Aldi Finds May: Delicious Recipes Using This Month’s Treasures
May is always an exciting month for Aldi shoppers. The shelves are stocked with unique and seasonal items known as “Aldi Finds,” often offering incredible value and sparking culinary creativity. This month’s Aldi Finds are no exception, boasting a range of products perfect for whipping up delicious and budget-friendly meals. This article explores some of the standout Aldi Finds for May and provides step-by-step recipes to help you make the most of your grocery haul. Get ready to discover some new favorites and elevate your cooking game without breaking the bank!
Understanding Aldi Finds
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s clarify what “Aldi Finds” are. These are limited-time items that Aldi offers weekly. They are typically available only while supplies last, so if you see something you like, it’s best to grab it quickly! Aldi Finds can range from food and kitchen gadgets to home goods and clothing, making each shopping trip an adventure. Keep an eye on Aldi’s weekly ad or their website to preview upcoming Finds and plan your shopping list accordingly.
This Month’s Highlighted Aldi Finds (May Edition)
While the exact Aldi Finds vary by region and week, here are some common items you might encounter in May and recipes that incorporate them:
* **Specialty Cheeses:** Aldi is known for its impressive selection of cheeses, and May often brings in unique varieties like flavored cheddars, brie, and goat cheese logs.
* **Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables:** Asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, and other spring produce often make an appearance.
* **Gourmet Pasta Sauces:** Look for interesting flavors and imported options to elevate your pasta dishes.
* **Mediterranean Specialties:** Olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and feta cheese are often featured, perfect for salads and appetizers.
* **Outdoor Grilling Essentials:** Sauces, marinades, and rubs can transform your grilled meats and vegetables.
* **Baking Mixes and Ingredients:** Indulge in creative desserts with unique mixes and flavorings.
* **Spices and Seasonings:** Look for unique blends and individual spices to add depth to your dishes.
* **Frozen Seafood:** Aldi often has great deals on frozen shrimp, salmon, and other seafood options.
Recipes Using Aldi Finds (May Edition)
Here are some recipe ideas incorporating these Aldi Finds, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips.
Recipe 1: Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This simple salad is bursting with fresh flavors and is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 5 oz Spring Mix Salad (Aldi Produce Section)
* 1 pint Fresh Strawberries (Aldi Produce Section), hulled and sliced
* 4 oz Goat Cheese Log (Aldi Find Specialty Cheese Section), crumbled
* 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds (Aldi Baking Aisle), toasted
* 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze (Aldi Condiment Aisle)
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Aldi Oil Aisle)
* 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Aldi Produce Section)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salad Base:** In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, sliced strawberries, and crumbled goat cheese.
2. **Toast the Almonds:** In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
* Substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds.
* Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese.
* For a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
* If you can’t find balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens.
Recipe 2: Asparagus & Parmesan Risotto
This creamy and flavorful risotto is a sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Aldi Oil Aisle)
* 1 small Onion (Aldi Produce Section), chopped
* 1 cup Arborio Rice (Aldi Rice Aisle)
* 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (Optional – Aldi Wine Aisle)
* 4 cups Chicken Broth (Aldi Broth Aisle), warmed
* 1 bunch Asparagus (Aldi Produce Section), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Aldi Cheese Aisle)
* 2 tablespoons Butter (Aldi Dairy Aisle)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Onion:** Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. **Toast the Rice:** Add the Arborio rice to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. **Deglaze (Optional):** If using white wine, pour it into the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine is absorbed.
4. **Add Broth Gradually:** Begin adding the warmed chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow each cup of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. This process will take about 20-25 minutes.
5. **Add Asparagus:** After about 15 minutes of cooking the rice, add the asparagus pieces to the saucepan. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is creamy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
6. **Finish the Risotto:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
* Add other vegetables, such as peas or mushrooms.
* Stir in cooked shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
* For a richer flavor, use a combination of parmesan cheese and pecorino romano cheese.
* The key to a good risotto is patience and constant stirring.
Recipe 3: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta & Artichokes
This vibrant and healthy salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Quinoa (Aldi Grain Aisle), rinsed
* 2 cups Water
* 1/2 cup Marinated Artichoke Hearts (Aldi Find Mediterranean Aisle), drained and quartered
* 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives (Aldi Find Mediterranean Aisle), pitted and halved
* 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (Aldi Find Mediterranean Aisle), crumbled
* 1/4 cup Red Onion (Aldi Produce Section), finely chopped
* 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Aldi Produce Section), chopped
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Aldi Oil Aisle)
* 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Aldi Produce Section)
* 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Aldi Spice Aisle)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Quinoa:** In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, artichoke hearts, olives, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley.
3. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. **Chill and Serve:** Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
* Use a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or halloumi.
* Add cucumber or bell pepper for extra crunch.
* For a heartier salad, add chickpeas or grilled chicken.
* The salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe 4: Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
This simple and elegant dish is perfect for a summer dinner. The lemon-dill sauce perfectly complements the richness of the salmon.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Salmon Fillets (Aldi Frozen Seafood Section), thawed
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Aldi Oil Aisle)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* **For the Lemon-Dill Sauce:**
* 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (Aldi Condiment Aisle)
* 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Aldi Produce Section), chopped
* 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Aldi Produce Section)
* 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Aldi Produce Section)
* 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Aldi Spice Aisle)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Make the Lemon-Dill Sauce:** In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic powder. Mix well and set aside.
3. **Grill the Salmon:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. (Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets)
4. **Serve:** Serve the grilled salmon with the lemon-dill sauce. Garnish with extra dill and a lemon wedge, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of grilling.
* Use a different herb, such as parsley or chives, in the sauce.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* Serve the salmon with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
* Make sure to check for bones before cooking the salmon.
Recipe 5: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Sea Salt
These decadent cookie bars are a delicious twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, made even better with a sprinkle of sea salt.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (Aldi Baking Aisle)
* Ingredients called for on the cookie mix box (typically butter, eggs, and water)
* 1/4 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Aldi Baking Aisle), extra
* Sea Salt (Aldi Spice Aisle), for sprinkling
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Prepare the cookie dough according to the instructions on the cookie mix box.
2. **Add Extra Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.
3. **Press into Pan:** Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan.
4. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** Sprinkle the top of the cookie dough with sea salt.
5. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven (according to the cookie mix instructions, usually around 350°F/175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
6. **Cool and Cut:** Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
* Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cookie dough.
* Drizzle with melted chocolate after baking.
* For a fudgier texture, underbake the cookie bars slightly.
* Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Tips for Shopping Aldi Finds
* **Check the Weekly Ad:** Aldi releases a weekly ad highlighting upcoming Aldi Finds. This is the best way to plan your shopping trip and make sure you don’t miss out on anything you want.
* **Shop Early:** Aldi Finds are only available while supplies last, so it’s best to shop early in the week to ensure you get what you want.
* **Be Flexible:** Sometimes Aldi Finds sell out quickly or are not available at all locations. Be prepared to be flexible and have alternative options in mind.
* **Try New Things:** Aldi Finds are a great opportunity to try new foods and products that you might not normally buy. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
* **Read Reviews:** Before buying a new Aldi Find, check online reviews to see what other shoppers have to say about it.
* **Follow Aldi Fan Accounts:** There are many Aldi fan accounts on social media that share information about Aldi Finds and other deals.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Return:** Aldi has a generous return policy. If you’re not satisfied with an Aldi Find, you can return it for a full refund.
Conclusion
Aldi Finds in May offer a treasure trove of culinary possibilities. By taking advantage of these limited-time items and seasonal produce, you can create delicious and affordable meals that are sure to impress. So, grab your shopping list, head to Aldi, and get ready to unleash your inner chef! Happy cooking!