Healthy Budget Recipes

Eating well does not have to come at a high cost. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, it is entirely possible to prepare delicious, nutritious meals while keeping your spending in check. This collection of healthy budget recipes focuses on simple, wholesome vegan and vegetarian dishes that make the most of affordable staples.

Beans, pulses and lentils are at the heart of budget-friendly cooking for good reason. They are naturally rich in protein, fibre and essential nutrients, making them a satisfying alternative to more expensive ingredients. Not only are they inexpensive to buy in bulk, but they are also incredibly versatile, working beautifully in everything from hearty stews and curries to fresh salads and comforting soups.

Whether you are trying to reduce your food bill, eat more plant-based meals or simply make smarter choices in the kitchen, these recipes will help you create flavourful dishes that are both kind to your wallet and beneficial for your health.

Leek Curry

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 35 minutes minutes

Easy to make and delicious, this mild leek curry recipe makes such a comforting meal.

Mexican Quinoa Salad

Makes: 6 servings

Ready In: 25 minutes minutes

This refreshing and vibrant Mexican quinoa salad is tossed with crunchy vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and black beans, and brightened with lime and coriander.

Lentil Bolognese Recipe

Makes: 6 servings

Ready In: 40 minutes minutes

This plant-based lentil bolognese is a wholesome twist on the classic meat ragu sauce.

Three Bean Salad Recipe

Makes: 6 servings

Ready In: 10 minutes minutes

This vibrant, vegan Three Bean Salad is packed with Mediterranean-inspired crunch and plant-based protein. It is the perfect make-ahead side dish for BBQs, picnics, or healthy weekday lunches.

Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole

Makes: 6 servings

Ready In: 50 minutes minutes

This delicious butternut squash quinoa casserole makes an easy and healthy family meal. Bursting with plant-based proteins and vegetable, I like to grill some (dairy-free) cheese on top for extra flavour. 

Baked Sweet Potato with Spinach Chana Masala

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 40 minutes minutes

This Baked Sweet Potato with Spinach Chana Masala recipe is perhaps the ultimate easy comfort food!

Smoky Beans on Toast [vegan]

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 25 minutes minutes

Quick and easy, these smoky beans on toast are the ultimate comfort food. So good on a slice of sourdough bread.

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 20 minutes minutes

If you are craving a delicious, protein-packed meal but are short on time then this easy chickpea curry is the answer! This one-pot wonder comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunch boxes.

Chickpea Stew

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 35 minutes minutes

This hearty and flavourful chickpea stew, is packed with warming spices, greens, and a creamy, wholesome base. Perfectly versatile and gluten-free, it’s a comforting, plant-based dish that’s easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and even ideal for meal prep.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herby Lentils

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 45 minutes minutes

This delicious combination of crispy smashed potatoes, hearty lentils, fresh herbs, and creamy yoghurt makes the perfect balance of textures and flavours.

Leek and Potato Soup [vegan]

Makes: 6 servings

Ready In: 35 minutes minutes

This vegan leek & potato soup is creamy and velvety without the need for dairy.

Curried Root Vegetable Casserole [vegan] [gluten free]

Makes: 6 people

Ready In: 45 minutes minutes

For a thrifty and hearty meal, look no further than this vegan Curried Root Vegetable Casserole.

Chickpea Salad Recipe

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 10 minutes minutes

This quick and easy chickpea salad can be eaten on its own, as a side dish or use as a wrap filling.

Curried Potato Salad [vegan]

Makes: 4 people

Ready In: 20 minutes minutes

This creamy and tasty curried potato salad is tossed in my vegan aquafaba mayo. This salad has a nice Indian twist and is perfect for a lunch al fresco, a picnic, BBQ, or a quick buffet side dish.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Makes: 6 servings

Ready In: 10 minutes minutes

Fresh and crispy, this shaved Brussels sprouts salad is tossed in a zingy lemon dressing and combines thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, apple, dry cranberries, walnuts, parsley, and feta cheese.

Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 30 minutes minutes

This refreshing and tasty cauliflower rice tabbouleh is bursting with flavours. Gluten-free and vegan.

Sweet Chilli Tofu (with Cauliflower Rice)

Makes: 2 servings

Ready In: 45 minutes minutes

This sweet chilli tofu with cauliflower rice is ideal for a quick and easy meal. Served on a bed of low-carb light and fluffy cauliflower rice. So good!

Mushroom & Tofu Gochujang Curry

Makes: 4 people

Ready In: 40 minutes minutes

Cooked in a light and spicy coconut sauce, this mushroom & tofu Gochujang curry is infused with plenty of umami.

Courgette Curry

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 55 minutes minutes

Cooked in a light and fragrant coconut and tomato sauce, this courgette curry with tofu makes a hearty main course that the whole family can enjoy.

Curried Chickpea Sandwich [vegan]

Makes: 2 people

Ready In: 10 minutes minutes

Give your lunch a delicious makeover with this tasty vegan Curried Chickpea Sandwich packed with proteins and flavours.

Easy Dahl Recipe

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 35 minutes minutes

This easy dahl from The Flexitarian is a simple one-pot, plant-based meal made with red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, spinach and warming spices simmered until rich and comforting. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free and ready in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or batch cooking.

Lentil Casserole with Sweet Potato & Leek

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 50 minutes minutes

This delicately spiced lentil casserole with sweet potato and leek makes a hearty dinner and fantastic leftovers the next day.

Creamy Butter Beans With Leeks

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 40 minutes minutes

These delicious creamy butter beans with leeks are the ultimate comfort food. Cooked in a white wine “cheesy” vegan cashew sauce, they are served with slices of crusty bread and topped with freshly chopped parsley and chilli flakes.

Onion Tart

Makes: 4 servings

Ready In: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

A savoury tart filled with sweet caramelised onions on a flaky, golden pastry base. Perfect for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner with a fresh salad.

Other Things You Might Enjoy

• 5 Simple Ways To Eat More Beans and Other Pulses
• Slow Cooker Savings – A Guide to Making Healthy Meals on a Budget
• Global Pulse Day
• 5 Easy Ways To Save Money When Healthy Eating
• Sweet Potato Soup with Mushroom, Kale & Bean Topping [vegan] [gluten free]