Healthy Meals on a Budget: This Tasty, Cheap and Simple Menu Will Bring You Energy!

by Snezhana Besarabova
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Does it necessarily mean that a healthy meal is expensive? In many cases, the food, which is good for your well condition, is simply made, while its ingredients are common. You’ll need just some planning and creativity, to prepare and enjoy rich in substances and nutritious dishes. Let you explore some recipes of healthy meals on a budget, prioritizing wholesome ingredients, which bring you energy.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

black bean and quinoa salad recipe healthy meals on a budget

This rich in vegetables and quinoa salad is one of the lightest and easiest among the healthy meals on a budget. It is not only hearty and delicious, but may last for days in the fridge!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (185 g) quinoa
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup (13 g) red onion, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

  1. Cook the quinoa. Then let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Mix the cooked quinoa with the black beans. Combine them in a large bowl.
  3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Mix them to the quinoa and black beans.
  4. Then add the bell pepper and the red onion. Mix them well with the other ingredients.
  5. Whisk together the dressing. Mix the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  6. Add the dressing. Pour it over the quinoa mixture.
  7. Toss the mixture well. Do this until the ingredients are well combined.
  8. Serve the salad chilled. Appreciate this refreshing and nutritious salad.

Lentil Soup with Vegetables

lentil soup with wholesome ingredients healthy meals on a budget

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Lentil soup is on the top of the list of healthy meals on a budget. It is not only rich in protein and fiber, perfect not only for vegetarians, as a comforting and nutritious meal. This soup can be easily reheated, while still saving its taste, which makes it ideal for making ahead and serving for your lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 g) dried lentils
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 carrots, diced
  • 4 cups (940 g) vegetable broth
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

  1. Rinse the lentils. Keep it apart.
  2. Heat the olive oil. Use a large pot for the purpose.
  3. Add the vegetables. Put the diced onion, carrots, celery, and the minced garlic in the pot.
  4. Sauté the vegetables. Heat until they become tender.
  5. Add the lentils and the vegetable broth. Mix them into the other ingredients.
  6. Sprinkle the spices. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the meal.
  7. Bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat afterward.
  8. Simmer for about 30 minutes. Cook until the lentils are tender.
  9. Adjust seasoning. If needed.
  10. Serve the lentil soup. It’s better to consume it warm.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Vegetables

baked chicken drumsticks with vegetables healthy meals on a budget

This wholesome meal is made with just basic ingredients. The recipes of this type often taste the best. Baked chicken drumsticks with vegetables is made with healthy ingredients, which provide an abundance of natural flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 cups (300 g) mixed potatoes, carrots, and zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

  1. Preheat the oven. Heat it to 400 °F (200 °C).
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in a baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle the dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Ensure they evenly cover the chicken.
  4. Toss the mixed vegetables. Mix them well with the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  5. Arrange the vegetables in a baking dish. Place them evenly around the chicken.
  6. Bake for 40–45 minutes. Heat until the chicken is cooked through.

Veggie Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

vegetable fried brown rice cheap easy healthy meals on a budget

Maybe you are looking for a quick and easy healthy dinner that’s delicious? If it’s the case, pay special attention to this tasty example from the list of healthy meals on a budget. This satisfying and nutritious dish is packed with veggies and whole grains, and may serve as a perfect dinner!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (190 g) brown rice
  • 2 cups (300 g) mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, edamame, and green beans)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

  1. Cook the brown rice. Read the package instructions how to cook.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan. Use over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and the sliced onion. Mix them carefully to the cooked rice.
  4. Then sauté until fragrant. The garlic and onion should be slightly softened.
  5. Add mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir lightly and fry for 5–7 minutes.
  6. Mix together the soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a small bowl for the purpose.
  7. Pour this sauce over the vegetables. Stir to coat the mixture evenly.
  8. Serve on your table. Consume while it is warm.

Read also: 4 Easy, Tasty & Healthy Spring Dinner Recipes to Try Out Now!



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