ALDI Gluten-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: Chicken wings at $1.69/lb and pork belly at $2.99/lb are the real workhorses of this week, keeping four of the five dinners genuinely affordable. The beef for shawarma at $7.49/lb lands in the middle of the range and gives the week a bold, spiced flavor night without breaking the bank. Ahi tuna at $8.99/lb is the clear premium item this week, and it earns its single Friday spot because tuna steaks cook in under 10 minutes with no fuss, making the splurge feel worthwhile. The flyer leans heavily on produce and deli snackers, so the vegetable sides are where a lot of the color and variety come from this week, and sticking to one watermelon and one carrot bag keeps those costs tight.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Chicken Wings with Roasted Zucchini and Carrots
Description: Seasoned chicken wings are baked in the oven until the skin is golden and crispy, served alongside zucchini and baby peeled carrots roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This is a simple, crowd-pleasing gluten-free dinner that comes together with minimal prep and uses two of the week's best-value produce items.
Sale items used: Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings, Zucchini, Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (16-oz bag)
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 45 minutes total
Serving note: Use 3 lbs of chicken wings for 4 people. Use 1 lb of zucchini and the full 16-oz bag of Organic Baby Peeled Carrots. Total oven time is about 40-45 minutes at 425 degrees F; no make-ahead needed.

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Belly Slab with Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
Description: Thick slices of Fresh Pork Belly Slab are scored and pan-seared in a hot skillet until the fat renders and the exterior is deeply browned and caramelized, then rested and sliced for serving. Brussels Sprouts are halved and sauteed in the rendered pork fat with garlic and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a savory, slightly tangy side.
Sale items used: Fresh Pork Belly Slab, Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 40 minutes total
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Fresh Pork Belly Slab for 4 people. Use 1 pkg (1 lb) of Brussels Sprouts. Score the pork skin before searing to help fat render evenly; sear skin-side down first for 15-20 minutes over medium heat before flipping.

Wednesday
Meal: Spiced Beef Shawarma Bowl with Hummus and Shredded Carrots
Description: Fresh Beef for Shawarma is cooked in a skillet with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garlic until browned and fragrant, then served over steamed white rice with a generous scoop of Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups and shredded raw carrots on the side. This bowl hits warm, earthy spice notes and comes together in under 30 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh Beef for Shawarma, Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups (12 oz), Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (16-oz bag)
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 25 minutes total
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of Fresh Beef for Shawarma for 4 people. Use 1 container (12 oz) of Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups, divided among 4 bowls. Use approximately half of a 16-oz bag of Organic Baby Peeled Carrots, sliced thin or shredded. Serve over 2 cups dry white rice cooked per package directions (pantry staple).
Recipes:
- Middle Eastern-Spiced Beef Shawarma Bowls Recipe

Thursday
Meal: Crispy Chicken Wings with Watermelon and Green Grape Salad
Description: A second preparation of chicken wings uses a different spice profile - smoked paprika, cayenne, and lime - and are baked at high heat for crispy results, paired with a fresh summer salad of cubed Whole Seedless Watermelon and halved California Green Grapes tossed with fresh mint and a squeeze of lime. The cool, sweet salad balances the heat of the wings beautifully and makes this feel like a completely different meal from Monday.
Sale items used: Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings, Whole Seedless Watermelon, California Green Grapes
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 45 minutes total
Serving note: Use 3 lbs of chicken wings for 4 people. Use approximately one-quarter of the Whole Seedless Watermelon (the rest can be eaten as snacks or dessert through the week). Use 1 lb of California Green Grapes, halved. Bake wings at 425 degrees F for 40-45 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks with Roasted Zucchini and Tzatziki
Description: Ahi Tuna Steaks are patted dry, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then seared in a very hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to achieve a browned crust with a pink center, served alongside oven-roasted zucchini spears. Park Street Deli Hummus or Tzatziki Snackers provide a cool, creamy gluten-free dipping sauce alongside the tuna and vegetables for a restaurant-quality finish to the week.
Sale items used: Ahi Tuna Steaks, Zucchini, Park Street Deli Hummus or Tzatziki Snackers
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 20 minutes total
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Ahi Tuna Steaks for 4 people (approximately 0.5 lb per person). Use 1 lb of zucchini, cut into spears and roasted at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes. Purchase 4 individual Park Street Deli Hummus or Tzatziki Snackers (one per person) at $1.39 each. Ensure the tuna is sushi-grade or labeled safe for rare preparation; sear in a very hot dry or lightly oiled cast iron pan.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings (6 lbs total, used across Monday and Thursday): $10.14
- Fresh Pork Belly Slab (2 lbs): $5.98
- Fresh Beef for Shawarma (1.5 lbs): $11.24
- Ahi Tuna Steaks (2 lbs): $17.98
- Zucchini (2 lbs total, used across Monday and Friday): $2.38
- Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (16-oz bag, used across Monday and Wednesday): $1.49
- Brussels Sprouts (1 pkg, 1 lb): $2.39
- Park Street Deli Hummus Mini Cups (12 oz, x1): $3.45
- Park Street Deli Hummus or Tzatziki Snackers (x4 individual units): $5.56
- California Green Grapes (1 lb): $1.29
- Whole Seedless Watermelon (x1): $4.49

Pantry staples needed:
- White rice (for Wednesday shawarma bowls)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Cumin, coriander, turmeric (for shawarma spice blend)
- Smoked paprika and cayenne (for Thursday wings)
- Apple cider vinegar (for Brussels sprouts)
- Lime (for Thursday wings and watermelon salad)
- Fresh mint (for watermelon salad)
- Garlic powder (for tuna seasoning)