When you’re busy doing errands, and there’s not much time to make lunch or dinner, a stop at the deli for mile-high sandwiches sounds like just the ticket. But at an average of $5 to $7 a sandwich, you’re going to spend a bundle.

A homemade tuna salad sandwich costs a fraction of what the deli charges, and you can keep the tuna always on hand in the pantry. But maybe you’re sick of the same old, same old. It’s amazing what a little green onion, lemon juice, and dill can do. And what about using canned salmon instead of tuna? Watch this video, “How to Make Tuna Salad,” for a step-by-step recipe.

Bringing lunch to work is another of those New Year’s resolutions that’s easy to break. Who feels like making lunch when you’re rushing to get out the door in the morning? Pita bread sandwiches make it easy. This Greek Salad Pita gives you your greens with a lot of flavor, and the satisfaction of a hearty sandwich. Pack the salad and the bread separately and put them together when you’re ready for lunch. (Get more pita sandwich recipes here.)

If deli meats are what you crave, try a  New Orleans–Style Muffuletta, an Italian sub and a Big Easy classic all in one, with the addition of olive salad to the layers of meats and cheeses.

Hot sandwiches, we admit, are harder to make for a brown-bag lunch. But on the weekend or even for dinner, served with a salad, an eggplant parm or a Monte Cristo taste just right. The sandwiches below average a half-hour or less to make, and with our handy-dandy Shopping List app, you can have all the ingredients ready to go when you are.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich: Eggplant sandwiches from the deli are delicious, but usually loaded with oil and way more cheese than eggplant. This version uses grilled eggplant and low-fat mozzarella to cut the calories while giving you all the pleasure of a traditional eggplant parm.

Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich: Grilled ham and cheese on sourdough bread gets an added spike of flavor  with a dab of cranberry mustard. Try it, you’ll like it!

Taco-Turkey Sandwich: Here’s a sandwich that satisfies your taco jones without the taco shell. Bake this combo of turkey breast, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, jalapeños, and onions, made spicy with chili powder and cumin, and you have a Mexican-style masterpiece.

Ready to just say no to pricey deli sandwiches? Check out all our Sandwich Recipes for ideas!

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Categories: Make the Takeout | Tags: Italian Sandwich, Lunch Sandwiches, Quick and Easy, Tuna, Turkey
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