Back To Routine New Year Meals for under $15
Some quick simple meals to get back into routine after the new year...all while being easy on the pocket$$
Prices based on my local Walmart in southwest VA.
I don't count basic essentials like eggs, milk, and spices towards total price.
Green Goddess Bowl - heat rice in microwave. dice cucumbers and chicken. assemble bowls - rice, half salad, chicken, cucumbers, and half avo. top off with red onions and dressing. makes 2.
Ranch Salmon - season salmon with ranch seasoning. air fry at 400 for 8-10 minutes. microwave green beans. toss with additional ranch seasoning. finish with lemon. makes 3 servings.
BBQ Chicken Bowl - heat bbq chicken according to package directions. microwave sweet potatoes according to package directions. heat corn and beans if desired. assemble bowl - sweet potatoes, chicken, corn, beans, and top with cheese. *pickled red onion are good here too
makes 3
*these meals are made to be gluten free friendly (as someone who avoids gluten but not celiac) may not be suitable for those with celiac or other specific allergies to wheat/gluten. Please educate and check labels before purchasing/consuming!
#quickmeals #easymealideas #walmartmeals #simplemeals #mealsonabudget
Starting the new year on a budget doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor or nutrition. I’ve found that planning meals that are both easy to make and cost-effective is key to sticking with healthier routines. What I love about these recipes is their simplicity—most of the cooking involves quick microwaving or air frying, which saves time after busy days. For example, the Green Goddess Bowl combines simple ingredients like rice, pre-cooked chicken, cucumbers, avocado, and a flavorful dressing. It’s fresh but filling, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Using pre-seasoned chicken cuts down prep time significantly. The Ranch Salmon recipe is great for a quick protein boost; air frying with ranch seasoning gives the salmon a tasty crust without extra oil. Pairing it with microwaved green beans seasoned with ranch is a nice way to get veggies on the plate with minimal effort. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten it up! The BBQ Chicken Bowl is a comfort food classic with a healthy twist. Using store-bought BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, corn, beans, and a sprinkle of cheese keeps it customizable and hearty. Adding pickled red onions gives it an extra zing that wakes up your taste buds. One tip I always follow is double-checking labels and ingredients, especially if you’re gluten-conscious like me. I avoid gluten but am not celiac, so these meals are great for gluten-friendly diets, but always make sure to read packaging to avoid any hidden allergens. Shopping at Walmart in Southwest Virginia, I averaged around $14-$15 per meal batch, which often provides multiple servings, making leftovers easy and efficient. Utilizing steamed or pre-cooked items reduces cooking time and cleanup, which is a win-win for anyone easing back into daily routines. Overall, these meals combine convenience, affordability, and taste seamlessly. They’re great starting points if you want to maintain balanced eating habits without spending a lot of time or money in the kitchen right after the holidays.