5 Summer Dishes for $5

Posted on by Emily in Diet, Recipes & Food, Uncategorized

The official date of summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to think about barbecues, picnics and overall easy summer meals. I’ve written out some of my favorite summer dishes below, all of which are relatively cheap and easy to make. The prices I’ve listed below are based on my local supermarket. Every dish is below $5.00 or less to make and great for hot weather. Enjoy!

5 Summer Meals for $5

Pasta Salad

I often find that when the heat is unbearable I lose my appetite. Nothing really sounds good and I certainly don’t feel like turning on the oven. That’s why I like making cold non-veggie based salads. You can keep them in the fridge and eat them for days! It’s easy, inexpensive, and often much more appetizing than anything hot. Here’s one recipe I like to use, although you can substitute any of the ingredients:

1/2 Box Pasta Shells $0.50

1 Can Chickpeas $0.89

1 Medium Cucumber $0.75

1 Medium Red Onion $0.40

1 Can Tuna $1.29

1 TBS Mayo $0.30

TOTAL $4.13

Cook pasta and drain. Finely chop veggies together. Mix all ingredient together in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, paprika– anything that suits your taste buds. A little fresh dill is nice. Chill in fridge and serve. Add any other veggies that sound good to you or use whole wheat pasta for more protein!

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Gazpacho

Gazpacho always makes me think of summers in Spain. As a kid I spent July and August with my grandmother in Andalusia, where food was fresh and cheap. This cold soup is not only refreshing, but it’s good for you and easy to make.

10 Oz of Bread $0.75

21 Oz of Very Ripe Tomatoes $1.50

4 cloves Garlic $0.25

2 Onions $0.50

1 Red Pepper $0.40

1 Green Pepper $0.40

7 TBS Olive oil $1.00

2 TBS Vinegar $0.20

1 1/2 TBS Water $0.00

Total $5.00

Rip bread into chunks. Put all ingredients in blender/mixer and pulse into texture appealing to you. A lot of people like smooth gazpacho– I opt for the chunkier style. Strain (optional), season with salt and chill. I also like cucumber chunks in my gazpacho. Serves 4.

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Grilled Corn with Sesame & Cilantro

Nothing says summer like grilled corn on the cob. It’s fun to spice up the ordinary, however, and this recipe is absolutely delicious– especially if you like a little bit of spice.

4 Ears of Corn $1.00

2 TBS oil (preferably sesame) $0.40

1/2 TSP Fresh Ginger $0.10

2 TSP Fresh Chopped Cilantro $0.30

1 Minced, seeded Jalapeno pepper $0.25

1 TSP Sesame seeds $0.25

Total $2.30

Shuck corn. Lightly oil grill (or grill pan) and heat up. Grill corn for 20 minutes or until kernels are tender and slightly charred. In a small bowl combine oil, freshly grated ginger, minced jalapeno, and cilantro. Spread over corn, seasoning with a little bit of salt, pepper and sesame seeds. Serves 4.

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Fruit Clafouti

Clafouti is a custard/sweet casserole kind of dish. My Mom usually makes Pear Clafouti, keeps in the fridge so we can snack on it throughout the week. I also like Apple Clafouti, but any fruit will do. Keep it cold and eat for breakfast!

1/2 Cup Flour $0.10

1/2 TSP Salt $0.01

2 Large Eggs $0.35

2 TBS Granulated Sugar $0.15

3/4 Cup Milk $0.35

1/2 TSP Vanilla  $0.10

1 TBS Butter $0.15

4 Apples (Mixed) $2.00

Total $3.21

Cut apples into thin slices. Preheat oven to 425 F. Mix all of the ingredients except the apples and butter in a bowl with a whisk. Melt butter and grease casserole dish. Put apple slices into casserole dish and cover with whisked ingredients. Bake for 20 minutes or until clafouti is puffed out and custardy in texture. Let cool– chill. Serves 4. I like to add a little nutmeg and cinnamon sometimes and remember you can use any fruit you like.

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Savory Cantaloupe Salad

Cantaloupe is one of my favorite summer treats, but it doesn’t always have to be just for dessert. It also makes a great accompaniment for dinner.

1 Cantaloupe $1.50

3/4 LB Mozzarella Cheese $2.50

2 TBS Olive oil $0.40

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves $0.60

Total $5.00

Seed and cube melon. Cube mozzarella. Mix in bowl with oil and basil. Season with salt and pepper– red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Serves 4.

These are just some $5 Summer Dish Ideas. What do you like to eat in the summer? There are also great no-bake desserts to check out!

Tags: 5 meals for $5