20 Low-Cost Summer Meals to Make

Feeding your family in the summer doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little creativity and some simple ingredients, you can whip up tasty meals that are light, fresh, and easy on your budget.

Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a picnic, or dinner after a busy day, these low-cost summer meals keep things simple without sacrificing flavor. From no-cook favorites to easy grill recipes, this list is full of real meals real people actually want to eat.

Let’s dig into affordable dishes that make summer eating stress-free and satisfying.

Pasta salad with garden veggies

This is a cheap meal you can throw together fast. Use any pasta you have on hand and add whatever chopped veggies are around. A little oil and vinegar or store-bought dressing make it tasty without much effort. It stores well, so you can make a big batch and eat it again later.

This is one of those affordable meals that doesn’t feel boring. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make it work. It’s filling, easy to make, and easy on your food budget.

To learn more: How to Do a Pantry Challenge and Cut Grocery Expenses

Grilled chicken skewers with rice

Chicken skewers are a smart way to stretch meat across several meals. You only need a little chicken, plus some cut-up veggies like onion or bell pepper. Serve it over plain rice, and you’ve got a filling, low-cost dinner. It’s also a good way to use up leftover chicken.

You don’t need to turn on the oven or do much prep. This is one of those cheap foods that feels like something from a restaurant but costs a lot less.

To learn more: 15 Useful Frugal Lessons from the Great Depression that Still Work Today

Chicken salad wraps

Chicken salad wraps are easy to make with leftover chicken or even canned chicken. Add mayo, mustard, and chopped veggies if you have them. Wrap it in a tortilla or lettuce leaves.

This is one of those cheap summer foods that fills you up without a lot of cooking. It works for lunch or dinner. The ingredients are simple and affordable.

To learn more: Frugal vs Cheap – Does Being Frugal Mean you are Cheap?

Tuna pasta salad

Tuna pasta salad is one of those meals that feels like more than the sum of its parts. You just need pasta, canned tuna, and whatever add-ins you like. A little mayo or dressing pulls it all together.

It’s filling and doesn’t cost much to make. Perfect if you’re watching your budget and still want something that tastes good. Plus, it makes good leftovers.

To learn more: Canned Food to Stock in the Pantry Now

Cold peanut noodles with cucumbers

This meal is cheap, fast, and different from your usual pasta. Use spaghetti or ramen and make a sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Add chopped cucumbers for crunch.

It’s one of those affordable meals that feels like takeout but costs way less. You don’t need to cook much, and it comes together fast. It’s a smart way to change up cheap meals without spending more.

To learn more: Try these extreme frugal habits in 2025

Hummus and veggie pita pockets

These are perfect when you need something simple and cheap. Just spread hummus in a pita and add sliced veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or lettuce. It takes minutes to make and doesn’t need cooking.

Hummus is filling and easy to keep on hand. This is one of those affordable meals that works for lunch or a light dinner. The ingredients are easy to swap based on what you have.

To learn more: What is the Best Cheap Food to Buy When Broke?

Black bean and corn salad

This is a good, cheap meal that takes almost no work. Mix canned black beans, corn, onion, and some lime juice. Add a little salt and pepper. You don’t need to cook anything.

It’s high in protein and filling. This is one of those low-cost summer meals that’s also healthy and fresh. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge.

To learn more: 15 Genius Meal Planning Tips to Make Cooking a Breeze

Egg salad sandwiches

Egg salad is one of the cheapest meals you can make. Boil a few eggs, mix with mayo and a little mustard or salt. Serve on bread or crackers. It’s quick, easy, and uses basic ingredients.

This is a great option when you’re short on time and money. Eggs are filling and affordable, which makes this a go-to budget meal.

To learn more: The Most Popular Cheap Foods People Love to Eat

Caprese-style tomato and mozzarella sandwiches

This is one of those cheap meals that feels fancy but isn’t. Slice up some tomato and mozzarella, then add a little oil or pesto if you have it. Put it on bread, and you’re done.

It’s a fresh, simple way to eat on a budget. You don’t need to cook anything, and the house stays cool. This sandwich is easy to make and doesn’t cost much.

To learn more: 24 Simple Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money Fast

Cold quinoa bowl with chopped veggies

Quinoa bowls are a great way to make cheap meals feel filling. Cook a batch of quinoa, then top with chopped veggies and a little dressing. It’s good for meal prep and doesn’t cost a lot. One of our go-to summer meals.

You can use whatever is in your fridge. This is a good option for a low-cost summer meal that still gives you protein and fiber. You can also stretch it across a few days.

To learn more: Top 15 Cheap Foods when Low on Money

Shredded chicken sandwiches with coleslaw

This is a filling meal made from cheap food. Use leftover or canned chicken, mix with a bit of sauce or seasoning, and serve it on a bun. Add some coleslaw on top or the side.

It’s quick, affordable, and easy to make in bulk. This sandwich works for dinner or packed lunches. You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make it taste good.

To learn more: The Top Frugal Living Tips Around the House

DIY snack plates (crackers, cheese, fruit, nuts)

Snack plates are a smart way to eat cheaply without cooking. Use crackers, sliced cheese, fruit, and a handful of nuts. You can mix and match based on what’s in your kitchen.

This is one of those low-cost summer meals that still feels like a treat. It’s filling and takes no time to make. Kids and adults both like this one.

To learn more: 10 Affordable Ways to Have Fun This Summer

Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches

This is a light meal made with basic, affordable ingredients. Just slice cucumbers and spread cream cheese on bread. Put it all together and cut into small sandwiches. It’s simple but filling.

You don’t need to cook or prep much. This is a great budget food that works for lunch or snacks.

To learn more: 10 Mind Blowing Ideas to Live Cheap

Chilled lentil and veggie salad

Lentils are one of the cheapest ways to get protein. Cook them ahead, then mix with chopped veggies and a little dressing. It keeps well and is easy to pack for meals.

This is one of those healthy, low-cost meals that you can eat over a few days. It’s filling and doesn’t take much work. You can swap in whatever veggies you have.

To learn more: 15 Daily Habit for Eating Healthy on a Budget

Greek yogurt with fruit and granola

This is a good option for breakfast, snacks, or even dinner. Greek yogurt gives you protein, and fruit and granola add flavor and crunch. It’s cheap, easy, and fast.

You don’t need to cook anything. This is one of those affordable meals that feels fresh and filling. You can keep the ingredients on hand for busy days.

To learn more: 24 Simple Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money Fast

BLT wraps

BLT wraps are an easy spin on a classic. Just cook some bacon, add lettuce and tomato, and wrap it all in a tortilla. It’s one of those cheap foods that still feels like a real meal.

You don’t need much to make it work. It’s good for lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to put together fast.

To learn more: 10 Simple Tips on How to be Frugal with Food

Cold soba noodles with soy sauce and sesame

Soba noodles are quick and cheap. Cook and chill them, then mix with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a few chopped veggies if you have them. It’s a fast meal that doesn’t cost much.

This is one of those affordable meals that tastes like takeout. You can make it ahead and eat it cold.

To learn more: 10 Genius Habits of Extremely Frugal People

Avocado toast with tomato slices

Avocado toast doesn’t have to be expensive. Use regular sandwich bread and half an avocado, then add sliced tomato on top. A little salt and pepper goes a long way. Top with bagel seasoning to make it takeout quality.

It’s filling and doesn’t need much prep. This is a cheap summer food that still feels fresh. You only need a few ingredients to make it work.

To learn more: Top 10 Influential Frugal Living Tips with a Big Impact

Chickpea salad sandwiches

This is a cheap and easy meal with lots of protein. Smash canned chickpeas with greek yogurt, mustard, and chopped veggies if you have them. Spread it on bread or eat with crackers.

It’s a simple way to make a healthy sandwich on a budget. Chickpeas are cheap, and one can go a long way. This is great for lunch or quick dinners.

To learn more: 15 Smart Meal Planning Hacks to Save Money on Food Fast

Classic hot dogs and burgers

You can feed a lot of people without spending much on this one. Hot dogs and burgers are simple and affordable. Use store-brand buns and basic toppings. You don’t need to get fancy to make it work.

This is one of those cheap summer foods that’s always a hit. It works for families, get-togethers, or just a quick dinner.

To learn more: The Best Frugal Living Ideas to Save Money on Food

Try These Budget-Friendly Summer Meals That Would Fill You Up

Eating well in the summer doesn’t have to cost a lot. With simple ingredients and easy prep, you can make meals that are both healthy and affordable.

These ideas prove that cheap food can still taste great and keep you full. Whether you’re feeding a family or just trying to stretch your grocery budget, these low-cost summer meals make it easy to stay on track.

Follow Money Bliss for more smart ways to save money while eating well. Try these budget-friendly summer meals that would fill you up without emptying your wallet!

To learn more: Cooking Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Cooking Budget Meals

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