Eating on a shoestring: 21 mouthwatering summer recipes

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Get ready for a budget-friendly and delicious summer with our collection of 21 cheap recipes perfect for the season! Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or a simple picnic in the park, these recipes are your go-to options that won’t break the bank.

Discover a wide range of flavors and cuisines in our curated collection. These recipes are not only wallet-friendly but also a great way to make the most of the season’s fresh produce. So, say goodbye to expensive dining-out options and hello to homemade goodness that’s both pocket-friendly and perfect for summer gatherings.

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

20 Minute Black Bean Burger

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

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

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

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

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Easy Caprese Salad

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

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

Egg Bites

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

Veggie Pizza

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

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

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

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

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

Vegetable Fritters

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

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

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

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

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

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

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

Stuffed Peppers

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

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

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

Amish Macaroni Salad

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

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

Greek Omelette

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

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

Pickled Chard Stems

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

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

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

Sweet and Sour Tofu

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

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