Meijer Dairy-Free Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Baby-Cut Carrots and Vidalia Onions
Description: Juicy oven-baked chicken drumsticks are seasoned with garlic, paprika, and olive oil, then roasted alongside sweet Vidalia onion wedges and tender baby-cut carrots for a simple, satisfying one-pan dinner for two. The low cost per pound makes this an excellent budget-friendly start to the week without sacrificing flavor.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks ($0.99/lb), Baby-Cut Carrots 1 lb. bag ($1.29), Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag ($4.99)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serving note: Purchase approximately 1.5 lbs of chicken drumsticks (roughly 4 to 5 drumsticks) for two people, costing about $1.49; use half the 1 lb. carrot bag and one quarter of the Vidalia onion bag. Total roasting time is about 45 to 50 minutes at 400 degrees F, so preheat the oven while you prep the vegetables to keep the evening on schedule.
Recipes:
- One Pan Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes & Carrots

Tuesday
Meal: Ground Beef and Pasta Skillet with Vidalia Onions and Carrots
Description: Seasoned 80% lean ground beef is browned with diced Vidalia onions and sliced carrots, then tossed with al dente gourmet pasta and a simple tomato-based pan sauce for a hearty one-skillet meal built for two. This quick weeknight dinner uses affordable sale staples and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. ($4.99/lb), Frederik's by Meijer Gourmet Pasta 12-16 oz. ($2.99), Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag (already purchased Monday), Baby-Cut Carrots 1 lb. bag (already purchased Monday)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serving note: Use approximately 0.75 lb of ground beef from the 3 lb. package for two people, costing about $3.74; freeze the remaining beef in portions for future meals. Use half the pasta package (about 6 to 8 oz.) and the remaining carrots from Monday's bag.

Wednesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Loin Assorted Chops with Sauteed Vidalia Onions and Nectarines
Description: Bone-in pork loin chops are seasoned and seared in a hot skillet until golden, then served alongside sweet caramelized Vidalia onions and sliced fresh nectarines that soften into a light, fragrant pan topping. The natural sweetness of the nectarines balances the savory pork beautifully in this elegant yet simple dairy-free dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in ($1.99/lb), California Yellow or White Nectarines ($1.99/lb), Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag (already purchased Monday)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serving note: Purchase approximately 1.25 lbs of pork loin assorted chops (two bone-in chops) for two people, costing about $2.49; purchase approximately 0.75 lb of nectarines (two to three nectarines), costing about $1.49. Total cook time is about 20 to 25 minutes.

Thursday
Meal: Johnsonville Fresh Brats Simmered and Seared with Vidalia Onions and Maille Mustard
Description: Johnsonville fresh brats are first simmered in a savory broth with sliced Vidalia onions until cooked through, then finished in a hot skillet to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior, and served with a generous side of Maille mustard for dipping. Serve on Meijer split top bread rolls or alongside leftover pasta from Tuesday for a complete dairy-free meal.
Sale items used: Johnsonville Fresh Brats 19 oz. ($4.79 each), Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag (already purchased Monday), Maille Mustard 7.3-8 oz. ($3.99), Meijer Split Top White or Wheat Bread 22 oz. ($1.89)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serving note: One 19 oz. package contains approximately 5 brats; use 2 brats per person (4 total) for this meal and save the fifth for a lunch. Total cook time is about 25 to 30 minutes including simmering. The Maille Mustard and bread loaf will have plenty left over for the rest of the week.

Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers with Wholly Guacamole and Nectarine Salsa
Description: Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers are pan-seared until golden and served topped with creamy Wholly Guacamole and a quick fresh nectarine salsa made with diced nectarines, red onion, and lime juice for a bright, dairy-free finish. This light and flavorful Friday meal comes together in under 20 minutes and feels like a restaurant-quality dish at a fraction of the cost.
Sale items used: Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz. ($4.99 each), Wholly Guacamole 7.5 oz. ($2.99), California Yellow or White Nectarines (already purchased Wednesday), Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag (already purchased Monday)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serving note: One 10 oz. package contains 2 salmon burger patties, which is exactly one per person. Use the remaining nectarines from Wednesday's purchase (one to two nectarines) for the salsa. Total cook time is about 15 to 18 minutes.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (1.5 lbs): $1.49
- Baby-Cut Carrots 1 lb. bag (x1): $1.29
- Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag (x1): $4.99
- Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. (3 lbs, freeze remainder): $14.97
- Frederik's by Meijer Gourmet Pasta 12-16 oz. (x1): $2.99
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in (1.25 lbs): $2.49
- California Yellow or White Nectarines (1.5 lbs total, used Wednesday and Friday): $2.99
- Johnsonville Fresh Brats 19 oz. (x1): $4.79
- Maille Mustard 7.3-8 oz. (x1): $3.99
- Meijer Split Top White or Wheat Bread 22 oz. (x1): $1.89
- Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz. (x1): $4.99
- Wholly Guacamole 7.5 oz. (x1): $2.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or powder)
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Tomato paste or canned diced tomatoes
- Chicken or vegetable broth (for simmering brats)
- Lime juice or fresh lime
- Red pepper flakes (optional)