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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.

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 (also for families)  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

Bonus: 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.

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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 (and if you like this you should also try these high protein low carb desserts!)!

Bonus: 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 (in fact, we are just big fans of cottage cheese in general, check out these cottage cheese recipes for more inspo!).

Bonus: 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?

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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 (this is one of our best ever egg recipes for breakfast!)!

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 (we also do a mean gypsy toast with apples!)!

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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.

Bonus: 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 (for veggie low carb high protein recipes look here). In my opinion a must-have recipe.

Bonus: 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.

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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 😉

Bonus: 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.

Bonus: 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 (more delicious and simple vegetarian Mexican meals this way) (it’s one of our fave healthy vegetarian meals ever) (one of our favorite low calorie breakfast ideas!) (click here for more quick breakfast ideas like this!).

Bonus: 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 (more quick vegetarian dishes this way)!

Bonus: a healthy high protein salad, minimal prep time, easy ingredients

This protein packed vegan lentil and potato salad is a perfect weight loss recipe (if you like this, you should also try our fave low calorie salad recipes). It’s filling, healthy and nutritious, while still tasting amazing!

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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.

Bonus: 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!

Bonus: 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 vegetarian weight loss meal plan, or just as your new favourite go-to lunch!

Recipe 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!

Bonus: 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

Bonus: 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 (for more protein packed vegetarian soup recipes, try these).

Bonus: 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 (and if you like this, why not try these other easy vegetarian one pot meals too?.

Recipe 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.

Bonus: 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 (more vegetarian stir fry recipes this way!). 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 (though any of these delicious veg taco ideas would cut it honestly!). SO TASTY and stacked with lentil protein and fiber, it’s time to take dinner up to the next level.

Bonus: 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!

Recipe 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 (one of our fave vegetarian mediterranean recipes!)!

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.

Bonus: 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 (if this sounds good check out our other vegetarian bean recipes here!).

Bonus: 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.

Bonus: 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.

Bonus: 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 (check out our vegetarian pizza recipes for more pizza inspo!). Ready in just 25 minutes, you won’t look back!

Bonus: an easy low calorie snack, just two affordable ingredients

There is no better snack than these healthy oatmeal banana cookies (apart from maybe all these other delicious low calorie oatmeal biscuits)! They’re full of nutrients but they’re still easy and quick to make.

Bonus: 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!

Recipe 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 (as is our standard banana loaf recipe, if you’re not vegan).

Bonus: 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.

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!