Summer is heating up, and recent reports show beef prices are rising, too. Since red meat is a go-to grilling item in the summer, you could end up spending more than usual on your barbecue fare if you’re not careful.
Rather than fork over your hard-earned dollars on expensive meats or shell out too much cash when you host your next backyard get-together, try a few of these delicious and cheap recipes for summer instead.
Pizza on the grill:
Think beyond hamburgers and steaks when you next head out to fire up the grill. Instead, try cooking a pizza! It might sound unusual for barbecuing, but pizza is the perfect meal to suit everyone’s tastes and can feed a large family or party for very little cost. It also tastes great when the crust is slightly charred with the flavor only a grill can offer.
One way to make this summer dinner idea even more frugal is to make your own dough. With flour, instant yeast, salt and water, you can create and knead dough for your pizza on the cheap, with no special equipment needed. Look up a quick recipe for pizza dough for specific directions.
As for what toppings to add, think of your pizza as a canvas and challenge yourself to make a delicious meal for as little cost as possible. Find fresh, in-season vegetables at your local farmer’s market or grocery store, choose your cheese and make your own tomato sauce. Be careful not to add too many toppings to your pie — you don’t want to weigh down the dough.
If you’re cooking for little ones, you might want to also consider letting them build their own pies by adding the toppings they like best. That way, you’ll avoid the problem of picky eaters.
Summer salads:
When it’s hot out and you don’t want to stand in front of a grill or oven to cook, a salad is the perfect solution. Refreshing vegetables like cucumbers work well in creamy salads with dill; you can also pick up some seasonal corn and cut the kernels right off the cob to mix into a spicier salad.
Watermelon is a popular summer fruit, and can easily be made into a salad when you toss bite-size pieces with feta and arugula. Plus, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this oversized fruit, and can freeze pieces for later or give it to the kids for dessert. If you have leftovers, you can always throw them (fresh or frozen) into your next smoothie.
If you want to bulk up your salad, there are inexpensive and healthy grains you can add, like quinoa or couscous. Just be sure to factor in the cooking time so you can still serve dinner on time.
Surf and turf:
Opt for less expensive meat and fish this summer for satisfying alternatives to beef. Chicken works well in kabobs, and you can pair it with cooked vegetables such as peppers and onions to stretch your dollar further. Tilapia and halibut taste great in fish tacos; you can even use lettuce as a frugal and healthy wrap alternative to a tortilla.
Get creative with your marinades, too. Instead of buying pre-made sauces, look in your own kitchen for ideas. Honey, yogurt, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lemons and brown sugar — the list goes on for ingredients you can use to make your own rubs and marinades.
DIY dessert:
What’s a delicious dinner without a dessert to go with it? Warm weather has many of us craving iced treats, but don’t assume you have to buy these packaged from the grocery store. There are countless popsicle recipes that you can make yourself, and chances are they will be healthier, too.
A classic recipe for icebox cake has passed the test of time because it’s delicious and won’t cost you much at all. It only requires chocolate wafer cookies, whipped cream and a few hours in the freezer.
Another simple freezer snack: Take in-season fruits like strawberries and dip them in yogurt, then pop them in the freezer. This couldn’t get any easier, and is seriously refreshing. You can even go one step easier and freeze grapes for a sweet, healthy snack.
Try a few of these ideas for summer meals that will keep you and your wallet feeling full.
More from U.S. News
12 Millennial-Inspired Ways to Spend Less
11 Money Tips for Older Adults
Delicious and Affordable Summer Recipes originally appeared on usnews.com
