ALDI Dairy-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: Four of this week's five dinners are built around genuinely affordable proteins - kielbasa at under $3 for the whole pack, chicken thighs at $2.49/lb, marinated pork loin at $2.99/lb, and the seasoned chicken breast which rounds out the second chicken night at a still-reasonable $4.99/lb. The salmon earns the one premium spot because it is a special treat at $10.99/lb, and skipping the lamb steaks (which would have cost even more per serving) keeps the week's total in check. The black beans stretch Monday's meal further and add plant-based variety. The Reggano Cheesy Skillet and Priano Stuffed Shells were left off entirely because they contain dairy, and the Rotisserie Ready Meal was skipped since its full ingredient list is not confirmed dairy-free - those were easy cuts that protect the dietary requirement without sacrificing any real meal quality this week.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Black Bean and Kielbasa Skillet with Ready-to-Eat Rice
Description: Sliced Parkview Polska Kielbasa is pan-seared until browned, then combined with Simply Nature Organic Black Beans and seasoned with pantry spices for a hearty one-pan meal. Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups are warmed and served alongside, making this a fast and filling weeknight dinner.
Sale items used: Parkview Polska Kielbasa Assorted Varieties (13-14 oz), Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (15.5 oz), Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 pack of kielbasa (sliced into coins), 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), and 2 rice cups (each cup is 8.8 oz; two cups yield roughly 2 cups of cooked rice, split among 4 people as a side). If portions feel light on rice, add a third cup.
Recipes:
- Kielbasa Black Bean Skillet

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Honey Maple Salmon with Cucumber and Avocado Salad
Description: Fresh Honey Maple Salmon fillets are pan-seared in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through, letting the natural honey maple glaze caramelize on the surface. Sliced mini cucumbers and diced avocado are tossed with a simple pantry vinaigrette and served alongside for a bright, fresh contrast.
Sale items used: Fresh Honey Maple Salmon, Mini Cucumbers (16-oz pkg), Avocados
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs of salmon (four 8-oz fillets), 1 pkg of mini cucumbers (sliced), and 2 avocados (diced, 0.5 avocado per person).
Recipes:
- Pan-Seared Salmon with Cucumber-Tomato Salad

Wednesday
Meal: Sliced Marinated Pork Loin Filet with Sauteed Baby Bella Mushrooms and Rice
Description: Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet is sliced into medallions and seared in a skillet until cooked through, developing a savory crust from its marinade. Baby Bella Mushrooms are sauteed in the same pan with garlic and olive oil and served over warmed Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups for a complete, satisfying plate.
Sale items used: Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet, Baby Bella Mushrooms (8-oz pkg), Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: 1.5 lbs of pork loin filet (sliced into 1-inch medallions), 1 pkg of baby bella mushrooms (sliced), and 2 rice cups warmed and divided among 4 plates.

Thursday
Meal: Baked Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken Breast with Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce and Gnocchi
Description: Fresh Seasoned Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Boneless Chicken Breast) is baked in the oven until juicy and cooked through, then served over Priano Gnocchi tossed in Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce. The pre-seasoned chicken and jarred sauce make this a low-effort dinner with a bright Italian flavor profile.
Sale items used: Fresh Seasoned Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Boneless Chicken Breast), Priano Gnocchi (17.6 oz), Reggano Meat or Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce (24 oz)
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs of seasoned chicken breast (four roughly 8-oz pieces), 1 pkg of gnocchi (the full 17.6-oz bag serves 4 as a side), and 1 jar of pasta sauce (24 oz is sufficient to coat the gnocchi and spoon over the chicken).

Friday
Meal: Sliced Ham and Black Bean Flatbread Pizza with Salsa
Description: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough is stretched and baked as a flatbread base, then topped with Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce, Appleton Farms Uncured Quarter-Sliced Ham, and Simply Nature Organic Black Beans for a dairy-free pizza night. Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa is served on the side for dipping or spooning over slices, adding a fresh, zesty finish.
Sale items used: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough (16 oz), Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce (14 oz), Appleton Farms Uncured Quarter-Sliced Ham, Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (15.5 oz), Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa (16 oz)
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: 1 pkg of pizza dough (16 oz, stretched into one large flatbread or two smaller ones for 4 people), 1 jar of pizza sauce (14 oz covers the dough generously), 1 lb of sliced ham (layered across the flatbread), 1 can of black beans (drained, scattered over the top), and 1 container of salsa served tableside.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Parkview Polska Kielbasa Assorted Varieties (x1 pack): $2.89
- Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (x2 cans): $1.98
- Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups (x4 cups): $6.60
- Fresh Honey Maple Salmon (2 lbs): $21.98
- Mini Cucumbers (x1 pkg): $1.69
- Avocados (x2): $1.18
- Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet (1.5 lbs): $4.49
- Baby Bella Mushrooms (x1 pkg): $1.29
- Fresh Seasoned Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Boneless Chicken Breast) (2 lbs): $9.98
- Priano Gnocchi (x1 pkg): $1.89
- Reggano Meat or Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce (x1 jar): $1.69
- Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough (x1 pkg): $1.19
- Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce (x1 jar): $1.09
- Appleton Farms Uncured Quarter-Sliced Ham (1 lb): $4.49
- Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa (x1 container): $2.49

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika or cumin (for kielbasa skillet)
- Red wine vinegar or lemon juice (for cucumber avocado salad)
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (for pizza flatbread)