10 Delicious Cheap Summer Meals to Keep Your Wallet Happy
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, flavorful meals without breaking the bank. With the right recipes and a little creativity, you can whip up delicious dishes that are both budget-friendly and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for quick weeknight dinners, these 10 cheap summer meals will help you save money while keeping your taste buds happy.
1. Grilled Veggie Wraps
Why it’s great: Packed with seasonal produce, these wraps are light, healthy, and cost-effective.
Slice up zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, then toss them on the grill. Add a smear of hummus or tzatziki, wrap it all in a whole-wheat tortilla, and you’ve got a meal that’s both filling and refreshing.
Pro Tip: Use whatever veggies are on sale at your local market to keep costs even lower.
2. Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs
Why it’s great: Pasta salads are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Cook your favorite pasta, then toss it with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Pro Tip: Add a can of chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein without spending a fortune.
3. DIY Tacos with Seasonal Fillings
Why it’s great: Tacos are customizable, fun, and incredibly affordable.
Use corn tortillas and fill them with grilled fish, shredded chicken, or even black beans. Top with fresh salsa, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
Pro Tip: Make a big batch of salsa at home using ripe tomatoes, onions, and cilantro—it’s cheaper and tastier than store-bought versions.
4. Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Why it’s great: This dish is simple, elegant, and uses minimal ingredients.
Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill it with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Pro Tip: Buy avocados in bulk when they’re on sale to save even more.
5. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
Why it’s great: This dish is quick, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup.
Sauté shrimp with garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add cooked rice and a splash of broth, then let everything simmer together for a few minutes.
Pro Tip: Use frozen shrimp—it’s often cheaper than fresh and just as tasty.
6. Grilled Chicken and Peach Skewers
Why it’s great: Sweet and savory flavors come together in this easy summer dish.
Thread chunks of chicken and fresh peach slices onto skewers, then grill until the chicken is cooked through. Brush with a simple glaze of honey and soy sauce for extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
7. Cold Cucumber and Yogurt Soup
Why it’s great: This no-cook soup is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
Blend cucumbers, Greek yogurt, garlic, and dill until smooth. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Pro Tip: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
8. Zucchini Fritters with Dipping Sauce
Why it’s great: These fritters are a great way to use up summer zucchini.
Grate zucchini, mix it with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, then pan-fry until golden. Serve with a tangy yogurt or sour cream dip.
Pro Tip: Squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing to ensure crispy fritters.
9. Watermelon and Feta Salad
Why it’s great: This salad is sweet, salty, and incredibly refreshing.
Combine cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a side dish that doubles as a light meal.
Pro Tip: Add a handful of arugula for a peppery kick.
10. BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Why it’s great: This is a fun and affordable twist on traditional pizza.
Spread BBQ sauce on a store-bought flatbread, then top with shredded chicken, red onions, and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and money.
Final Thoughts
Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated—especially in the summer when fresh, affordable ingredients are abundant. With these 10 cheap summer meals, you can enjoy delicious, wholesome dishes without stressing over your grocery bill.
Pro Tip: Plan your meals around seasonal produce and sales to maximize savings. And don’t forget to get creative—sometimes the best meals come from using what you already have on hand!
