Manitoba Meal Plan: Delicious Dinners from $2.19/Serving
Key Facts
- You can create a serving of Lentil & Chickpea Burgers for just $2.19 in Manitoba this week. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs are on sale for $4.00 at No Frills, a 46% discount from the regular price of $7.49. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- The ingredients for a fresh, homemade Chicken Salad for ten servings can be sourced for $63.39 across several Manitoba stores. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- Activia Expert Yogurt (4 x 100 g) is currently at a 52-week low price of $3.33 at Safeway. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- A summer-ready Bunless Burger recipe costs approximately $6.37 per serving using ingredients from Nofrills and Safeway. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- By shopping strategically at stores like Safeway and Superstore, Manitobans can save over $117 on their weekly grocery bill compared to shopping at a single, more expensive banner. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
This guide provides a complete seven-day dinner meal plan for Manitoba families, leveraging real-time price data to help you navigate the aisles. We will break down each meal, provide a complete shopping list with the lowest available prices, and offer tips on where to shop to maximize your savings. This plan is designed to embrace the fresh flavours of summer, featuring a mix of salads, burgers, and pasta that are both satisfying and cost-effective. By planning your meals and purchases, you can take control of your grocery spending and enjoy peace of mind at the checkout counter.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
This Week's 7-Day Summer Dinner Plan for Manitoba
A successful week of budget-friendly eating starts with a solid plan. This seven-day dinner menu is designed to provide variety, utilize fresh summer ingredients, and keep your costs predictable. Each recipe's cost per serving is calculated using the lowest current prices available at major Manitoba grocery stores, including banners like Nofrills, Freshco, Safeway, and Real Canadian Superstore. Remember that these costs are based on purchasing all ingredients new; your actual spending will be lower if you already have pantry staples like oils and spices.
Monday: Bunless Burgers
Start the week with a classic summer favourite, reimagined for a lighter, low-carb meal. These Bunless Burgers deliver all the satisfying flavour of a traditional burger, served on a crisp bed of romaine lettuce instead of a bun. The total cost to prepare this meal for four people is $25.48, which breaks down to an affordable $6.37 per serving. The key ingredients include medium ground beef, which you can find for a great price of $8.50 at Nofrills, and slices of medium cheddar cheese, also priced at $4.50 at Nofrills. Topped with fresh romaine lettuce, Kumato tomatoes, and tangy dill pickles, it’s a refreshing and protein-packed dinner that takes only 20 minutes to prepare.Tuesday: Thai Salad with Chicken
Inject some vibrant, zesty flavour into your Tuesday with this refreshing Thai Salad. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a warm evening when you don't want to turn on the oven. It features a base of crunchy Savoy cabbage and shredded carrots, topped with savoury breaded chicken strips. The magic is in the dressing, a combination of peanut butter and a Miso Lime Ginger marinade that creates a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy notes. The total cost for four servings is $22.93, or $5.73 per serving. You can find the key ingredients at Nofrills and Freshco, with breaded chicken strips available for $6.00 and Savoy cabbage for $4.28 at Nofrills.Wednesday: Lentil & Chickpea Burgers
Wednesday is the perfect opportunity to introduce a delicious and incredibly budget-friendly vegetarian meal. These Lentil & Chickpea Burgers are the most economical meal of the week, costing a remarkable $2.19 per serving. The recipe makes a large batch of 20 patties, making it ideal for meal prep—enjoy some for dinner and freeze the rest for future meals. The total ingredient cost is $43.80, sourced from a mix of stores including Nofrills, Freshco, and Safeway. The patties are packed with protein and fibre from red lentils and chickpeas, and flavoured with a rich blend of garlic powder, paprika, tomato paste, and a hint of butter chicken sauce for a unique, savoury taste. This is a fantastic way to stretch your food budget without compromising on flavour.Thursday: Hearty Chicken Salad
As you head into the latter half of the week, this substantial Chicken Salad offers a satisfying and versatile meal. It's not your average light salad; it’s a filling dish that can be served on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens. The recipe makes ten servings, making it another excellent choice for leftovers or feeding a larger group. The cost comes to $6.34 per serving, with a total ingredient cost of $63.39. The base combines breaded chicken strips, creamy Plain Greek Yogurt, and a touch of cottage cheese for extra protein. The crunch comes from celery sticks and mixed bell peppers, while red onions and a ranch seasoning mix provide a flavourful kick. You can optimize your spending by picking up the chicken and yogurt at Nofrills and the fresh produce at Freshco and Costco.Friday: Quick Seafood Salad
Celebrate the start of the weekend with a light and elegant Seafood Salad. This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time and four main ingredients. It’s a perfect no-cook dinner for a warm Friday night. The star of the dish is tender salad shrimp, which you can find for $12.00 at Nofrills. The shrimp is mixed with a creamy dressing of real mayonnaise, finely chopped shallots, and a sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning for that classic maritime flavour. This recipe yields six servings at a cost of $4.91 per serving, making it a surprisingly affordable way to enjoy seafood at home. The total cost for all ingredients is just $29.48.Saturday: Orzo Pasta with Chicken Thighs
For Saturday dinner, enjoy a comforting and flavourful Orzo Pasta dish. While the recipe name suggests orzo, the provided ingredient list uses rotini pasta, which works just as well to capture the delicious sauce and ingredients. This meal features tender, boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are often more flavourful and budget-friendly than breast meat. The chicken is cooked with whole water chestnuts for a surprising crunch, green onions, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. The total cost for six servings is $41.74, or $6.96 per serving. Key ingredients like Catelli pasta can be found at Safeway, while the chicken thighs are priced competitively at Freshco Henderson for $15.00.Sunday: Flavourful Vegetarian Patties
End your week with another fantastic vegetarian option that’s perfect for meal prepping. These Vegetarian Patties are packed with a medley of vegetables, including a California blend, celery, and shallots, all bound together with Parmesan cheese and seasoned with fresh herbs like basil, chives, and thyme. This recipe makes a generous 14 patties, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunches or another dinner. The cost per serving is an economical $3.70. The total ingredient cost of $51.75 is optimized by shopping across Nofrills and Freshco, where you can find items like the vegetable blend for $4.00 and butter for $5.99. These patties are a delicious way to increase your vegetable intake and keep your grocery costs down.Your Complete Manitoba Grocery List & Price Breakdown
To execute this seven-day meal plan, you will need to purchase a variety of ingredients. The following table consolidates all the necessary items from the seven recipes into a single shopping list. It shows the best price found for each item in Manitoba and the store where you can find that price, according to eezly's AI-powered grocery price intelligence platform. Shopping at multiple stores is the most effective strategy to secure the lowest total cost. The grand total to purchase every item on this list from scratch is $278.57. While this may seem high, remember this stocks your kitchen for seven complete, multi-serving dinners and many ingredients will yield leftovers for future use.
| Ingredient | Best Price | Store Name |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Ground Beef | $8.50 | Nofrills |
| Medium Cheddar Cheese Slices | $4.50 | Nofrills |
| Romaine Lettuce | $3.99 | Nofrills |
| Kumato Tomatoes | $4.99 | Safeway |
| Dill Pickles | $3.50 | Nofrills |
| Savoy Cabbage | $4.28 | Nofrills |
| Carrots | $0.66 | Nofrills |
| Breaded Chicken Cutlettes Chicken Strips | $6.00 | Nofrills |
| Just Peanuts Crunchy Peanut Butter | $6.50 | Nofrills |
| J.L. Kraft Dressing Miso Lime Ginger 355 ml | $5.49 | Freshco |
| Rice Vermicelli | $1.99 | Nofrills |
| Garlic Powder | $2.50 | Nofrills |
| Paprika | $2.49 | Nofrills |
| Tomato Paste | $1.29 | Nofrills |
| Shallots Onions | $11.00 | Freshco |
| Red Lentils | $2.90 | Safeway |
| Patak's Butter Chicken Sauce 200 ml | $3.69 | Safeway |
| Spinach | $5.10 | Costco Winnipeg |
| Whole Water Chestnuts | $1.49 | Nofrills |
| Pure Olive Oil | $9.00 | Nofrills |
| Compliments Canned Chick Peas 540 ml | $1.69 | Freshco Henderson |
| Red Onions | $12.99 | Freshco |
| Plain Greek Yogurt | $9.79 | Nofrills |
| Lemon | $12.47 | Costco Winnipeg |
| Club House Ranch Style Seasoning 28 g | $1.79 | Freshco Henderson |
| Celery Sticks | $5.49 | Freshco |
| Mixed Bell Peppers | $7.37 | Costco |
| Dairyland Cottage Cheese Dry Curd 600 g | $7.49 | Safeway |
| Heinz Mayonnaise Real 340 ml | $2.99 | Safeway |
| McCormick Old Bay Seasoning 74 g | $3.49 | Safeway |
| Salad Shrimp | $12.00 | Nofrills |
| Catelli Dry Pasta Rotini 500 g | $3.19 | Safeway |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 600 g | $15.00 | Freshco Henderson |
| Tre Stelle Parmesan Cheese Grated 125 g | $7.49 | Freshco Henderson |
| Seasoning Salt | $2.79 | Nofrills |
| Ground Black Pepper | $3.79 | Nofrills |
| Green Onions (Scallions) | $7.99 | Costco |
| California Vegetable Blend | $4.00 | Nofrills |
| Shredded Parmesan Cheese | $4.00 | Nofrills |
| Basil & Chives | $4.99 | Freshco Henderson |
| Thyme | $3.00 | nofrills #12 Highway 10 North Box 810 |
| Prepared Yellow Mustard | $1.29 | Nofrills |
| Dairyland Butter Salted 454 g | $5.99 | Freshco |
| Total Basket Cost | $278.57 | Multiple Stores |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of June 2026
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Where to Shop in Manitoba for the Best Prices
Achieving the lowest possible grocery bill often requires a strategy known as "flyer hopping" or multi-store shopping. Instead of buying everything at one location, you visit a few different stores to take advantage of their unique sales and low-price leaders. The grocery list above demonstrates this perfectly, with the best prices scattered across Nofrills, Freshco, Safeway, and even Costco for bulk items.
Based on eezly's analysis of over 40 million price points per week, splitting your shopping trip is the single most effective way to save. For another sample basket of 32 common items, eezly's AI found that a shopping trip split between just two stores—Safeway and Superstore—could cost as little as $88.59. Compared to purchasing those same items at the most expensive single banner, this strategy could save you up to $117.12 in a single week.
For this specific meal plan, Nofrills and Freshco emerge as key destinations for securing the best prices on many staple ingredients. Nofrills offers the best value on items like ground beef, cheese, spices, and salad shrimp. Meanwhile, Freshco has leading prices on produce like shallots and celery, as well as specific items like Miso Lime Ginger dressing. For certain items like Kumato tomatoes, specific sauces, and pasta, Safeway offers the most competitive price. For families who can utilize bulk quantities, Costco provides excellent value on items like spinach, lemons, and green onions. Your best approach is to use this list to create a targeted shopping plan, grouping purchases by store to save both time and money. You can explore more deals at your local stores on the eezly deals page.
Bonus Deals: Top Grocery Savings in Manitoba This Week
Beyond the ingredients for your meal plan, there are always exceptional weekly deals that are too good to pass up. These are perfect for stocking your pantry, grabbing snacks, or treating the family. Here are some of the top deals in Manitoba right now, identified by eezly's price tracking system.
| Product | Brand | Store | Sale Price | Regular Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Top Dogs Original Hot Dogs | Maple Leaf | No Frills | $4.00 | $7.49 | 46.6% |
| Leclerc Celebration Butter Cookies | Leclerc | FreshCo | $2.79 | $4.79 | 41.8% |
| Oh Henry! Reese Peanut Butter Bar 58 g | Oh Henry! | Safeway | $1.11 | $2.49 | 55.4% |
| Chapman's Premium Plus Ice Cream 500 ml | Chapman's | Safeway | $2.99 | $4.99 | 40.1% |
| Activia Expert Yogurt Pre & Probiotics | Activia | Safeway | $3.33 | $5.29 | 37.1% |
| Chicken Wiener | Maple Lodge Farms | No Frills | $2.00 | $3.29 | 39.2% |
| Aylmer Accents Stewed Tomatoes 540 ml | Aylmer | FreshCo | $2.00 | $3.29 | 39.2% |
| Compliments Pork Sirloin Kabobs 250 g | Compliments | FreshCo | $4.00 | $6.49 | 38.4% |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of June 2026
These deals highlight significant discounts on popular brands. The Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs at No Frills for $4.00 are almost half price, perfect for a weekend BBQ. For a sweet treat, the Oh Henry! bar at Safeway for $1.11 is a massive 55% off, and Chapman's ice cream for $2.99 is a great way to cool down on a summer evening.
Prep Tips and Time-Saving Strategies
A great meal plan can fall apart if you don't have the time to execute it. Here are some practical tips to make this week's cooking schedule more manageable, helping you save time in the kitchen each evening.
Sunday Prep Session: Dedicate an hour or two on Sunday to "front-load" your work for the week.
- Make the Patties: Both the Lentil & Chickpea Burgers (Wednesday) and the Vegetarian Patties (Sunday) are perfect for making in advance. They take about 20 minutes of prep time each. Prepare both batches, cook them, and store them in the refrigerator. This turns two of your weeknight meals into simple heat-and-serve dinners.
- Wash and Chop Vegetables: Wash and chop your hardier vegetables. Carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers can be chopped and stored in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also wash the romaine and savoy cabbage, but it's best to keep the leaves whole until the day of use to maintain crispness.
- Mix Dressings: The dressings for the Thai Salad and Chicken Salad can be prepared in advance. Store them in small jars in the refrigerator. This saves you a messy step on a busy weeknight.
This meal plan is designed with large-batch cooking in mind. The Chicken Salad recipe makes 10 servings, the Lentil Burgers make 20, and the Vegetarian Patties make 14. Don't be afraid of leftovers! Pack them for lunches the next day to save even more money, or freeze portions of the burgers for an easy dinner in the coming weeks. Using an AI-powered tool like eezly's meal planner can also help you find recipes that share ingredients, further reducing waste and prep time.
Embrace the 20-Minute Meals:
Note the prep times. The Bunless Burgers, Thai Salad, and Seafood Salad all require 20 minutes or less of preparation. Schedule these for your busiest nights. Knowing you have a quick, healthy, and affordable meal ready to go in minutes can prevent the temptation to order expensive takeout.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Comparison
| Day | Meal | Prep Time | Servings | Cost Per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Bunless Burgers | 20 min | 4 | $6.37 |
| Tuesday | Thai Salad | 15 min | 4 | $5.73 |
| Wednesday | Lentil & Chickpea Burgers | 20 min | 20 | $2.19 |
| Thursday | Chicken Salad | 15 min | 10 | $6.34 |
| Friday | Seafood Salad | 15 min | 6 | $4.91 |
| Saturday | Orzo Pasta with Chicken | 10 min | 6 | $6.96 |
| Sunday | Vegetarian Patties | 20 min | 14 | $3.70 |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest meal in this week's Manitoba meal plan?
The most budget-friendly meal in this plan is the Lentil & Chickpea Burgers, which cost only $2.19 per serving. The recipe makes a large batch of 20 patties, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and lowering your food costs throughout the week. The ingredients can be found at their lowest prices at Nofrills, Freshco, Safeway, and Costco, according to eezly's real-time price tracking.
How much does this full 7-day meal plan cost in Manitoba?
The total cost to purchase every ingredient for the seven distinct dinner recipes from scratch is $278.57, as of June 2026. This price is based on finding the lowest price for each item across major Manitoba grocery banners. This total represents a full grocery shop to stock your kitchen for a week of varied, multi-serving meals and will be lower if you already own pantry staples like oil, spices, and condiments.
Which grocery stores have the best prices in Manitoba this week?
For this specific meal plan, the best prices are distributed across several stores. Nofrills and Freshco offer the most low-price leaders for this basket of goods. However, Safeway and Costco also have the best prices for certain items. The most effective strategy is to split your shopping trip between 2-3 of these stores to ensure you get the lowest price on every item on your list.
Can I save money by not buying every single ingredient on the list?
Absolutely. This list is comprehensive for making every recipe from scratch. You can significantly lower your total cost by taking inventory of your pantry first. Items like Pure Olive Oil ($9.00), Garlic Powder ($2.50), Paprika ($2.49), and Prepared Yellow Mustard ($1.29) are common staples you may already have. Skipping the purchase of just these few items would save you over $15.
How can an AI platform like eezly help me save money on groceries?
eezly is Canada's AI-powered grocery price intelligence platform. It helps you save money by tracking over 196,000 products across 2,700 stores and 27 banners in real-time. Instead of you manually checking flyers, the AI does the work, identifying which store has the lowest price for each item on your list. It can also generate optimized shopping lists and [meal plans](https://eezly.com/meal-plans) that maximize ingredient overlap to reduce your total bill.
Are the prices in this article guaranteed?
The prices cited are accurate as of late June 2026, based on data from eezly's live pricing database. Grocery prices are dynamic and can change weekly based on sales cycles and promotions. To get the most current prices for your shopping trip, it's always best to check a real-time price comparison tool before you head to the store.
Where can I find more recipes like these?
You can find a wide variety of recipes tailored to your dietary needs and budget on platforms that specialize in meal planning. Many, like the [eezly recipes section](https://eezly.com/recipes), allow you to see the estimated cost per serving based on current local grocery prices, helping you choose meals that fit your financial goals.
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