dinner ideas healthy cheap
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Healthy Cheap Dinner Ideas on a Budget

As a busy parent, finding affordable, nutritious meals for the family can be tough. But, mealtime should be a chance to feed our bodies and bond with our loved ones. That’s why I’m excited to share 32 of my top dinner ideas healthy cheap that are quick to make and use easy, affordable ingredients.

These budget-friendly recipes include simple dishes like pasta, beans, and frozen veggies. They also offer tips to save time, such as using pre-chopped produce and pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for one or a big family, these nutritious meals are easy to make and won’t empty your wallet.

Key Takeaways

  • 32 healthy, budget-friendly dinner recipes that take 20 minutes or less to prepare
  • Recipes feature affordable, nutrient-dense ingredients like beans, pasta, and frozen vegetables
  • Time-saving tips like using pre-chopped produce and pantry staples
  • Variety of vegetarian and meat-based options to suit different dietary needs
  • Meals range from $1.21 to $2.97 per serving, making them truly affordable meal planning options

Savory Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Make your dinner special with this tasty and budget-friendly chicken dish. It comes with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that adds a burst of flavor. You can make a creamy chicken dish using the flavorful oil from sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe uses inexpensive ingredients but tastes amazing.

Ingredients and Nutrition

This recipe needs only 12 simple ingredients and takes about 30 minutes to make. Each serving has:

  • 324 calories
  • 19g total fat
  • 8g carbohydrates
  • 25g protein
  • 8g saturated fat
  • 97mg cholesterol
  • 250mg sodium
  • 1g dietary fiber
  • 2g total sugars

This dish is full of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron. It’s a healthy and tasty choice for your family.

Cooking Instructions

To make this budget-friendly chicken dish, start by sautéing the chicken cutlets in the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Once the chicken is done, make a creamy sauce in the same pan. Use the sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, heavy cream, and a bit of butter for a rich finish.

Put the savory chicken cutlets with the sun-dried tomato sauce on your favorite sides, like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. For more flavor, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

“This dish is a new family favorite! The sun-dried tomato sauce is so rich and creamy, and the chicken is perfectly tender. It’s an easy, affordable meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.”

Quick and Easy Caprese Ravioli

Enjoy the fresh flavors of a Caprese salad in this 15-minute ravioli dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just five simple ingredients, this recipe saves time, making it great for hectic evenings.

Savor the Taste of Caprese in a Pasta Dish

This Caprese-inspired ravioli dish brings together the classic Italian salad’s bold flavors. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese are all in one dish. And it’s ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

The secret to this 15-minute pasta recipe is using pre-made ravioli and pre-washed spinach. These ingredients save time by eliminating the need to chop, dice, and sauté. You can quickly make a Caprese-inspired ravioli dish full of fresh flavors.

“This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The combination of the fresh ingredients and the quick cooking time makes it a winner in my household.”

To make this quick and easy ravioli dish, just toss the pre-made ravioli with grape tomatoes, spinach, and store-bought pesto. You get a delicious meal ready in no time. It’s a taste of Italy without the hassle.

Looking for a quick weeknight meal or a simple yet impressive dish for guests? This Caprese ravioli recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make and packed with fresh flavors. It’s the ideal choice for those days when you want a tasty, 15-minute pasta dish.

Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Enjoy a restaurant-quality shrimp scampi dish with this affordable and easy-to-make linguine recipe. It’s a favorite at Italian restaurants but takes only 30 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner at home.

Large, juicy shrimp are cooked with garlic and served over tender linguine pasta. The dish is smothered in a buttery-wine sauce. This creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s as tasty as takeout but cheaper.

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings Calories
5 minutes 25 minutes 30 minutes 6 378kcal

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs shrimp, shells removed and deveined
  • 12 ounces whole wheat linguine
  • 2 tbsp light butter, like Earth Balance whipped
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine, like Chardonnay
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2-4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

To make this restaurant-quality shrimp scampi linguine dish, start by cooking the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine as directed. Drain it and keep 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Next, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re pink and opaque. Move the cooked shrimp to a plate.

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until it smells great. Then, pour in the white wine and pasta cooking water, scraping the pan’s bottom. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

Add the shrimp back to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, red pepper flakes, and 2-4 tablespoons of lemon juice, as you like. Finally, combine the cooked linguine with everything.

Serve the shrimp scampi linguine right away. Top it with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Enjoy this affordable and easy-to-make version of a classic restaurant-quality dish.

Veggie Curry with Cauliflower Rice

Making a tasty vegan curry is easy now. This 20-minute meal uses precut veggies and chickpeas for a protein-packed dinner. It’s served over cauliflower rice, making it a low-carb choice.

For this quick vegan curry, we use a pre-made sauce with less than 400mg of sodium. It’s also dairy-free and fish-free. Adding precut veggies from the salad bar saves time without losing nutrition.

This vegan curry is made more filling with cauliflower rice. It’s a low-carb swap for regular rice, full of fiber and vitamins. Plus, it soaks up the curry’s rich flavors.

Prep time is just 10 minutes, and cooking takes 20 minutes. This 20-minute meal is ideal for busy nights. It offers a warm, fulfilling curry without the long prep.

“This vegan curry with cauliflower rice is a game-changer for quick, healthy dinners. The flavors are bold and the texture is so satisfying – you won’t even miss the carbs!”

This vegan curry is packed with nutrition. Each serving has about 431 calories, 44g carbs, 14g protein, and 25g fat. Chickpeas add plant-based protein, and the curry powder and coconut milk boost antioxidants.

Looking for a vegan, low-carb, or easy dinner? Try this Veggie Curry with Cauliflower Rice. It’s full of flavor and good for busy cooks.

Salmon Avocado Salad

Canned salmon is a great pantry item. It lets you easily add heart-healthy, omega-3-rich fish to your meals. This salad mixes creamy avocado with the nutrition of canned salmon. It’s a tasty, no-cook meal that’s easy on the wallet and full of flavor.

A Nutritious and Satisfying No-Cook Meal

Making this salmon avocado salad is easy. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a nutritious dinner fast. It’s a perfect mix of protein-rich salmon, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies. This makes it a balanced and fulfilling no-cook meal.

To start, flake the canned salmon into a bowl. Next, add diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, shredded red cabbage, and chopped romaine lettuce. Finish with a vinaigrette of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of Dijon mustard.

This salad is not just tasty but also budget-friendly. Canned salmon is an affordable protein source. When combined with avocado’s healthy fats, it makes a nutritious, filling meal. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or a light lunch.

If you want to eat more seafood or need a quick, affordable meal, this salad is great. It’s a no-cook dish that brings together nutritious ingredients and amazing flavor.

dinner ideas healthy cheap

Eating healthy on a budget is easy with the right dinner ideas. You can make nutritious and tasty meals without spending a lot. Here are some budget-friendly recipes for wholesome family dinners:

  • Savory Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: This chicken dish has a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s flavorful and doesn’t cost much.
  • Quick and Easy Caprese Ravioli: This 15-minute ravioli dish brings the fresh taste of a Caprese salad to your table. It’s perfect for busy nights.
  • Shrimp Scampi Linguine: Enjoy a restaurant-quality shrimp scampi dish at home with this easy and affordable recipe.
  • Veggie Curry with Cauliflower Rice: This curry dish is a great way to add more veggies to your meals without spending a lot.
  • Salmon Avocado Salad: This no-cook meal combines the richness of avocado with the health benefits of canned salmon. It’s a nutritious and budget-friendly choice.
  • Hummus Veggie Wraps: These wraps are filled with veggies, cheese, and hummus. They’re a healthy and affordable meal that’s easy to make.
  • Goat Cheese Omelet: A simple omelet with tangy goat cheese is a quick and budget-friendly dinner idea.
  • Salmon Cakes with Five-Spice: These salmon cakes add a unique twist to a classic recipe with five-spice powder. They’re a healthy and budget-friendly option.
  • Zucchini Noodle Primavera: This light and fresh pasta-like dish is made with zucchini noodles and various veggies. It’s a budget-friendly recipe.
  • Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry: This quick stir-fry combines baked tofu with veggies for a nutritious and budget-friendly meal.

These healthy, cheap dinner ideas let you make delicious meals that everyone will love. By choosing affordable ingredients and simple recipes, you can feed your family well without spending a lot.

Recipe Average Star Rating Most Rated Least Rated
24 Healthy Cheap Dinner Ideas 4.41 out of 5 Sweet potato packed with feta, chickpeas, and kale (4.9 out of 5 from 28 ratings) Velvety soup served as a starter (1 out of 5 from 1 rating)

The recipes in this article offer tasty and budget-friendly dinner ideas that focus on nutrition. 87.5% of the recipes help meet daily fruit and vegetable intake, and 100% suit various dietary needs like vegan, vegetarian, low-calorie, and low-fat.

“These healthy and cheap dinner ideas are a game-changer for our family. We’re able to enjoy flavorful, nutritious meals without breaking the bank.”

dinner ideas healthy cheap

These budget-friendly dinner ideas use an average of 7.1 ingredients and focus on common pantry items. This makes planning healthy meals easy. The top three recipes, all scoring over 4.5 out of 5 stars, show how delicious and affordable these options are.

Hummus Veggie Wraps

Make your weeknight dinner special with these kid-friendly wraps. They’re filled with veggies, cheese, and creamy hummus. These affordable wraps are a quick, healthy meal that everyone will enjoy.

These wraps are like sushi but with a twist. They have crisp veggies, tangy feta, and smooth hummus all in one. Plus, they come with green goddess dressing on the side. Kids can easily make them for a quick lunch or dinner.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size Calories Carbohydrates Protein
1 wrap 309 kcal 32g 10g

These kid-friendly wraps are tasty and full of good stuff. They give you a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. This keeps you and your kids full and happy.

Ingredient Highlights

  • Whole wheat tortillas
  • Hummus
  • Fresh spinach, cucumber, roasted red peppers, avocado, and red onion
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • A drizzle of black pepper

This recipe is easy to customize. You can add shredded carrot, arugula, edamame, mushrooms, bell peppers, pickled onions, or tomatoes. For more protein, try adding baked chicken, turkey, ham, tuna, quinoa, lentils, or hard-boiled eggs.

For a vegan option, just leave out the feta cheese. With all these tasty and affordable choices, these kid-friendly wraps will quickly become a hit with your family!

“These wraps are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They’re packed with flavor, nutrition, and they’re so easy to make – my kids love them!”

Goat Cheese Omelet

Start your day with a tasty goat cheese omelet. It’s easy to make and takes only 20 minutes. It’s a great choice for a healthy, budget-friendly breakfast. Use high-quality goat cheese like Vermont Creamery or Laura Chenel for the best taste.

Goat cheese is great for many recipes, from savory omelets to sweet desserts. It adds a tangy flavor that goes well with herbs and vegetables. This makes your meals more enjoyable.

  • The Omelet with Mushrooms and Goat Cheese recipe has been first posted in 2006 and was updated with more information in 2024.
  • The recipe yields one serving.
  • The recipe contains 489 calories per serving.
  • Total fat content in the recipe is 37g, with saturated fat making up 15g of it.
  • The recipe provides 32g of protein per serving.
Nutrition Facts Omelet with Mushrooms and Goat Cheese Goat Cheese Herb Omelet
Calories 489 112
Total Fat 37g 5.5g
Saturated Fat 15g 2.9g
Protein 32g 13.1g

To make a great goat cheese omelet, you need eggs, goat cheese, and fresh herbs. The creamy goat cheese and fluffy eggs make a delicious breakfast.

“Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that is used in various recipes such as spinach soup, polenta, salads, and omelets.”

This 20-minute recipe for a goat cheese omelet is perfect for any day. Serve it with a salad or roasted veggies for a full meal that’s easy on the wallet.

Salmon Cakes with Five-Spice

Want to spice up your dinner? Try adding five-spice powder to your salmon cakes. This mix of spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise adds a warm taste. You can use leftover salmon or canned salmon to make it affordable.

Flavorful and Nutritious Salmon Cakes

These salmon cakes are a twist on the classic recipe with five-spice powder. They’re tasty and good for you, too. Each patty has only 89 calories, 8 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein.

You’ll need 1¼ pounds of salmon fillet, cut into small pieces. This makes about 9 salmon cakes, each like a compact cake. If you don’t have leftover salmon, use two cans of drained Alaskan salmon instead.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) Value
Calories 280
Total Fat 22 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Carbohydrates 6 g
Protein 14 g
Sodium 222 mg
Cholesterol 37 mg

The recipe uses avocado oil for frying and other ingredients like onion and carrots. It also includes breadcrumbs, flaxseed meal, and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor and texture.

You can prepare these salmon cakes ahead and refrigerate them. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for busy nights.

salmon cakes

Looking for a tasty, healthy dinner that’s easy on the wallet? Try these five-spice salmon cakes. They’re sure to become a hit with your family!

Zucchini Noodle Primavera

Goodbye to heavy pasta, hello to a lighter, more nutritious dinner with Zucchini Noodle Primavera. Swap traditional noodles for zucchini “zoodles” for a quick, easy vegetarian meal full of spring flavors.

This primavera recipe celebrates fresh, seasonal produce. It starts with spiralized zucchini noodles, tossed in a light, creamy sauce. Then, it’s topped with colorful veggies like red peppers, yellow peppers, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and red onion.

The cooking method makes this dish special. Vegetables are sautéed in butter, garlic, and chicken broth. This keeps their crisp-tender texture and natural sweetness.

For extra flavor, the dish gets a touch of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. This makes a vibrant, creamy, and delicious vegetarian dinner that’s quick and easy to make.

This Zucchini Noodle Primavera is great for cutting carbs, boosting veggies, or just enjoying a tasty dinner. It has 213 calories and 14 grams of fat per serving, making it a guilt-free choice.

To make this dish, you’ll need 6-8 cups of spiralized zucchini noodles, about 6 small zucchinis. Also, gather 1/2 to 1 cup of each of red pepper, yellow pepper, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and red onion. For the sauce, use 2 tablespoons of salted butter, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

This Zucchini Noodle Primavera is a hit with its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and healthy ingredients. It’s a quick and easy vegetarian dinner perfect for any weeknight meal.

Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick, nutritious, and budget-friendly dinner idea? This Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry is perfect. It combines crispy baked tofu with fresh vegetables in a tasty sauce. It’s quick and easy, nutritious and budget-friendly, and delicious.

Extra-firm tofu is key in this recipe. It gets crispy in the pan and tastes great. The stir-fry also includes veggies like red bell peppers, broccolini, and spinach. These add nutrients and color to your meal.

Preparing the Perfect Tofu Stir-Fry

To get the best texture and flavor, press the tofu first. Then, coat it with cornstarch and sauté until crispy. This makes sure the tofu stays firm and crunchy.

The sauce is easy to make with soy sauce, vegetable broth, and a bit of honey or brown sugar. It makes the tofu and veggies taste amazing.

This Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry is very versatile. You can use your favorite veggies or try different proteins like shrimp or chicken. It’s a great way to make the dish your own.

Enjoy this Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry over brown rice, soba noodles, or cauliflower rice. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a quick and easy, nutritious and budget-friendly meal.

“This Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry is a great example of a healthy, affordable, and delicious meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a weeknight dinner winner!”

Conclusion

Creating tasty and healthy meals on a budget is totally doable. Use lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies to make meals that are good for you and won’t empty your wallet. The recipes here show how to make the most of affordable ingredients while keeping things tasty and nutritious.

Your health is a valuable investment. Junk food might be quick and easy, but it can harm your health in the long run. Choosing healthy, affordable foods helps you stay well and live better.

So, take on the challenge of cooking on a budget and find lots of tasty, healthy dinner ideas. Your taste buds and wallet will both be happy.

FAQ

What are some budget-friendly and healthy dinner ideas?

This article offers 32 recipes for healthy dinners that won’t break the bank. You’ll find meals made with beans, pasta, and frozen veggies. Plus, there are tips for quick prep and storage.

How can I make chicken cutlets with a flavorful sauce without spending a lot?

Make chicken cutlets with a tasty sun-dried tomato sauce. Use the flavorful oil from sun-dried tomatoes to cook the chicken. Then, add the tomatoes to a creamy sauce for a burst of flavor without the high cost.

What is a quick and easy pasta recipe that’s budget-friendly?

Try this easy Caprese-inspired ravioli recipe with just five ingredients. It’s packed with fresh flavors. Use grape tomatoes, prewashed spinach, and pesto to skip the prep work. This 15-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

How can I enjoy a restaurant-quality shrimp scampi dish at home without breaking the bank?

This shrimp scampi linguine recipe is quick and budget-friendly. It takes only 20 minutes to make. Cook large shrimp with garlic and serve over linguine with a buttery-wine sauce. It’s as tasty as takeout but cheaper.

What is a quick and affordable vegan curry recipe that’s also nutritious?

This vegan curry recipe is quick and nutritious. Use precut veggies from the salad bar to speed up prep. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a filling dinner. The sauce is low in sodium and doesn’t use cream or fish sauce, making it vegan.

How can I include heart-healthy, omega-3-rich fish in my diet without spending a lot?

Canned salmon is a great pantry item for adding heart-healthy omega-3s to your meals. This recipe combines it with avocados for a no-cook meal. It’s nutritious and won’t empty your wallet.

What are some other budget-friendly and nutritious dinner ideas?

The article also shares other budget-friendly and nutritious dinner ideas. Options include hummus veggie wraps, a goat cheese omelet, salmon cakes with five-spice, zucchini noodle primavera, and a tofu veggie stir-fry.

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