Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are an excellent source of cheap protein.  Pair them with basil from your garden and sweet grape tomatoes when in-season, and you’ve got a frugal salad that’s also really healthy.  I found these tomatoes at my ALDI store for just $.79 this week (view more recently posted Grocery Bargains).  You could also easily add rotini to this to make it a pasta salad.

Frugal Tips:  To save money, buy dried chickpeas and soak overnight.  Beans can even be soaked and frozen for later.

Thanks for the inspiration, Green Lite Bites!

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I love Greek food.  Not only is it packed with flavor, it’s usually pretty healthy.  This easy Greek Salad with Couscous salad is no exception.  Don’t have couscous?  Substitute orzo pasta, quinoa or bulgur.  I find that the couscous is a frugal way to extend the salad and give it more texture.

Frugal Tip:  If jarred Kalamata olives are too expensive, check the grocery store deli.  You may be able to buy them by the pound for less.

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Everything is better with bacon, isn’t it?  This bacon blue cheese potato salad is creamy, flavorful and tangy.  If you like bacon and blue cheese, you’ll love it.  It goes perfectly with a burger straight off the grill.  Bring on summer!

Frugal Tips:  Look for blue cheese at stores like ALDI, Sam’s Club and Costco to save money.

Boil potatoes with the skin on until fork-tender (about 12-13 minutes). Meanwhile, add the other ingredients in a large bowl. After potatoes have cooled, dice them and add to dressing ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.

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This copycat version of the creamy Parmesan dressing from Carrabba’s Italian Grill is my new favorite. Not only is it delicious, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Frugal Tips:  This recipe only calls for a little bit of buttermilk, so don’t let the leftovers go to waste.  Did you know you could freeze buttermilk?  Here are some great ideas to use up buttermilk after making this dressing.

See how simple the ingredient list is?  Much of this is in your refrigerator already.

Mix the dressing well.

Serve with romaine and croutons.

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Can you believe it’s March already?  One of my favorite food events this month is St. Patrick’s Day.  I love homemade Corned Beef Brisket and Cabbage.  It’s been a tradition at our house for years, even though we’re not Irish.  We’re not Asian either, but I love Chinese Cabbage Ramen salad.  It’s another great way to make use of those great deals on cabbage you’ll see all month at the grocery store!  There are so many variations of this recipe.  How do you make it?

Frugal Tips:  Make use of produce that is in season or is being promoted for special event or holiday.  They usually are great deals, or even promoted as loss leaders.  Think of new, creative uses for them.

View the other Cabbage Recipes I’ve made lately, or these ideas from Mommysavers:

• Corned Beef and Cabbage in a Crock Pot
• Grilled Cabbage
• Cabbage Rolls

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