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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    28 Budget-Friendly Summer Dishes That Are Bursting with Flavor

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 9, 2025, updated June 28, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant meals without breaking the bank. These 28 budget-friendly dishes are packed with flavor and make the most of seasonal ingredients. From light salads to hearty mains, there's something here for everyone to enjoy during the warm months.

    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are full of flavor and only take 5 minutes to prepare. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal that’s easy to make. This dish is perfect for a simple dinner that doesn’t require much effort.

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    Sheet Pan Halloumi Tacos

    Halloumi tacos.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Tacos are always a great choice, and these halloumi tacos are quick and easy to prepare. They offer a tasty option for summer meals without taking up too much of your time. Perfect for busy nights, these tacos are packed with flavor and can be whipped up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Peruvian Drumsticks

    Peruvian drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Jamil Ghar.

    Oven baked drumsticks are packed with flavor from a marinade of vinegar and classic Peruvian spices like smoked paprika and cumin. This dish is perfect for anyone wanting to add some excitement to their dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal that brings a taste of Peru right to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken patties are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With just a few easy steps and only 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. There's no need for chopping, as powdered seasonings do all the work, and a splash of fresh lemon juice keeps them juicy.

    Get the recipe

    Ham and Swiss Quiche

    Ham and Swiss Quiche.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This quiche is simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for any meal of the day. The flaky crust pairs wonderfully with creamy eggs, ham, and mild Swiss cheese. It's a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Quinoa Walnut Tacos

    Vegan Quinoa Walnut Tacos
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These tacos are packed with healthy quinoa and crunchy walnuts, making them a simple and tasty plant-based meal that everyone will enjoy. They're perfect for a quick dinner and bring a lot of flavor without needing much time in the kitchen. This dish is a great way to keep things light and satisfying during the summer.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Sloppy Joes

    A vegan sloppy joe.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegan version of a classic dish is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family. It's packed with flavor and is a great option for summer meals. Enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal that won't break the bank.

    Get the recipe

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    This cold bruschetta pasta salad features fresh cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fragrant basil. The addition of homemade sourdough breadcrumbs gives it a satisfying crunch and a delicious bruschetta twist. It's a great option for lunch, especially during the warm summer months.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Potato Tacos

    Crispy Potato Tacos.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Diced potatoes are tossed with simple spices and baked on a sheet pan until they’re nice and crispy. These potatoes are perfect for filling up a flour tortilla and can be topped with all your favorite taco toppings. It's an easy and tasty option for a fun meal.

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    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    Creamy pesto gnocchi.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This creamy dish is sure to have everyone coming back for more. It's rich and satisfying, perfect for a summer meal that won't break the bank. With its delicious flavors, it's a great option for any day of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

    Smoked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Smoked Chicken Drumsticks are a simple and tasty option for summer meals. They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful food without spending too much time in the kitchen. These drumsticks are great for gatherings or just a casual dinner at home. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Asian Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

    Asian chciken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

    This dish offers a tasty take on budget-friendly chicken drumsticks, perfect for summer grilling. The Asian marinade combines sweet and salty flavors, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and full of flavor. These drumsticks are not only packed with taste but also come out tender and moist.

    Get the recipe

    Black Lentil Feta Salad

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta.
    Photo credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This Mediterranean salad is full of flavor and super easy to prepare. It's packed with protein and works well for meal prep, making it perfect for lunches or dinners. With healthy lentils, creamy feta, fresh veggies, and a light vinaigrette, it's a delicious and satisfying option.

    Get the recipe

    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This Italian bow tie pasta salad is a simple and affordable meal option. It's quick to prepare and works well for gatherings or potlucks. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice

    Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice with sunny side up egg.
    Photo Credit: Plates by Nat.

    Tuna kimchi fried rice is a simple dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. It's savory with a hint of spice and full of rich flavors. Topping it with a sunny side egg adds a nice touch to this satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Fritters

    Chickpea fritters on a plate.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    These tasty fritters can be enjoyed in many ways. You can dip them, toss them in a salad, or even add them to a burger. They’re a great option for summer meals when you want something flavorful without spending a lot.

    Get the recipe

    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad.
    Photo credit: Healthfull Blondie.

    Orzo pesto salad is a colorful dish filled with fresh vegetables and creamy mozzarella, all mixed together with a tasty homemade nut-free basil pesto. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at a spring or summer gathering. This salad is not only easy to make but also brings a burst of flavor to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Mason Jar Salad

    Mason jar salads.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This salad is easy to make and packed with flavor. It has all the ingredients you need for a satisfying meal. Perfect for warm summer days, it’s a great option when you want something light yet filling.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and quick with just a few ingredients and one pot. This recipe is all about keeping things easy while still being delicious. With only 12 minutes and 5 ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer baked potatoes are quick to prepare and offer a soft, tasty inside with a crispy outside. You can add any toppings you have on hand, making it an affordable meal option. This dish is perfect for a simple dinner that doesn’t require much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    This stuffed Anaheim pepper boat - filled with juicy meat, overflowing with melted cheese, and bathed in the flavor of a creamy avocado sauce - is the dish you didn't know you needed.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air frying chicken legs results in a crispy, golden brown exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. This method is quick and easy, making it perfect for summer meals. Enjoy a flavorful dish that doesn’t require much effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the season.

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    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Naturallie Plant Based.

    With the arrival of warm weather, this salad is a perfect choice. It features bright, juicy strawberries, marinated balsamic tofu, fresh spinach and basil, along with creamy feta cheese. This dish is refreshing and packed with flavor, making it a great option for summer meals.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chickpea Fajita Bowls

    Vegan fajita bowls.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Fajita bowls are a great option for a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. They feature roasted zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, and spicy chickpeas, all cooked together on a sheet pan. Topped with a flavorful chipotle-lime cashew cream and served with quick fajita rice, these bowls are both healthy and filling.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce gets a kick with some added spice. Using just common powdered seasonings you likely have in your pantry, it’s an affordable choice when you're trying to save money. This dish is perfect for summer meals that are both flavorful and easy on the wallet.

    Get the recipe

    Veggie Burger Bowl

    A veggie burger bowl.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This burger bowl is packed with fresh veggies and plenty of flavor. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping things light and healthy. If you prefer meat, you can easily switch out the veggie burger for your favorite meat option.

    Get the recipe

    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian tacos can be a delicious and satisfying meal, packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese. Topped with fresh homemade pico de gallo, these tacos are simple to make and full of flavor. They’re perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dinner is quick and easy, using ingredients you likely have on hand. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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