As the weather warms up, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. Fortunately, you can whip up delicious and budget-friendly dinners that are perfect for spring and summer evenings yet don’t overheat the kitchen or burn up your bank account. From fresh salads to flavorful pasta dishes, we have some summer suggestions that will satisfy your taste buds and comfortably fill your tummy. With a different spin on meals that break away from the basic and boring menus served over and over again, you will find something below that everyone will enjoy. So why not whip up one or all of these tasty dishes and savor the flavor of spring and summer without the stress or the mess from heating up your kitchen then paying a bundle to cool it down again? Go ahead, pull up a chair and read all about ways to dig into dining that is light on your budget and your energy bills!
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Fire up the grill then toss on some chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook them thoroughly then slice before placing each bountiful serving on top of individual beds of crisp romaine lettuce that’s already tossed in Caesar dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons for an extra crunch. This light, refreshing and filling salad is perfect for warm evenings and comes together for less than $25 for a family of four.
Crab Pasta Salad
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool under cold water to room temperature. Shell shapes add a nice touch to the seafood theme. Toss the pasta with mayonnaise, then gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped celery, a touch of extra finely chopped purple onions, a generous portion of shredded imitation crab and a splash of English peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then toss again to combine. This colorful and flavorful pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and will be a tasty catch for less than $25 for a family of four.
Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice
Heat some oil in a large skillet or wok and stir-fry your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and snap peas until tender-crisp. Add a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of ginger and garlic for flavor. Serve the stir-fried veggies over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This quick and simple stir-fry is both nutritious and wallet -friendly, easily fitting into your $25 budget.
Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Season shrimp with chili powder, cumin and garlic powder, then grill or sauté until cooked thoroughly. Meanwhile, make a simple avocado salsa by combining diced avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a bowl. Combine the salsa and shrimp. Warm corn tortillas and generously fill them with the shrimp and salsa combo. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce for an extra zing. These flavorful shrimp tacos are perfect for a quick and easy dinner that will fit both your budget and the taste of your whole family.
Margherita Flatbread Pizza
Preheat your oven to 425°F and place a flatbread or store-bought pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread a thin covering of tomato sauce over the crust and top with sliced fresh tomatoes, a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This simple yet delicious flatbread pizza is a hit with kids and adults alike and can be made to fit your $25 price range for a family of four.
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