Craving budget-friendly meals that donโt skimp on flavor? These cheap vegetarian recipes make plant-based eating easy and perfectly suited for a thrifty grocery list. From tacos and curries to milkshakes, they’re all light on the wallet (but packed with deliciousness).
One of the biggest complaints I hear people say about trying to eat more plant-based is that it’s expensive. In reality, cooking vegetarian is actually really inexpensive (if you focus on the right ingredients!).
Tips For Cheaper Vegetarian Meals
Skip the pricey pre-made veggie burgers and meat alternativesโby focusing on wholesome ingredients (like beans and eggs), you can easily enjoy a healthy, budget-friendly vegetarian diet.
Shop The Season: Seasonal fruits and veggies are typically cheaper and fresher, since they require fewer resources to get to your table (bonusโthey have a lower carbon footprint too!).
Keep It Local: Farmerโs markets can sometimes be pricey, but stopping by at the end of the day can score you some deals as vendors clear out.
Love The Legumes: Chickpeas, beans, and lentils are budget-friendly nutrition powerhouses! Opt for dry bulk instead of canned and boil them at home (find out how to cook chickpeas here!).
Grow a Garden: Even if it’s just a few pots of your favorite herbs, growing some of your staples will lighten the load on your wallet. Basil, mint, and rosemary are all easy to grow and can brighten up a range of dishes!
Budget-friendly vegetarian recipes
These recipes are perfect for cash-strapped students, large families, or anyone looking to lighten up their grocery bill each month. Wheter you’re looking for new toast topping ideas or meal prep inspiration, we’ve got you covered!
Tropikale Smoothie
Ditch the store bought smoothies and make your own at home. This Tropical Kale Smoothie recipe is a tropical take on the classic green smoothie, complete with pineapple, orange juice, banana, and kale!
Making your own Greek yogurt can be a huge budget saver (especially for the yogurt-fanatics!) This is a simple guide on how to make healthy homemade Greek yogurt (with just two simple ingredients)!
Breakfast in need of a revamp? Here are 5 healthy toast topping ideas that are high in protein and will have you and the family looking forward to breakfast!
Stir Fry Meal Prep with Cauliflower Fried Rice and Tofu
Prepping your meals in advance is a great way to prevent yourself from ordering lunch out. This vegetarian stir fry meal prep idea is packed with flavorful cauliflower fried rice, soy-glazed tofu, steamed broccoli, and sriracha mayo!
Beans and rice are a great budget-friendly protein source. Serving up some easy vegetarian meal prep today in the form of roasted veggies with Spanish rice, tossed in a creamy cilantro dressing!
Make a big pot of chili on Sunday and eat it for lunch throughout the week! This vegan Tempeh Chili Meal Prep is ready in 30 minutes and itโs likeโฆreally tasty.
Want to get into meal prepping, but overwhelmed by how to make your meals? Hereโs a formula for the easiest, tastiest vegetarian meal prep recipeโฆMix & Match Vegetarian Meal Prep!
Dried chickpeas are an affordable ingredient that's packed with filling protein. Learn how to make this tasty, delicious Indian/Pakistani-inspired recipe.
Do you cave in to takeout (even when it's not within your budget)? Iโm not exaggerating when I say that this Baked General Tsoโs Cauliflower tastes better than the Chinese takeout we all know and love (but without the frying or meat!)
This recipe is great for using up those leftover Halloween pumpkins (or canned pumpkin that you find on sale after the holidays). Topped with smoky roasted chickpeas and fresh thyme, making it the ultimate cozy autumn recipe for busy weeknights!
No need to order a pizza when you can make your own for a fraction of the price! This classic Veggie Pizza recipe is loaded with colorful roasted vegetables. Vegetarian pizza night just got an upgrade!
Your salads will never be boring again after you try this homemade croutons recipe! Hereโs how to make croutons with any bread you might have leftover.
This veggie-packed Vietnamese Spring Rolls recipe is a fresh and delicious Asian-inspired dinner that is served with the best almond coconut dipping sauce!
One of my favorite cozy dinners for when I'm craving takeout but don't want to spend the money. This Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe is an easy dinner to whip up when the Indian food cravings hit (plus, itโs vegan!)
Authentic poke bowls can be expensive (sushi grade tuna is no joke)! This Vegan Tuna Sushi Bowl has plant-based tuna made with tomatoes, and all the fixings of your favorite poke bowls (including the spicy mayo)!
This Fresh Tomato Soup recipe uses garden-ripe tomatoes and fresh ingredients (no cans or pastes here)! Itโs such an easy homemade tomato soup thatโs perfect for using up those those juicy summer tomatoes.
There's nothing wrong with canned vegetables, and beans are a great way of packing in protein. This easy Bean Salad recipe is famous in our house, and for good reason! Quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for bringing to potlucks!
This Quinoa Vegetable Soup is a bone-warming brothy soup that has the flavors of chicken noodle soup with the healthy-ness of vegetable soup (and it whips up in under 30 minutes!)
This recipe requires a bunch of canned beans and veggies, most of which you can find on sale throughout the year. They all come together into an award winning, super fast, one of a kindโฆTACO SOUP!
Skip the ready-made frozen mozzarella sticks and make your own! Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are pretty much a dream come true. Theyโre crunchy, savory, and filled with gooey, stretchy, delicious cheese.
Are you a hopeless hummus addict? Here's how to make homemade hummus in the four best flavors: traditional, roasted garlic, chipotle, and romesco! In just 5 minutes and with minimal ingredients, you can have smooth and creamy hummus.
Ice cream can be expensive (and restaurant milk shakes even more so). Here's how to make Banana Nice Cream Milkshakes in three tasty flavors: strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate!
Packed with over 100 reader-favorite vegetarian recipes, my cookbook is your go-to guide for easy, healthy meals that make plant-based eating a breeze.