ALDI Gluten-Free Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Zucchini and Rice
Description: Juicy boneless chicken thighs are seared until golden and served over fluffy rice with sauteed zucchini. A simple, budget-friendly dinner sized for two.
Sale items used: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Organic Zucchini, Instant White Rice
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 lb chicken thighs (2 servings plus a little extra), 0.75 lb zucchini (about 2 medium), and 1 cup cooked rice from the instant rice pouch. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the remaining rice for Wednesday and Thursday.
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: Sliced Italian sausage browns in a skillet with zucchini and black beans for a hearty one-pan meal. Serves two with a little left for lunch.
Sale items used: Mild Italian Links, Organic Zucchini, Pueblo Lindo Black Beans
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pack Italian links (assume about 1 lb, check the label for gluten-free), 0.75 lb zucchini, and half the can of black beans, drained and rinsed. Save the other half of the beans for Friday. Finish with a pinch of Italian seasoning.
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 roasts until crisp and rich, served over rice with apples caramelized in the rendered fat. Rich but balanced for two.
Sale items used: Fresh Pork Belly Slab, SnapDragon Apples, Instant White Rice
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 50 minutes roasting)
Serving note: Use 0.75 lb pork belly cut into 1-inch cubes, 2 apples (about 0.75 lb), and 1 cup cooked rice. Total time is about 70 minutes, so cube and season the pork in the morning and refrigerate, then roast at 400F for 45-50 minutes while the apples cook in a skillet with a little pepper and cinnamon.
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 seared and piled over rice with guacamole and salsa. A fast bowl dinner for two.
Sale items used: Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma, Park Street Deli Guacamole, Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa, Instant White Rice
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 0.75 lb beef bites (check the seasoning label for gluten-free), 1 cup cooked rice, about half the guacamole container, and a few spoonfuls of salsa. Mix a little salsa into the rice. Save the rest of the guacamole and salsa as a side for Friday.
Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowls
- Easy Beef Shawarma Bowl
- Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Friday
Meal: Black Bean and Cheese Stuffed Avocado Bake
Description: Halved mini avocados are filled with seasoned black beans and melted cheese, then baked until bubbly. A light, satisfying dinner for two.
Sale items used: Bagged Mini Avocados, Pueblo Lindo Black Beans, Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds, Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 6 mini avocados (3 per person), the remaining half can of black beans, and 1/2 cup shredded cheese (use the taco blend). Bake at 375F for 12-15 minutes. Top with leftover salsa.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1 lb): $2.49
- Organic Zucchini (1.5 lbs): $3.59
- Mild Italian Links (x1): $2.95
- Fresh Pork Belly Slab (0.75 lb): $2.24
- SnapDragon Apples (0.75 lb): $0.74
- Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma (0.75 lb): $5.62
- Pueblo Lindo Black Beans (x1): $2.69
- Earthly Grains Instant White Rice (x1): $2.95
- Happy Farms Taco Blend Shreds (x1): $2.79
- Bagged Mini Avocados (x1 6-pack): $2.89
- Park Street Deli Guacamole (x1): $2.99
- Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa (x1): $2.49

Pantry staples needed:
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cinnamon, cooking oil