31 Cheap Summer Recipes That Taste Expensive

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Looking to enjoy a delicious summer without straining your budget? Discover our collection of 31 wallet-friendly summer recipes that won’t break the bank.

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

ACopycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a taste of summer without breaking the bank? Our Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl recipe is the answer! Packed with budget-friendly ingredients like rice, beans, and a medley of vegetables, it brings the vibrant flavors of Chipotle to your table at a fraction of the cost.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Capture the essence of summer with our Easy Caprese Salad. Made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this simple yet elegant dish is a great budget-friendly way to showcase the best of summer’s bounty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Freshly made jalapeño poppers on a plate.
Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up your summer gatherings without breaking the bank with our Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. These zesty bites, filled with cream cheese with a crispy topping, are budget-friendly crowd-pleasers that will add a flavorful kick to any party or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Egg Bites

Air Fryer Egg Bites
Air Fryer Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste

Start your summer mornings on a budget-friendly note with our Egg Bites. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, and your choice of mix-ins, these portable and protein-packed bites are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or a light brunch that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

20 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy a delicious and wallet-friendly meal with our 20 Minute Black Bean Burger. This recipe combines pantry staples like black beans, spices, and breadcrumbs to create a flavorful and satisfying burger patty. It’s a perfect option for a quick and budget-conscious summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: 20 Minute Black Bean Burger

Veggie Pizza

Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza.
Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dive into the flavors of summer with our Veggie Pizza. Topped with an abundance of colorful, fresh vegetables, this budget-friendly recipe delivers a burst of seasonal goodness in every bite. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a light and satisfying meal while keeping your wallet happy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a taste of summer to your meals without exceeding your budget with our Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Made with budget-friendly ingredients like sweet corn, zesty lime juice, and fresh herbs, this vibrant salsa brings a burst of flavor to any dish without putting a strain on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy and satisfying, our budget-friendly Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect summer snack or appetizer. With their golden coating and gooey cheese center, these homemade delights are sure to please both kids and adults without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Savor the flavors of summer on a budget with our Vegetable Fritters. Packed with grated vegetables and pantry staples, these crispy bites are a budget-friendly way to enjoy seasonal produce. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even as a light lunch paired with a refreshing dip.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ sauce in a jar with two spoons by the side.
BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Elevate your summer grilling on a budget with our homemade BBQ Sauce. Made with pantry staples and a blend of savory and sweet flavors, this versatile sauce adds a burst of smoky deliciousness to your grilled food without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Homemade Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy a budget-friendly twist on a classic favorite with our Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. These crispy and cheesy bites, filled with a flavorful combination of sauce, cheese, and toppings, are perfect for summer snacking without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dive into a bowl of pure summer goodness with our Waldorf Salad. Imagine the refreshing crunch of apples, the burst of juiciness from grapes, the satisfying bite of celery, and the delightful nuttiness of walnuts, all tossed together in a tangy dressing. This budget-friendly salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will keep you cool and satisfied during those hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed peppers in a bowl with melted cheese on top.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up your summer meals without breaking the bank with our Stuffed Peppers. Picture vibrant bell peppers filled to the brim with a savory mixture of rice, beans, vegetables, and a melty cheese topping. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness, showcasing the best of summer produce in a budget-friendly way.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Low Carb Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
Low Carb Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy our Low Carb Crispy Baked Zucchini in oven simply by making your own keto breadcrumbs from one of our bread selection. Those golden low carb baked zucchinis panko style is a perfect addition as a BBQ side or an appetizer that is entirely gluten-free, low-carb, grain-free, and perfect for diabetics.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Put a twist on a classic with Amish Macaroni Salad! The ingredients are simple and cheap, but the flavor is anything but. This creamy, sweet-and-tangy macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for all your summer cookouts and is sure to have friends and family coming back for seconds without costing you a fortune.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Air Fryer Falafel

Low angle shot of a platter of air fried falafel patties.
Air Fryer Falafel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Falafel is crunchy and golden brown outside, tender and full of flavor inside. All the taste, no messy deep frying!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Greek Omelette

Greek Omelette Recipe with Feta Cheese and bell pepper
Greek Omelette Recipe with Feta Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This vegetarian omelette is packed with the flavors of Greece. Filled with fresh vegetables and enhanced with crumbled feta cheese, it’s a budget-friendly and protein-rich dish that will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Greek Omelette

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With just a few inexpensive ingredients, these marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Pickled Chard Stems

Pickled chard stems on a fork with spices.
Pickled Chard Stems. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Waste not, want not with these Pickled Chard Stems! You know those stems you usually toss? Pickle them! It’s not just resourceful, it’s delicious. This tangy treat is perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your summer dishes and, best of all, it helps you use every bit of your produce.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Chard Stems

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Quick, easy, and refreshing Lebanese Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad with a low carb twist done in 10 minutes will add lots of healthiness to your daily life. This Mediterranean keto tabouli salad recipe is entirely gluten-free, grain-free, low carb, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly swapping the bulgur wheat with hemp seeds.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Sweet and Sour Tofu

Low angle shot of a bowl of sweet and sour tofu.
Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sweet and Sour Tofu perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with crispy tofu. It’s a delicious vegetarian takeout classic that is easy to make at home. In just 30 minutes, you can have your favorite vegan Chinese takeout meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Tofu

Ratatouille

Light blue bowl of ratatouille vegetables stew.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Discover the deliciousness of vegan ratatouille! Our easy-to-follow recipe will have you cooking up this flavorful French dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Oven roasted potatoes with spinach and goat cheese in a cast iron pot.
Roasted potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This simple side dish is a great twist on plain old potatoes. The spinach is delicious and gives you some added veggies to this side dish that everyone loves, no matter what you pair it with.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Peach Popsicles

Peaches and cream popsicles on a blue plate sit with whole peaches surrounding them on a white background.

These creamy Peach Popsicles are the sweetest way to beat the heat this summer! You’ll love this delicious fruity recipe that’s made with just a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Peach Popsicles

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Vietnamese summer rolls on a white cake stand.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Vietnamese Summer Rolls filled with rice noodles, quick pickled carrots, crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and edible flowers are tasty, nutritious, and beautiful, too.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Hand scooping taco dip with a chip.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is an easy meatless appetizer that is a total crowd pleaser! It can be whipped together in only 15 minutes and is a perfect dish for serving at parties, holiday events, or game-day gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

a closeup of blue cheese inside of green olives smothered in olive oil and surrounded by fresh rosemary on a blue plate.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Save $$$ and make your own stuffed olives. Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives are an easy appetizer and can also be a delicious cocktail garnish for martinis and Bloody Marys. Fill green olives with a mixture of creamy, sharp blue cheese and add them to cheese boards or cocktails — or both.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding some Mexican Skillet Quinoa over a pan containing the remainder of the dish.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This naturally gluten-free recipe is filled with protein between the quinoa and beans plus has tons of flavor with the salsa, corn, and more. This one pot meal has it all, and it’s super easy to make, too.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy our Best Avocado Egg Salad Recipe made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh herbs as a keto, and a low-carb option with a twist to the classic egg salad with mayo. This healthy egg salad with the addition of avocado adds you a creamy and rich texture to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Mixed Pickles

Side view of mixed pickles in a glass jar.
Mixed Pickles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These quick and budget-friendly mixed pickles take any vegetable that you have on hand and turn them into bright, acidic, slightly sweet pickles in just a few minutes!
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is made with sour cream and mayo and is crisp, light, refreshing, and can be made and served in only 30 minutes. It’s a perfect family dinner side dish when you need to quickly get dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

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