ALDI Dairy-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: Chicken wings at $1.69/lb and pork belly at $2.99/lb are the clear workhorses of this week, anchoring three of the five nights at very low per-serving costs. The beef for shawarma at $7.49/lb is mid-range and earns its spot on a fourth night with a bold, distinct flavor profile. Ahi tuna at $8.99/lb is the only genuine premium protein on the flyer, so it gets the single premium night on Friday - it is also the best premium value available since it is the only high-end option. The Simms Multipack Meat Snack Sticks were skipped as a main protein because the pack size and per-serving yield make it a poor anchor for a full dinner for four.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Chicken Wings with Roasted Zucchini and Carrots
Description: Chicken wings are seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil, then baked at high heat until the skin is golden and crispy. Sliced zucchini and baby peeled carrots roast alongside on the same pan, picking up savory drippings for a simple, satisfying one-pan dinner.
Sale items used: Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings, Zucchini, Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (16-oz bag)
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 45 minutes in oven (60 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 3 lbs of chicken wings for 4 people (about 6-8 wings each depending on size), 1.5 lbs of zucchini, and 1 bag (16 oz) of Organic Baby Peeled Carrots. Everything fits on two sheet pans; rotate halfway through baking for even browning.

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Belly Slab with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Description: Thick slices of Fresh Pork Belly Slab are scored and seared in a hot skillet until the fat renders and the exterior turns deep golden brown, then finished in the oven to cook through. Brussels Sprouts are halved and cooked in the rendered pork fat until caramelized and tender, seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Sale items used: Fresh Pork Belly Slab, Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 20 minutes active, 35 minutes oven finish (55 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Fresh Pork Belly Slab sliced into 4 equal portions, and 1 pkg (1 lb) of Brussels Sprouts. Sear pork belly skin-side down first for at least 8 minutes to render the fat properly before flipping.

Wednesday
Meal: Beef Shawarma Bowl with Hummus and Shredded Carrots
Description: Fresh Beef for Shawarma is sliced thin and pan-cooked with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garlic until browned and fragrant, then served over a base of fluffy rice with a generous scoop of Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups and shredded raw carrots for crunch. The hummus acts as a creamy dairy-free sauce that ties the warm spiced beef to the cool, fresh vegetables.
Sale items used: Fresh Beef for Shawarma, Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups (12 oz), Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (16-oz bag)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of Fresh Beef for Shawarma for 4 people, 1 container (12 oz) of Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups divided among 4 bowls, and 1 bag (16 oz) of Organic Baby Peeled Carrots roughly chopped or shredded. Rice is a pantry staple; cook 1.5 cups dry rice to yield enough for 4 servings.
Recipes:
- Baba's Hummus Beef Shawarma Bowl

Thursday
Meal: Crispy Chicken Wings with Watermelon and Green Grape Salad
Description: A second preparation of chicken wings uses a completely different flavor profile - a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze made from soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, and a touch of honey, applied after the wings are fully crisped under the broiler. The cooling side salad of cubed Whole Seedless Watermelon and halved California Green Grapes with fresh mint and lime juice balances the heat and makes this feel like a completely different meal from Monday.
Sale items used: Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings, Whole Seedless Watermelon, California Green Grapes
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 40 minutes broil and glaze (55 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 3 lbs of chicken wings for 4 people. Cut approximately one-quarter of the Whole Seedless Watermelon into cubes for the salad (store the rest for snacking or desserts during the week). Use 1 lb of California Green Grapes, halved. Soy sauce and honey are pantry staples.

Friday
Meal: Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks with Zucchini and Guacamole
Description: Ahi Tuna Steaks are patted dry, coated in sesame seeds and cracked black pepper, and seared in a very hot cast-iron pan for 60 to 90 seconds per side, leaving the center rare and silky. Sliced zucchini is quickly sauteed in the same pan with garlic and olive oil, and a generous spoonful of Park Street Deli Guacamole Mini Cups adds a rich, creamy dairy-free finish to each plate.
Sale items used: Ahi Tuna Steaks, Zucchini, Park Street Deli Guacamole Mini Cups (12 oz)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Ahi Tuna Steaks (approximately one 8-oz steak per person), 1.5 lbs of zucchini sliced into half-moons, and 1 container (12 oz) of Park Street Deli Guacamole Mini Cups divided among 4 plates. Do not overcook the tuna - the sear should be fast and the center should remain pink for best texture and flavor.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings (6 lbs total, 3 lbs each for Monday and Thursday): $10.14
- Fresh Pork Belly Slab (2 lbs): $5.98
- Fresh Beef for Shawarma (1.5 lbs): $11.24
- Ahi Tuna Steaks (2 lbs): $17.98
- Zucchini (3 lbs total, 1.5 lbs Monday and 1.5 lbs Friday): $3.57
- Brussels Sprouts (x1 pkg, 1 lb): $2.39
- Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (x2 bags, one for Monday and one for Wednesday): $2.98
- Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups (x1, 12 oz): $3.45
- Park Street Deli Guacamole Mini Cups (x1, 12 oz): $3.99
- Whole Seedless Watermelon (x1): $4.49
- California Green Grapes (1 lb): $1.29

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Chili flakes
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Soy sauce (check label for dairy-free compliance)
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh mint
- Lime
- White or jasmine rice (for Wednesday shawarma bowls)