Sandwiches can make a quick dinner as well as a fun picnic meal. Check out these cold, easily packable sandwiches that are good enough to write home about.
Sandwiches are some of my favorite, easy meals. But, I’m not talking bologna on white bread. I’m talking about mini masterpieces that boast plenty of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re looking for a great picnic lunch, something new and refreshing to brown bag to school or work, or just an easy meal to pack on your next road trip, you’re bound to save money and eat well with these fantastic sandwiches. Not only can you make them delicious, but you can also make them healthy and economical.
Tips for making better sandwiches
1. Start with great bread. Make your own or buy quality bread. It’s the base of a great sandwich. If you can use whole grain, you’ll up the nutrition.
2. Add a great spread. Whether you make your own mayonnaise or vinaigrette or have a favorite commercial sandwich sauce, even a little bit can keep your sammy from being dry and boring. Try one of these:
- Homemade Mayonnaise
- Herbed Mayonnaise
- Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Basic Vinaigrette
- Chipotle Mayonnaise
3. Pack on the veggies. It’s all too easy to carbo-load, so make sure you stuff some veggies in your sandwiches. Lettuce, tomato, roasted peppers — these all add texture, flavor, and added nutrition.
4. Wrap for the road. If you’re packing sandwiches for school, work, picnics, or general on-the-road eating, wrap them well. If you know it will be several hours before eating, pack the spreads on the side to avoid soggy sandwiches. Layer dry ingredients like cheese and lettuce near the bread to add another layer against sogginess.
5. Eat and repeat. Sandwiches never need to be boring. You can vary your sandwich components and make a million different components.
Need some help? Try one of these Good Cheap Eats favorite sandwiches that is great for packing.
Sandwiches Good Enough to Write Home About
Picnic Sandwich
Enjoy eating in the great outdoors with this jumbo, easy, make-ahead Picnic Sandwich. Meatless and packed with lots of fresh veggies, it’ll do your summer good.
Egg Plus Salad Sandwich
Go beyond the egg salad sandwich with this Egg Plus Salad Sandwich. Hard cooked eggs, vinaigrette, and abundant veggies make a delicious and economical meal for Sandwich Night.
Spring Street Club
The Spring Street Club Sandwich was once featured at the now-defunct Spring Street Deli in Paso Robles. It was one of my very favorite splurges in the world. So good! I recreated it so I can have it whenever I want.
Turkey Avocado Baguette Sandwich with Chipotle Mayonnaise
Chipotle mayonnaise, turkey, and avocado make a very happy combination, particularly on a crispy French Baguette. You’ll be so pleasantly satisfied with this Turkey Avocado Baguette Sandwich with Chipotle Mayonnaise.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
These Chicken Salad Sandwiches are so tasty! With crunchy bits of celery and savory bites of cheddar, this chicken salad is note-worthy, perfect for packing or a sandwich night at home. They’re simple, but satisfying.
Avocado Salsa Sandwich
Layer buttery avocado with salsa ingredients on toasted bread for a sandwich that’s light, yet packed with flavor. This Avocado Salsa Sandwich is like avocado toast on steroids. If you’re making these for takeaway, add a little lime or lemon juice to the mashed avocado to prevent it from browning.
Jill
I made a new sandwich today – really a wrap – but it was something I put together with what I had on hand. It was a wrap with hummus, turkey, lettuce and tomato. I also sprinkled it with some Parmesan cheese and pepper. It was a delicious lunch!
Jessica Fisher
Sounds great!
Stephanie M.
I love sandwiches! I can’t imagine a sandwich I wouldn’t love. Sometimes, I make them for dinner if it’s too hot to cook. Here is one we all enjoy:
One loaf of crusty Italian bread or some kind of baguette loaf
1/4 cup salad dressing; I use Italian, but any kind will do
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped red onions
6 oz. deli turkey breast
6 oz. deli ham
4 – 6 slices deli American cheese
Cut off the top of the bread loaf and set aside. Hollow out the inside of the bread bottom and brush with 1/4 cup salad dressing. In a bowl, combine, veggies and mix with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Spoon veggies into the bottom of the hollowed out bread. Then layer slices of turkey, cheese, and ham on top of veggies. Cover with the bread top and cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate till ready to serve.
Jessica Fisher
Sounds great. Thanks for sharing!
erica
Starbucks used to make a turkey pesto baguette that I loved but stopped carrying it. Now I make it at home for a lot less money and more filling to bread.
Good bread (always a key!!!)
sliced turkey breast (I’m loving the stuff that Costco sells that is about 1/4″ thick and is obviously real turkey)
basil mayo (this is key! just basil and mayo mixed together but so good)
lettuce
crannies or homemade cranberry sauce (never from a can!)
if I have it I add a slice or two of fresh mozerella cheese or provolone
tomatoes if I’m eating it at home but if I’m packing it to go, no
the other day I added pickled red onion, not sure if I’m a fan of it on this sandwich but they would be good on other combinations
Jessica Fisher
sounds really yummy with the basil and cranberries! yum!