ALDI Gluten-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The chicken tenderloins at $2.29/lb are the real anchor of this week - they show up twice and keep the per-serving cost very low both nights. The Fresh Seasoned Chicken at $4.99/lb and the Fresh Seasoned Beef Skewers at $5.99 for two packs round out three more affordable nights. The Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon earns the one premium slot at $10.99/lb - it is the most expensive protein on the flyer by a wide margin, but salmon on sale at ALDI is genuinely good value compared to grocery store regular pricing, and one night of it is a nice treat without wrecking the week. Lamb shoulder chops were skipped entirely because at $6.99/lb they are nearly as expensive as the salmon per serving and would push the total well above the $20-per-person target without the payoff of a true premium night. The Simply Nature Organic Turkey at $4.79 each for a 6 oz pack works out to very little protein per dollar, so it was also left out in favor of the chicken tenderloins.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad
Description: Salmon fillets are seared in a hot skillet until golden on the outside and just cooked through, then served alongside a cool salad of sliced mini cucumbers and diced avocado dressed with lime juice and olive oil. The richness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the fresh, creamy avocado and crisp cucumber for a light but satisfying summer dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon, Mini Cucumbers 16 oz pkg, Avocados
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon (about a 0.5 lb fillet per person) at $10.99/lb = $21.98. Use the full 16 oz pkg of Mini Cucumbers and 2 Avocados ($0.59 each = $1.18). Note: "Cedar plank" refers to the ALDI product name; fillets are pan-seared on the stovetop here.
Recipes:
- Pan Seared Salmon with Avocado Gremolata
- Pan-Seared Salmon with Cucumber-Tomato Salad

Tuesday
Meal: Skillet-Cooked Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins with Sauteed Mushrooms and Cheddar
Description: Chicken tenderloins are seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper then cooked in a skillet until golden and cooked through, topped with sauteed sliced white mushrooms and melted cheddar for a hearty, satisfying plate. Serve over steamed white rice from the pantry to round out the meal for four.
Sale items used: Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins, Sliced White Mushrooms 8 oz pkg, Happy Farms Deli-Sliced Medium or Mild Cheddar 8 oz
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins at $2.29/lb = $4.58. Use 1 pkg Sliced White Mushrooms ($1.29) and 1 pkg Happy Farms Deli-Sliced Medium or Mild Cheddar ($1.49).

Wednesday
Meal: Broiled Fresh Seasoned Beef Skewers with Cantaloupe and Red Grape Salad
Description: Fresh Seasoned Beef Skewers are broiled in the oven until nicely charred and cooked through, served with a refreshing summer fruit salad of sliced Athena Cantaloupe and California Red Grapes. The sweet, juicy fruit cuts through the savory seasoned beef for a bright and colorful weeknight plate.
Sale items used: Fresh Seasoned Beef Skewers 7 oz, Athena Cantaloupe, California Red Grapes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 packs of Fresh Seasoned Beef Skewers 7 oz at $5.99 each = $11.98 (14 oz total, about 3.5 oz per person as a lighter skewer portion paired with generous fruit). Use 1 Athena Cantaloupe ($1.99) and 1 lb California Red Grapes at $1.29/lb = $1.29.

Thursday
Meal: Skillet-Cooked Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins with Avocado and Blueberry Salsa
Description: Chicken tenderloins are cooked in a skillet with olive oil, cumin, and lime zest until golden and juicy, then topped with a chunky fresh salsa of diced avocado and blueberries brightened with lime juice and cilantro. This colorful combination gives the second chicken night a completely different flavor profile - bright, fruity, and summery.
Sale items used: Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins, Avocados, Blueberries
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins at $2.29/lb = $4.58. Use 2 Avocados ($0.59 each = $1.18) and 1 pint Blueberries ($1.99).

Friday
Meal: Baked Fresh Seasoned Chicken with Cucumber and Red Grape Salad
Description: Fresh Seasoned Chicken pieces are baked in the oven at 400 degrees until cooked through with golden, flavorful skin, then served alongside a crisp salad of sliced mini cucumbers and halved California Red Grapes tossed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. The pre-seasoned chicken makes Friday dinner nearly effortless after a long week.
Sale items used: Fresh Seasoned Chicken, Mini Cucumbers 16 oz pkg, California Red Grapes
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 40 minutes total (bake time 35-40 minutes)
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of Fresh Seasoned Chicken at $4.99/lb = $9.98. Use 1 pkg Mini Cucumbers 16 oz ($1.69) and 1 lb California Red Grapes at $1.29/lb = $1.29. Chicken can be placed in the oven and the salad assembled while it bakes; total time is under 60 minutes.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh Asian Cedar Plank Salmon (2 lbs): $21.98
- Fresh Family Pack Chicken Tenderloins (4 lbs across two nights): $9.16
- Fresh Seasoned Beef Skewers 7 oz (x2 packs): $11.98
- Fresh Seasoned Chicken (2 lbs): $9.98
- Sliced White Mushrooms 8 oz pkg (x1): $1.29
- Happy Farms Deli-Sliced Medium or Mild Cheddar 8 oz (x1): $1.49
- Athena Cantaloupe (x1): $1.99
- California Red Grapes (2 lbs across two nights): $2.58
- Mini Cucumbers 16 oz pkg (x2 across two nights): $3.38
- Avocados (x4 across two nights): $2.36
- Blueberries (1 pint): $1.99

Pantry staples needed:
- White rice (to serve with Tuesday's chicken)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Lime juice or fresh limes
- Lime zest
- Red wine vinegar
- Cilantro (fresh, optional)