Market Basket Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

SALE ITEMS FOUND

Meats on sale:
- Fresh Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs: $3.99/lb
- Old Tyme Beef & Pork Franks: $7.99 for 2.5 LB Box
- Fresh Ravioli or Tortelloni: 2 for $6.00 for 8-10 oz
- Fresh Chicken Tenders: $3.49/lb
- Fresh Italian Sausage: $2.49/lb
- Deli Salads (Potato, Macaroni, Cole Slaw): $3.49 for 3-LB
- American Cheese (Deli): $3.99/lb

Vegetables on sale:
- Tender Zucchini: $0.99/lb
- Broccoli Slaw: 2 for $3.00 for 12 oz
- Sliced White Mushrooms: 2 for $5.00 for 16 oz
- Campari Tomatoes: $2.99 for 1-LB
- Fresh Express Chopped Kit: 2 for $5.00 for 7.7-11.75 oz

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Chicken Thighs with Buttered Zucchini
Description: Two juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder then baked until golden and tender - a classic kid-approved dinner. Alongside, zucchini coins are sauteed in butter until soft and lightly salted for a simple, mild veggie side any child will enjoy.
Sale items used: Fresh Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs, Tender Zucchini
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: 0.5 lb chicken thighs (roughly 2 small thighs), 0.5 lb zucchini (about 1 small zucchini sliced into coins)
Recipes:
- Buttery Garlic Herb Chicken with Zucchini
- Skillet Chicken Thighs and Zucchini
- Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Summer Vegetables

Tuesday
Meal: Hot Dog Bar with Macaroni Salad
Description: Two beef and pork franks are grilled or pan-cooked and served in buns with a small scoop of classic deli macaroni salad on the side - a fun, familiar cookout-style meal kids love. Set out simple toppings like ketchup and mustard to let kids customize their own hot dog creation.
Sale items used: Old Tyme Beef & Pork Franks (2.5 LB Box), Deli Salads - Macaroni
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serving note: 2 hot dogs from the box (remainder can be frozen), roughly 1 cup (about 0.5 lb) of macaroni salad scooped from the 3-LB container
Recipes:
- Loaded Mac Dog
- Summer Macaroni Salad
- Mom's Macaroni Salad

Wednesday
Meal: Fresh Cheese Ravioli with Buttery Tomato Sauce and Mushrooms
Description: One package of fresh cheese ravioli is boiled until pillowy and tender, then tossed in a simple butter and crushed tomato sauce with softened sliced mushrooms - kid-friendly comfort food in under 20 minutes. The mild buttery tomato sauce keeps flavors gentle and familiar, perfect for younger palates.
Sale items used: Fresh Ravioli or Tortelloni (1 pack from the 2 for $6.00 deal), Campari Tomatoes, Sliced White Mushrooms
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: 1 pack of fresh ravioli (8-10 oz, the full pack is a solid single serving), half a 1-LB container of Campari tomatoes crushed by hand, half a 16-oz pack of sliced mushrooms (save the rest for other meals)
Recipes:
- Ravioli with Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Mushroom Ravioli Sauce
- Mushroom Ravioli with Rosemary Butter Sauce

Thursday
Meal: Baked Chicken Tenders with Broccoli Slaw
Description: Four or five fresh chicken tenders are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until crispy and golden - the ultimate kid-friendly finger food that feels like a restaurant treat made at home. A scoop of creamy broccoli slaw from the sale pack serves as a crunchy, mild side that balances the meal perfectly.
Sale items used: Fresh Chicken Tenders, Broccoli Slaw (1 pack from the 2 for $3.00 deal)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: 0.5 lb fresh chicken tenders (about 4-5 pieces), 1 pack of broccoli slaw (12 oz) - use half as a side, save the rest for snacking or tomorrow
Recipes:
- Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Broccoli
- Broccoli Slaw
- Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner

Friday
Meal: Sausage and Zucchini Pasta with Fresh Pasta
Description: Sliced fresh Italian sausage is cooked in a pan with tender zucchini rounds and tossed with fresh pasta and a light buttery sauce - a simple one-pan style meal kids enjoy for its mild savory flavors. Using fresh pasta keeps cooking time short and the texture soft and easy for younger eaters.
Sale items used: Fresh Italian Sausage, Tender Zucchini, Fresh Pasta (1 pack from the 2 for $4.99 deal)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 0.5 lb fresh Italian sausage (about 2 links), 0.5 lb zucchini (1 small zucchini), 1 pack fresh pasta (12 oz, a full pack is a generous single serving)
Recipes:
- One Pot Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Sausage
- Sausage Pasta with Zucchini
- Easy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs (0.5 lb): $2.00
- Tender Zucchini (1 lb total, used across Monday and Friday): $0.99
- Old Tyme Beef & Pork Franks (x1 box, 2.5 LB - extras freeze well): $7.99
- Deli Salads - Macaroni (x1 container, 3-LB - generous portions remain for lunches): $3.49
- Fresh Ravioli or Tortelloni (x1 pack purchased as part of 2 for $6.00 - buy 2 packs to get the deal, second pack freezes): $6.00
- Campari Tomatoes (x1 container, 1-LB): $2.99
- Sliced White Mushrooms (x1 pack purchased as part of 2 for $5.00 - buy 2 to get the deal, second pack can be used in eggs or snacks): $5.00
- Fresh Chicken Tenders (0.5 lb): $1.75
- Broccoli Slaw (x1 pack purchased as part of 2 for $3.00 - buy 2 to get the deal, second pack used Thursday and as a snack side): $3.00
- Fresh Italian Sausage (0.5 lb): $1.25
- Fresh Pasta (x1 pack purchased as part of 2 for $4.99 - buy 2 packs to get the deal, second pack freezes): $4.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Butter (used across multiple meals for sauteing and sauces)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned, for Thursday's chicken tenders)
- Egg (1, for breading the chicken tenders)
- Hot dog buns (Tuesday)
- Ketchup and mustard (Tuesday condiments)
- Pasta water and a pinch of salt for boiling