35 Best Cheap and Healthy Meal Ideas for 2025
It is a common misconception that you cannot cook a cheap and healthy meal that is also tasty. Claims like “cheap food is junk food” or “healthy food is expensive and doesn’t taste good” might often be voiced in your circles, but how valid are they? Let us reassure you that these statements aren't always factual and, in fact, can be proved wrong with a bit of effort.
According to The Nutrition Source, a healthy diet is achieved by consuming a good balance of foods, including vegetables, whole grains, fruits and healthy protein. However, a budget also plays a crucial role in planning a nutritious daily diet. You can prepare healthy meals on a tight budget by substituting unnecessary ingredients for more wholesome options.
Ready to discover those options? If you struggle to cook cheap and healthy meals because you are unsure what is and is not beneficial, we've got you covered. Here's a list of ideas for cooking healthy, cheap meals that are also super easy to prepare.
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35 Healthy and Cheap Meal Ideas
1. Keto Stir Fry
The keto stir fry is a cheap and healthy meal that's easy to make and will be enjoyed by everyone — even those who aren't following the diet. It's loaded with vegetables, which provide dietary fiber, and the marinated chicken gives it a great flavor.
An added bonus is that each serving of this cheap, healthy meal has only 267 calories. This keto stir fry is among the healthiest Chinese foods you can make at home in no time at all and is an excellent dish for lunch or dinner.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 55 minutes
2. One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa
A one-pan chicken and quinoa dish is a delightful dinner food idea, especially when jazzed up with crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex flavors. Besides the chicken, the quinoa in this cheap and healthy meal adds to the high protein content. Making it is trouble-free and the best part is that you can tailor the spice level to suit your palate.
3. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
This cheap, healthy meal is easy to make with your Instant Pot and a favorite of taco lovers everywhere. If you're searching for stress-free lunch food ideas, simply put all your ingredients into your pot, let them cook slowly overnight and your meals for the next day will be sorted.
The spicy tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces are just what you need for the perfect taco filling. To increase the nutritive content in this cheap, healthy meal, pile on the vegetables for extra crunch and fiber.
4. Pea Salad
A pea salad is an ideal healthy snack, but it can also be bulked up and served as a tasty meal on its own. Combining onions, salty bacon and creamy dressing in a dish like this creates a wholesome addition to your dinner table.
If you're vegetarian, you could choose to forego the bacon or make this cheap, healthy meal with a plant-based version of it. If you'd like to turn it into a vegan meal, ensure the dressing is also adjusted accordingly.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
5. Coconut Curry Chickpeas
One of the tastier cheap and healthy meals that's perfect for plant-based eaters is the coconut curry chickpeas. Creamy coconut milk blended with aromatic spices and chickpeas gives this curry its gorgeous flavors and transports you to the Middle East. A good mix of fat, proteins and carbs and a calorie count that isn’t too high makes this Indian-inspired cheap, healthy meal idea a favorite.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
6. Cilantro Lime Pork
As far as cheap and healthy meals go, a cilantro lime pork dish is a winner. It has a low fat but high protein content, is easy to make and doesn’t cost much. Best of all, it can be made in a slow cooker the night before. All you need is pork tenderloin, cilantro and lime juice, as well as taco seasoning, tortillas and toppings of your choice.
7. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Another cheap and healthy meal that practically makes itself is the Instant Pot white chicken chili. The addition of white beans gives it a thicker consistency, while the jalapeños give it a satisfactory bite. With a good balance of carbs, proteins and fats and a relatively low-calorie count, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a spicy meal.
Recipe Steps: 10
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
8. Salmon Stuffed Avocados
If you are looking for a quick, cheap and healthy meal to have on the go, salmon-stuffed avocados are just the thing. Use Greek yogurt along with Dijon mustard to dress up some canned salmon.
After creating your filling, scoop out an avocado and add the salmon mix for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Thanks to the avocado's healthy fats and the salmon's high protein content, this cheap, easy and healthy meal will ensure you're ticking your nutrition boxes.
9. Vegetarian Enchilada Bake
A simple vegetarian enchilada bake recipe proves that cheap and healthy meals can be just as enjoyable as extravagant gourmet dishes. This cheesy, creamy and healthy recipe has a high protein and fiber content and is a favorite of Mexican food lovers.
You can add seasoning and vegetables to suit your tastes or even chicken to increase your protein intake. The versatility of this cheap, healthy meal idea will tempt you to make it more often than not.
10. Tofu Soup
A bowl of tofu soup with noodles will change the way you look at cheap and healthy meals. No more having to compromise on taste, with the bonus of being a protein-rich, vegetarian dish. Add vegetables like mushrooms, corn, peppers and sprouts to increase the fiber. It will satisfy your hunger cravings and have you going back for more.
Recipe Steps: 10
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (most of which is cooking time)
11. White Bean Tuna Salad
If you're hosting a gathering and searching for excellent brunch food ideas, a white bean tuna salad is the ideal option. It can be eaten as an accompaniment or as a cheap and healthy meal on its own. If you are stretched for time, use canned tuna and cannellini beans with arugula or spinach leaves. Finally, dress it up with red wine vinegar and lemon juice, add some fresh herbs and you have a winner.
12. Keto Beef Stew
This hearty, low-carb keto beef stew is loaded with vegetables and mushrooms and makes a satisfying, cheap and healthy meal. If you are not on the keto diet, make sure to use lean beef, as you won’t need the extra fat. Worried about fiber? Don't be — the carrots and celery stalks, along with the garnishing, all provide plenty of it.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
13. Basil Fried Rice
Thai food lovers will know all about the wonders of basil fried rice as a cheap and healthy meal option. Its delicious mix of flavorful chicken, vegetables, spices and roasted chili paste gives it a nice bite.
Although it is one of the tastiest, healthy, cheap meals you can make at home, its calorie count is higher than most dishes on this list. If you're worried about that, adjust your meal plan accordingly.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour
14. Vegan Bacon
Start your day off with vegan bacon, a perfect cheap and healthy meal alternative to an evergreen favorite. This breakfast food idea can be made quickly, using rice paper for crispness and tofu for substance. Serve it as an accompaniment to other dishes or eat it plain. You will never again have to listen to lectures about how bad bacon is for your health.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
15. Spanish Cauliflower Rice
If you're watching your carb intake, Spanish cauliflower rice is an easy-to-make alternative to its cereal grain counterpart. The cauliflower provides a high amount of fiber, and the chicken stock and seasoning add a delicious smoky flavor. Pair it with roast chicken or pork for a thoroughly enjoyable, cheap and healthy meal.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
16. Orange Chicken
When cooked in an air fryer, this orange chicken dish is an easy, cheap and healthy meal that is low in carbs and fat. This cooking technique leaves oil out of the equation, which is good for your health and pocket. You can have it as is or pair it with other low-carb foods such as air-fried vegetables or cauliflower rice.
17. Chia Seed Smoothie
As breakfast foods go, this one is about as easy as it gets. A chia seed smoothie is a cheap and healthy meal power-packed with fiber, healthy fats and good carbs. The beauty of this recipe is that it allows you to substitute the ingredients to vary the taste so that you can have a different one every time. It's the perfect solution for a rushed morning before heading out to work.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 5 minutes
18. Keto Salmon
If you're in the mood for a low-carb seafood meal, keto salmon is a cheap and healthy meal that will fill you up. It is an excellent choice since carbs are kept to a minimum, and you are filling your stomach with healthy fish protein. No feeling dull and lethargic post-lunch. The omega-3 acids are good for your heart, and you can add some vegetables for extra fiber.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
19. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken
By now, you can tell that an air fryer is just the appliance you need to make cheap, easy and healthy meals at home. This crispy air fryer chicken, with a simple mix of herbs and spices, most certainly backs up this statement. You can achieve the crispy texture you crave without excessive oil. With just a handful of ingredients, it's a stress-free dinner option that pairs well with vegetables or a salad.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
20. Spicy Salmon Cakes
An easy-to-make, cheap and healthy meal can be put together using canned salmon combined with flavorful five-spice powder. This dish is low in carbs and packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet. This meal's convenience factor and nutrition levels make it a go-to choice for busy people who don't want to settle for fast food.
21. Spicy Hummus
There are countless ways to use harissa, but arguably one of the best is in a spicy hummus — the perfect addition to numerous cheap and healthy meals. Straightforward and quick to make, this dish is highly versatile. Whether on its own, smeared in pita, or combined with other foods in a Buddha bowl or a sandwich spread, this Middle Eastern staple will inspire many healthy meals on a budget.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 7 minutes
22. Thai Papaya Salad
A firm favorite of Asian food fanatics is the Thai papaya salad. Its low-calorie count and high fiber content make it a tasty addition to any healthy, cheap meal. That said, many would be happy to fill their stomachs with this dish alone. With under 200 calories per serving, you cannot go wrong with such a delicious and appetizing meal.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
23. Greek Pasta Bake
Flying across the world to explore another popular cuisine, a Greek pasta bake is another cheap, healthy meal with relatively low calories. Adding lean meat or fish can increase its protein content, but the inclusion of vegetables like spinach, onions and green pepper will add the desired crunch and fiber. Cheese lovers will be happy with mozzarella and/or feta, capping off a well-rounded, cheap and healthy meal.
24. Vegan Lentil Soup
A warm and comforting dish, this vegan lentil soup makes for a perfect cheap, healthy meal on a cold winter night. The soup is packed with nutrients and flavor from the spices used. You can make it as thick as you want and serve it up with brown rice, cauliflower rice or bread.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
25. Zucchini Noodle Primavera
Dive into a world full of color and variety with zucchini noodles primavera. Like others on this list, this cheap and healthy meal is low on carbs thanks to the zucchini noodles.
With other vegetables like broccoli, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, as well as a light creamy sauce on top, this fiber-rich, cheap and healthy meal will fill the spot. If you're looking to save time, opt for prepackaged zucchini noodles.
26. Seafood Ramen
Can't decide between scallops, shrimp or something with ramen in it? Why not treat yourself to all three with seafood ramen? A classic fusion of East and West is achieved by combining mustard with miso in this great umami dish. This cheap and healthy meal is packed with as much protein as it is with Asian flavors and includes nori sheets for a delightful crunch.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
27. Avocado Corn Salad
Cheap and healthy meals that offer tremendous versatility don't get much better than an avocado corn salad. It can be eaten as a main meal, a side salad or used as a taco topping. Its high fiber content makes it very popular with the health-conscious crowd and its spice factor gives it that extra kick you'd want in a Mexican-inspired dish.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
28. Thai Red Curry
Any Asian food lover will tell you that Thai red curry makes for the ideal cheap and healthy meal. Packed with flavor, it can be made vegetarian (as with this recipe) or with a meat of your choice.
The coconut milk gives it a creamy texture, while the vegetables bulk it up and add sufficient fiber, vitamins and minerals. The different Thai herbs and spices make this cheap and healthy meal extremely flavorful and aromatic.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
29. Vegetarian Fajitas
Make these delicious vegetarian fajitas for a quick, cheap and healthy meal that is not only low in calories but also very easy to prepare. The spices, combined with the red onions and the creamy texture of the guacamole, create a satisfying Mexican meal bursting with flavor. These fajitas are a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables while still feeling full and satisfied, making them perfect for any day of the week.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
30. Korean Tofu Soup
Don't miss out on this Korean tofu soup if you're looking for a cheap, healthy meal that offers plenty of heat. It's quick and easy to make, and the eggs and tofu provide a good amount of protein. While some ingredients may not be readily available, substitutes can usually be found. The flavors from the Korean spices are not for the faint-hearted, but you can tailor their levels to suit your taste buds.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
31. Vegetarian Pad Thai
This vegetarian pad thai is about as tasty and flavorful as it gets and will keep you going back for more. This cheap and healthy meal is not only easy to cook, but it also ticks other boxes: it is high in fiber, has a good amount of protein and has a low-calorie count. The ease of preparation makes it a convenient recipe after a long workday.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
32. Mushroom Tofu Stir Fry
This cheap and healthy meal is effortless to make and can be prepared in a jiffy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Tofu and mushrooms are excellent sources of plant-based protein, and when combined, make a delicious dish with a low-calorie count.
For added convenience, use ready-made baked or smoked tofu, simplifying the preparation process. This easy-to-make, cheap and healthy meal will satisfy your hunger and easily support a nutritious diet.
33. Buffalo Chicken Salad
You can never go wrong with a buffalo chicken salad if you're looking to make a cheap, healthy meal with meat and vegetables. You could make this dish easily if you have leftovers, but it's also a stress-free process making it from scratch.
Add some chicken broth, buffalo sauce, tomatoes and greens, and you are good to go. You could also spice up this cheap and healthy meal with a piquant salad dressing that excites your taste buds.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
34. Penne With Vegetables and Black Beans
This low-calorie pasta dish is a superb, cheap and healthy meal. Loaded with black beans and plenty of vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots and tomatoes, it's a plant-based eater's dream. Combine it all with a tomato-based sauce and you'll have a yummy meal with plenty of fiber and nutrients.
35. Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
If you're still learning how to start eating healthy, this meal is the perfect way to kickstart your day. Not only are Instant Pot hard boiled eggs easy to make, this cheap and healthy meal makes for a nutritious breakfast that is low in calories.
Using the Instant Pot ensures that your eggs turn out with tender whites and creamy yolks every time. At under 75 calories per serving, the eggs can easily be part of a cheap and healthy meal, especially when combined with salad greens for a healthy amount of fiber.
Recipe Steps: 3
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
Learn To Cook the Best Cheap and Healthy Meals
Adopting a healthy diet can feel challenging, especially when it means unlearning years of poor eating habits. However, it's essential to realize that millions worldwide have successfully embraced this lifestyle change. If you're looking to do the same, cooking classes near you are a great way to learn from professional chefs eager to share heaps of invaluable advice with you.
These exciting, immersive experiences will help you build confidence in the kitchen and provide all the skills and tricks needed to make the most delicious, healthy meals on a budget. Can't attend an in-person class? No problem! Book healthy online cooking classes for a great alternative that can be taken in the comfort of your own kitchen.
As cheap and healthy meal ideas go, the list above is not engraved in stone. You can experiment with the dishes, adding or removing ingredients from the recipe to suit your taste buds. Even the cooking methods can be tailored to suit your style. Whatever cheap, healthy meals you choose, always prioritizing ingredients with substantial nutritional value will make all the difference. Your health (and your wallet) will thank you later.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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