Summer is all about fun in the sun, isn’t it?
But with all that fun, keeping your food budget in check can be TOUGH. You want to eat well, but you also want to save money for other cool summer stuff.
Good news! You absolutely CAN have amazing meals without spending a lot. Eating delicious food on a budget during the summer is totally doable.
That’s why I’ve rounded up a HUGE list of cheap summer meal ideas for you. These are simple, fresh, and won’t empty your pockets.
Perfect for those lazy, warm evenings or quick lunches. So, if you’re ready to find some new go-to meals that are BIG on taste and easy on the wallet, keep reading!
1. Zucchini pizza with basil and lemon
This Zucchini Pizza with basil and lemon is a great choice when you crave pizza.
Enjoy this delicious zucchini pizza, it’s completely vegan!
2. Baked Cabbage, Carrot and Chickpea Salad (vegan)
This Baked Cabbage, Carrot and Chickpea Salad is a delicious vegan recipe that you will enjoy.
It’s a warm salad, perfect as a simple light meal or tasty side.
3. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Craving a vibrant and tasty salad?
Our Strawberry Spinach Salad combines fresh strawberries, baby spinach, and a tangy poppy seed dressing for a delightful meal.
It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures!
4. Black Bean Salad
Black Bean Salad is a simple dish, with fresh corn, peppers, and creamy avocado.
It’s all mixed in a bright lime dressing, making for a tasty and refreshing side or light lunch.
5. One-Pot Chicken Fajita Rice
One-Pot Chicken Fajita Rice is the perfect satisfying meal for a busy weeknight.
This quick and easy casserole is packed with veggies, chicken, and plenty of cheese.
Enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup!
6. One Pot Chili Mac Recipe
One Pot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mashup!
This easy, flavorful dish combines the best of homemade mac and cheese with hearty chili, all in a single pot.
7. Fish Tacos with Avocado
Craving a quick and delicious meal?
These Tilapia Fish Tacos with Avocado are ready in just 20 minutes, featuring seasoned fish, fresh cabbage, and a creamy sauce all nestled in warm tortillas.
8. Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans
This Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans is a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. It’s a satisfying and healthy vegan bowl, packed with sweet fried plantains, protein-rich edamame, brown rice, and delicious chimichurri.
9. Best Potato Salad Recipe
The Best Potato Salad Recipe is here and ready to be a star at your next BBQ!
This classic potato salad is easy to make and perfect for summer picnics and potlucks.
10. Tex Mex Lunch Bowl
Make lunchtime easy with this Tex Mex Lunch Bowl, perfect for simple meal prep during the week!
Enjoy your favorite burrito flavors over rice, with juicy, marinated chicken and a creamy chili sauce that ties everything together.
11. Arugula Salad
Enjoy a delicious Arugula Salad bursting with fresh flavors!
This bright salad combines peppery arugula with white beans, tomatoes, red onion, shaved parmesan cheese and pine nuts, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
It’s a perfect side or a light meal!
12. Summer Vegetable Acini De Pepe Salad
Summer Vegetable Acini De Pepe Salad is packed with the freshest veggies.
It’s tossed in a creamy yogurt-Parmesan sauce, so you’ll never have to worry about it being dry!
13. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is the ultimate easy comfort food.
Imagine tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
This family-friendly dish is sure to be a new weeknight favorite!
14. One Pan Italian Chicken w/ Broccoli and Potatoes
One Pan Italian Chicken with Broccoli and Potatoes is here to save dinner.
This flavor-packed meal, complete with chicken, broccoli, and potatoes, is cooked entirely in one pan for easy cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
15. BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas
BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas are a simple twist on a handheld favorite.
Tender chicken and juicy pineapple smothered in smoky BBQ sauce makes this recipe the perfect sweet and savory dish.
16. Thai Peanut Noodles
Thai Peanut Noodles are about to become your new favorite weeknight meal!
Colorful veggies and tender noodles are tossed in a quick and easy homemade peanut sauce that’s way better than takeout.
17. Thai Chicken Tacos
Craving a flavor adventure?
These Thai Chicken Tacos are packed with juicy, coconut-marinated chicken and a luscious creamy peanut sauce.
Get ready for a fresh and vibrant meal that’s quick to make!
18. Baked Fried Chicken
Craving crispy fried chicken without the guilt?
This Baked Fried Chicken recipe gives you all the delicious crunch of classic fried chicken, but it’s baked in the oven for a lighter, family-friendly meal that you can dip in ranch.
19. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a quick and healthy dinner that everyone will love.
Enjoy tender diced chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy steamed rice, all drizzled with a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.
20. vegan baba ganoush pasta
Vegan Baba Ganoush Pasta is a tasty meal you’ll want to make again and again!
This easy pasta recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
21. Sloppy Joes
Craving a hearty and delicious meal?
These Sloppy Joes are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy beef, guaranteed to be a family favorite.
22. Instant Pot Beets Salad
Instant Pot Beets Salad is a super delicious way to enjoy beets!
Whether you serve it as a main course or a side, this beets salad is packed with flavor and easy to make in your instant pot.
23. Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad is where the flavors of pizza meet the fun of pasta salad.
It’s unbelievably easy to make and perfect as a summer side dish or a satisfying meal.
24. Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Stovetop Mac and Cheese is the ultimate, delicious comfort food you’ve been craving.
This simple recipe is made entirely on the stovetop, making it a quick and easy meal any night of the week!
25. Ground Beef Tacos
Ground Beef Tacos are a guaranteed win for dinner tonight!
These crispy tacos are stuffed with flavorful ground beef, fresh lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
It’s an easy recipe the whole family will enjoy.
26. Thai Fried Rice
Craving takeout? Make this amazing Thai Fried Rice right in your kitchen.
It’s packed with chicken, egg, and veggies, all stir-fried in a delicious, savory sauce.
27. Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken
Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken is the perfect flavorful and easy dinner for busy weeknights.
This simple, five-ingredient crockpot recipe is a lifesaver, and it’s even gluten-free and paleo-friendly!
Come home to a delicious meal with this slow cooker chicken recipe!
28. Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is the ultimate comfort food. Tender beef and potatoes simmer in a creamy sauce, making it a dish the whole family will love.
29. Easy Thai Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Easy Thai Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are the perfect way to brighten up your lunch or dinner. This keto and low-carb chicken salad is a delicious alternative to the usual flavors, especially in warm weather!
30. Vegan Lemon Tahini Pasta with Peas and Zucchini
This Vegan Lemon Tahini Pasta with Peas and Zucchini is the perfect healthy and tasty meal.
Enjoy this simple pasta recipe that’s packed with zesty lemon tahini flavor and fresh veggies.
It’s a satisfying vegan dish you’ll want to make again and again!