Cookouts, parties, picnics and travelling – when it comes to summer it often seems that more is merrier and busy is better. Of course, The Whole Deal value guide has great ideas for summer entertaining on a budget. But there are also times when you just need to slow the summer down and The Whole Deal is there for you too. Take this weeklong meal plan for one or two. It’s got refreshing recipes and tips to savor summer affordably. Plus, it even leaves a little room to party.

MONDAY: Veggie Monday

Choose a gazpacho recipe — try one with summer melon — and serve with flatbread and goat cheese. Make ahead Sunday to be chilled for Monday, if you want.

TUESDAY: 2010 Comfort Food

Put together a BLT or TLT (with tofu or tempeh) and have our deli’s potato salad on the side.

WEDNESDAY: Entrée Salad Supper

Dig in to this satisfying Mediterranean Garbanzo Salad recipe. Serve with pita chips or warmed pita bread.

THURSDAY: Cook’s Night Off

Have a picnic with cheese, fresh berries or peaches, wine, good bread from our bakery and perhaps the olives left over from Wednesday’s garbanzo salad recipe.

FRIDAY: Go Fish, Responsibly

Feel great as you marinate and grill wild salmon from an MSC-certified sustainable fishery; grill some summer squash and mushrooms while you’re at it. Our resident cooking-for-one expert Jaye has more suggestions for firing up the grill.

WEEKEND: Party Time!

Make fajitas loaded with grilled veggies and 365 Everyday Value® Organic Salsa (it’s one of our 3 under $3 summer condiments). Friends can bring sides and sweets and perhaps a pitcher of Sangria Coolers. Tip: ask at the meat counter for the best budget cut for fajitas.

So, you see, summer meals solo or shared with a friend can be just as enjoyable as eating with a crowd and The Whole Deal’s coupons, sure deals, money-saving tips and budget-friendly recipes will keep you smiling all summer long.

What’s your favorite way to savor summer quietly?