Eat well, spend less: 21 budget-friendly and healthy meal ideas

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Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. With these 21 budget-friendly and nutritious meal ideas, you can nourish your body without breaking the bank.

A large tan ceramic bowl of zucchini curry, white rice, fresh herbs and lemon slices.
Zucchini Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Baked Tofu Noodles

A close shot of a white ceramic bowl filled with noodles, fresh herbs, veggies and tofu.
Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This one-dish meal of spicy baked tofu noodles is not only irresistibly delicious, but also gluten-free and vegan. With natural ingredients, it’s a healthy and easy-to-make option for a satisfying dinner.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Noodles

Beet Feta Salad

A large white ceramic bowl filled with chopped beets, frehs green herbs and white feta cheese.
Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Featuring the perfect balance of flavors, this easy-to-make beet salad with feta cheese is a versatile dish that works well as a meal, side dish, or appetizer. Its delicious taste and simplicity make it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Zucchini Curry

A large tan ceramic bowl of zucchini curry, white rice, fresh herbs and lemon slices.
Zucchini Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Looking to add some variety to your summer squash dishes? Try this simple zucchini curry recipe that features a blend of Indian spices and coconut milk. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make option that’s perfect for a summer dinner.

Get the Recipe: Zucchini Curry

Gochujang Noodles

A white bowl filled with noodles coated in a red sauce.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

In just 10 minutes, you can indulge in the comforting and flavorful dish of creamy and spicy gochujang noodles. Not only is this dish naturally vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also a perfect option for those looking for a quick and easy meal.

Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Chickpea Kale Salad

A small white bowl of white salad next to a large wooden salad bowl.
Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This refreshing chickpea kale salad is not only nourishing but also features a creamy tahini dressing. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect option for a healthy and delicious meal.

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Kale Salad

Sesame Noodles

A black ceramic bowl filled with tan noodles and fresh green herbs.
Sesame Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal with these Sesame Noodles made from wholesome ingredients. Plus, they’re gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and soy-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions.

Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles

Noodle Soup

A ceramic bowl filled with noodles in a yellow broth.
Spicy Noodle Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Looking for a quick, tasty, and easy-to-make vegan meal? Check out this Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup recipe made with ramen noodles that takes only 10 minutes to prepare but tastes like it took hours! Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Noodle Soup

Tempeh Curry

A spoonful of tempeh curry resting on a bed of white rice.
Yellow Tempeh Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Packed with protein and flavor, this dish features hearty chunks of tempeh simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk.

Get the Recipe: Tempeh Curry

Curried Chicken Salad

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Everyone has their favorite chicken salad recipe, but I dare you to try something a wee bit different! With a hint of sweetness from the raisins and crunchy almonds, this Curry Chicken Salad with Raisins is a flavor explosion! 

Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad

Avocado Toast

Finished avocado tartine with a vintage knife on a light blue plate on a medium blue background.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy avocado tartine combines toasted bread with rich cream cheese, creamy avocado, everything bagel seasoning, and a squeeze of tart fresh lime juice. It’s a fancy open-faced sandwich with some tasty additions that will wake up your regular avocado toast!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle Eastern tofu rice bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl is an easy kid-friendly meal that comes together in 4 short steps, and will help you brave winter and solitary work-from-home lunches through warming spices.

Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Packed with fiber, protein, and flavor, this Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna and Tomatoes is a must-try for anyone trying to eat better. You just don’t get much healthier than this, and it’s an easy salad to make that keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

An egg and cucumber sandwich with pepper jack cheese, spring mix, and dill sauce is shown on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board.
Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches feature crisp, sliced cucumber, pepper jack cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, creamy dill sauce, and fresh spring mix for an easy, delicious sandwich that’s great for picnics, lunches, or parties.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
Keto Baked Feta Pasta with Palmini Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy this super quick and easy TikTok Viral Keto Baked Feta Pasta with palmini noodles made in a few minutes. Fully low-carb, gluten-free, and grain-free keto dinner made with a pasta alternative you are going to love.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta

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

Creamy Dijon Egg Salad

Creamy dijon egg salad on bread.
Creamy Dijon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy dijon egg salad is made with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Green olives, red cabbage, parsley and pepitas make it flavorful and crunchy!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Egg Salad

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chickpea pesto sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white plate.
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chickpea pesto sandwich is a non-traditional pesto with smashed chickpeas that makes a delicious sandwich filling for an easy vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Greek Chickpea Soup

a bowl of greek chickpea soup garnished with dill on a blue and white linen with a gold spoon.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Comforting broth, chickpeas and rice, aromatic leeks and garlic, bright lemon, and fresh dill create a satisfying, lively meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A Bombay Sandwich is layered with cooked and raw vegetables on buttered white bread, and slathered with delicious chutney. Delicious & vegetarian.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Veggie Pad Thai

Low angle shot of a light blue bowl of pad thai.
Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This veggie Pad Thai is delicious and easy to make. Rice noodles are quickly stir-fried with classic Thai seasonings (including vegan fish sauce!), bean sprouts, and fried tofu.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pad Thai

Healthy Tuna Waldorf Salad

Tuna Waldorf salad on baby greens with bread and grapes on the side.
Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tuna Waldorf salad is a healthy spin on the classic Waldorf salad. It makes for a quick and easy lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Sweet red grapes, celery, pepitas, and walnuts come together with creamy yogurt and can be served over a bed of greens or with toasted bread.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Waldorf Salad

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