20 Delicious and Healthy Meals Under £10

Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be a challenge. From wholesome grain bowls to vibrant vegetable stir-fries, here are 20 delicious and healthy meals that not only provide nourishment but also keep your wallet happy.

1. Chickpea and Spinach Curry: Packed with protein and iron, this aromatic dish pairs perfectly with basmati rice. A can of chickpeas and a bag of fresh spinach can cost less than £5.

2. Vegetable Stir-fry: A colourful mix of your favourite seasonal vegetables quickly stir-fried with soy sauce and sesame oil makes for a tasty meal. Serve it over brown rice for added fibre!

3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos: Roast sweet potatoes with cumin and fill corn tortillas with black beans, salsa, and avocado. Easy to prepare and full of flavour!

4. Lentil Soup: A comforting bowl of lentil soup, made with carrots, celery, and tomatoes, can be whipped up for under a fiver. It freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

5. Oven-Baked Ratatouille: Layered slices of aubergine, zucchini, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil create a stunning and hearty dish that won’t break the bank.

6. Quinoa Salad: Toss cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and a lemon-olive oil dressing for a light yet filling salad.

7. Egg Fried Rice: Use leftover rice to create a simple dish with eggs, peas, and carrots. It’s quick to make and incredibly satisfying.

8. Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of brown rice, black beans, and spices for a nutritious meal that looks as good as it tastes.

9. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: Spiralised zucchini tossed with homemade pesto provides a satisfying, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.

10. Mushroom Risotto: Arborio rice slowly simmered with mushrooms and vegetable stock creates a creamy risotto that’s both comforting and nutritious.

11. Couscous with Roasted Veggies: A bright medley of roasted vegetables mixed with fluffy couscous and a splash of balsamic vinegar will tantalise your taste buds.

12. Baked Salmon and Asparagus: A simple yet elegant meal with salmon fillets roasted with a sprinkle of herbs alongside fresh asparagus.

13. Vegetable Frittata: Whisk eggs with seasonal vegetables, pour into a hot skillet, and bake until set for a protein-packed dish perfect for any time of day.

14. Pea and Mint Soup: This refreshing soup blends fresh peas and mint, creating a vibrant starter or light lunch.

15. Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera: Toss whole wheat pasta with sautéed seasonal veggies and a drizzle of olive oil for a wholesome Italian delight.

16. Chickpea Salad Sandwich: Mash chickpeas with Greek yoghurt and your choice of veggies for a protein-rich filling between wholemeal bread.

17. Savory Oatmeal Bowl: Start with oats and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a poached egg for a breakfast that’s loaded with nutrients.

18. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Layer seasonal fruits with low-fat yoghurt and a sprinkle of granola for a refreshing snack or breakfast.

19. Baked Potato with Cheese and Broccoli: A simple baked potato topped with melted cheese and steamed broccoli makes a hearty and budget-friendly meal.

20. Herbed Chicken Thighs with Vegetables: Marinate chicken thighs with herbs and roast them alongside your choice of vegetables for a wholesome dinner.

Each of these recipes demonstrates that enjoying delicious and healthful meals doesn't need to cost a fortune. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can nourish yourself without overspending!

15 Satisfying Make-Ahead Mason Jar Lunches

In today's fast-paced world, preparing healthy lunches in advance can be a game changer, and what better way to do this than with the humble mason jar? Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also keep your meals fresh and organised. Here are 15 satisfying make-ahead mason jar lunches that are perfect for your busy week ahead.

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Layer cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before sealing for a refreshing, protein-packed lunch.

2. Thai Chicken Noodle Salad: Combine rice noodles, shredded chicken, grated carrots, and red cabbage. Toss with a zesty peanut dressing for a flavourful meal that’s both crunchy and filling.

3. Chickpea and Avocado Mash: Mash ripe avocado with chickpeas, lime juice, and coriander. Serve it with wholegrain crackers or bread on the side for a satisfying and nutritious option.

4. Mexican Bean Bowl: Layer black beans, corn, diced red peppers, and avocado with a hint of lime juice. Top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt for a creamy finish.

5. Savory Overnight Oats: Mix rolled oats with Greek yoghurt, almond milk, and your choice of toppings such as nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit. This filling breakfast can easily double as lunch.

6. Caprese Salad with Pesto: Alternate layers of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves. Pour homemade pesto over the top for a classic Italian twist.

7. Roasted Veggie and Hummus: Pack roasted seasonal vegetables with a side of hummus. This colourful jar is not only nutritious but also a delight for the eyes.

8. Curried Lentil Salad: Combine cooked lentils with diced apples, raisins, and a curry dressing for a delightful mix of sweet and savoury that will keep you satisfied.

9. Pasta Salad with Pesto: Toss your choice of pasta with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a creamy, herby meal that transports easily.

10. Fruit and Nut Snack Jar: Layer fresh fruits like berries and kiwi with a mix of nuts for a sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up.

11. Spinach and Feta Couscous: Prepare couscous and stir in wilted spinach, feta, and pine nuts. This dish is not only hearty but also easy to enjoy cold or heated.

12. Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps: Pack roasted buffalo cauliflower with shredded carrots and a drizzle of ranch dressing, perfect for wrapping in lettuce leaves.

13. Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken: Layer grilled chicken, cucumber, olives, and feta for a protein-rich option that is both filling and flavoursome.

14. Coconut Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with coconut milk and top with mango or pineapple. This nutritious dessert can be savoured at lunch or even as a sweet treat.

15. Savoury Muffins with Cheese and Spinach: Bake a batch of cheese and spinach muffins, then pack them neatly into jars for a grab-and-go meal that’s great with a soup or salad.

Each of these make-ahead mason jar lunches combines convenience with nutrition, making them perfect for work, picnics, or busy days at home. Prepare them over the weekend and enjoy a week of hassle-free, delicious meals that you can feel good about.

No-Bake Chocolate Haystacks Cookies are a delightful treat that requires no oven and just a handful of simple ingredients. These easy-to-make cookies combine decadent chocolate with crunchy bits of chow mein noodles or cornflakes, resulting in a wonderfully moreish snack. To prepare, one melts together chocolate and peanut butter, then stirs in the crispy noodles, forming little mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. As they chill in the fridge, the mixture firms up, creating a perfect blend of textures — the smooth, rich chocolate enveloping the crisp, feathery strands. Perfect for a quick indulgence or an impromptu gathering, these charming haystacks are sure to satisfy any sweet craving with minimal effort. Enjoy them as a nostalgic nod to childhood treats, savouring the blissful combination of flavours that makes them a true British favourite.