17 Easy Sides So Cheap the Pump Stops Draining Your Wallet

It is no fun when everything costs so much, and your wallet feels empty. After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend more money at the store. You can actually make great food using just the simple stuff already sitting in your kitchen cupboards. These 17 easy sides use basic items like potatoes, carrots, and rice to help you fill up without spending an extra dime. These recipes are fast to fix and will help you save your cash for other things.

Honey Glazed Carrots

These carrots are boiled until soft and tossed with a tiny bit of honey for sweetness. It is a filling way to use a basic vegetable that stays fresh in the fridge for a long time. You can pull this together at the last minute without needing a trip to the store.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

You chop the leaves and stems then cook them fast in a hot pan. This green side is very cheap and only takes a few minutes to make. It helps you save money when you are worried about the cost of gas.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Cucumber Dill Salad

Sliced cucumbers are mixed with dried herbs and a little vinegar from the pantry. It is a cold, crisp dish that you can put together right before you sit down to eat. This recipe costs almost nothing and keeps your grocery bill low.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Dill Salad

The Perfect Rice Pilaf

You toast the dry rice with a little onion before adding water to make it fluffy. This big bowl of food helps stretch a small meal so everyone feels full. It is a reliable choice when you need to stick to a tight budget.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf

Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Thin cucumber slices are stirred into a spoonful of sour cream and salt. This side dish is ready in seconds and uses simple things you already have at home. It is a great trick for a fast dinner that does not cost much.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

You cook sliced cabbage and peppers in a pan until they are very soft. Cabbage is one of the lowest-priced items you can find at the market. It makes a large amount of food for just a few cents.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Baked Potato

You put a whole potato in the oven until the middle is soft and the outside is dry. It is a heavy, solid food that acts as the main part of a cheap meal. This is a smart pick when you want to spend less on food.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Falafel-style Israeli Cabbage Salad

This involves cutting cabbage into very small bits and mixing them with lemon juice. It stays crunchy and fresh even if you make it in a big hurry. It is an easy way to add a healthy side without buying expensive ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Falafel-style Israeli Cabbage Salad

Russian Fried Potatoes

Sliced potatoes are fried in a bit of oil until they turn golden and crispy. This is a classic meal that uses pantry basics to keep your family fed. It smells great and costs very little to put on the table.
Get the Recipe: Russian Fried Potatoes

Mashed Carrots

You mash boiled carrots until they look like bright orange clouds on the plate. They are naturally sweet and much cheaper than buying fancy side dishes. This is a quick way to finish your dinner prep while saving cash.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Carrots

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

All the vegetables go onto one metal sheet and bake in the oven at the same time. Using just one pan saves you time on cleaning up after a long day. It is an easy way to use up whatever small pieces of produce are left.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw

You stir shredded purple cabbage with a little bit of mayo and salt. The bright color makes the plate look better even if the meal is very simple. It is a fast, crunchy side that fits a small budget perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw

Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

You shake sliced cucumbers with lime juice and a dash of chili powder. It is a sharp, fresh snack that takes less than five minutes to prepare. This recipe is a great help when you are trying to spend less at the pump.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

6-Ingredient Savory And Smoky Fried Corn Recipe

Frozen corn is cooked in a pan with a few spices until it gets a little dark. It is a warm, sweet side that you can pull right out of the freezer. This is a perfect last-minute addition to a low-cost dinner.
Get the Recipe: 6-Ingredient Savory And Smoky Fried Corn Recipe

Mexican Coleslaw

You mix shredded cabbage with fresh lime juice and a little garlic. It is a light, sour salad that goes well with heavy or fried food. This dish uses basic kitchen items to keep your cooking simple and cheap.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw

Buttered Cabbage

Cabbage is sliced and cooked with a small piece of butter until it is tender. It is a warm, plain dish that fills up the empty space on your plate. You can always count on this when you need a meal that costs very little.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Cabbage

Sauteed Thyme Garlic Mushrooms – Steakhouse Mushroom Recipe

These mushrooms are fried with a bit of garlic until they are brown and soft. They add a lot of flavor to the meal without needing a lot of extra ingredients. It is a quick side that feels like a treat even on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Thyme Garlic Mushrooms – Steakhouse Mushroom Recipe

Check your pantry and get the stove going because these budget-friendly sides prove you do not have to spend a lot to eat well.