ALDI Gluten-Free Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Zucchini and Rice
Description: Two boneless chicken thighs are seared until golden and served over a single portion of fluffy rice. Sauteed zucchini rounds on the side add a fresh, light balance.
Sale items used: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Organic Zucchini, Instant White Rice
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use about 0.5 lb chicken thighs (buy a 1 lb portion and split it: half for Monday, the rest is not used elsewhere, so freeze it for a later week). Use 1 medium zucchini (about 0.5 lb) and 1/2 cup cooked rice (about 1/3 of the rice bag is not needed; use one pouch-style portion from the box). Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Recipes:
- Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs and Rice
- Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Tuesday
Meal: Italian Sausage and Zucchini Skillet with Black Beans
Description: One sliced Italian sausage link is browned with zucchini in a single skillet. Half a can of black beans is stirred in for a hearty, one-pan dinner.
Sale items used: Mild Italian Links, Organic Zucchini, Pueblo Lindo Black Beans
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 sausage link (check the label to confirm it is gluten-free), about 0.5 lb zucchini (1 medium, from the same purchase as Monday if you buy 1 lb total) and 1/2 can black beans, drained and rinsed. Refrigerate the other half can of beans for Friday.
Recipes:
- Sausage Zucchini and Brown Rice Skillet (One Pan)
- Black Beans, Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Italian Sausage and Zucchini Skillet Meal

Wednesday
Meal: Roasted Pork Belly Bites with Rice and Caramelized Apples
Description: Cubed pork belly is roasted until crisp and rich, then served over rice. Apple slices are cooked in the rendered fat with a pinch of cinnamon until soft and caramelized.
Sale items used: Fresh Pork Belly Slab, SnapDragon Apples, Instant White Rice
Prep time: 15 minutes prep plus 50 minutes roasting (65 minutes total)
Serving note: Use about 0.4 lb pork belly (assumed purchase of 0.4 lb) cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 apple (about 0.4 lb) and 1/2 cup cooked rice. Timing tip: cube and season the pork belly the night before, and roast at 400F while you prep the apples and rice.
Recipes:
- Crispy Roasted Pork Belly Bites Recipe
- Sticky Pork Belly Bites: Quick, Savory Treats Everyone Loves
- Pork Belly and Apple Recipe: Caramelized Pork With Tart Fruit Balance

Thursday
Meal: Shawarma-Seasoned Beef Bites with Guacamole and Salsa Rice Bowls
Description: Seasoned shawarma beef bites are pan-seared and piled over warm rice. The bowl is topped with guacamole and salsa for a fresh, creamy finish.
Sale items used: Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma, Instant White Rice, Park Street Deli Guacamole, Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serving note: Use about 0.4 lb beef bites (assumed purchase of 0.4 lb), 1/2 cup cooked rice, about 1/4 cup guacamole and 1/4 cup salsa. Confirm the seasoning blend is gluten-free on the package label. Leftover guacamole and salsa can be used with the Friday avocado bake.
Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowls
- Easy Beef Shawarma Bowl
- Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Friday
Meal: Black Bean and Cheese Stuffed Avocado Bake
Description: Two mini avocados are halved and filled with seasoned black beans and melted shredded cheese. They are baked until bubbly and finished with a spoonful of salsa.
Sale items used: Bagged Mini Avocados, Pueblo Lindo Black Beans, Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds, Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 3 mini avocados (4 halves are not needed; 6 halves fit a small dish), the remaining 1/2 can black beans, 1/4 cup shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons salsa. Bake at 400F for 12 minutes.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (0.5 lb): $1.25
- Mild Italian Links (x1): $2.95
- Organic Zucchini (1 lb): $2.39
- Fresh Pork Belly Slab (0.4 lb): $1.20
- Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma (0.4 lb): $3.00
- SnapDragon Apple Tote (0.5 lb): $0.50
- Bagged Mini Avocados (x1 pack): $2.89
- Pueblo Lindo Black Beans (x1): $2.69
- Earthly Grains Instant White Rice (x1): $2.95
- Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds (x1): $2.79
- Park Street Deli Assorted Fresh Guacamole (x1): $2.99
- Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa (x1): $2.49

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or cooking oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cinnamon
- Taco or cumin seasoning (gluten-free)