Low-Cook, Low-Energy, Big Flavor: 6 Summer Meals for $60 (Week #68)
Summer is in full swing, and let’s be honest…….between the heat, the chaos, and the constant schedule juggling, most of us don’t have the time (or energy) to stand over a stove. This week’s $60 meal plan is all about keeping things low-fuss, low-cook, and family-friendly. No oven required!
We’re leaning into easy dinners that still bring big flavor, and pairing them with sweet, refreshing watermelon to balance it all out. Because strong flavors are great… until it’s 90 degrees and you’re too tired to chew. From cool chicken salad to crispy quesadillas, these meals are quick, affordable, and just plain fun. Let’s make dinner the easy part of summer.
Easy Summer Meals for The Week
Grocery List
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
Meal Prepping Options
If you want to save some time this week, here is a list of things you can make or do ahead of time, in order to need less time to cook!
Easy Recipes for Summer Dinners
Greek Salad Pitas with Veggie Straws
Greek Salad Pitas are light, refreshing, and perfect for hot days when you want something fresh but filling. Want a vegetarian option? You can easily leave out the rotisserie chicken. This can also be served over lettuce or use with crackers if you don’t want to use pitas or wraps.
Ham & Veggie Pasta Salad with Watermelon
The Ham & Veggie Pasta Salad is a classic summer staple! Simply cold pasta tossed with diced ham, peas, shredded carrots, shredded cheese, and your favorite dressing. It’s super flexible and you can swap the ham for turkey or pepperoni, add whatever veggies you have, and use any pasta shape that’s in your pantry!
Pizza Quesadillas with Side Salad
Pizza Quesadillas with Pepperoni are a fun easy meal that the whole family will love. Just layer tortillas with cheese, pepperoni, and a little pizza sauce, then toast until golden and melty.
You can swap the pepperoni for ham or turkey, throw in some spinach or mushrooms, or even skip the sauce and use ranch for a twist.
Cucumber Chicken Salad with Watermelon
Cucumber Chicken Salad, a creamy, cool mix of shredded rotisserie chicken, crunchy cucumbers, and Italian Seasoning. It’s great as a sandwich, scooped onto lettuce cups, or served with crackers.
You can make it lighter with Greek yogurt instead of mayo or toss in grapes or apples if you like a touch of sweetness in your chicken salad.
Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Carrots & Ranch
Thick slices of soft bread grilled with layers of turkey and melty cheese. It’s total comfort food without the oven.
Feel free to use any lunch meat you have, switch up the cheese, or add sliced tomato or spinach to make it your own.
BLT Salad with Crostini
Crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato, and crispy pre-cooked bacon served with toasted bread. It’s simple but satisfying. You can add cheese, use turkey bacon, or swap in croutons or pita chips if you’re skipping the bread!
Low-Cost Fruit Options to Add:
I am a huge fan of adding fruit to dinners. This small, yummy part helps kids know they will love at least something on their plate.
So, whenever I have a little wiggle room in my budget, I try to pick up 2-3 fruits to add to meals. Here are some good options that you can grab this week! (Try mixing fresh fruit and canned fruit together for some added variety)
It’s also been shown that most Americans don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables, so add some to your dinner! (Remember you don’t need a ton of fruit either, just a 1/4 to 1/2 a cup can help fill you up at mealtime.)
*Walmart is not always the cheapest when it comes to fresh fruits. Lots of local stores run better sales and have fruit as loss leaders, so check your local stores for some better deals if needed!*
Free Printable PDF Version
This prints on standard paper sized 8.5 x 11 inches.
What about next week?
We put out a new meal plan every week! We have 3 ways to be notified of new menus:
*Join our Low Dough Facebook Page where we post new menus every Saturday and new meal ideas every Wednesday!
*Sign up for the weekly email newsletter. We send it out on Fridays, so you actually get early menu access!
Join our Facebook Group- Meal Planning for All (you can ask questions and get help planning your own menus)
Until next week, I hope you have a fabulous week!
