63 Cheap Vegetarian Meals (great recipes for students!)
- Updated on Jul 15, 2022
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Whether you’re a new college or university student, or just looking for nutritious, quick and filling food on a budget, these student-inspired cheap vegetarian meals are the perfect place to start.
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Even when trying to keep food on the cheap, there’s no reason to starve yourself or miss out on any essential nutrients or vitamins.
Gotta keep it healthy. Your brain will thank you for it too.
What keeps delicious vegetarian recipes cheap but still nutritious?
Not gonna lie, food can be pretty expensive. Based on my experience, a monthly grocery bill can take up nearly 20% of a budget. And sometimes far more!
Luckily, cheap vegetarian meals ARE real! So don’t deny yourself the good stuff just to save up money.
There’s no mystery behind these cheap vegetarian recipes, just a few simple things:
- cooking from scratch without wasting money on processed foods
- inexpensive plant-based proteins like beans and legumes
- lots of vegetables and fruit (best if they’re in season, they should be cheaper)
- fresh herbs and spices for extra flavours
- whole grains
- eggs and dairy
Onto our budget-friendly, cheap meals and recipes!
No need to break the bank for these beauties.
Affordable Recipes for Breakfast
Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
Check out the recipe hereBonus: just needs a frying pan, perfect for lunch
Make the best scrambled eggs you’ve ever had with our quick & easy but simple to follow recipe – so good you’ll never look elsewhere again!
Bonus: quick to make, cheap ingredients, needs only one pot, the perfect start to a student’s day 😉
A hearty way to start the day. Simple coffee and oatmeal breakfast to fill you full of fuel ready to take on the day. Tastes great too.
The 2 Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes
Check out the recipe hereBonus: simple ingredients, quick to make, perfect for a student’s budget, amazingly healthy
This world’s simplest pancakes recipe contains just two ingredients (egg and banana) and is super quick – just minutes from bowl to plate! Simple and tasty.
Bonus: a high protein meal, quick to make, few ingredients
There is a trick to making the perfect omelette – and it’s weirdly easy. We’ll show you how. You’re gonna love this one!
Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
Check out the recipe hereBonus: perfect as a student’s breakfast, a high protein meal, can be stored for a while in the fridge
Vegan Breakfast Potatoes – the best way to start the day. Animal-friendly, high in protein and even higher in taste. Yes please!
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: easy meal anytime, just 5 minutes prep
The new vegan burrito is here, paving the way and setting the standard. Mega quick and perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Couscous Kaiserschmarrn Recipe
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a speedy and filling recipe that makes a beautiful breakfast
Love pancakes, but looking for something new? Try our couscous kaiserschmarrn recipe- healthy, delicious shredded pancakes!
Bread Pudding Breakfast
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a high protein dessert for breakfast, minimal prep time
Looking for a new breakfast treat? Try our bread pudding breakfast – a healthy, high protein take on the classic dessert!
Avocado Toast with Cottage Cheese
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a super simple recipe with just a few ingredients
Avocado Toast with a creamy, cheesy twist! Cottage cheese is the perfect partner to mashed avocado and makes lunch healthy and tasty.
Great British Eggy Bread
Check out the recipe hereBonus: quick to make, cheap ingredients, just needs a frying pan
Simple but satisfying, and so very tasty. Ready in just a few minutes – why wait longer for a delicious and healthy breakfast?
Low Carb Breakfast Egg Muffins (25 Minutes, Vegetarian)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a super filling and quick breakfast idea
Looking for a high-protein, low-carb breakfast? Try these breakfast egg muffins – 1 recipe, 4 amazing flavours!
3 Ingredient Microwave Mug Omelette
Check out the recipe hereBonus: an easy recipe, just needs one microwavable cup
Looking for a protein packed start to your morning? Whip up our healthy & tasty microwave mug omelette in minutes!
Bonus: an easy and healthy breakfast idea, minimal prep time
Ever heard how powerful a good oat breakfast can be? Try our Swiss Bircher muesli recipe – super easy and yummy!
Breakfast Beans and Eggs
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a high protein meal, quick to make, perfect for an easy breakfast
Try breakfast beans and eggs, for a hearty breakfast that will satisfy you until lunchtime, and quench the urge to snack!
Bonus: incredibly speedy, just a few affordable ingredients
Our take on the tried and true combo of egg on Avocado Toast. It’s high-protein and delicious with just a hint of spice!
Bonus: super speedy, you can choose any fresh toppings you like
This vegan French toast should be on every food radar. Our simple guide with the dos and don’ts of French toast means breakfast has never been easier!
Raspberry Low Calorie Pancakes
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a quick and healthy recipe you can really impress your friends with
Win over the crowd at your next brunch without hurting your waistline with these raspberry low calorie pancakes!
Anti Hangover Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich (8 Min, Vegan)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a healthy and tasty hangover cure, the best breakfast sandwich recipe ever
Anti Hangover Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich. Simple to make and refuels those important nutrients and amino acids to have you feeling better in no time.
Best Easy Omelette Recipe
Check out the recipe hereBonus: nutritious and easy vegetarian lunch or breakfast, cheap ingredients
Searching for the perfect omelette? This protein packed, easy omelette recipe has got your back!
Cheap and Healthy Lunch Ideas
Bonus: just needs a frying pan, can be stored for a while in the fridge, a protein and vitamin bomb
Quick and delicious veggie side dish. High Protein, low carb, vegan and done within 10-12 minutes. In my opinion a must-have recipe.
Crazy Quick White Bean Salad
Check out the recipe hereBonus: quick to make, healthy ingredients, needs only one pot and no additional appliances, excellent after a hangover
High Protein White Bean Salad that’s healthy and vegan. High in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, B2 and B6 as well as iron and calcium. Takes less than 10 minutes.
Buckwheat Salad with Kale and Feta
Check out the recipe hereBonus: minimal prep time, easy ingredients, salad in a jar
Looking for an easy gluten-free lunch you can bring to work or university with you? Try our vegetarian kale, feta and buckwheat salad!
Vegetarian Ramen Noodle Salad
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a high protein lunch idea with numerous health benefits
Looking for healthy, straight forward lunch options? Try our ramen noodle salad – it’s veggie, high protein & gluten free.
Try the recipe right away 😉
Ingredients
- 4.5 oz ramen noodles, dried (dried, can be replaced for udon, soba or mie)
- 2 eggs
- 1 medium carrot
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- ½ small zucchini (green or yellow)
- 2 green onions
- ¼ cup corn
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp peanut butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Chili flakes
- Shred nori leaves
Instructions
- Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.4.5 oz ramen noodles, dried
- In a small pot with boiling water, cook eggs for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and place in cold water to cool. When cold enough to handle, peel.2 eggs
- Prepare veggies: Grate or shave with a mandoline the carrots. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice into thin strips the green zucchini. Slice the scallions.1 medium carrot, 8 cherry tomatoes, ½ small zucchini, 2 green onions
- In a small bowl mix until incorporated the sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, peanut butter , ¼ tsp of salt and 1 ½ to 2 tbsp of water.1 tsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 ½ tbsp peanut butter
- If serving immediately place the noodles in a bowl and drizzle over the sauce. Top with all the veggies and eggs and generously season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add other toppings like sesame seeds, chilli flakes and shred nori leaves.Sesame seeds, Chili flakes, Shred nori leaves
- If storing in a mason jar to eat later, first add the noodles once they are cold and drizzle with the sauce. Then add in layers the corn, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, eggs and scallions seasoning with a little salt and pepper each layer before continuing with the next. Finally add the optional toppings if using. Close and store in a cool place before serving. When ready to eat, mix a little and serve in the jar or dump into a plate, mix and eat.¼ cup corn
Nutrition
Tomato Mozzarella Bread
Check out the recipe hereBonus: quick to make, perfect for lunch box, excellent appetizer for any event
Easy to make Italian tomato and mozzarella bread. High in calcium and Mediterranean flair. Delicious.
Healthy Huevo Rancheros
Check out the recipe hereBonus: super healthy and quick veggie breakfast or lunch, common ingredients
Huevos rancheros are a quick and easy traditional mexican breakfast that make a great healthy option for vegetarians.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Check out the recipe hereBonus: super speedy and filling lunch option, kind of like a tuna salad but better
Upgrade your sandwich offerings with this chickpea salad sandwich! This healthy vegetarian recipe is simple and speedy with 20g of protein!
Vegan Lentil and Potato Salad
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a healthy high protein salad, minimal prep time, easy ingredients
This protein packed vegan lentil and potato salad is a perfect weight loss recipe. It’s filling, healthy and nutritious, while still tasting amazing!
Easy Sweetcorn Fritters
Check out the recipe hereBonus: needs just a frying pan, perfect for lunch and dinner, can be stored for a while in the fridge
Make these sweetcorn fritters your new go-to recipe with ingredients you’ll always find in your kitchen. They’re vegan-friendly, too!
Post-workout Healthy Fitness Sandwich For Runners
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a highly nutritious meal, quick to make, perfect for lunch box, excellent for sports lovers
A tasty AF sandwich that hits all your nutritional post run needs – carbs, protein, healthy fats and electrolyte replenishment.
Crispy Potato Lentil Buddha Bowl
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a healthy and filling lunch or dinner, just 10 minutes to prep
Four easy steps to a delicious and nutritious crispy, crunchy potato lunch. Make your colleagues jealous!
Avocado Tomato Salad – A perfect summer salad
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a refreshing and quick salad, fresh vegetables, you can use any leafy greens you prefer
This fresh avocado tomato salad is healthy and delicious, perfect for adding to a weight loss meal plan, or just as your new favourite go-to lunch!
Have a Good Avo Cheddar Cheese Sandwich
Check out the recipe hereRecipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: a mega tasty and quick lunch idea
It’s time to make the humble cheese sandwich something to be proud of for lunch again!
Healthy Refried Beans and Tortillas
Check out the recipe hereBonus: healthy toppings, you can enjoy the beans alongside different meals
These healthy refried black beans are our take on the traditional Mexican dish, with a health-conscious twist!
Bonus: a great way to save some $$$, and ideal for lunch on the go or at university
Speedy White Bean Salad – this tangy take on the classic is super-quick and super-tasty. It’s time to make lunch a thing to look forward to again.
Bonus: super easy and customizable – choose how you want to serve it
Looking for an easy tabbouleh recipe? Get a load of our lentil tabbouleh – a protein packed take on the classic dish!
Easy Vegetarian Dinners
Pasta Salad With Peanut Butter Dressing
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a simple pasta dish, quick to make, easy to impress your mate 😉
Pasta Salad with an unbelievable Peanut Butter Dressing. Did we mention it’s actually healthy too? Ready in 15 minutes, and packed with fiber and protein.
Protein: 21g
Calories: 425kcal
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: TheFoodXP
Bonus: prep and forget (for 20 mins), easy!
This Chef Style Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that make you think ‘I knew it all along I’m a 3 star chef.’ The breadcrumbs are really the ‘secret sauce’ here. Give it a shot, your family will love this one.
Bonus: a nutrient-rich powerhouse, quick preparation, cheap ingredients, helps your body to stay sexy 😉
The sexiest lentil stew you have ever eaten. A nutritional powerhouse, this recipe is here to kickstart your year – and your health.
Bonus: one of the best pasta dishes on a budget, a versatile recipe for any time
Creamy Broccoli Pasta. This vegetarian combo is a real nutrition powerhouse. Ready in 25 minutes, super versatile, and sooooo tasty! Enjoy!
Bonus: a fast and healthy soup recipe, can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days
Healthy African peanut soup with rice, based on a traditional West African recipe that’s packed with protein, vitamins and, best of all, flavour.
Mouthwatering Meatless Chili Sin Carne (vegan)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a super delicious meatless meal, you can add your favourite toppings, switch up sides and even store it in the freezer for up to 3 months
Who said meatless meals can’t deliver? This vegetarian chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal friendly way.
Smooching Mushrooms on Toast
Check out the recipe hereRecipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: a tasty and quick toast, cheap and easy ingredients
Our delicious vegan take on the trendiest cafe food of the moment, Mushrooms on Toast. It’s perfect for everything from a savory breakfast to a light dinner.
Easy Vegetable Stir Fry with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Check out the recipe hereBonus: super quick and easy, you can choose your favourite vegetables and noodles
A delicious peanut sauce compliments this fantastic stir fry with simple to follow cooking tips. Beginner friendly and super quick to make!
Bonus: healthy tacos to impress someone, minimal prep time
These veggie lentil tacos are our new go-to meal. SO TASTY and stacked with lentil protein and fiber, it’s time to take dinner up to the next level.
Perfect Pizza Pancake Recipe
Check out the recipe hereBonus: minimal prep time, a huge choice of toppings, you can enjoy it with a bunch of friends
These pizza pancakes are perfect for lunch or dinner – super simple and full of the most exciting base and taste combos make it the best of both worlds!
Asian-style Creamy Corn Soup
Check out the recipe hereRecipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: light and filling, easy ingredients
This speedy and roasted creamy corn soup is here to show the world just how much vegan food rocks. Why should vegans have all the fun?!
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: great for busy weeknights, super simple and filling
This easy vegetarian shakshuka recipe breaks everything down into simple steps for a great Shakshuka result every time!
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: a nutritious, speedy and healthy microwave-baked potato, lots of veggies
So many vegetables, so little time to make. Hit your nutrient and vitamin count for the day with ease. No need to spend loads of time doing it, either.
Bean and Pasta Vegetarian Casserole
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a healthy and filling dinner option, that can be made in bulk
A dump and bake dish that will please everyone, this bean and pasta vegetarian casserole makes a perfect healthy dinner.
Vegan Vegetable Lo Mein
Check out the recipe hereBonus: just 5 minutes prep, you can swap ingredients or add extra veggies
Looking for a speedy noodle dish, packed with vegetables and flavour? The search is over with this easy vegetable lo mein!
Side Dishes, Snacks and Treats
Bonus: a healthy and easy snack, quick prep, affordable ingredients
How do you want your deviled eggs? Check out our stuffed eggs recipe – complete with special taste boosters.
Crispy Tortillas with Tangy Guacamole
Check out the recipe hereBonus: homemade tortilla chips, little fuss, cheap ingredients, can be stored for a while in the fridge
Tangy and tasty guacamole with crispy nachos that are healthy, vegan and very easy to make. High in good fats, fiber, vitamin C, and iron. 10 minutes.
Homemade Custard Pudding with Strawberries
Check out the recipe hereBonus: quick prep, perfect after-dinner treat, common ingredients
After a modest but delicious dessert recipe? Try our custard pudding, flavoured with cardamom & topped with strawberries!
Bonus: perfect appetizer, feel free to change the toppings according to your tastes and budget
Crispy Tortilla Pizza. A healthier way to eat pizza with the same great taste that you love. Ready in just 25 minutes, you won’t look back!
Banana Oatmeal Fitness Cookies
Check out the recipe hereBonus: an easy low calorie snack, just two affordable ingredients
There is no better snack than these healthy oatmeal banana cookies! They’re full of nutrients but they’re still easy and quick to make.
Soy Sauce Eggs (Shoyu Tamago)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: minimal prep time, easy ingredients, can be used in salads, soups, as toppings for bread or toast
More high-quality protein and flavour? Check. These flavourful soy sauce eggs with jammy yolks are beyond addictive!
Gluten Free & Vegan Banana Bread
Check out the recipe hereRecipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: the perfect comfort food for the whole family
Love banana bread, but want to make it vegan? Our vegan banana bread recipe is simple made with store-cupboard staples.
High Society Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a mainstay of any excellent British garden party, an elegant guest-pleasing recipe
The ultimate guide to cucumber sandwiches. Know the traps to avoid and the tricks to making the best cucumber sandwiches available in polite (and even student) society.
⚡️ Unlock 6 more cheap vegetarian meals for sporty people 💪🏽
The following recipes are the upgraded high-protein versions of our meals 😎
Why is nutrition important for students (or anyone)?
To learn well, you need to eat well. Following a nutritious vegetarian diet is an easy way to improve your cognitive skills and maintain a healthy weight.
This article on brain-boosting foods explains how certain nutrients influence your memory, concentration and mood.
Foods high in protein, fibre and healthy fats provide the much-needed energy to focus and process information throughout the day.
So let’s increase your brain power with some of the best vegetarian meals!
Cheap Vegetarian Meals FAQ
How do vegetarians eat on a budget?
Eating on a budget as a vegetarian is pretty simple if you pick up some wallet-friendly habits:
- buy in bulk
- keep frozen fruits and veggies
- practise seasonal eating
- cook from scratch
- pay attention to sales
- don’t focus on everything organic
It’s also important to get enough protein. Vegetarians can obtain it from a variety of inexpensive sources like beans, legumes, eggs, oats, nuts and seeds.
If you’re interested in following a high-protein diet, check out our free 7-day vegetarian high protein meal plan.
Is vegetarian food cheap?
If you’re afraid vegetarian food will cost you a bundle, we assure you it won’t.
Skipping meat alone can help you save some major cash.
A whole food plant-based diet is actually cheaper than meat and provides more health benefits if you make smart swaps, skip processed foods, eat in season and learn to love beans and legumes.
Check out this article, if you’re interested in saving some serious cash on a vegetarian diet.
What is the best meal for students?
The best meal for students is easy, quick, nutritious and affordable. As a student, you should consider incorporating some brain foods into your meals and aim to eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy.
If you haven’t tried eating less meat yet, but want to, how about a meatless Monday for a fresh start? We hope these cheap vegetarian meals will help you with that!
Dave
I’m not a foodie, although I do love eating. I believe food should serve us and our goals, not hinder. Taking control and responsibility for what I eat is important to me.
Article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue
James LeBaigue
James has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Nutrition.
He loves combining his scientific knowledge along with food in the real world, and these recipes are the result.
He’s on top of all the latest evidence and guidelines to make sure our nutrition advice on the website is as accurate as it can be.
By day he works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a busy NHS GP Practice.
Each recipe is tested and then eaten (much to James’ delight), many times before it is deemed worthy to be published. Bon appetit!
Comments
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27 comments
Thanks a lot for the amazing recipes. I am a vegan and these recipes will help me a lot.
You’re very welcome, Mary! I’m sure you’ll find some great ones on this compilation 🙂
These recipes look so yummy. Can’t wait to try it. Love all the tips and recommendations listed above it. I copied them also. Thanks so much!!
In what universe is an egg or omelette considered vegetarian?
That topic again! Show me on what definition of vegetarianism you refer to and I’m happy to talk. Greetings
That would be an vegan – you obviously do not know the difference.
Um….In this universe I guess? Rather than showing everyone how completely ignorant you are, why not do the ABSOLUTE LEAST AMOUNT OF RESEARCH required answer that question for yourself. Oh wait, that doesn’t feel as good as making a snarky comment online, does it Nimit? DOES IT NIMIT???
The Indian version of vegetarian is called lacto vegetarian dear. In the west, vegetarians eat eggs, milk, cheese
An egg is not meat. Meat is the flesh of an animal, whereas an egg is a byproduct of a bird’s bodily functions. Vegans still will not eat eggs because they come from an animal, but often they will also not eat honey for the same reason, and we couldn’t say that honey is meat because of that. vegetarians will indeed still eat eggs because vegetarians also eat milk and etc, vegetarians are willing to eat what comes from an animal but not the animal itself. This is truly something that has been a question for me because I’m very new to being a vegetarian but “‘m here to inform you that eggs aren’t meats. Vegetarians do not eat fish, meat or poultry, but do eat eggs and dairy. Vegans also follow the no-meat rule, but also exclude animal products or by-products such as eggs, dairy and honey. In the past, eggs have had a bad reputation, as their yolks contain a lot of dietary cholesterol.
some of this information came from many websites including http://www.quora.com and numerous others.
Everywhere except India…
2 of my children are vegetarians. I am so glad that I stumbled across your site. I have printed several of these recipes, and have purchased the few ingredients that I didn’t already have. This site is now my daughters go-to site when planning out her meals for her family, also! Thank you so much!!
Hi Chevy, thanks for the warm comment!! And cool to hear you’re supporting your children, I have the feeling they’re very lucky to have you!! 🙂
Ovo-lacto vegetarians
The official definition of vegetarianism is ‘The practice of not eating meat or fish’.
eggs are not meat or fish, yes, it comes from an animal, but it is nor actually the animal itself, therefore eggs are not vegan, but they are vegetarian.
unless you are an ovo-lacto vegetarian, most vegetarians eat eggs
vegans on the other hand do not eat eggs s they come from animals
Yep, this is the definition we follow as well. There are various arguments for and against, but for simplicity’s sake this one works well 🙂
they sexy lentil stew realllllyyy did it for me 😉
Haha awesome, glad to hear it, Nidhi!
For us too, Nidhi 😉
Just spend ages crawling through vegetarian diet plans with so many ridiculously fancy ingredients that in these times would be impossible to get (ie lockdown!)…thank you for giving recipes that can be made without having to rush to the shops. My daughter and I have now got to the point where we make our own quick meals ie something on toast as we can’t find things we like together but with this list I think I have a chance of cooking for her again…so thank you
Happy to help, Ann! Really glad you found something. We also have this compilation of quarantine recipes that may help you in lockdown – the recipes are based around easy items you’re liking to find in the cupboard 🙂 https://hurrythefoodup.com/50-vegetarian-quarantine-recipes/ – good luck, stay healthy!
So many great and easy recipes. Thank you so much! I am going grocery shopping and will try these.
Really good to hear you’ve found some good one for you!! Enjoy 🙂
I’m a baby vegetarian (it’s only been 5 months) and about to enter college next fall, so having a list of recipes to help save money and also be healthy and easy is a blessing. Thanks guys!!!
You’re very welcome, always happy to help. Enjoy college!
I am a student and you have no idea how helpful these all recipes are for me. Thanks, man!
I’m new to the whole vegetarian thing and I’m going to college soon and these recipes look really great! I can’t wait to try them! I’m also excited because most of these look gluten-free as well.
Although I am no longer a student, honestly I still love these recipes! Enjoy!! 🙂