Meijer Dairy-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: Chicken drumsticks at $0.99/lb are the standout deal of the week and anchor a satisfying braised dinner for well under $3. Pork loin assorted chops at $1.99/lb and Johnsonville Fresh Brats at $4.79 a pack keep two more nights extremely affordable, and ground chuck at $5.29/lb rounds out a hearty pasta night that still comes in under $8 for the protein. The one premium night goes to Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions at $8.99 per 12 oz. pack - two packs for four people at $17.98 is the most expensive protein purchase of the week, but salmon is the best-value premium option here compared to the Salmon Mignon or the chuck steak, both of which cost more. The Jennie-O Ground Turkey roll is a great value per serving but at $12.99 for a 3 lb. roll you are buying more than the week needs, so ground chuck was chosen instead to avoid bulk waste inflating the total. The week's total lands at $17.54 per person, driven almost entirely by the two salmon portions on Friday - every other night is well under $5 per person in protein cost.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Braised Chicken Drumsticks with Campari Tomatoes and Celery over Barilla Pasta
Description: Chicken drumsticks are seared in a hot pan then simmered low and slow in a savory tomato and celery broth until the meat is tender and pulls cleanly from the bone. The rich braising liquid is spooned over al dente pasta for a complete, satisfying one-pot-style dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (All natural), Campari Tomatoes (16 oz.), Locally Grown Pascal Celery, Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.)
Prep time: 55 minutes
Serving note: Use 2.5 lbs of chicken drumsticks (about 6-7 pieces), one 16 oz. container of Campari Tomatoes, half a head of celery (roughly 4 stalks), and one 12-16 oz. box of Barilla Pasta for 4 people. Start the braise first; cook pasta in the final 12 minutes.

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Bone-In Pork Loin Assorted Chops with Nectarine Pan Sauce
Description: Bone-in pork loin assorted chops are seasoned and seared in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through, then rested while sliced fresh nectarines are cooked down in the same pan with a splash of broth to make a bright, naturally sweet pan sauce. The fruit sauce cuts through the richness of the pork for a summery, restaurant-style plate.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops (Bone in), California Yellow or White Nectarines
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 2.5 lbs of bone-in pork loin assorted chops (roughly 4 chops) and about 1 lb of nectarines (3-4 medium fruit) for the pan sauce. One chop per person with sauce spooned over the top.
Recipes:
- Pork Chops with Nectarines & Mustard Sauce

Wednesday
Meal: Ground Chuck Beef and Tomato Pasta with Avocado
Description: Certified Angus Beef ground chuck is browned with garlic and onion, then simmered with Sunset Flavor Bombs tomatoes until a thick, chunky meat sauce forms and coats every strand of pasta. Sliced Minis Avocados are served fresh alongside for a creamy, dairy-free contrast.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (2.5 lb. pkg. or larger), Sunset Flavor Bombs, Sugar Bombs or Bomb Squad Tomatoes (12 oz.), Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.), Minis Avocados (6 ct. bag)
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of ground chuck, one 12 oz. container of Sunset Flavor Bombs tomatoes, one 12-16 oz. box of Barilla Pasta, and 4 avocados from the 6 ct. bag for 4 people. Reserve the remaining 2 avocados for snacking.

Thursday
Meal: Johnsonville Fresh Brats in Flour Tortillas with Celery Slaw and Campari Tomatoes
Description: Johnsonville Fresh Brats are sliced and pan-cooked until browned and cooked through, then tucked into La Banderita flour tortillas with crisp shredded celery slaw dressed in olive oil and vinegar and topped with sliced Campari Tomatoes. The combination of smoky sausage, crunchy slaw, and juicy tomato makes a hearty handheld dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Sale items used: Johnsonville Fresh Brats (19 oz.), La Banderita Fajita or Burrito Flour Tortillas (20-22.5 oz.), Locally Grown Pascal Celery, Campari Tomatoes (16 oz.)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use one 19 oz. pack of Johnsonville Fresh Brats (5 links, roughly 1 to 1.25 links per person), one pack of La Banderita tortillas (2 tortillas per person), 3-4 stalks of celery shredded thin for slaw, and one 16 oz. container of Campari Tomatoes sliced for topping.

Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Fresh Atlantic Salmon Portions with Blueberry Nectarine Salsa
Description: Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions are seasoned simply and seared skin-side down in a hot skillet until the skin is crisp and the flesh is just cooked through, then flipped briefly to finish. A quick no-cook salsa of fresh blueberries and diced nectarines spooned over the top adds bright, summery color and flavor with zero dairy.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions (12 oz.), Blueberries (Pint container), California Yellow or White Nectarines
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 packs of Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions (two 12 oz. packs, approximately 3 oz. per portion per person - supplement with a larger side if bigger appetites are expected). Use one pint of blueberries and about 0.5 lbs of nectarines (1-2 fruit) for the salsa. Serve with pantry rice or greens to round out the plate.
Recipes:
- Seared Salmon with Stone Fruit Salsa Recipe
- Seared Salmon with Corn & Blueberry Salsa

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (All natural) (2.5 lbs): $2.48
- Campari Tomatoes (16 oz.) (x2 containers): $5.98
- Locally Grown Pascal Celery (x1): $1.79
- Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.) (x2 boxes): $2.98
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops (Bone in) (2.5 lbs): $4.98
- California Yellow or White Nectarines (1.5 lbs total across Tuesday and Friday): $1.49
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (2.5 lb. pkg. or larger) (1.5 lbs - purchase the 2.5 lb. minimum package): $13.23
- Sunset Flavor Bombs, Sugar Bombs or Bomb Squad Tomatoes (12 oz.) (x1): $4.99
- Minis Avocados (6 ct. bag) (x1): $2.99
- Johnsonville Fresh Brats (19 oz.) (x1): $4.79
- La Banderita Fajita or Burrito Flour Tortillas (20-22.5 oz.) (x1): $2.49
- Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions (12 oz.) (x2): $17.98
- Blueberries (Pint container) (x1): $3.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil (for searing and slaw dressing)
- Garlic (for pasta sauce)
- Onion (for pasta sauce)
- Salt, black pepper, and dried herbs (oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
- Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (for celery slaw dressing)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (for braising drumsticks and nectarine pan sauce)
- Cooked rice or greens (to serve alongside salmon on Friday)