An Easy Recipe

Using these simple recipes made with fresh ingredients found in any supermarket, these easy budget meals are quick to make and filled with flavor. With short ingredient lists and simple preparation, you can prepare delicious meals in minutes and stretch your budget at the same time.

Each recipe makes 2 to 3 servings

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- Couscous with Black Beans: Place all the following ingredients in a bowl and toss well to combine and serve either at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so and serve: 2 cups cooked couscous, 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp prepared mustard, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp dried basil. Serve this pasta recipe with a simple side dish of grated carrots, diced red onions, and dried dill tossed in fresh squeezed lemon juice and salt and pepper. Ingredient Exchange: Use 1 cup cubed grilled chicken instead of black beans.

- Chicken Salad with Apples and Ginger: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss well to combine: 2 cups cooked chicken (cubed), 1 apple (cored and diced), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream. Serve salad on a bed of baby spinach leaves drizzled with a little low-sodium soy sauce. For a simple side dish, serve warm breadsticks with your favorite spread. Vegetarian Option: Use 1 1/2 cups of store bought baked tofu cut into cubes instead of the chicken.

- Spicy Brown Rice with Cheese: Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine well, adjust the salsa to desired moistness. Serve this simple dish at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so and serve: 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup frozen sweet corn (thaw and drain), 1/2 cup pitted black olives (halved), 3/4 cup (or to taste) salsa (choose your favorite salsa). Serve this simple budget meal with a wedge of iceberg lettuce drizzled with your favorite dressing. Ingredient Exchange: Use 1 cup cubed and cooked (steamed or sauteed) tempeh or 6 oz of fresh cooked or canned (drained and flaked) salmon instead of the cheddar cheese.

- Pasta with Red Peppers and Spinach: Place all ingredients in the bowl and toss well to combine, adjusting the oil to suit your taste. Serve pasta either at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so and serve: 2 cups cooked bow-tie pasta (farfalle), 1 cup packaged flavored tofu (cubed), 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers (drained and roughly chopped), 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice, and 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil. For a simple side dish, place some mandarin orange slices on a plate and sprinkle with crumbled goat or feta cheese and some fresh ground black pepper. Ingredient Exchange: Use 6 oz canned, water-packed tuna (drained and flaked) instead of the tofu.

An avid cook, Laura Cokherell, shares a wide variety of quick recipes that favor fresh and wholesome food, short ingredient lists and require minimal preparation and clean-up for the time-pressed world we live in. Visit Quick Salad Recipes.com for quick and easy meal recipes, including more budget meals, and flavorful ideas for every meal of the day from breakfast to dessert.