ALDI Dairy-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The chicken tenderloins at $2.29/lb are the standout deal this week and anchor two very different dinners - a grape jelly pan glaze one night and a mushroom saute another, keeping both nights well under $2 per person for protein. The chicken nuggets and seasoned chicken skewers each come in under $2 per serving and round out two more economical nights with completely different flavor profiles and formats. Salmon at nearly $11/lb is the clear premium item on this flyer, and it earns its one appearance on Friday as a special end-of-week dinner - it is genuinely the most expensive protein by a wide margin, so one night is the right call. The lamb and beef skewers were skipped because the lamb runs nearly as expensive as salmon and the single 7 oz beef skewer pack is too small to build a satisfying dinner for four without buying multiple packs at a cost that pushes the total higher than the chicken-anchored plan. The avocados at $0.59 each add freshness and healthy fat to two nights for almost nothing, and the cantaloupe and cucumbers keep side dishes bright and dairy-free without any extra cost pressure.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Grape Jelly Pan-Glazed Chicken Tenderloins with Sliced Cucumber Salad
Description: Chicken tenderloins are seared in a skillet and finished with a sweet-savory Berryhill Grape Jelly glaze that caramelizes into a sticky coating over medium-high heat. Thinly sliced mini cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt serve as a cool, crisp side.
Sale items used: Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins, Berryhill Grape Jelly 30 oz, Mini Cucumbers 16 oz pkg
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of chicken tenderloins and 3 tablespoons of grape jelly for the glaze; the full 16 oz pkg of mini cucumbers serves 4 generously.

Tuesday
Meal: Seasoned Chicken Skewers with Avocado and Cantaloupe Salsa
Description: The pre-seasoned chicken skewers are cooked in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet until charred and cooked through, then served alongside a fresh salsa of diced avocado and cantaloupe. The sweet-savory salsa brightens the boldly seasoned chicken and keeps the plate completely dairy-free.
Sale items used: Seasoned Chicken Skewers 22.57 oz, Avocados, Athena Cantaloupe
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: One 22.57 oz pack of Seasoned Chicken Skewers serves 4; use 2 avocados and roughly one-quarter of the cantaloupe diced for the salsa.
Recipes:
- Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa

Wednesday
Meal: Chicken Tenderloin and Mushroom Stir-Fry over Rice
Description: Chicken tenderloins are sliced into strips and stir-fried in a hot skillet with sliced white mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil until golden and fragrant. Served over steamed white rice, this is a fast, satisfying weeknight dinner with deep savory flavor.
Sale items used: Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins, Sliced White Mushrooms 8 oz pkg
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of chicken tenderloins and the full 8 oz pkg of sliced white mushrooms; cook rice separately using pantry staples.
Recipes:
- Chinese Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry

Thursday
Meal: Chicken Nugget Lettuce Wraps with Avocado and Cucumber
Description: John Soules Foods "67" Chicken Nuggets are baked until crispy, then tucked into large lettuce leaves with sliced avocado, mini cucumber rounds, and a drizzle of soy-lime dipping sauce. The combination of crunchy nuggets, creamy avocado, and cool cucumber makes a fun, hands-on dinner that comes together quickly.
Sale items used: John Soules Foods "67" Chicken Nuggets 24 oz, Avocados, Mini Cucumbers 16 oz pkg
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: One 24 oz pack of nuggets serves 4; use 2 avocados and the full 16 oz pkg of mini cucumbers; use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves from pantry staples.

Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon with Cantaloupe and Blueberry Salad
Description: Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon fillets are seared skin-side down in a hot skillet with a touch of oil, garlic, and ginger until the flesh is just cooked through and the edges are lightly crisped. A side salad of fresh blueberries and diced cantaloupe tossed with lime juice and mint provides a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich salmon.
Sale items used: Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon, Blueberries, Athena Cantaloupe
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of salmon (approximately four 8 oz portions); use 1 pint of blueberries and roughly one-quarter of the cantaloupe for the salad.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins (4 lbs total across Monday and Wednesday): $9.16
- Seasoned Chicken Skewers 22.57 oz (x1 pack): $7.49
- John Soules Foods "67" Chicken Nuggets 24 oz (x1 pack): $6.70
- Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon (2 lbs): $21.98
- Mini Cucumbers 16 oz pkg (x2 pkgs, one for Monday and one for Thursday): $3.38
- Sliced White Mushrooms 8 oz pkg (x1 pkg): $1.29
- Avocados (x4, two for Tuesday and two for Thursday): $2.36
- Athena Cantaloupe (x1): $1.99
- Blueberries (x1 pint): $1.99
- Berryhill Grape Jelly 30 oz (x1): $2.59

Pantry staples needed:
- White rice (for Wednesday stir-fry)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Lime juice
- Fresh mint or dried mint
- Cooking oil (neutral, such as vegetable or avocado oil)
- Salt and black pepper
- Large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce, for Thursday wraps)