Save Money While Eating Better! Try These Cheap Healthy Meals
Eating healthy while on a budget can seem daunting, but with the right recipes and a bit of planning, it’s entirely possible to enjoy cheap, healthy meals. Here at Peak Physique, we believe that everyone should have access to nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
Check out some of our favorite cheap healthy meals that are not only delicious but also easy on your wallet.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos
Serves: 4
Approximate cost per serving: $3.50
These are great every day of the week, not just on Taco Tuesday. They’re perfect for any night of the week and make great leftovers for lunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 jar salsa
- Corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: cheese, avocado slices, diced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, toasted pumpkin seeds
Directions:
- Rub the chicken with taco seasoning and place it in the slow cooker.
- Pour salsa over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet and serve with desired toppings.
Pro tip: Corn tortillas are often cheaper and healthier than flour tortillas. Look for options with minimal ingredients.
Easy Marinara Sauce with Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Serves: 4
Approximate cost per serving: $3.25
Marinara sauce over spaghetti squash noodles is a tasty way to enjoy a traditional dish with a healthy twist. This meal is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 3–4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 jars marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, cut in strips
- Optional: leftover ground meat or sausage
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Cut your spaghetti squash down the middle, scoop out seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and bake cut-side down for 30–40 minutes.
- While that’s cooking, take your garlic and onion and and sauté them in olive oil over medium heat. Add marinara sauce and basil, simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once baked, take the squash and scrape it with a fork to create “noodles.”
- Top noodles with sauce and any additional meat. Garnish with cheese and basil.
Pro tip: Get kids involved in making the spaghetti squash noodles. They’re more likely to enjoy a meal they helped create.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing
Serves: 4
Approximate cost per serving: $3.50
Salad doesn’t have to be boring! This rotisserie chicken salad with a homemade balsamic dressing is both flavorful and filling.
Ingredients:
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- Lettuce or spring mix
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Assorted veggies (carrots, cucumber, peppers)
- Optional: craisins, nuts, seeds
Directions:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in your jar or a bowl with a lid and shake well.
- Pull the chicken from the bone.
- Mix lettuce, chicken, cheese, and veggies in a bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss.
Pro tip: Use the bones from the rotisserie chicken to make homemade chicken stock. It’s a great base for soups and stews.
Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
Serves: 4
Approximate cost per serving: $4.50
Sheet pan meals are such a lifesaver when you’re looking for cheap, healthy meals on those super busy weeknights. This chicken and veggie combination is easy to prep and clean up.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
- Fresh veggies (potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Coat chicken breasts with stone-ground mustard.
- Chop veggies, coat with olive oil, and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Place chicken on top of the veggies.
- Bake for at least 30 minutes, making sure the chicken is cooked through.
Pro tip: Swap out veggies based on what’s in season or on sale to save money.
Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
Serves: 4
Approximate cost per serving: $3.25
These chicken parmesan zucchini boats are a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to the traditional dish. They’re both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 zucchini
- 1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides to create boats.
- Cook the ground chicken in a large pan over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Add salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Add your marinara sauce into the meat mixture and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Fill zucchini boats with the meat mixture and top with parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until zucchini is soft and cheese is melted.
Pro tip: Use ground turkey if it’s on sale for a cheaper option.
Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes
Serves: 4
Approximate cost per serving: $2
Sweet potatoes are nutritious and versatile. This loaded baked sweet potato recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a filling meal on a budget.
Ingredients:
- 4 sweet potatoes
- 2 15-ounce cans black beans
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 lime
- Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Use a fork to poke holes in the sweet potatoes, then bake for at least 30–40 minutes until soft.
- Slice open the top of each sweet potato and scoop out a small portion to create space for toppings.
- Top each sweet potato with black beans, Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cheese, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add cayenne pepper if desired.
Pro tip: Add pulled rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce for a heartier version.
Enjoy These Cheap, Healthy Meals Without Breaking The Bank
Eating nutritious meals on a budget is entirely possible with a little planning and creativity. These cheap healthy meals are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it simple for you to maintain a healthy diet without overspending. From savory Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos to hearty Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats, these recipes will keep your meals exciting and your wallet happy.
Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right recipes and a positive mindset, you can reach your health and budget goals while enjoying every bite along the way. Try these recipes and see how easy and enjoyable budget-friendly healthy eating can be!
Looking for more healthy meals to add to your recipe book? Check out more from our healthy food blog!