Clean Eating Recipes for Beginners on a Budget (Easy & Delicious)

For anyone trying to start eating clean without spending a lot, this guide makes it easy. Clean eating doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps just smart choices, simple meal plans, and a basic grocery list. These clean eating recipes for beginners on a budget are designed to help you eat healthier, save money, and build meals that feel satisfying and delicious.

Each recipe is crafted to be easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, meal planning healthy, and creating a weekly shopping list that keeps things simple. Whether someone wants ideas for everyday meals, basic dinner menus, or a quick food list to eat clean, these recipes make the process stress-free.

1. Budget-Friendly Veggie Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

A go-to recipe for beginners learning how to eat clean on a budget, this dish uses affordable vegetables and pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, peas)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
• Salt & pepper

Method

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until slightly tender.
3. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve hot over brown rice.

✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Affordable ingredients
✔ Works well in simple meal plans

2. Clean Eating Chickpea & Spinach Curry

This hearty, low-cost curry fits perfectly into a simple weekly meal plan and uses ingredients found on any budget-friendly shopping list.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (drained)
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Heat oil and sauté onions.
2. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Mix in spices and chickpeas.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Serve with rice or whole wheat roti.

✔ High protein
✔ Great for dinners
✔ Clean, aesthetic dish

3. Easy Oat & Banana Pancakes (3 Ingredients)

Perfect for breakfast on a budget—clean, simple, and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• ½ cup oats
• 1 egg

Method

1. Blend all ingredients into a smooth batter.
2. Cook small pancakes on a non-stick pan.
3. Serve warm with fruit.

✔ Pantry-friendly
✔ Quick and cheap
✔ Great for creating a healthy food list

4. Simple Lentil & Veggie Soup

This is an excellent meal for those wanting clean eating rules without overthinking. One pot, minimal cost, and nutrient-dense.

Ingredients

• ½ cup red lentils
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 small potato
• Salt, pepper
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 3 cups water

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a pot.
2. Cook on medium heat for 20–25 minutes.
3. Mash lightly and serve warm.

✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Perfect for lunch or light dinners
✔ Works well for weekly meal prep

5. Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

A super affordable, clean, no-cook breakfast you can prepare ahead—perfect for beginners looking for a simple meal plan.

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup milk (or almond milk)
• 1 tsp peanut butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• Honey (optional)

Method

1. Add oats, milk, and peanut butter into a jar.
2. Mix well and top with banana slices.
3. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the morning.

✔ Quick & easy
✔ Healthy and filling
✔ Minimal ingredients