Salads are the perfect go-to meal or side dish when you’re trying to eat healthy yet don’t have the time or desire to cook. Throw some spinach into a bowl, toss in some feta cheese and maybe some slivered almonds or dried cranberries if you’re feeling bougie and voila!  You just made a 30-second meal.

We all know that fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean salads are off-limits if you’re budget-conscious. Try one of the simple, quick and budget-friendly recipes below if you’re looking to step up your salad game without breaking the bank.

Lemon vinaigrette on greens

You can try this homemade lemon vinaigrette from Taste of Home on either romaine or spinach.

Photo: Taste of Home
Photo: Taste of Home

Tomato mozzarella basil salad

This recipe is a play on the classic Caprese salad, and there are tips to help you save at the supermarket!

Photo: Real Moms of Vegas
Photo: Real Moms of Vegas

Crisp tomato zucchini salad

Try this recipe in the summer, when garden-fresh tomatoes are in season.

Photo: Taste of Home
Photo: Taste of Home

Salmon, spinach and orzo salad

If you can catch fresh salmon on sale (or use canned salmon if you dare), this salad will help you add some healthy omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.

Photo: OneHundredDollarsAMonth
Photo: OneHundredDollarsAMonth

Mediterranean cucumber salad

This yummy salad is basically just a few veggies tossed in marinade and it takes only a few minutes to make.

Photo: Greatist
Photo: Greatist

Zucchini ramen noodle salad

For a vegan, gluten-free option, try this salad that utilizes zucchini noodles in place of ramen, along with romaine, cucumber, tomato and carrots.

Photo: One Green Planet
Photo: One Green Planet

Chicken strawberry spinach salad

Simple, quick, healthy and tasty. What more could you want from a salad? Try it here.

Photo: About.com
Photo: About.com

With any of these suggestions, you are sure to have a healthy, delightful treat for lunch!

salads to make for lunch
Photo: Giphy

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