Publix Dairy-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This week's flyer is genuinely heavy on premium seafood and steak, so the smartest move is to anchor four of the five nights on the most affordable proteins available. Perdue Ground Chicken at $4.00 for a pack, Publix Pork Picnic Half at $2.49/lb, Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties at $4.99 a pack, and Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) at $7.99 a pack give you four satisfying, varied dinners without straining the budget. The one premium night goes to White Shrimp at $8.99/lb - it is the least expensive of the seafood options that still feels like a treat, coming in well below the salmon, crab, and steak choices on this week's flyer. The 2-for-$6.00 deal on Broccoli or Cauliflower and the 5-for-$3.00 Bulk Sweet Corn add color and volume to several plates at almost no cost. Steak, ribeye, crab, and the pricier salmon varieties were deliberately skipped because even on sale they would push the per-person total well past a reasonable weekly dinner budget.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Skillet Ground Chicken Taco Bowls with Black Beans and Corn
Description: Seasoned ground chicken is browned in a skillet with canned black beans and sweet corn, then spooned over a base of fluffy white rice for a hearty, colorful bowl. A simple topping of sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime from pantry brings freshness and creaminess without any dairy.
Sale items used: Perdue Ground Chicken, Publix Chickpeas (or Black Beans), Bulk Sweet Corn, Florida Tropical Avocados or Dragonfruit
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pack Perdue Ground Chicken (feeds 4), 1 can Publix Black Beans, 3 ears Bulk Sweet Corn (cut from cob), and 2 Florida Tropical Avocados. Cook rice from pantry as the base.
Recipes:
- Ground Chicken Tacos (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)

Tuesday
Meal: Slow-Braised Pork Picnic Half with Roasted Cauliflower
Description: A bone-in Publix Pork Picnic Half is seasoned with garlic, cumin, and oregano from the pantry, then slow-braised in Swanson Broth until the meat is deeply tender and sliceable. Cauliflower florets are roasted alongside in a separate pan with olive oil and salt until golden at the edges, making a simple and satisfying plate.
Sale items used: Publix Pork Picnic Half, Swanson Broth, Broccoli or Cauliflower
Prep time: 20 minutes active; braise time approximately 3 hours total - start by early afternoon or braise the day before and reheat sliced meat in its juices at dinnertime.
Serving note: Use 2 lbs Publix Pork Picnic Half (yields about 4 generous servings after bone), 1 carton Swanson Broth, and 1 head cauliflower from the 2-for-$6.00 deal (buy 2, use 1 tonight and save 1 for later in the week).

Wednesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) with Zucchini and Salad
Description: The chimichurri-marinated chicken thighs are seared in a hot skillet until cooked through with a lightly charred exterior, letting the herb marinade caramelize against the pan. Sliced zucchini is sauteed in the same skillet after the chicken rests, and a simple Publix Classic Salad Blend rounds out the plate.
Sale items used: Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated), Zucchini or Yellow Squash, Publix Classic Salad Blend
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pack Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) for 4 servings, 1 medium Zucchini or Yellow Squash (approximately 0.5 lb), and 1 bag Publix Classic Salad Blend from the 2-for-$4.00 deal (buy 2, use 1 tonight).
Recipes:
- Pan Seared Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri
- Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Thursday
Meal: Sauteed White Shrimp with Sweet Corn and Broccoli over Rice
Description: Extra-large White Shrimp are quickly sauteed in olive oil with garlic and a pinch of red pepper flake until pink and just cooked through, then tossed with steamed broccoli florets and fresh-cut sweet corn kernels. Served over steamed white rice, this is a bright, satisfying one-pan dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Sale items used: White Shrimp (Extra Large, 21-25 per pound), Bulk Sweet Corn, Broccoli or Cauliflower
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs White Shrimp, 2 ears Bulk Sweet Corn (cut from cob), and 1 head broccoli from the second unit of the 2-for-$6.00 deal purchased Tuesday. Serve over pantry rice.
Recipes:
- Chinese Shrimp and Broccoli
- Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

Friday
Meal: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties with Roasted Potatoes and Sauteed Mushrooms
Description: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties are pan-cooked until browned and cooked through, served alongside cubed Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes roasted in the oven with olive oil and rosemary. Sliced Publix White Mushrooms are sauteed in the same skillet used for the sausage, picking up the savory drippings for a rich, earthy side.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties, Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes, Publix White Mushrooms
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pack Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties (serves 4), 1 bag Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes, and 1 pack Publix White Mushrooms from the 2-for-$6.00 deal (buy 2 packs, use 1 tonight; the second pack can be used for eggs or another meal).

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Perdue Ground Chicken (x1 pack): $4.00
- Publix Chickpeas (or Black Beans) (x1 can): $0.89
- Bulk Sweet Corn (x5 ears): $3.00
- Florida Tropical Avocados or Dragonfruit (x2): $5.00
- Publix Pork Picnic Half (2 lbs): $4.98
- Swanson Broth (x1 carton from 2 for $4.00 deal, buy 2): $4.00
- Broccoli or Cauliflower (x2 heads, 2 for $6.00 deal): $6.00
- Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) (x1 pack): $7.99
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash (x1): $3.49
- Publix Classic Salad Blend (x2 bags, 2 for $4.00 deal): $4.00
- White Shrimp (Extra Large, 21-25 per pound) (1.5 lbs): $13.49
- Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties (x1 pack): $4.99
- Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes (x1 bag): $3.99
- Publix White Mushrooms (x2 packs, 2 for $6.00 deal): $6.00

Pantry staples needed:
- White rice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Rosemary
- Salt and black pepper
- Lime juice or fresh limes