With summer comes warm evenings, backyard barbecues, and a desire to spend time outside – not in the kitchen. Here are 15 frugal recipes with minimal cooking that you can feed your family on those busy summer days…
Summer is just around the corner. With kids off from school, outdoor activities gearing up, and backyard parties on the calendar, finding inexpensive and delicious seasonal dishes is a must.
Whether you’re cooking for a potluck, family dinner, or a quick meal that won’t need any cooking at all, I’ve gathered 15 scrumptious recipes for your family to try this summer.
These recipes are not only good as they are, but many have the ability to be tweaked to account for allergies, preferences, and supplies on hand. I hope you find a few here that become regulars on your summer meal plan.
15 Frugal Family Recipes for Summer
Greek Pasta Salad
from Feasting at Home
This is a tasty salad that includes chickpeas, crisp veggies, and orzo pasta tossed in Greek dressing. It’s fresh and served cold, so just the thing when it’s too hot to open the oven.
Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
from Ahead of Thyme
Gyros are a fun alternative to tacos and burgers in the summer. The souvlaki chicken is delish and you can make your own tzatziki sauce, too. Make this for the family or double it for a group.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken Salad
from Feasting at Home
Here’s another filling salad that’s loaded with zesty chicken, sweet corn, and avocado on a bed of arugula. The cilantro lime dressing is delicious! We like this salad with quinoa and tofu.
Summer Hamburger Board
from Reluctant Entertainer
This is something that was new for me, but brilliant. If you have a big group (or family) that likes their burgers served up in lots of different ways, make it easy by creating a “build your own burger” board. Toppings, sides, buns, and burgers on a big board for them to assemble themselves.
Breakfast Casserole
from Mama Knows Gluten Free
This is a winner in my house and perfect for make-ahead meal prep. Made of eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, and tater tots, this breakfast casserole can be popped in the oven while you get everyone ready for their summer activities. We don’t always use the bacon and sausage, and it’s still yummy. We drizzle ours with some ketchup.
Watermelon Feta Salad
from A Couple Cooks
There is nothing more summery than watermelon, and it’s cheap and easy to find at this time of year. Use it to make this super refreshing salad with briny feta cheese, fresh herbs, and lemon. It’s no-cook and great in the middle of a hot day.
Tomato Gnocchi Kebabs
from Delish
Gnocchi are pillowy, dense, and very filling. They are also really amazing on a kebab (who knew?!). Grill these up in the backyard or make them in the oven with onion and tomatoes for a great summer meal or side dish.
Cucumber and Hummus Boats
from Taste of Home
My kids and I can’t get enough cucumbers in summer because they are cold and crisp. These hollowed out boats are full of garbanzo beans, quinoa, tomatoes, and olives – ridiculously good!
BBQ Chicken
from Dinner at the Zoo
Barbecue and grilling are the hallmarks of summer, so make this juicy chicken tossed in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. It’s simple, perfect for groups or just the family, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Falafel Burgers
from BBC Good Food
These burgers are made with garbanzo beans, spices, and harissa paste (or chili powder if you haven’t got it). This is a frugal and healthy alternative to the ubiquitous beef burgers of the season and easy to make. Grill them outside for a great summer meal.
Chicken Caprese
from Simply Homecooked
If you love Caprese salads like we do, then this recipe is one you’ll appreciate. It pairs the tangy and refreshing flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar with baked (or grilled) chicken. Perfect!
Creamy Zucchini Pasta
from Eat Something Vegan
This is simple, yet delicious – which is what I want in summer! Tomatoes and zucchini are tossed into this pasta salad with a creamy sauce made with rich coconut milk.
Sticky Ribs with Roast Potato Salad
from BBC Good Food
I love ribs, but only have them once in a while. This recipe for saucy ribs and seasoned potatoes is great for parties, dinner at home, or to pack for a lunch picnic. You can do lots of prep work ahead of time, too, so it’s pretty convenient.
No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
from Betty Crocker
My kids are obsessed with lemons and this is the time to enjoy them. This is a no-bake pie that is cold, tangy, and refreshing. It’s super easy and refreshing on a summer night.
3 Ingredient Blueberry Yogurt Swirl Popsicles
from Sally’s Baking Addiction
I love that this recipe only takes 3 ingredients and uses healthy Greek yogurt with in-season blueberries. We don’t even bother with the honey since these pops are already a treat!
I hope these recipes give you some ideas for fabulous meals this summer. They’re easy on the wallet, don’t take up much time, and will surely draw some smiles from your family and friends. Enjoy!
Looking for more summer ideas for your family? Check out these posts:
10 Fun and Frugal Summer Vacation Ideas
The Summer Reading List for Elementary School Kids
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