Kroger curates produce-filled, affordable meals for spring

As the weather heats up, consumers traditionally turn to fresh foods. In anticipation of this trend and knowing that shoppers also crave opportunities to save on their food bills, The Kroger Co. is sharing a variety of produce-filled menu ideas for less than $20 each.

"As we look forward to warmer weather and taking some meals outside, we are ready with lower prices on all the fresh items customers need to celebrate spring," Dan De La Rosa, Kroger's group vice president of fresh merchandising, said in a news release. "We love to see our customers get creative and make memories together over a meal — whether that's around the dinner table or outdoors."

The Cincinnati-based Kroger is suggesting the following fresh springtime favorites, averaging less than $20 per spread.  

• Chopped caprese pasta salad with Kroger Bow Ties Pasta, cherry tomatoes, Simple Truth Fresh Basil, Private Selection Mozzarella, tossed in Kroger Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing. On the side enjoy a Kroger Veggie Tray with Dip and Bakery Fresh Goodness Artisan French Bread.
• Deli sandwiches featuring Private Selection Grab and Go Smoked Club Trio including turkey, ham and cheese served on Kroger Honey Wheat Bread with Kroger Wavy Chips, Simple Truth baby carrots and red seedless grapes.
• Chicken salad croissants made with Kroger Chicken Salad on Private Selection All Butter Mini Croissants with Kroger Tri-Color Bell Peppers sliced up for dipping in Private Selection Traditional Hummus and Kroger Bartlett Pears.
• An eight-piece Home Chef's Fried Chicken that is hot and ready to eat, served with Kroger Southern Style Potato Salad and Private Selection Supremely Sweet Strawberries.
• A fresh veggie sandwich with tomato, avocado and cucumber topped with a smear of Kroger Fat Free Original Cream Cheese, served on Private Selection Multigrain Bread; on the side, Kroger Colby Jack Cheese Cubes, Simple Truth Organic Mediterranean Herb Double Baked Pita Crisps and bananas.

For customers looking to flex their culinary skills, the grocer recommends spring-inspired recipes such as spring pea orzo, bacon wrapped hotdogs and chicken asparagus pasta. Al fresco diners who want to skip the prep work can choose from Home Chef heat and eat options such as the Carne Asada Street Taco Kit, Creamy Mac and Cheese, and Smoked St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs.  

This month the grocer is offering more savings with the buy five, save $5 event now through April 11. Additionally, customers may redeem digital coupons up to five times with the Kroger 5X digital event running from April 12-25.

Kroger customers can get their spring favorites and more by shopping in-store, through Kroger Pickup or delivered using Boost by Kroger Plus, the annual grocery delivery membership that can save customers up to $1,000 per year on fuel and grocery delivery, according to the release. Eligible customers can now try the Boost membership with a free 30-day trial and subscribe on a monthly basis for as little as $7.99 a month.