27 low-cost meals that will wow your taste buds

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Prepare to be amazed! We’ve scoured the culinary landscape to bring you budget-friendly dishes that deliver an explosion of flavors. From savory to sweet, these wallet-friendly recipes prove that you don’t need a hefty budget to enjoy gourmet-quality meals. Discover how to savor every bite without breaking the bank!

A white bowl filled with noodles coated in a red sauce.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beet and Feta Salad

A large white ceramic bowl filled with chopped beets, frehs green herbs and white feta cheese.
Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of our easy-to-make Beet Salad with Feta Cheese. Whether as a meal, side dish, or appetizer, it’s a tasty and budget-friendly choice.

Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Gochujang Noodles

A white bowl filled with noodles coated in a red sauce.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy and spicy Gochujang Noodles take only about 10 minutes to make and are packed with flavor and comfort. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s a low-cost favorite.

Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Zucchini Curry

A large tan ceramic bowl of zucchini curry, white rice, fresh herbs and lemon slices.
Zucchini Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Elevate your summer squash game with our effortless Zucchini Curry recipe. Infused with aromatic Indian spices and creamy coconut milk, it’s a flavorful and budget-friendly option.

Get the Recipe: Zucchini Curry

Sesame Noodles

A black ceramic bowl filled with tan noodles and fresh green herbs.
Sesame Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Enjoy the simplicity and tastiness of our Super Simple Sesame Noodles made with wholesome ingredients. Gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and soy-free, it’s a versatile and delicious choice.

Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles

Chickpea Kale Salad

A small white bowl of white salad next to a large wooden salad bowl.
Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Savor the nourishing flavors of our Chickpea Kale Salad with luscious tahini dressing. This vegan and gluten-free option delights your taste buds while providing wholesome nourishment.

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Kale Salad

Tempeh Curry

A spoonful of tempeh curry resting on a bed of white rice.
Yellow Tempeh Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Packed with protein and flavor, this dish features hearty chunks of tempeh simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk. A budget-friendly delight for your taste buds.

Get the Recipe: Tempeh Curry

Noodle Soup

A ceramic bowl filled with noodles in a yellow broth.
Spicy Noodle Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Enjoy the ultimate convenience and flavor of our speedy Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup. Ready in just 10 minutes, it delivers rich and satisfying taste, while being gluten-free for a hassle-free dining experience.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Noodle Soup

Baked Tofu Noodles

A close shot of a white ceramic bowl filled with noodles, fresh herbs, veggies and tofu.
Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Irresistibly delicious spicy baked Tofu Noodles in one easy-to-make dish! Naturally gluten-free and vegan, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Noodles

Curried Chicken Salad

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Delight your taste buds with our flavorful Curry Chicken Salad with Raisins. A tantalizing blend of sweet raisins, crunchy almonds, and aromatic curry that will redefine your love for chicken salad.

Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad

Greek Chickpea Soup

a bowl of greek chickpea soup garnished with dill on a blue and white linen with a gold spoon.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Comforting broth, chickpeas and rice, aromatic leeks and garlic, bright lemon, and fresh dill create a satisfying, lively meal ready in just 30 minutes. A flavorful, budget-friendly choice.

Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Creamy Dijon Egg Salad

Creamy dijon egg salad on bread.
Creamy Dijon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy dijon egg salad is made with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Green olives, red cabbage, parsley, and pepitas make it flavorful and crunchy, offering a budget-friendly taste sensation.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Egg Salad

Healthy Tuna Waldorf Salad

Tuna Waldorf salad on baby greens with bread and grapes on the side.
Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tuna Waldorf salad is a healthy spin on the classic Waldorf salad. It makes for a quick and easy lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, a budget-friendly choice that will satisfy your cravings.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Waldorf Salad

Avocado Toast

Finished avocado tartine with a vintage knife on a light blue plate on a medium blue background.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Upgrade your avocado toast with our easy Avocado Tartine. This fancy open-faced sandwich features creamy avocado, cream cheese, everything bagel seasoning, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, elevating your regular avocado toast with these tasty additions!

Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle Eastern tofu rice bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Brave winter and work-from-home lunches with our easy Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl. This kid-friendly meal can be prepared in just 4 simple steps, featuring warming spices that will keep you cozy and satisfied without breaking the bank.

Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Sweet and Sour Tofu

Low angle shot of a bowl of sweet and sour tofu.
Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Savor the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors in this delectable Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe. Crispy tofu takes center stage in this vegetarian rendition of a classic takeout dish, allowing you to recreate your favorite vegan Chinese meal in the comfort of your own home. Best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to whip up this delightful culinary masterpiece on a budget.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Tofu

Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the nutritious and flavorful Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna and Tomatoes. Packed with fiber, protein, and convenience, it’s a must-try for a healthier lifestyle that won’t break the bank.

Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad with Feta

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green bean tomato salad. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A fresh and flavorful side dish that you can enjoy year-round is green bean tomato salad. Not only is this delicious salad easy to prepare, but it also contains healthy ingredients that will make you feel great after eating it, all without breaking the bank.

Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad with Feta

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
Keto Baked Feta Pasta with Palmini Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Try our quick and easy TikTok Viral Keto Baked Feta Pasta with palmini noodles. This low-carb, gluten-free, and grain-free keto dinner is ready in minutes, offering a delicious pasta alternative that’s kind to your budget.

Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

An egg and cucumber sandwich with pepper jack cheese, spring mix, and dill sauce is shown on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board.
Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches feature crisp, sliced cucumber, pepper jack cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, creamy dill sauce, and fresh spring mix for an easy, delicious sandwich that’s great for picnics, lunches, or parties, all on a budget.

Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Mujadara For One

Two mujaddara for one mugs.
Mujadara for one. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Try our quick and easy TikTok Viral Keto Baked Feta Pasta with palmini noodles. This low-carb, gluten-free, and grain-free keto dinner is ready in minutes, offering a delicious pasta alternative that’s kind to your budget.

Get the Recipe: Mujadara for One

Ratatouille

Light blue bowl of ratatouille vegetables stew.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Experience the savory delight of vegan ratatouille! Whip up this flavorful French classic effortlessly for a budget-friendly meal bursting with taste.

Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dive into the world of Bombay Sandwiches, where layers of veggies meet delectable chutney on buttered bread, delivering deliciousness that won’t break the bank.

Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Indulge in our Coconut Cauliflower Rice—a wallet-friendly option that combines cauliflower, coconut milk, toasted coconuts, and a hint of lime for a flavorful and healthy side dish.

Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chickpea pesto sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white plate.
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into a world of flavor with our Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. This non-traditional pesto, featuring smashed chickpeas, transforms an ordinary sandwich into a budget-friendly delight.

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spooon.
Vegan Mexican rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Whip up a quick and delightful side dish with our easy Vegan Mexican Rice recipe. Paired perfectly with Tex-Mex favorites, this flavorful rice is a fantastic and affordable addition to your mealtime.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.
Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy our hearty classic Broccoli Salad with bacon and blueberries, a simple yet budget-friendly cold salad ideal for summer days. This keto-friendly dish is perfect for various dietary needs and gatherings.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Veggie Pad Thai

Low angle shot of a light blue bowl of pad thai.
Veggie Pad Thai. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Delight in the ease and taste of our Veggie Pad Thai. With rice noodles, Thai seasonings, bean sprouts, and fried tofu, this affordable dish offers a delicious Thai-inspired meal without breaking the bank.

Get the Recipe: Veggie Pad Thai

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