Healthy Dinner Recipes Under $3
We all want the same thing: a delicious, inexpensive dinner tonight. These healthy dinner recipes are full of nutrition, but they don't skimp on taste. Plus, at less than $3 per serving, they're easy on the wallet as well as the waistline.
- view all thumbnails
These cheesy quesadillas are packed with crunchy red and green peppers. Plus, we've added a touch of cilantro and lime to heighten the fresh Mexican flavor without adding excess calories.
Budget dinner price: $0.43 per serving
Don't deny yourself a bowl of pasta once in a while—just combine your noodles with other healthy ingredients. We love tangy sun-dried tomatoes and sauteed zucchini. Add protein with wallet-friendly chicken breast.
Budget dinner price: $2.02 per serving
Finger-licking good (and low-calorie) fried fish can be yours in just 20 minutes. Spicy Cajun-style batter adds fantastic crunch to your favorite fish fillets, and mini sweet peppers provide a great dose of vitamins.
Budget dinner price: $2.18 per serving
Turn a classic pork chop into a totally tangy, tropical meal. Orange marmalade creates a mouthwatering glaze and a refreshing topping when mixed with yogurt. Grilled pineapple slices on the side lend their bold sweetness to this new grill-season favorite.
Budget dinner price: $2.67 per serving
If you've ever been intimidated at the meat counter, we understand. Knowing the good from the not-so-good takes practice. This video will show you how to find tender, flavorful pork chops like a pro.
With a few simple ingredients, you can have a mighty Mexican meal. Tender peppers and onions star with grilled sirloin in this fajita recipe. Fajita seasoning and your favorite Tex-Mex toppings finish off the flavor.
Budget dinner price: $2.11 per serving
Thinly sliced potatoes form an impressive topper when this hearty frittata is flipped. Stocked with veggies and protein, this dish proves that eggs aren't just for breakfast.
Budget dinner price: $0.87 per serving
Just as rich—and twice as nutritious—as traditional lasagna, this veggie-packed version has only 322 calories per serving. We swapped veggies for red meat but kept all the cheeses you love.
Budget dinner price: $1.73 per serving
An easy glaze of orange juice, pure maple syrup, and bourbon turns a basic salmon fillet into a sweet, tangy, and totally irresistible entree. Top it off with glazed pecans for a satisfying crunch.
Budget dinner price: $1.74 per serving
Our mouthwatering marinade will have you turning your back on store-bought rubs for good. The blend of mint, lemon, cayenne, and honey is a dream team of unexpected flavors, especially with some smoke from the grill.
Budget dinner price: $2.15 per serving
Make expensive meats go farther with some help from additional protein-rich ingredients. Tender French lentils are inexpensive and filled with protein. Spice up this savory soup with a smoky blend of cumin and cayenne.
Budget dinner price: $1.90 per serving
Roasting pork with sliced apples and sage results in a deep flavor that's subtly sweet and aromatic. An apple juice simmer creates a simple glaze with impressive flavor.
Budget dinner price: $1.24 per serving
Fruit salsa is a tasty way to dress up lean seared tuna steaks. We used warm apricot preserves and vinegar for the liquid, and mixed in fresh raspberries and roasted peaches.
Budget dinner price: $2.23 per serving
You won't want to miss our take on a classic beef roast. It's brimming with plump roasted vegetables and plenty of garlic. Punch up the flavor even more with lemon zest and fresh parsley.
Budget dinner price: $1.46 per serving
Enjoy a dine-out experience at home with our favorite Italian pasta dish, complete with succulent shrimp and spinach tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce.
Budget dinner price: $2.45 per serving
Our simple Asian-inspired kabobs are delicious served with a homemade mint-yogurt dip. If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder on hand, chili powder works just as well.
Budget dinner price: $2.43 per serving
Whip up a delicious Mediterranean salad in 20 minutes with a few simple ingredients, including chicken, feta cheese, olives, and tomatoes.
Budget dinner price: $2.57 per serving
Warm up with a hearty bowl of meat-and-vegetable chili tonight. Frozen meatballs make prep a cinch. In less than 30 minutes, you'll have dinner on the table.
Budget dinner price: $2.68 per serving
The goodness of this pork roast recipe starts with a paprika rub and ends with a honey-and-lime glaze. Roasted peppers are an inexpensive addition, and they offer a dose of nutrients and fresh flavor.
Budget dinner price: $2.64 per serving
This slow cooker stew has tons of protein and fiber, not to mention fresh, vitamin-rich vegetables. Sweet and savory spices like rosemary, garlic, and thyme combine with tangy balsamic vinegar for well-balanced flavors in every bite.
Budget dinner price: $1.37 per serving
Sprinkled with zesty lemon juice and coated in fresh herbs and savory seasonings, this flavorful salmon dinner is a real catch.
Budget dinner price: $2.49 per serving
Gnocchi, a traditional Italian pasta, joins sweet corn, arugula, and a plethora of savory seasonings to make one delicious dinner that you'd never know is budget-friendly, too.
Budget dinner price: $2.24 per serving
Preparing a delicious meal is a breeze with our fast and easy shrimp bisque recipe. In just 25 minutes, you can create a savory seafood dinner full of warm, succulent shrimp.
Budget dinner price: $2.03 per serving
Enjoy a light supper with this simple meal that's loaded with protein and veggies; you'll feel satisfied even with smaller portions. And you'll definitely save over dinner at a Mexican hot spot.
Budget dinner price: $2.05 per serving
Despite the often-high cost of seafood, this classic meal can be enjoyed by penny-pinchers, too. Opt for frozen shrimp for an even nicer bottom line.
Budget dinner price: $2.58 per serving
Learn how to prepare beans to add to your healthy soup recipes.
You don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to get your fix of holiday turkey! The inviting aroma of this tasty casserole pulls you in while the light hint of sweet apple flavor keeps you coming back for more.
Budget dinner price: $2.89 per serving
A warm medley of veggies and Italian herbs makes a mouthwatering—and budget-friendly—duo in this hearty minestrone.
Budget dinner price: $1.75 per serving
Win over your dinner crowd with this scrumptious chicken noodle casserole. For a crispy topper, simply combine pieces of fresh bread, chopped onion, and celery.
Budget dinner price: $0.98 per serving
Two pans, 20 minutes, and a serving of this tasty low-sodium dish later, and you'll fulfill 20 percent of your daily iron requirement. Bonus: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, saving you gas money for a grocery trip.
Budget dinner price: $1.48 per serving
Tip: Grab prewashed packaged spinach to make meal prep even faster. Even though the package says "washed," be sure to rinse the spinach in a colander before using.
Ditch your restaurant plans for a healthy, wallet-friendly dinner at home. This dish features tender beef topped with a savory medley of seasoned veggies.
Budget dinner price: $3.66 per serving
The surprise ingredient in this recipe? Ketchup! Mix it with soy sauce and brown sugar for a hoisin-style sauce perfect for grilled kabobs.
Budget dinner price: $1.96 per serving
Cooking for two? Our low-cal individual beef-and-vegetable tamale casseroles are ready in 30 minutes and make delicious leftovers the next day!
Budget dinner price: $2.35 per serving
Soy-brushed pork steaks topped with sweet and spicy plum salsa make for an easy, low-cost dinner that's big on flavor.
Budget dinner price: $2.15 per serving
With four ingredients and minimal prep, you'll have a hearty, beefy Sunday stew. Bonus: It's low in fat and has only 300 calories per serving.
Budget dinner price: $2.14 per serving
