15 Cheap Summer Meals

Summer is the season of sunshine, lazy evenings, and craving meals that won’t heat up the kitchen—or burn a hole in your wallet! Whether you’re feeding a family or just trying to beat the grocery bill blues, these budget-friendly recipes are here to save the day.

Light on cost but heavy on flavor, they’re perfect for warm-weather days when you want to eat well without overspending. Plus, they’re super simple, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine.

Let’s dive into 15 deliciously cheap summer meals that prove you don’t need a big budget to eat like a champ!

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1. Cheesy Zucchini Fritters

Description:
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these zucchini fritters are cheesy, comforting, and easy on the budget. Perfect for a light dinner or a snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a towel.
2. Mix zucchini, egg, flour, cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Spoon mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly.
5. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

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2. Pasta Salad with Veggies and Italian Dressing

Description:
Cold, colorful, and customizable—this pasta salad is a summer staple that’s super cheap and incredibly refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. Combine pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives in a large bowl.
3. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and toss well.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

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3. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

Description:
Skip the bread and keep it cool with this high-protein, low-cost favorite wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix chopped eggs with mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Spoon mixture into individual lettuce leaves.
3. Serve cold as a refreshing main or side dish.

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4. Baked Potato Bar

Description:
One ingredient, endless toppings—baked potatoes are a cheap base for a customizable and satisfying summer dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, leftover chili, bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Wash and prick potatoes with a fork.
2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes until soft.
3. Slice open and let everyone add their own toppings.

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5. Tuna Pasta with Sweet Corn

Description:
This pantry-friendly meal is creamy, satisfying, and ideal for hot summer nights when you don’t want to cook too much.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 can tuna in water, drained
• 1/2 cup canned sweet corn
• 1/4 cup mayo
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cooled pasta, tuna, and corn in a bowl.
2. Add mayo, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
3. Chill and serve cold.

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6. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Sandwiches

Description:
A summertime classic with a juicy twist—add fresh tomatoes for an ultra-cheap meal that feels like a treat.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 fresh tomato, sliced
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place cheese and tomato slices between two slices, buttered side out.
3. Grill on a skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted.

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7. Rice and Bean Burritos

Description:
Hearty, delicious, and under budget—these burritos are full of fiber and flavor, ideal for meatless summer meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Tortillas

Instructions:

1. Mix rice, beans, salsa, and cumin in a bowl.
2. Warm tortillas and spoon mixture down the center.
3. Roll tightly and serve with extra salsa or sour cream.

8. Summer Veggie Stir Fry Over Rice

Description:
Fresh veggies, a quick sauté, and steamed rice—this colorful stir-fry is a budget-friendly meal that tastes like summer in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed chopped vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Add soy sauce and stir to coat.
4. Serve hot over rice.

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9. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Description:
Packed with plant-based protein and flavor, this chickpea salad is a satisfying sandwich filler and super economical.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and mashed
• 2 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• Salt and pepper
• Bread slices or sandwich buns

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash chickpeas with a fork.
2. Add mayo, mustard, celery, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well and scoop onto bread or buns for a sandwich.

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10. Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl

Description:
Cool, creamy, and just the right amount of nutty—this noodle dish keeps you full and refreshed without busting your budget.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or ramen noodles
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles and rinse under cold water.
2. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey to make the sauce.
3. Toss noodles with sauce, carrots, and cucumbers.
4. Chill before serving.

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11. Sheet Pan Nachos

Description:
Loaded nachos for dinner? Yes, please. Easy to assemble and even easier to eat—this meal is great for sharing.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 1 cup canned black beans
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• Salsa and sour cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread chips on a baking sheet.
3. Top with beans, cheese, and onions.
4. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts.
5. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

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12. Tomato and Cucumber Sandwiches

Description:
Fresh, crisp, and wonderfully simple—this sandwich is a nostalgic, low-cost summer go-to.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• Cream cheese or mayo
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese or mayo on bread.
2. Layer tomato and cucumber slices.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Close the sandwich and enjoy cold.

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13. Corn and Zucchini Frittata

Description:
Eggs + summer produce = the ultimate budget-friendly dinner. Serve warm or cold!

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup canned or fresh corn
• 1/4 cup cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in zucchini, corn, and cheese.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish or skillet.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until set.
6. Let cool slightly and slice.

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14. Tuna Melt Open-Faced Sandwiches

Description:
A warm, cheesy twist on a tuna sandwich—open-faced melts are satisfying and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1 tsp mustard
• 2 slices bread
• 2 slices cheese

Instructions:

1. Mix tuna, mayo, and mustard in a bowl.
2. Spread tuna mixture on bread slices.
3. Top with cheese.
4. Broil in oven or toaster oven until cheese is bubbly.

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15. Veggie Fried Rice

Description:
A classic leftover-friendly meal that’s ready in minutes and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetables and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
3. Push veggies to the side, crack in eggs, and scramble.
4. Add rice and soy sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through.