Spending $12 on lunch here and there doesn't feel like much-until you look back and realize how often it happens. Packing lunch takes a little planning, but once you've got a few easy go-tos, it becomes second nature.
The goal isn't gourmet. It's food that holds up, fills you up, and doesn't cost half your daily budget. These are the lunches I rely on to avoid overpriced takeout, and they've saved me hundreds over time without making me feel like I'm living off scraps.
Chicken salad on crackers or bread
Cooked chicken, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper are the base. Add celery, pickles, onion, or grapes depending on what you have. Mix it up in bulk and keep it chilled for quick lunches.
It's easy to pack with crackers or bread, and it holds up well in a lunchbox. One batch makes enough for several days, and it doesn't feel like the same boring sandwich over and over.
Turkey wraps with hummus or cream cheese
Tortillas are a great base for packed lunches. Layer in sliced turkey, cheese, spinach, and a spread like hummus or cream cheese. Roll it up and slice it in half or into pinwheels.
It travels well, takes less than five minutes to make, and tastes fresh even after sitting in the fridge all morning. You can swap the meat or add veggies depending on what needs to be used up.
Pasta salad
Cold pasta salad with a vinaigrette base holds up better than mayo-based ones and works great for packed lunches. Add diced veggies, cheese cubes, or beans for more staying power.
You can prep a big batch and portion it out through the week. It's one of those lunches that doesn't need reheating and still tastes good by day three.
Hard-boiled eggs with fruit and nuts
Sometimes lunch doesn't have to be a sandwich. A couple of hard-boiled eggs, an apple, and a handful of almonds or trail mix can actually be enough to get through the afternoon.
It's a lighter option but still gives you enough protein and fiber to avoid the 3 p.m. crash. You can prep it in batches, and it doesn't cost much at all.
Leftover rice bowls
Leftover rice becomes a base for nearly anything. Add roasted veggies, scrambled eggs, or leftover meat with a little sauce or seasoning, and you've got a filling lunch.
It reheats fast and doesn't feel like you're scraping the bottom of the fridge. You can keep it basic or dress it up with sriracha, soy sauce, or even ranch.
Tuna and crackers
A can of tuna mixed with mayo or mustard is fast, protein-packed, and cheap. Pack it with crackers, sliced cucumbers, or celery sticks for a lunch that doesn't feel like a downgrade.
You can dress it up with seasoning, relish, or shredded cheese. It's shelf-stable until opened, so it's easy to keep the ingredients on hand for a last-minute grab-and-go.
PB&J with carrot sticks and pretzels
There's a reason this one's been around forever. It's fast, affordable, and still works when you're tired of meal prepping. Toss in carrots or pretzels to round it out a little.
It might not feel exciting, but it keeps you from hitting the drive-thru. You can switch up the bread or swap in almond butter to make it feel a little different without adding much cost.
Mini snack boxes
Think like a bento box-cheese cubes, sliced meat, crackers, fruit, nuts, or veggies. It feels a little more fun to eat and lets you use up random fridge items.
You're not cooking anything, and it still feels like a real lunch. Plus, it helps you stay out of the convenience store trap of grabbing snacks that don't actually fill you up.
Leftover soup in a thermos
If you make soup for dinner, set some aside for lunch. A good thermos will keep it warm until you're ready to eat. It works well with chili, potato soup, or even ramen.
It takes the pressure off planning and feels more satisfying than most cold lunches. Pair it with a piece of fruit or some crackers, and it's a full meal for under $3.
Egg salad pita pockets
Egg salad is fast to make, especially if you keep boiled eggs in the fridge. Tuck it into a pita with lettuce or spinach, and it's less messy than a sandwich.
You can make several at once or prep the filling ahead. It holds up well and tastes good cold, which makes it easy to pack without fuss.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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