Cheap eats, big Flavors: 19 pocket-friendly summer recipes

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Looking for ways to save money while still enjoying delicious meals? Our collection of 19 summer recipes that won’t break the bank is here to help. Discover affordable and flavorful dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the tastes of summer without straining your finances.

Caprese Bites.
Caprese Bites. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Avocado Sauce. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Take your taste buds on a creamy adventure with our Creamy Avocado Sauce. Smooth and luscious, this sauce is the perfect companion to your favorite summer dishes. With ripe avocados, zesty lime juice, and a blend of fresh herbs, it adds a refreshing and luxurious touch without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Corn Fritters

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

Celebrate the flavors of summer on a budget with our Corn Fritters. Close your eyes and imagine golden, crispy bites, filled with sweet corn kernels, herbs, and spices. These budget-friendly fritters are a perfect appetizer or side dish, great for enjoying the sweetness of fresh summer corn.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce spread over a pizza crust.
Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Get ready to unleash your inner pizza chef with our homemade Pizza Sauce. Made with love and budget-friendly ingredients, this sauce is a flavor-packed foundation for your creative pizza creations. Spread it over your favorite dough, sprinkle on some cheese, and top with fresh veggies for a budget-friendly summer pizza party.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Veggie Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Embark on a flavor-packed journey with our Easy Burrito recipe. Imagine a warm tortilla filled with your choice of protein, fluffy rice, beans, fresh veggies, and zesty salsa. This budget-friendly burrito is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also a delicious way to enjoy a satisfying meal on those warm summer days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Air fried tortilla chips stacked on a plate around a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a crunchy snack without breaking the bank? Look no further than our Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Made with budget-friendly corn tortillas, a sprinkle of spices, and a touch of oil, these crispy chips are the perfect accompaniment to your homemade salsas, guacamole, or as a side for summer salads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Treat yourself to a naturally sweet summer delight with our Sweet Potato Cubes. Imagine tender cubes of sweet potato, perfectly roasted with a hint of spice and caramelization. These budget-friendly bites are a versatile addition to any summer meal, whether as a side dish, snack, or tossed into a refreshing salad.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Caprese Bites

Caprese Bites.
Caprese Bites. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Elevate your summer gatherings without emptying your wallet with our Caprese Bites. Imagine the vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes, the creamy freshness of mozzarella, and the aromatic aroma of basil, all brought together in perfect harmony. These budget-friendly bites are a delicious and elegant appetizer that will impress your guests while celebrating the simplicity and flavors of a classic Caprese salad.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Bites

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadillas.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadillas. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving ooey-gooey cheesiness without spending a fortune? Our Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla is here to save the day. Picture a crispy tortilla, filled with melty cheese and your favorite ingredients, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying summer meal or snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla Pizza.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring the joy of pizza to your summer table without breaking the bank with our Tortilla Pizza. Crispy tortilla topped with tangy pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings—this budget-friendly alternative to traditional pizza is quick, easy, and sure to satisfy your pizza cravings without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a burst of zesty flavor to your summer salads with our homemade Italian Dressing. Made with simple and budget-friendly ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and a blend of herbs and spices, this dressing elevates any salad to the next level. Its tangy and aromatic profile will transport you to the sunny shores of Italy, all while keeping your budget intact.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Create delicious Tex-Mex dishes without breaking the bank with our homemade Refried Beans recipe. Using budget-friendly ingredients like pinto beans, onions, and spices, these creamy and flavorful beans are perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or as a side dish for your summer barbecues. They’re a staple that adds a touch of comfort and satisfaction to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti Marinara.
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash Of Taste

Dive into a classic and budget-friendly Italian dish with our Spaghetti Marinara. Picture al dente pasta tossed in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. This timeless recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that won’t put a strain on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brighten up your summer meals with our refreshing Cilantro Lime Rice. With fluffy grains of rice infused with zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro, this budget-friendly side dish pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, seafood, or as a filling for burritos and bowls. It’s a simple recipe that adds a burst of flavor and vibrancy to any summer spread.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan Pizza.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo Credits: Splash of Taste.

Transport yourself to the streets of Naples with our homemade Neapolitan Pizza. Made with a budget-friendly dough, tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, this classic pizza is a true taste of Italy. Imagine a thin and crispy crust with the perfect balance of flavors, all baked to perfection in your oven or grill.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Savory Pancakes with Fennel and Feta

fennel and feta pancakes with text
Savory Pancakes with Fennel and Feta. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These savory pancakes are a delightful combination of fennel’s aromatic notes and the tanginess of crumbled feta cheese. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, these budget-friendly pancakes make for a satisfying and unique meal any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pancakes with Fennel and Feta

Caprese Panini

Caprese panini on a blue plate.
Caprese panini. Photo Credit: Honest and Truly.

This simple caprese panini takes classic Italian flavors and melds them into a delicious and simple sandwich filled with melty cheese and layers of comfort. It’s sure to be a go to when you want something “fancy” that takes just a few minutes to whip together.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

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 summer picnics, lunches, or parties!
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Tuscan White Bean Dip

A teal towel, plate of bread and a tomato lie next to a black bowl of tuscan white bean dip.
Tuscan White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Made with canned beans as an easy shortcut, this inexpensive-to-make Tuscan White Bean Dip has all the Italian flavors you need to bring to a summer party. Featuring white beans, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic and a medley of fresh herbs, this is an appetizer your guests won’t soon forget.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

Spinach and Feta Frittata

easy keto breakfast frittata
Easy Keto Fritatta. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This vegetarian frittata features a delightful pairing of nutrient-rich spinach and savory feta cheese. Made with budget-friendly ingredients, this versatile dish can be enjoyed as a breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner option for those warm summer days.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Feta Frittata

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