12 Budget-Friendly Low Sodium Dinner Ideas

By Andrea Cohen
Published 6/2/2025
12 Budget-Friendly Low Sodium Dinner Ideas
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Trying to lower sodium on a  low-cost dinner budget? We’ve pulled together 12 budget-friendly low sodium dinner recipes so you’ll have lots of ideas on what to eat for dinner. Each of these affordable low sodium meals is easy to make and won’t break the bank.

The low sodium recipes featured below have been adapted from favorite recipes in the Health eCooks Recipe Test Kitchen so you can enjoy your favorite food while following a heart-healthy diet. Recipes rely on flavorful herbs and spices, as well as aromatics such as onion and garlic, to create their signature tastes without added salt. When a recipe calls for canned ingredients, such as tomatoes or beans, we recommend no-salt-added or low-sodium canned foods. Most of these recipes also use fresh ingredients such as vegetables and lean meats, which are naturally low sodium.

Our team of chefs and dietitians have partnered to create easy low sodium budget dinners the whole family will love. These recipes will help you save money on your food bill while giving you flavorful meals you can feel good about serving, whether anyone in your family is following a heart healthy diet or you’re just looking for ideas to eat less salt.

Affordable Low Sodium Dinner Recipes

One of the best ways to be good to your heart and manage your blood pressure is to follow low sodium dietary guidelines. By cooking these low sodium dinners at home, you’ll not only enjoy delicious tasting food with less salt, but you’ll also save money compared to buying convenience food, getting takeout, or going to a restaurant.

  1. Chipotle Chicken Pasta
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This pasta combines pantry and freezer staples like reduced sodium canned beans and corn, and whole grain pasta with a flavorful chipotle-lime dressing for a low-sodium meal that packs a punch. It’s an affordable option that makes lots of portions so it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a family on a budget.

  2. Low Sodium Baked Chicken
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    30 mins

    With a simple spice blend, this juicy chicken dish delivers big flavor with just 82mg of sodium per serving. It uses everyday ingredients and affordable chicken breasts, making it a cost-effective, heart-healthy choice.

  3. Low Sodium Meatloaf
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    75 mins

    Made with a mix of lean ground beef and turkey, this hearty meatloaf is full of flavor from fresh veggies and herbs but clocks in at under 125mg sodium per serving. It’s a low cost dinner that everyone is sure to love.

  4. Low Sodium Turkey Chili
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    200 mins

    This chili, made with ground turkey, no-salt-added tomatoes, beans, and spices, is a comforting and flavorful dish that has very little sodium. It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses canned ingredients to stretch your grocery dollar.

  5. Heart Healthy Pot Roast
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    275 mins

    This delicious roast uses affordable cuts of beef along with potatoes and carrots to create a low-sodium, one-pot dinner that’s tender and satisfying. It’s a great value meal that makes enough to feed a crowd.

  6. Heart Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    375 mins

    Loaded with white beans, shredded chicken, and veggies, this creamy chili is low in sodium and big on comfort. It’s a budget-conscious recipe that makes use of pantry staples and is great for meal-prep.

  7. Heart Healthy Spaghetti and Roasted Vegetables
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This meatless pasta is loaded with roasted seasonal vegetables and tossed with olive oil, garlic, shallots, and basil for a flavorful, low-sodium meal. It’s a cost-effective option thanks to inexpensive pasta and produce.

  8. Heart Healthy Tandoori Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    This flavorful Indian-inspired dish is marinated in yogurt and spices you likely already have in your pantry, delivering bold taste without much sodium. You’ll get a big bang for your buck when you enjoy this tasty dish instead of ordering takeout.

  9. Heart Healthy Pasta with Hearty Meat Sauce
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This pasta dish blends turkey sausage, onion, and mushrooms in a rich tomato-wine sauce for a hearty, low-sodium dinner. With budget-friendly ingredients like pasta and canned tomatoes, it’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t strain your wallet.

  10. Heart Healthy Balsamic Chicken
    Photo Credit: Getty Images
    45 mins

    This easy chicken recipe features a tangy balsamic marinade for a flavorful, heart-healthy dish with minimal sodium. Using pantry items and basic ingredients, it’s a low-cost option for a weeknight dinner and the chicken is versatile enough to use in many different meals.

  11. Heart Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    45 mins

    This lighter take on a takeout favorite keeps sodium in check while still making it flavorful. With simple ingredients like peppers, pineapple, and chicken stock, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a healthier version of a restaurant classic at home.

  12. Heart Healthy Chicken Parmesan
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    This baked chicken parmesan gets crispy in the oven and is a good dupe of a classic that’s lower in fat, sodium, and calories. It’s made with basic, inexpensive pantry ingredients, like tomato sauce and whole wheat breadcrumbs, making it budget-friendly, too.

More Budget-Friendly Recipes for a Low Salt Diet

If you’re looking to stretch your food dollar, you will find lots more budget-friendly recipes for a low salt diet in these blogs:

You’ll Also Love These Low Sodium Dinner Ideas

When you’re trying to reduce sodium, but want meals that taste great, we think you’ll also love these low sodium dinner ideas.

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