ALDI Gluten-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This week you get a different protein each night from Monday through Thursday (chicken thighs, Italian sausage, pork belly and shawarma-seasoned beef), then a meatless black bean and avocado bake on Friday. Organic zucchini shows up on Monday and Tuesday, and the black beans and cheese shreds both appear on Tuesday and Friday, so nothing sits forgotten in the fridge. Instant rice anchors Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, so cook half of the first box on Monday and save the rest for Wednesday. The SnapDragon apples at $0.99 and the peaches at $1.49 bring fruit to Wednesday and Friday, and since this plan is gluten-free, give the shawarma seasoning, guacamole and salsa labels a quick check on Thursday.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Zucchini and Rice
Description: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are seared in a skillet until browned, then served over instant white rice with sauteed organic zucchini. A simple, budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Organic Zucchini, Earthly Grains Instant White Rice
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: 2 lb chicken thighs, 1 lb zucchini, 1 box Earthly Grains Instant White Rice (cook half, save half for Wednesday)
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 Mild Italian Links are browned in a skillet with organic zucchini and Pueblo Lindo Black Beans. Finished with Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds melted on top.
Sale items used: Mild Italian Links, Organic Zucchini, Pueblo Lindo Black Beans, Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 2 packs Mild Italian Links, 1 lb zucchini, 1 can black beans, about half the bag of shreds (use the rest 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: Pork Belly Slab is cubed and roasted until crisp and browned, then served over instant rice with pan-cooked SnapDragon apples. The sweet apples balance the rich pork.
Sale items used: Fresh Pork Belly Slab, Pennsylvania SnapDragon Apple Tote, Earthly Grains Instant White Rice
Prep time: 55 minutes
Serving note: 1.5 lb pork belly, 1 lb apples, leftover rice from Monday (half box)
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 Beef Bites for Shawarma are pan-seared and served over rice with Park Street Deli Assorted Fresh Guacamole and Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa. Check the labels to confirm the seasoning, guacamole, and salsa are gluten-free.
Sale items used: Fresh USDA Choice Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma, Earthly Grains Instant White Rice, Park Street Deli Assorted Fresh Guacamole, Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 lb beef bites, 1 box rice (new box), 1 guacamole, 1 salsa
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 Bagged Mini Avocados are filled with Pueblo Lindo Black Beans and Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds, then baked until melty. Served with fresh peaches on the side.
Sale items used: Bagged Mini Avocados, Pueblo Lindo Black Beans, Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds, California Peaches
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 six-pack mini avocados, 1 can black beans, remaining shreds, 1 lb peaches

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $4.98
- Fresh Pork Belly Slab (1.5 lbs): $4.49
- Fresh USDA Choice Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma (1 lb): $7.49
- Mild Italian Links (2 packs): $5.90
- Organic Zucchini (2 lbs): $4.78
- Pennsylvania SnapDragon Apple Tote (1 lb): $0.99
- California Peaches (1 lb): $1.49
- Bagged Mini Avocados (1 six-pack): $2.89
- Pueblo Lindo Black Beans (2 cans): $5.38
- Earthly Grains Instant White Rice (2 boxes): $5.90
- Happy Farms Italian or Taco Blend Shreds (1 bag): $2.79
- Park Street Deli Assorted Fresh Guacamole (1): $2.99
- Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa (1): $2.49

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin