Imagine this: You’ve received an invitation to a barbecue, and now you find yourself scrolling through Pinterest, searching for a healthy recipe that won’t leave a dent in your wallet amidst the current inflated grocery prices. We understand the struggle—but there’s a different approach.
Instead of hunting for the perfect recipe, why not focus on a wallet-friendly ingredient and build a healthy dish around it? We will teach you how to spin up a healthy, budget-friendly dish out of nearly any ingredient that your crowd will love. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
10 BUdget Friendly Dishes
1. Pasta Salad
Pasta is a versatile, filling, and affordable pantry staple perfect for feeding a large crowd at a BBQ. Opt for whole wheat pasta for added fiber and energy-boosting B vitamins if available. Add fresh vegetables like juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and bright bell peppers to get creative with your pasta salad. Finally, bring it all together with a simple homemade dressing.
2. Watermelon Slices
Don’t overlook the simplicity and delight of fresh melon. Watermelon, in particular, is a refreshing, hydrating, and budget-friendly fruit. It’s the perfect choice for summer gatherings, as it’s in season from May to September, so you’re getting the juiciest flavor it offers. Simply cut the watermelon into slices or cubes, and it’s ready to be served. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some fresh mint.
3. Vegetable Skewers
Make vegetables more exciting by creating colorful vegetable skewers using affordable vegetables like cherry tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then grill them to perfection. Not only will they add color to your table, but they’ll also add valuable nutrition to your plate.
4. Chips and Salsa
To keep things simple, grabbing a bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa can be an inexpensive and crowd-pleasing snack option. Look for sales or purchase store brands to save on the cost of the chips and choose a reasonably priced jar of salsa. After all, salsa is made of vegetables. For a healthier chip, go for options baked or popped with air.
Related Reading: 4 Ways to Enjoy Salsa (Besides Chips)
5. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic and cost-effective appetizer. To prepare them, hard-boil the eggs, slice them in half, and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper, and then pipe the creamy mixture back into the egg white halves. Finish them off with a sprinkle of paprika, primarily for looks.
Related Reading: The Foolproof Guide to Hard-Boiling Eggs
6. Baked Beans
Okay, admittedly, this isn’t the healthiest recipe on the list, but beans are a true barbecue staple. Plus, they are a budget-conscious buy. The biggest drawback with baked beans is their sugar content; however, they are low in fat and high in fiber, so there are great pros to this recipe, too. For the healthier version, make them yourself; that way, you have the final say in the sugar content.
Try It Out: Instant Pot Baked Beans
7. Caprese Skewers
If we still need to convince you of the versatility of tomatoes, here’s another delightful option: Caprese skewers. These simple appetizers offer a burst of fresh and light flavors that complement a variety of meals. To make them, alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil on a skewer. Then, drizzle them with a luscious balsamic glaze or a simple vinaigrette for a finishing touch. Best part? No cooking is required.
8. Guacamole
Take advantage of the affordable prices of avocados, especially when they are in season or on sale during holidays. You can create delicious homemade guacamole with just a few simple ingredients. Mash ripe avocados with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, diced tomatoes, minced red onions, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This flavorful and creamy dip pairs perfectly with baked tortilla chips, fresh sliced vegetables, or as a tasty spread for nearly any bun.
9. Mini Sliders
Instead of full-sized burgers, feed more mouths with the same amount of meat by making mini sliders using ground beef or ground turkey. Need plant-based alternatives? You can also consider vegetarian options like black bean sliders or even chickpea patties. Use small buns or dinner rolls to keep the portion size small and cost-effective.
Try It Out: Spinach Turkey Burger
10. Fruit Salad
Create a colorful and refreshing fruit salad by gathering a variety of seasonal fruits such as juicy melons, sweet berries, plump grapes, and tangy citrus. Combine them all in a large bowl, and squeeze a little bit of lemon or lime juice over the fruit salad. This simple addition will elevate the flavors and keep the fruit salad looking bright and appetizing. This option also works great as a healthy dessert option as is or with the addition of a drizzle of honey or your favorite whipped topping.
The Bottom Line
Embrace the idea of using affordable ingredients to get creative, making simple yet flavorful recipes. This mindset allows you to build a delicious and healthy spread without breaking the bank.
Image: Getty Image
