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Quick and Easy Meals from Aldi
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items I’m a firm believer that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen (or a fortune at the store) to eat well. These are my go-to, budget-friendly meals from Aldi that require almost zero actual cooking. Most of these are just 'throw-together' assemb...
Sections
6
Aldi Meal Planning Strategy
Quesadillas
Chick-fil-A Copy Cat Sandwich
Tuna Melts
Snack Wrap Copy Cat
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Aldi Meal Planning Strategy
The secret to keeping the grocery bill isn't just the low prices—it’s planning. I design my meals around ALDI’s specific inventory so I’m never buying expensive name-brand fillers or ingredients I'll only use once. These are the three "golden rules" ...
Before I look at the ALDI ad, I check what’s left in my kitchen. Most of the meals on this list—like the Tuna Melts or Quesadillas—rely on 1-2 pantry staples you probably already have. By "shopping" your own house first, you ensure your ALDI run only...
Always always always shop your pantry first
When meal planning, I look for bridge ingredients. If I’m buying a bag of shredded cheese for the Quesadillas, I make sure I’m also making the Snack Wraps that week. Buying one larger bag of the ALDI label cheese is significantly cheaper than buying ...
19 Genius Ingredient Swaps All Home Cooks Should Know
I only put meals on my plan that I know I can finish entirely with Aldi label products. If a recipe requires a super-niche sauce or a specific name-brand item you can only find at a big-box grocer, it doesn't make the cut. Keeping your menu "ALDI-exc...
Aldi-Only Menu
Quesadillas
These are the exact ingredients I use to create a meal that is packed with protein and fiber. I always get TONS of compliments when I make these for friends or family! The 'recipe' is simple: sauté the peppers and onions, then toss in the chicken, bl...
These have the perfect texture for getting that golden-brown crunch in the pan.
Pueblo Lindo Flour Tortillas, 17.5 oz
These are pre-cooked and seasoned, making them the ultimate 5-minute protein hack.
Kirkwood Grilled Chicken Breast Strips, 22 oz
The thick cut melts beautifully and gives you that perfect cheese pull and holds your quesadilla together.
Happy Farms Thick Cut Shredded Yellow Cheddar Cheese, 11 oz
I specifically love getting my peppers from Aldi—they are always fresh, colorful, and way more affordable than other grocery stores. Color is up individual preference.
Green Peppers, 3 count
I specifically love getting my peppers from Aldi—they are always fresh, colorful, and way more affordable than other grocery stores. Color is up individual preference.
Multi-Colored Peppers, 3 count
This is what keeps the filling moist, but fair warning: the green chilies add some heat! It’s delicious, but might not be for everyone if you’re sensitive to spice.
Casa Mamita Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, 10 oz
These are a must-have for the base of the filling. Sautéing them until they are slightly translucent brings out a natural sweetness that balances the savory spices and the heat from the green chilies.
White Onions, 2 lb
I love adding this because it provides a satisfying crunch and pops of sweetness in every bite. It’s a shelf-stable staple that makes the quesadillas feel much more substantial and colorful.
Happy Harvest Canned Whole Kernel Golden Sweet Corn, 15.25 oz
An affordable way to bulk up the meal with fiber and plant-based protein.
Dakota's Pride Black Beans, 15.5 oz can
I specifically love the Spicy Guacamole because it saves so much time compared to mashing avocados and adds a great extra layer of flavor. That said, any of the Aldi guacamole varieties are a great choice depending on your spice tolerance!
ALDI Spicy Guacamole, 15 oz
This is a classic staple that adds a fresh, vinegary bite to the heavy protein. The "Medium" heat level is perfect—it has enough kick to be interesting without overpowering the other flavors in your quesadilla.
Casa Mamita Chunky Medium Salsa, 24 oz
You can't have a quesadilla without a dollop of sour cream! It’s the best way to cool down the heat from the salsa and green chilies, adding a rich, creamy finish to every bite.
Friendly Farms Light Sour Cream, 16 oz
Chick-fil-A Copy Cat Sandwich
If you’re a fan of the classic chicken sandwich, you have to try this. It’s significantly cheaper than eating out, and you can customize it exactly how you like. The real secret is the combination of the brioche bun and the chicken dipping sauce—it’s...
Famously known as the "Red Bag Chicken," these are the holy grail of Aldi finds. They have a slightly sweet, salty breading that tastes remarkably like the famous sandwich.
Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Fillets, 24 oz
Don't skip these! Toasted (preferably grilled!) with a little butter, these soft, buttery buns elevate the sandwich from "basic" to "gourmet."
Specially Selected Brioche Buns, 6 count
While the classic is often plain, I love adding a slice of this Colby Jack. It melts perfectly and adds a creamy layer that pulls the whole sandwich together.
Happy Farms Deli Sliced Colby Jack Cheese, 7.5 oz
This is the ultimate "secret sauce." It has that perfect smoky, tangy flavor that mimics the signature sauce we all know and love. If this isn't your thing, Aldi always has TONS of sauce options to chose from.
Burman's Chicken Dipping Sauce, 16 oz
Every good chicken sandwich needs that vinegar crunch. These pickles are crisp and provide the perfect bite to cut through the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Great Gherkins Hamburger Dill Pickle Chips, 32 fl oz
Tuna Melts
I love this version of a tuna melt because the sourdough makes it feel so much fancier than just a regular sandwich. It’s high in protein and super satisfying. My Method: Mix the tuna and mayo together, spread it onto your sourdough slices, and top w...
A total pantry lifesaver. It’s the perfect lean protein base that stays flavorful and mixes easily with your mayo.
Northern Catch Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 oz can
This is my go-to for the tuna mix. It’s incredibly creamy with a light tang, providing a great base that doesn't overpower the tuna.
Burman's Olive Oil Mayonnaise, 30 fl oz
This is hands-down one of the best breads at Aldi. It has that authentic tangy flavor and holds up beautifully in the oven at 325°F.
Specially Selected Sliced Sourdough Round, 24 oz
You need that classic ooey-gooey melt, and these singles deliver exactly that after 10 minutes in the oven.
Happy Farms American Cheese Singles, 16 count
Sliced fresh on top (either before or after baking!), these add a juicy, vine-ripened sweetness that cuts through the richness of the melt.
Tomatoes On the Vine, 24 oz
Snack Wrap Copy Cat
If you miss the famous fast-food snack wraps, this Aldi version is even better because you can make it in minutes at home. It’s the perfect 'throw-together' lunch that hits all the right notes: crunchy, creamy, and fresh. And goes with whatever dip y...
These are the ideal size for a snack wrap. They stay soft but are strong enough to hold all your toppings.
Pueblo Lindo Flour Tortillas, 17.5 oz
These have the perfect level of crunch. Just pop them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to get that restaurant-style texture.
Kirkwood Crispy Chicken Strips, 25 oz
A sprinkle of this melts slightly against the warm chicken for the perfect bite.
Happy Farms Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese, 16 oz
Using the pre-shredded bag makes assembly so much faster. It adds that essential cool crunch.
Little Salad Bar Shredded Lettuce, 8 oz
This is a great budget-friendly ranch that’s nice and creamy, pulling the whole wrap together.
Tuscan Garden Ranch Dressing, 16 fl oz
Buffalo Chicken Salad
When I want something with a bit of a kick that still feels light and fresh, this is my go-to. It’s a high-protein meal that you can throw together in literally ten minutes. The secret is using the pre-cooked grilled chicken—it picks up the buffalo f...The Assembly: Just toss your greens in a bowl, throw some chicken strips in the air fryer, then chop it up, and drizzle with buffalo sauce and ranch. I love the contrast of the spicy sauce with the cool, crisp lettuce and creamy dressing. It’s a lunch staple that ...
I prefer romaine for this salad because it’s extra crunchy and stands up well to the heavier dressings and hot sauce.
Romaine Lettuce Hearts, 3 count
Use the same "blue bag" chicken from the snack wraps! They're pre-cooked and have the perfect crunch, making them the perfect juicy canvas for buffalo sauce.
Kirkwood Crispy Chicken Strips, 25 oz
These add that much-needed freshness and a cool "snap" to balance out the heat from the chicken.
Organic Mini Cucumbers, 1 lb
These add that much-needed freshness and a cool "snap" to balance out the heat from the chicken.
Grape Tomatoes, 10 oz
This sauce has the perfect balance of vinegar and heat. It’s not overly spicy, making it a great everyday choice for salads or wraps
Burman's Medium Buffalo Wing Sauce, 12 fl oz
You need a good, creamy dressing to cut through the buffalo heat. Whether you're Team Ranch or Team Blue Cheese, Aldi’s versions are budget-friendly and delicious.
Tuscan Garden Ranch Dressing, 16 fl oz
You need a good, creamy dressing to cut through the buffalo heat. Whether you're Team Ranch or Team Blue Cheese, Aldi’s versions are budget-friendly and delicious.
Tuscan Garden Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing, 16 fl oz