Takeout is great until you realize you’ve spent half your paycheck on lunches that could have been homemade in less time than it took to order. These 17 meals are fast, full of flavor, and don’t require a long grocery list. Whether working from home or packing up for the day, they make lunch something to look forward to. If the usual lunchtime decision is “spend too much or eat something boring,” this list fixes both.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Throw in some juicy pulled pork, and suddenly you’ve got yourself an adult favorite that saves your wallet from takeout. Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. It’s cheesy, it’s meaty, and it’s downright delicious. Forget the drive-thru when you can whip up this gem in your kitchen, leaving you satisfied and your bank account happy.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Ever find yourself in a lunch rut? Well, here’s a game changer for you. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts mixes sweetness with crunch, creating a lunch option that’s far from boring. It’s like giving your usual chicken salad a gourmet upgrade without the fancy price tag. Perfect for meal prep, this salad will have you looking forward to lunchtime without the dread of spending extra on a meal out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
It’s like taking a quick trip to Greece during your lunch break without the travel hassle. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches offer a tasty adventure with every bite. Juicy meatballs combined with fresh veggies and creamy sauce all wrapped up in a pita — sounds like a dream, right? It’s a lunch that feels fancy but is oh-so-easy to put together. Save your cash, skip the plane ticket, and enjoy a Greek delight right from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Pesto Orzo Salad
Are you in the mood for something light yet fulfilling? Pesto Orzo Salad might just be your next go-to lunch. It’s packed with flavor thanks to the pesto, and the orzo provides that perfect pasta fix. This salad hits different when you’re looking for a quick lunch fix that’s both refreshing and hearty. Plus, you get to avoid the sad salad bar and keep that lunchtime joy alive.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Reuben Sliders
Think of Reuben Sliders as the tiny heroes of your lunchtime saga. They’re small but mighty, packing all the flavors of the classic sandwich in a bite-sized package. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a Reuben without the commitment of a full-sized sandwich. Ideal for sharing or not (no judgment here), these sliders are a surefire way to beat those pricey lunch blues. So, why reach for your wallet when you can reach for a slider?
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is here to rescue you from complicated recipes and expensive takeouts. With just a few ingredients, you can have a meal that’s both nutritious and gratifying. It’s the kind of lunch that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought meals. Explore this easy dish and save your money for something other than overpriced salads.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
French Dip Chaffwich
Let’s twist things up with a low-carb hero that doesn’t skimp on flavor. French Dip Chaffwich swaps out traditional bread for a chaffle, making it a unique choice for those watching their carb intake. Get all the tasty goodness of a French dip in a novel and healthier format. It’s a clever lunch solution that keeps things interesting and your pocketbook fuller. Who knew cutting carbs could taste this good and be gentle on your wallet?
Get the Recipe: French Dip Chaffwich
Steak & Pasta Salad
Who says you can’t enjoy steak for lunch without the hefty price tag? Steak & Pasta Salad is the answer to your meaty cravings, combining the best of both worlds: juicy steak and comforting pasta. This salad proves that a luxurious lunch doesn’t have to empty your pockets. It’s quick to assemble, delicious to eat, and easy on your finances. So, go ahead, indulge a little without the guilt of spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Sometimes, only a classic will do, and Pastrami Reuben Sandwich is as classic as it gets. Picture your favorite deli sandwich, then upgrade it by making it at home. This sandwich doesn’t mess around with its bold flavors and hearty fillings, providing a satisfying lunch that keeps takeout at bay. It’s the ultimate comfort food that reminds you homemade is not only better for your taste but also for your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Salmon Pasta Salad
Need a break from the usual chicken and beef options? Salmon Pasta Salad brings a fresh perspective to lunchtime with its light and tasty twist. Not only is it healthier, but it also provides a welcomed change from the meat-heavy lunches you’re used to. It’s simple to make, delicious to eat, and easy on your budget, showing once again that great meals don’t have to come with a high price tag.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
When you crave something hearty and substantial, Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich comes to the rescue. It’s loaded with meat, making it the perfect pick-me-up during a busy day. This sandwich is like a tribute to New York delis, offering big flavors without requiring a big spend. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you full, satisfied, and happy that you decided to eat in. Opt for this, and forget about pricey, less fulfilling alternatives.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Here’s a little life hack: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad puts last night’s chicken to excellent use. It’s an ideal choice for a no-fuss, delicious lunch that comes together in minutes. You’re not just saving money; you’re also getting a hearty and tasty meal out of leftovers. This salad is proof that a little creativity goes a long way in making lunchtime both exciting and economical. No need for a food delivery app when you’ve got this recipe up your sleeve.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Cuban Chaffle Sandwich
Ready for a lunchtime escape to Havana? Cuban Chaffle Sandwich might be your ticket. This dish brings a twist to the traditional Cuban sandwich by swapping out regular bread for a chaffle, keeping things interesting and low-carb. It’s a flavorful journey that won’t have you stressing about your wallet. Grab a bite, and let yourself be transported to the streets of Cuba, no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Chaffle Sandwich
Cucumber Salad with Feta
If you’re on the hunt for something on the lighter side, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a refreshing pick. It’s crisp, it’s crunchy, and it’s incredibly easy to throw together. This salad brings a taste of summer to your lunchtime, regardless of the season. It’s the perfect antidote to heavy, greasy takeout and keeps your lunch light without skimping on flavor. Plus, it’s kind to your wallet — what more could you ask for?
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Texas BLT
Take a classic BLT and give it a Texan twist, and you’ve got yourself a Texas BLT. This isn’t your ordinary sandwich; it’s a hearty, gratifying lunch option that’ll keep you full and happy until dinner. It’s all about big flavors and big satisfaction, without the big spending. Why settle for a sad desk lunch when you can have a sandwich that’s as bold as Texas itself? Save your dollars and taste every bite.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Forget about a trip to Philly; bring the cheesesteak to you with Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. It’s a simpler, more wallet-friendly way to enjoy the flavors of a beloved classic. This sandwich packs all the tasty goodness you crave, making it a solid choice for a fulfilling lunch. You’re not just saving on cash; you’re also treating yourself to a homemade feast. It’s the kind of meal that makes skipping takeout a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
Sometimes, only a dip will do, and Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich delivers. It’s your way to recreate a restaurant favorite right at home, minus the hefty price tag. You get all the juicy, meaty goodness of the beloved sandwich, ensuring a lunchtime victory. It’s about bringing a piece of dining out experience to your table, without the extra costs. So, go ahead, dip into this classic and keep that lunch budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
