During these hot days of summer, we prefer eating lighter foods that will satisfy our appetites without making us overly full. If you’re running out of dinner ideas to whip up for you and the family, we’ve provided a list of budget-friendly dinner recipes that go easy on the calories and on your wallet.
Many of these recipes feature some of your favorite summertime fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, berries and tomatoes. Most of them contain five basic ingredients or less, and they don’t require a lot of effort, which means you can spend more time outside enjoying this beautiful weather and less time in the kitchen. You will find that these dishes are flavorful, comforting and absolutely delicious.
Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipes for Summer
20-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta: Avocados aren’t typically found in most pasta recipes, but they truly give this dish some extra flavor and texture, and add a refreshing element.
Noodle Salad with Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing: This Asian-style salad from RecipeTin Eats is tangy, savory and absolutely satisfying. You can whip it up for lunch or dinner.
Surprise Macaroni and Cheese: This budget-friendly dinner recipe adds a special, lighter twist to a classic meal. It’s so rich, creamy and especially cheesy that you’ll find it hard to believe it’s healthy!
Chipotle Chicken Copycat: This dish is not only less calories than the original, heavy Chipotle dish, but it also will cost you less money! How could you refuse?
Almond, Berry & Chicken Spinach Salad: This summer, take advantage of all the fresh fruits that are in season! This refreshing fruit salad from Chelsea’s Messy Apron is sweet, simple and wholesome.
Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets: A kid-friendly dinner that isn’t loaded with extra fat and calories? Sign us up! This recipe tastes just as comforting as the original, but it incorporates healthy ingredient swaps to make it guilt-free.
What’s your favorite budget-friendly dinner recipe?
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