Easy and Cheap Summer Recipes
These are some of my favorite go-to easy and cheap summer recipes.
Summer is about having fun, enjoying delicious picnics and time in the sun with family and friends. When is warm out all I want to do is make light fresh meals that are cheap without sacrificing taste.
The great thing is that these easy summer recipes are frugal, economical and super easy to prepare. I have included classic summer recipes and new trending summer meals as well as some easy summer crockpot recipes.
All of these easy summer dinner recipes are going to wow your guests without all the hard work and hot kitchen.
30 Cheap Summer Recipes
We all are looking for meal ideas that are not going to break the budget.
I have gathered fo you in one place this list of frugal meal ideas.
Saving money on groceries is super important to me and I wanted to share easy and simple to make summer meals on a budget.
These cheap summer recipes are ideal for making light meals such as delicious fruit salads, also perfect summer meal prep or any other summer inspired dishes you can imagine.
And without any further ado here are some of the best and easiest cheap summer recipes.
1. Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs
Who doesn’t love a tasty kebab recipe? Ideal on a warm summer day more! Fun to make with the kiddos.
This dish goes great with coleslaw. It’s a flavorful chicken dinner to switch things up and one the whole family can agree on!
2. Classic Coleslaw
Savor the crunch and freshness of our Classic Coleslaw, featuring a mix of cabbage and carrots in a tangy, creamy dressing.
Perfect for any occasion!
3. Potato Salad
This is a classic potato salad with a creamy mayonnaise dressing with relish, mustard and celery salt coating potatoes and chopped hard boiled eggs.
Potato Salad is one of the most popular summer side dish. It is a fun, easy and cheap summer recipe.
View recipe.
4. Italian Caprese Sandwich
Nothing says ‘Flavor of Italy” as an Italian Caprese Sandwich.
Made with fully ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and a good quality salami.
Dressed with fresh basil and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
5. Chicken Quesadillas
These quesadillas are perfect cheap summer recipe.
These authentic chicken quesadillas made with shredded leftover chicken are a crowd favorite.
They are cheesy, crispy, easy to make and super delicious.
6.
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal in just minute this is it!
I love this easy meal. It is full of flavors and ready in just 20 minutes.
Your family would love it.
7. Shrimp Butter-Lemon Pasta
This Shrimp Garlic Butter-Lemon Pasta is a very fast, simple and easy to make meal.
It’s super easy to make, ready in just 20 minutes.
It is another simple summer dish that will wow your family.
8. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A great pasta meal that is easy and frugal.
This spaghetti and meat sauce with garlic bread is a cheap and easy recipe to make.
It is also one of those very quick recipes to put on the table in just minutes.
View recipe.
9. Summer Corn Salad
A summer favorite! Corn Salad is one of our favorite easy sides!.
This easy Corn Salad features sweet fresh corn off the cob, crisp cucumbers and ripe juicy garden tomatoes all combined in a light and easy vinaigrette.
View recipe.
10. Pico De Gallo
Everyone that has tried this Pico de Gallo simple and authentic recipe has loved it.
Just 5 ingredients andyou will have the best salsa you have ever tried!
It is made in just 10 minutes with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, fresh squeezed lime juice and jalapeño.
View recipe.
11. Fresh Homemade Guacamole
This is another delicious summer recipe your crowd will love!
I have tried many variations and this is the one that comes back a winner time and time again.
Always use fresh ingredient for an authentic guacamole flavor.
View recipe.
12. Grilled Chicken Skewers
You have to try these easy Grilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers! Budget-Friendly summer recipe.
A simple summer dinner recipe that’s kid-friendly and on the table in less than 20 minutes!
It has a great sweet and tangy flavor.
13. Pasta Salad
If you are looking for a cheap chicken meal full of flavor look no further.
This Chicken Pasta salad is full of flavor and easy to make!
Make for potlucks, parties, or even to go with lunch and dinner.
14. Chicken Stir-Fry
A frugal chicken meal that is loaded with vegetables, full of lean chicken breasts, and served over rice for a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to Japanese takeout.
The sauce recipe is made from soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and hints of ginger and garlic for one of the best Asian bowls you have ever made at home!
15. Garden Salad
This recipe is perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the stove.
Packed with favors, fresh ingredients and refreshing vinaigrette perfect summer dish.
17. Tomato Salad
This is a classic salad perfect for summers.
It’s light, cooling, and oh-so refreshing.
This easy salad is made with sliced cucumbers & juicy tomatoes and enhanced with slivers of red onion and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
18. Peach Glazed Chicken Thighs
Imagine juicy, tender chicken thighs with a sweet and slightly tangy glaze that makes every bite an absolute delight. That’s what you get with these peach glazed chicken thighs, a dish that promises to be the star of your family dinner.
Served alongside your favorite spring sides, these chicken thighs are bound to become a new family tradition.
19. Kale White Bean Salad with Shrimp
Enjoy this Erewhon Copycat Recipe: Kale White Bean Salad with Grilled Shrimp. A perfect blend of hearty kale, creamy white beans, and succulent grilled shrimp, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
This healthy, flavorful salad is ideal for summer dinners, offering a gourmet touch to your family meals. Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, it’s a must-try for any salad lover!”
20. Thai Sticky Chicken Thighs
Get ready to fall in love with these Thai Sticky Chicken Thighs! They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and so easy to make.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings a bit of Thai spice to your dinner table. Serve it up with fluffy white rice for a complete meal that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds.
21. Lemon Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas with this Lemon Butter Shrimp and Asparagus recipe! A delicious, one-pan meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for a fast and healthy weeknight dinner. Fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.
22. Grilled Lamb Chops
Enjoy succulent Grilled Lamb Chops, a family favorite for dinner. Ideal for holiday meals, quick weeknight sides, and date nights. A healthy, gluten-free, and low-carb option that promises rich flavors and easy preparation. Perfect for BBQ and outdoor cooking.
23. Ground Turkey Pasta
Simplify your dinner routine with this One-Pan Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet! A perfect combination of convenience and flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone looking for easy pasta recipes that require minimal cleanup. Great for meal prep or a last-minute dinner.
24. Chicken Tacos
These chicken tacos pack a big flavor punch. These tacos are all about tender, spiced chicken tucked into soft tortillas, topped with fresh salsa, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re a fun and vibrant addition to your summer feast, proving that traditional can always make room for a little excitement.
25. Chicken Ceasar Salad Wraps
These chicken caesar salad wraps are so quick and easy to put together, and so delicious perfect for quick summer meal.
This cheap summer recipe takes just minutes to put together.
26. Grilled Lime Chicken
Fabulous for a quick midweek meal and ESPECIALLY great for the BBQ!
Bonus: super healthy at less than 300 calories for a whole chicken breast.
The trick to getting depth of flavor in a simple lime marinade is to use soy sauce for saltiness, plus a touch of sugar for great caramelization.
27. Grilled Pork Chops
These grilled pork chops are soaked in a flavorful marinade, then cooked to golden brown perfection.
A quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any BBQ or summer gathering!
Best budget-friendly summer meal, super juicy and packed with delicious flavors.
28. Pork Chops with Peach Rum Sauce
Looking for a simple, delicious budget summer recipe?
This easy grilled pork chops recipe comes with a side of delicious peach rum sauce.
The pairing is divine. So up your grilling game with this easy pork chops recipe for dinner tonight! Yum.
29. Tuna Macaroni Salad
This thrifty summer salad can be made in less than 15 minutes!
It’s a versatile recipe meaning if you don’t want to make macaroni salad with tuna you can swap in chicken or even leave the protein out.
Great for potlucks, keep it chilled as it’s a cold tuna macaroni salad with mayo.
30. Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
This is a perfect summer salad kids will love it too.
This simple summer salad recipe will blow your mind away!
It is perfect for feeding the entire family on a budget without sacrificing flavor.
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