7 Delicious Budget-Friendly Salad Ideas Under $5 Per Serving

Eating healthy on a budget is totally doable, especially when it comes to salads! This collection of budget-friendly salad ideas is packed with fresh ingredients and creative combinations, all while keeping each serving under $5. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you're craving something light and healthy, these recipes will help you enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

Refreshing Summer Salad With Watermelon And Feta

Summer is the perfect time for light and refreshing meals, and this watermelon and feta salad hits the spot. The vibrant colors of juicy watermelon and creamy feta cheese create a beautiful dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Toss in some fresh greens, and you have a salad that’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly.

This salad is incredibly easy to make. Start with fresh watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes. Combine it with peppery arugula or spinach for a nice contrast. The feta adds a salty creaminess that balances the sweetness of the watermelon perfectly. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice brings everything together, making each bite refreshing.

Perfect for picnics or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Plus, it’s under $5 per serving, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat well on a budget.

Ingredients

• 4 cups arugula or spinach
• 2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula or spinach and watermelon cubes.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors!

Simple Spinach Salad With Strawberries And Nuts

This simple spinach salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. The vibrant green spinach leaves are topped with juicy strawberries, adding a sweet and tangy flavor. Crunchy almonds provide a satisfying texture, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together.

Making this salad is quick and easy, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. You can customize it by adding your favorite nuts or cheese. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, costing under $5 per serving!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Wash the spinach and pat it dry.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach and sliced strawberries.
3. Add the sliced almonds and feta cheese, if using.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Crunchy Broccoli Salad With Raisins And Sunflower Seeds

This crunchy broccoli salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The bright green broccoli florets are the star of the show, providing a fresh and crisp base. The addition of sweet raisins adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the earthy sunflower seeds sprinkled on top. Together, they create a colorful and inviting dish that’s not only tasty but also budget-friendly.

The creamy dressing drizzled over the salad brings everything together, making each bite satisfying. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in no time!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, mix the yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the broccoli florets, raisins, and sunflower seeds.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
4. Chill: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light meal or a side dish!

Wild Rice Salad With Dried Cranberries And Nuts

This wild rice salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The base of the salad is wild rice, which adds a nutty taste and chewy texture. Tossed in are vibrant dried cranberries that lend a touch of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory elements. Nuts, like pecans or walnuts, add a satisfying crunch, making each bite enjoyable.

The fresh herbs, like parsley, bring a burst of color and freshness to the dish. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner.

With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this budget-friendly salad in no time. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Wild Rice: In a saucepan, combine wild rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess liquid and let it cool.
2. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, feta cheese, parsley, and bell pepper.
3. Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tasty Taco Salad With Ground Turkey And Salsa

This taco salad is a fun and colorful dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. The image shows a bowl filled with seasoned ground turkey, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese, all nestled in a crispy tortilla shell. It’s topped with vibrant salsa and garnished with lime wedges, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is fantastic. You get the crunch from the lettuce, the creaminess from the avocado, and the savory taste of the turkey. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, coming in under $5 per serving!

Making this salad is simple. Start by cooking the ground turkey with your favorite spices. Then, layer it in a tortilla bowl with lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and cheese. Top it off with salsa and a squeeze of lime for that extra zing. It’s a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)
• Sour cream for serving (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Turkey: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Season: Add taco seasoning to the cooked turkey and stir in a splash of water. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined.
3. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
4. Assemble the Salad: Top the salad with the cooked turkey mixture and drizzle salsa over the top.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese and diced avocado on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutritious Kale Salad With Quinoa And Cranberries

This kale salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The vibrant green kale pairs beautifully with fluffy quinoa, creating a hearty base. Sweet cranberries add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, while crunchy almonds provide a satisfying crunch. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal.

The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, ensuring you can whip up this dish without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s versatile! You can enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kale: Rinse and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Massage it with a little olive oil for a couple of minutes to soften.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the kale, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss and Serve: Toss everything together until well combined. Enjoy your nutritious salad!

Delicious Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes

This pesto pasta salad is a delightful mix of flavors and colors. The vibrant green pesto coats the pasta beautifully, while the cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. It’s a simple dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side at dinner. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, costing under $5 per serving!

To make this salad, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Start with your favorite pasta, like farfalle or penne. Cook it until al dente, then toss it with fresh pesto. The pesto can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference. Add in halved cherry tomatoes for that fresh, juicy flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top gives it a nice finishing touch.

This salad is not just easy to make; it’s also versatile. You can add other ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken if you want to make it heartier. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and you have a dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (farfalle or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and pesto. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and toss gently.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.