The 90-minute grocery store trip can turn into a last-minute dinner idea if you plan ahead. Here are the easiest, most crowd pleasing recipes that take half an hour or less to prep.
ALDI is a German discount supermarket chain. If you’re looking for some last-minute dinner ideas, ALDI has got your back. This article will provide 20 spring and summer recipes that are easy to make and cost less than $20.
Have no idea what to make for dinner? Here are some quick, budget-friendly ALDI supper ideas.
(This is not a paid post.) I just wanted to share a few simple meal ideas with you!)
ALDI has always been a favorite of mine.
I enjoy the cheap costs, the store’s simplicity, and the fact that I can purchase food for a week without feeling like I’ve just paid a mortgage.
BONUS: Make your shopping easier by downloading my free Healthy ALDI Shopping List.
It’s also an excellent spot to go if you need something quick.
So I went to my local ALDI and put together a menu of 20 dinners to get some ideas.
Keep in mind that these simple ALDI supper ideas are just that: suggestions. You can (and should!) feed your family whatever you want and with whatever meals you choose.
I’m also presuming you have a few pantry essentials on hand, such as:
- Olive oil is a kind of oil that comes from
- Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and a variety of spices
- condiments such as ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, butter, and others
Also, keep in mind that these total expenses are just estimations based on four servings. Depending on the amount of people you’re feeding (and their appetites), you may need to spend more or less, and there may be seasonal or regional pricing swings as well.
ALDI Dinner Ideas for Last-Minute Guests
To print a list of these quick ALDI dinner ideas, click here.
Bratwurst: A simple warm-weather supper, bratwurst is a German-style pork sausage. Cook raw links in a pan on the stove until they’re cooked all the way through (160F on a meat thermometer) by browning both sides and then adding a little liquid to finish them under a cover with some steam. You may alternatively grill bratwurst for approximately 20 minutes, flipping them over every 5 minutes until done. With a salad kit and corn on the cob on the side.
- $2.49 for fresh bratwurst links
- $2.19 for sausage rolls
- $3.89 for a cob of corn
- $3.19 for a chopped salad kit
- $11.76 total
Salads for the Main Dish: When you have a hankering for a restaurant-quality salad but want to remain at home, this is what you cook. Use delicate spring mix lettuce, fresh berries, chicken strips (frozen grilled chicken breast strips are a good shortcut), and a crunchy ingredient, such as these seasoned almonds with dried fruits. If you choose, some soft cheese, such as feta or blue, may be added. Toss your greens with dressing before adding all of the toppings, then sprinkle a bit more on top to finish. If you don’t want to consume meat, replace the grilled chicken with garbanzo beans.
- $4.89 for organic spring mix
- $2.99 for a nutty salad topping
- $3.39 for blueberries
- $2.29 for strawberries
- $6.89 for frozen grilled chicken strips
- $20.45 total
Lemony Shrimp Pasta: Boil the pasta water and combine the shrimp, oil, salt, garlic, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a mixing dish. Cover and store in the refrigerator. Several asparagus stalks should be chopped into bite-size pieces, and one lemon should be juiced. When the pasta is done, set aside part of the pasta water and drain the remainder, then spray or coat a large sauté pan with a little oil and heat on medium. Add the shrimp and heat until pink on one side, then turn them, add the half-lemon juice and the asparagus pieces, and cook until the asparagus is somewhat softened.
To remove any browned pieces from the bottom of the pan, trickle in some of the leftover pasta water. Combine the cooked spaghetti and the remaining lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Toss with tongs to coat and add a little pat of butter or a splash of heavy cream if desired. Parmesan cheese should be sprinkled on top.
- $9.89 for shrimp (per pound, purchase one pound)
- $3.89 for a pound of lemons
- $1.99 for whole wheat pasta
- $2.39 for asparagus
- $18.16 total
Loaded Baked Potatoes: This ALDI supper idea is incredibly simple. Potatoes are filling and easy to personalize (and potatoes are one of the least expensive foods around). If you’re in a hurry, here’s a trick for crispy skins: To brown the exterior of the potato, microwave it until it is done, then bake it in a toaster oven or put it into a hot grill for a few minutes. Then fill your baked potatoes (also known as “jacket potatoes”) with chili or beans, cheese, steamed broccoli, sour cream, or anything else your family enjoys.
- $3.59 for potatoes
- $1.39 for chili
- $3.09 for cheese
- $1.95 for frozen broccoli
- $10.02 total
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Is there a more straightforward main meal for a summer picnic than pulled pork sandwiches? You also don’t need to heat up the whole kitchen. Season pork shoulder (also known as butt) all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a slow cooker, pour roughly a cup of barbecue sauce over the pork and simmer for 8 hours on low. Remove the shreds from the slow cooker and return them to the slow cooker to reheat, adding in additional barbecue sauce. Serve it with a serving of corn on the cob and coleslaw on top.
- Roasted pork shoulder/butt: $2.99 per pound x 3.65 pounds = $10.91
- $2.29 for classic Kaiser buns
- $1.29 for a slaw mix
- $3.89 for a cob of corn
- Burman’s BBQ sauce: $0.79.79 for Burman’s BBQ Sauce.79 for Burman’s BBQ sauce
- $19.17 total
Chicken Kebabs: Kids love kebabs, and they’re easy to make on the grill. To make a batch of this marinade, combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, toss with the marinade, and chill for up to 24 hours. Thread chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushroom pieces onto skewers, giving a little wiggle area between them so they cook fully. Grill until the chicken is cooked through, flipping at least once, brushing everything with another layer of marinade. Is it raining? Place the kebabs in the oven to broil. Serve on a bed of 5-minute couscous from ALDI.
- $5.99/lb x 1.18 pounds = $7.07 chicken breast (boneless, skinless, organic)
- $2.99 for peppers
- $2.15 for a zucchini
- $2.19 for mushrooms
- $3.50 for two boxes of couscous
- $17.90 total
Cold Quinoa Salad: There’s a lot of flavor (and protein) packed into this little dish, making it a great option to fuel busy summer days. Prepare the quinoa blend according to the box, and finely dice some zucchini and peppers (scoop the seeds out of the squash to reduce its moisture). Sauté the vegetables in a little oil with a bit of salt and pepper until just tender, then mix in a bowl with the cooked quinoa and chill. Then stir in the almonds, feta cheese, and dressing to taste (or use Olive oil is a kind of oil that comes from and your favorite seasonings).
- $2.38 for two boxes of quinoa
- $2.99 for peppers
- $2.15 for a zucchini
- $2.19 for feta crumbles
- $3.65 for slivered almonds
- $2.99 for a specially selected vinaigrette
- $18.35 total
When you don’t feel like cooking and want to have a joyous Friday night, a Charcuterie Board is a great option. Pick your family’s favorite meats, then grab a couple of cheeses and some crackers or a baguette to slice into tiny rounds. Combine the berries, snap peas, carrots, and apples in a large mixing bowl. Do you want to go all out? Make an Epic ALDI Cheese Board with these instructions.
- $2.95 for crackers
- $4.99 for a variety of meats
- $2.65 for aged white cheddar cheese
- $3.98 for 2 apples at $2.49 per pound
- $2.19 for carrots
- $2.29 for strawberries
- $2.39 for snap peas
- $2.79 for little sweet peppers
- $24.23 total
Shortcut Fish Tacos: If your kids are hesitant to eat fish, try this recipe. Frozen fish sticks (or frozen fish fillets) nestled between corn tortillas with slaw mix and diced mango are a quick and simple meal. To make a simple sauce to sprinkle over top, combine Friendly Farms sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Pro tip: On a gas burner, char the sides of your corn tortillas before delicately flipping them with tongs.
- $3.59 for fish sticks
- $1.29 for slaw
- $.69 for a mango
- $1.75 for corn tortillas
- $7.32 total
Cheryll, a member of the Real Mom Nutrition team, came up with this simple ALDI dinner concept, which is a family favorite. Before adding the drained pineapple chunks and ALDI’s teriyaki stir fry sauce, slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and warm them up a little in the pan. Serve with a salad and the 90-second heat-and-eat rice pack (or instant or ordinary brown rice) for a cold and refreshing side dish.
- $3.29 for a kilo of kielbasa
- $1.28 for pineapple chunks
- $3.15 for teriyaki sauce
- $4.50 for 2 ready-to-use rice blends
- Asian $3.19 for a chopped salad kit
- $15.41 total
Pasta Salad: There’s a reason it’s a potluck favorite. Combine cooked, cooled pasta, diced vegetables, and salami in a mixing bowl. Pro tip: Use half of the bottle to dress the pasta while it’s still hot off the stove, then cool it, add the vegetables and other ingredients, and dress it again.
- $6.79 for salami bites
- $2.19 for feta crumbles
- $2.19 for grape tomatoes
- $2.49 for baby carrots
- $2.79 for mini peppers
- $2.99 for dressing
- $1.99 for pasta shells
- $21.43 total
Steak Fajitas: Coat the steak with taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade) and cook it whole, then slice it for fajitas immediately before serving. You may use a grill basket to rapidly sear your sliced peppers. Serve with chips and salsa or homemade guacamole in tortillas.
- $2.99 for organic yellow corn chips
- $1.95 for salsa
- Skirt steak: $8.29 per pound multiplied by 1.5 pounds = $12.43
- $2.99 for peppers
- $1.29 for an avocado
- $1.95 for flour tortillas
- $23.60 total
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks are a cheap, tasty, and entertaining finger snack for kids. Grill them after brushing them with barbecue sauce. Serve with baked potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, and grilled asparagus as a green vegetable.
- $3.59 for potatoes
- Chicken drumsticks: $1.49 per pound x 5 pound
- $3.89 for a cob of corn
- Burman’s BBQ Sauce: $0.79.79 for Burman’s BBQ Sauce.79 for Burman’s BBQ sauce
- $2.39 for asparagus
- $18.11 total
Flatbread Pepperoni Pizzas: ALDI flatbreads come in a pack of two and are the ideal canvas. Top with thin slices of fresh mozzarella and pepperoni and canned red sauce (or pesto). Bake at 400°F until the cheese is melted and bubbling on top. Toss with green salads before serving. (ALDI’s jarred pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of their Baslamic Glaze are another flatbread alternative.)
- $2.19 for pepperoni
- $3.19 for fresh mozzarella
- $3.59 for flatbreads
- $3.49 for premium sauce
- $4.89 for spring mix lettuce
- $2.19 for grape tomatoes
- $2.99 vinaigrette
- $22.53 total
Hummus Plate: Hummus plates are a low-effort supper choice for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove, and they’re particularly great for family movie nights or dining on the patio. Serve with vegetables, crackers or pita chips, olives, and cheese for one or two types.
- $2.45 for hummus
- $1.99 for pita crackers
- $2.19 for grape tomatoes
- $2.49 for baby carrots
- $2.79 for mini peppers
- $2.39 for snap peas
- $2.19 for feta crumbles
- $3.35 for fancy olives
- $19.84 total
Vegetarian Burgers: At least two versions of veggie burger patties are available at ALDI, which may be grilled or cooked on the stovetop. Get a packet of buns and some cheese. Serve with fresh fruit and salads.
- $6.78 for 2 cartons of veggie burger patties
- $2.29 for Kaiser rolls
- $2.35 for cheese slices
- $3.19 for a salad
- $3.39 for blueberries
- $18.00 total
Black Bean Burritos: In a pan on the stove, heat drained, rinsed black beans (or pinto beans), crushing with a fork. You may add taco seasoning or your own taco seasoning blend to the mix. Spoon the mixture into the middle of warmed tortillas, top with cheese, then top with salsa. (Avocado slices inside would also be delicious.) Fold the sides in, wrap it up, and eat!
- Black beans: $0.71.71 for black beans
- $1.95 for salsa
- $3.09 for cheese
- Tortillas are $1.95 each.
- $7.70 total
Baked or Grilled Salmon: Season salmon with salt and pepper and a drizzle of Olive oil is a kind of oil that comes from and either bake it at 425 degrees F or grill until cooked through. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve with roasted or sauteed asparagus and a quinoa/rice blend.
- Norwegian salmon costs $9.79 per pound multiplied by 1.15 pounds or $11.26.
- $3.89 for a pound of lemons
- $2.39 for asparagus
- $2.50 for two 90-second quinoa/rice pouches
- $22.03 total
Steaks on the Grill: Nothing smells and tastes like a nicely grilled steak, simply seasoned with salt and pepper. You can bake potatoes right on the grill, too: Scrub and pat dry the potatoes, and tear off 2 sheets of foil per potato. Rub the potatoes all over with Olive oil is a kind of oil that comes from, and sprinkle all over with salt, then wrap in 2 layers of foil. Bake each one at 350 for 30-40 minutes, depending on size. (That’s a lot more time than the steaks will need, so, cook the potatoes first.) Serve with veggies like corn and green salads.
- Ribeye steaks: $12.49 per pound x 1.25 pounds = $15.61
- $3.59 for potatoes
- $3.89 for a cob of corn
- $3.19 for a salad kit
- $26.28 total
Cheeseburgers: Use expensive brioche sesame buns, angus patties, and Happy Farms sharp white cheddar cheese to up your home cheeseburger game. (Alternatively, each one-pound box of fresh ground beef may be fashioned into three or four patties if you want to cook your own burgers.) Burgers may be grilled or cooked on the stovetop.
- $8.49 for frozen 1/3 pound angus burger patties
- $2.35 for cheese slices
- $3.75 for sesame brioche buns
- $3.89 for a cob of corn
- Salad greens, spring mix: $4.89
- $23.37 total
ALDI-related posts
The “aldi meals to go” is a list of 20 last-minute dinner ideas for spring and summer. The recipes are easy, quick, and delicious.
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