June’s Aldi Finds: Delicious & Easy Recipes You’ll Love
June at Aldi means exciting new seasonal finds, perfect for creating simple, delicious, and budget-friendly meals. From grilling essentials to fresh produce and unique pantry staples, Aldi’s June offerings provide a fantastic opportunity to experiment in the kitchen without breaking the bank. This article will explore some of the best Aldi finds this June and provide easy-to-follow recipes that utilize these ingredients, ensuring that your summer meals are both delicious and affordable.
## Navigating Aldi’s June Finds
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss how to make the most of Aldi’s June finds. Aldi is known for its limited-time Aldi Finds (formerly known as Special Buys), which are available for a short period. These items range from seasonal produce and grilling accessories to unique sauces, cheeses, and desserts. Stock varies by location and sells out quickly, so it’s best to visit your local Aldi early in the week when new products are typically stocked (usually Wednesdays).
**Key areas to focus on in June include:**
* **Fresh Produce:** Look for seasonal fruits and vegetables like berries, peaches, corn, zucchini, and tomatoes. These are perfect for salads, grilling, and simple side dishes.
* **Grilling Essentials:** Aldi often has great deals on grilling tools, charcoal, marinades, and even cuts of meat like steak, chicken, and sausages.
* **International Flavors:** Aldi frequently features international-themed products. June might bring Mediterranean, Asian, or Latin American-inspired items, such as specialty sauces, cheeses, and snacks. Keep an eye out for unique finds to add a twist to your cooking.
* **Dairy & Cheese:** Aldi’s cheese selection is generally impressive and affordable. Look for seasonal varieties or international cheeses that pair well with summer wines and fruits.
* **Snacks & Desserts:** From gourmet ice cream to unique cookie flavors, Aldi always has something tempting in the snack aisle. These are great for easy summer treats.
## Recipe 1: Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This salad is a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for a summer lunch or side dish.
**Aldi Finds Used:**
* Fresh Peaches
* Prosciutto
* Spring Mix Lettuce
* Balsamic Glaze
* Goat Cheese (optional)
* Olive Oil
* Balsamic Vinegar
**Ingredients:**
* 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
* 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 5 oz spring mix lettuce
* 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peaches:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This will prevent them from sticking to the grill.
2. **Grill the Peaches:** Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened.
3. **Prepare the Prosciutto:** While the peaches are grilling, lightly pan-fry the prosciutto slices until crispy. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the spring mix lettuce, grilled peaches, and crispy prosciutto. If using, add the crumbled goat cheese.
5. **Make the Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add nuts:** Toasted almonds or pecans would add a nice crunch to the salad.
* **Use different cheese:** If you don’t like goat cheese, try feta or mozzarella.
* **Grill the prosciutto:** Instead of pan-frying or baking, you can grill the prosciutto for a few seconds per side until crispy.
* **Make it a meal:** Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
## Recipe 2: Corn and Zucchini Fritters with Spicy Aioli
These fritters are a delicious way to use fresh corn and zucchini. The spicy aioli adds a creamy and flavorful kick.
**Aldi Finds Used:**
* Fresh Corn
* Zucchini
* Eggs
* All-Purpose Flour
* Spices (like chili powder, cumin, paprika)
* Mayonnaise
* Hot Sauce
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ears of corn, kernels removed (about 2 cups)
* 1 medium zucchini, grated
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Olive oil, for frying
**Spicy Aioli:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Fritter Batter:** In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, grated zucchini, flour, egg, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. **Make the Spicy Aioli:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred level of spice. Set aside.
3. **Fry the Fritters:** Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the fritter batter into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
4. **Cook the Fritters:** Cook the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. **Serve:** Serve the corn and zucchini fritters warm with a generous dollop of the spicy aioli.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add cheese:** Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese would add a nice cheesy flavor to the fritters.
* **Use different vegetables:** Shredded carrots or bell peppers would also work well in this recipe.
* **Make it vegan:** Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
* **Bake the fritters:** For a healthier option, bake the fritters in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
## Recipe 3: Grilled Sausage and Pepper Skewers with Italian Herb Marinade
These skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue. The Italian herb marinade adds a ton of flavor to the sausage and peppers.
**Aldi Finds Used:**
* Italian Sausage (various flavors)
* Bell Peppers (various colors)
* Red Onion
* Olive Oil
* Italian Herb Blend
* Balsamic Vinegar
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
**Italian Herb Marinade:**
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Italian herb blend
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian herb blend, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. **Marinate the Sausage and Vegetables:** Add the sausage, bell peppers, and red onion to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
3. **Assemble the Skewers:** Thread the sausage, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating the ingredients. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
4. **Grill the Skewers:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. **Serve:** Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as grilled corn on the cob or a simple salad.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different sausages:** Try using different types of Italian sausage, such as sweet, mild, or spicy.
* **Add other vegetables:** Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini would also be great on these skewers.
* **Serve with a dipping sauce:** A simple marinara sauce or pesto would be a delicious dipping sauce for these skewers.
* **Bake the skewers:** If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
## Recipe 4: Berry Parfaits with Greek Yogurt and Granola
These parfaits are a quick, easy, and healthy dessert or snack. They’re perfect for using fresh summer berries.
**Aldi Finds Used:**
* Fresh Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
* Greek Yogurt
* Granola
* Honey (optional)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 1 cup fresh blueberries
* 1 cup fresh raspberries
* 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
* 1 cup granola
* Honey, for drizzling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Assemble the Parfaits:** In individual glasses or jars, layer the ingredients in the following order: Greek yogurt, granola, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
2. **Drizzle with Honey (Optional):** If desired, drizzle a little honey over the parfaits for added sweetness.
3. **Serve:** Serve the berry parfaits immediately or chill them in the refrigerator for later.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different berries:** Any type of berry would work well in these parfaits.
* **Add nuts or seeds:** Toasted almonds, pecans, or chia seeds would add a nice crunch and nutritional boost.
* **Use flavored yogurt:** Vanilla or honey-flavored Greek yogurt would add extra flavor to the parfaits.
* **Make it vegan:** Use coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
## Recipe 5: Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint
This salad is incredibly refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint is irresistible.
**Aldi Finds Used:**
* Watermelon
* Feta Cheese
* Fresh Mint
* Red Onion
* Olive Oil
* Lime Juice
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups cubed watermelon
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
4. **Serve:** Serve the watermelon and feta salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for later.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add balsamic glaze:** A drizzle of balsamic glaze would add a touch of sweetness to the salad.
* **Use different herbs:** Basil or cilantro would also work well in this salad.
* **Add cucumbers:** Cubed cucumbers would add a refreshing crunch to the salad.
* **Grill the watermelon:** For a smoky flavor, grill the watermelon cubes for a few seconds per side before adding them to the salad.
## Making the Most of Your Aldi Trip in June
* **Plan Ahead:** Before heading to Aldi, check their weekly ad online or in-store to see what’s on sale and what Aldi Finds are available. This will help you create a shopping list and stay within your budget.
* **Go Early:** Aldi Finds are often limited in quantity, so it’s best to shop early in the week, especially on Wednesdays when new items are typically stocked.
* **Be Flexible:** Aldi’s inventory can vary from week to week, so be prepared to adjust your recipes based on what’s available. Embrace the opportunity to try new ingredients and experiment in the kitchen.
* **Check Expiration Dates:** Aldi’s prices are great, but always check the expiration dates on perishable items like dairy, meat, and produce to ensure freshness.
* **Bring Your Own Bags:** Aldi charges for plastic bags, so bring your own reusable bags to save money and reduce waste.
* **Embrace the Adventure:** Shopping at Aldi is always a bit of an adventure. Be open to trying new things and exploring their unique selection of products. You might just discover your new favorite ingredient or snack!
## Conclusion
Aldi’s June finds offer a fantastic opportunity to create delicious, affordable, and seasonal meals. By taking advantage of their fresh produce, grilling essentials, and unique pantry staples, you can elevate your summer cooking without breaking the bank. These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Happy cooking!