Just like that, summer vacation’s almost over. Not that summer itself is almost over, but this year, classes will unusually start earlier (bad news for the students), on late August instead of the official September. So as a sort of last hurrah for the summer, I’ve thought of posting some simple but great summer food ideas (on a budget, of course) to help you celebrate the rest of your vacation.

Grilled/ Sauteed Vegetables. Whatever meal you’re preparing, a side dish of grilled or sauteed vegetables will always make it healthy. There are so many kinds of vegetables you can choose from. You can grill corn, baste zucchini strips, whip up some pepper and mushroom skewers, or grill eggplant slices. My personal favorite is sauteed cabbage and carrots. Vegetables are very cheap, easy to make and most importantly, healthy. Moreover, they add color and art to every meal you make.

Barbeque. What’s summer (or weekend) without barbeque? Aside from quick to prepare and cook, they’re fun to make especially when you’re having a party or cookout. So toss up those pork skewers on the grill or, to make your meal more colorful and complete, whip up some fun and delicious kebabs to make your dish fully entertaining.

Sandwiches. What could be easier and more convenient than sandwiches? Whether you go with the classic BLTs, tuna, egg, ham and cheese, or whip up your own delicious recipe, a sandwich is a perfect food idea especially when you’re on the go, if you’re on your way to the office, travelling or going out for a picnic. Sandwiches are no-mess, healthy, and surprisingly make you full. One of the perfect descriptions for “great things come in small packages.”

No-Bake Cookies/ Cake. What’s a meal without dessert? And what’s a more perfect dessert than cookies or cake? And if you want to save up on the messy preparation and time in making these delectable delights, go ahead and get those no-bake cookies/ cake out of your pantry. They’re easy, non-messy and surprisingly delicious. You can easily find them in groceries and other food stores. They’re affordable, too. A special treat especially for the sweet tooth.

Salads. Not only are fruits and vegetables healthy, but they’re cheap and very easy to prepare. Tossing up a salad doesn’t take more than three minutes so what could be more perfect than that? Toss in your favorite fruits and vegetables into your mix, add in some mayo, cruttons, and cheese, and you’re on your way to a healthy, colorful, delicious meal.

Shakes/ Ice Cream/ Juices. One of the best ways to beat the summer heat. They’re cheap and fun to eat so nothing beats ice-cold treats in the summer.

Pork Chop/ Steak. Full to the stomach. Finger-looking good. Whether you’re dining in with your family or having a cookout with your friends, your guests will definitely have a “full” time with this meal. Pair it up with rice or mashed potatoes and those grilled or sauteed vegetables and you have one of the best meals ever, summer or not.

Burger/ Pizza. The all-American food. Fast and satisfying. Fun and affordable. Eat it as an afternoon treat or treat it as a meal, you will never be disappointed with this American treat. You can find it in almost every corner, a sure way to curb your hunger or appetite.

Tacos/ Wraps. Whether it’s summer or not, who can resist these salivating Mexican treats? If burger and pizza are the all-American food, these may well be the Mexican counterpart. They come in small packages yet are surprisingly satisfying, not to mention yummy. They’re very affordable, too. Not to mention healthy!