A lady I work with also makes lunch sometimes from cheese, summer sausage, and crackers. Round that out with some fruit and you’re golden. The Lunchables things aren’t too bad, but you could probably build your own cheaper.
I’m lucky that I can handle a sandwich every day without getting sick of them. (Just changing the meat/cheese selection to keep away the boredom.)
My suggestion - Macaroni and cheese. I think it’s even better cold than warm I wind up eating the leftovers straight out of the fridge. I’ve never tried freezing it, but you could try making a batch, freezing it in one-serving packets. Transfer from the freezer to the fridge the night before to let it thaw.
I make a vegetable and hummus lunch- have a selection of frozen vegetables on hand. Have a snack-size container with two compartments in it- fill the larger with frozen veggies and the smaller with some homemade hummus (or pseudo-hummus if your supermarket has no tahini :mad: ) Dip and eat away.
You can use fresh veggies too, especially if you’re not in a place that has wonky heating systems.
I’ve been on a spinach salad kick lately. Spinach, a little blue cheese, some onion, and some apples & walnuts or strawberries & almonds (vary the fruit based on what’s available). A nice simple vinegarette, and you’re all set.
There are a couple nice cold soups too.
Couscous with a bunch of your favorite veggies chopped small in it is also good. You can add chopped ham or bacon if meat’s your thing.
Picnic fare of any kind would be good.
As mentioned, a cold chicken leg is good, and, IMHO, as good in its own way as freshly prepared. My mother’s hamburgers were small and thick and were made with a meatloaf recipe. They were wonderful cold.
Deviled eggs.
Quiche.
Anything in pita pocket bread.
Hard-boiled eggs.
I make a nice salad out of grape (or cherry) tomatoes, pickled artichoke hearts and fresh mozzarella, mixed with a bit of oil, vinegar and oregano. It tastes even better after it’s mellowed for a day or so. You could add some cut up salame or hard boiled egg to get more protein in there, if you like.
Cheese and tomato sandwiches - food of the gods.