will save you money
by
Penny Mathebula
March 2026
Let’s take it back to the basics. A simple sandwich might remind you of school lunchboxes, but don’t worry, we’ve given those nostalgic classics a modern makeover.
With pantry staples like jam, butter, peanut butter, tuna, bread and a few other everyday ingredients, you can create affordable, delicious lunches without sacrificing flavour.
Grilled peanut butter and jam sandwich
What you’ll need
2 slices of bread
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp jam
1 tbsp butter
How to make it
Prepare the sandwich by spreading peanut butter on one slice of bread and jam on the other.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt ½ tbsp butter.
Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill until the first side is golden brown.
Remove the sandwich, melt the remaining ½ tbsp butter, then return the sandwich to grill the second side.
Cook until crisp and evenly browned. Slice and serve warm.
Tuna sandwich
What you’ll need
1 can tuna in olive oil, undrained
⅓ cup cottage cheese
2 tbsp mayonnaise
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 tbsp capers
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh dill, chopped (pinch or two)
2 tbsp minced parsley
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 slices of lightly toasted bread
Lettuce and tomato slices (optional)
How to make it
Prepare the tuna mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, capers, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and Dijon mustard until evenly mixed.
Assemble the sandwich: Serve on toasted bread, either open-faced or between two slices. Add lettuce and tomato if desired. For a low‑carb alternative, serve on a bed of sliced lettuce.
Simple ingredients can go a long way. These updated classics use every day pantry staples to create affordable, flavourful lunches with minimal effort.
#LoveChange
Welcome to BrightRock, the needs-matched money company
When you think about your money, you’re actually thinking about your life. About the people you love and the things you want to do. And about life’s big Change Moments – like when you land that job, make a home, tie the knot or start a family.
At BrightRock, we want to help you make money decisions that reflect your life, your changing needs, and all the things that are really important to you.