ALDI Gluten-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The backbone of this week is the Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs at $2.49/lb and the Polska Kielbasa at $2.89 a pack - both are outstanding values that keep four people fed for well under $5 in protein. The Marinated Pork Loin Filet at $2.99/lb is another strong everyday pick, and pairing the Uncured Ham with Black Beans stretches both ingredients into a satisfying, hearty dinner. Salmon at $10.99/lb is genuinely a premium price even on sale, so it earns the one splurge night - and at that, it is the better premium value compared to the Lamb Steaks, which were skipped entirely to protect the weekly total. The Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups are a smart gluten-free shortcut that eliminate the need to cook a separate grain on busy weeknights, and the Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce doubles as a versatile simmer sauce over rice rather than pasta.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Skillet Chicken Thighs with Baby Bella Mushrooms and Rice
Description: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are seared in a skillet until golden, then simmered with sliced baby bella mushrooms and a splash of the tomato basil garlic sauce until cooked through and saucy. Served over ready-to-eat rice cups warmed on the side, this is a hearty, satisfying weeknight dinner with deep savory flavor.
Sale items used: Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce, Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs chicken thighs for 4 people. Use 1 pkg (8 oz) Baby Bella Mushrooms, 1 jar (24 oz) Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce, and 2 Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups (warmed per package directions, split among 4 servings).
Recipes:
- One Skillet Chicken Thighs and Mushrooms with Cauliflower Rice
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs & Rice (GF, DF)

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Honey Maple Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad
Description: Fresh Honey Maple Salmon fillets are pan-seared over medium-high heat until caramelized on the outside and just cooked through, letting the glaze on the fish do the flavor work. A cool side salad of sliced mini cucumbers and diced avocado dressed with lime juice and salt brings brightness and balance to the rich salmon.
Sale items used: Fresh Honey Maple Salmon, Mini Cucumbers, Avocados
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs Fresh Honey Maple Salmon (cut into 4 portions). Use 1 pkg (16 oz) Mini Cucumbers and 2 Avocados for the salad, split evenly among 4 plates.
Recipes:
- 20 Minute Maple Soy Glazed Salmon

Wednesday
Meal: Sliced Marinated Pork Loin Filet with Black Bean and Rice Skillet
Description: The Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet is roasted in the oven until cooked through, then sliced and served alongside a quick skillet of warmed black beans and ready-to-eat rice seasoned with salsa. The combination of tender, flavorful pork with the hearty bean-and-rice skillet makes a complete, filling gluten-free dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet, Simply Nature Organic Black Beans, Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups, Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa
Prep time: 50 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet for 4 people. Use 1 can (15.5 oz) Simply Nature Organic Black Beans, 2 Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups, and half the jar (about 8 oz) of Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa stirred into the skillet. Timing note: start the pork in the oven first (about 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees F), then prepare the bean-rice skillet in the last 10 minutes.
Recipes:
- Cuban Pork Loin with Black Beans and Rice

Thursday
Meal: Polska Kielbasa and Black Bean Rice Bowl with Salsa and Avocado
Description: Sliced Parkview Polska Kielbasa is browned in a skillet until lightly crisped, then served over warm ready-to-eat rice with seasoned black beans, a spoonful of cantina salsa, and sliced avocado on top. Each bowl is hearty, colorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes with almost no prep work.
Sale items used: Parkview Polska Kielbasa, Simply Nature Organic Black Beans, Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups, Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa, Avocados
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pkg (13-14 oz) Parkview Polska Kielbasa, sliced into coins and browned in a skillet. Use 1 can (15.5 oz) Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (warmed), 2 Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups, remaining salsa from the jar (about 8 oz), and 2 Avocados (sliced), divided among 4 bowls. Check kielbasa label to confirm gluten-free status before purchasing.

Friday
Meal: Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken Breast with Shredded Mozzarella and Mushrooms
Description: Fresh Seasoned Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Boneless Chicken Breasts are baked in a baking dish, topped with sliced baby bella mushrooms and shredded mozzarella in the last few minutes of cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The pre-seasoned chicken delivers bold Italian-style flavor with no extra sauce needed, and the mushrooms add an earthy, meaty layer.
Sale items used: Fresh Seasoned Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Boneless Chicken Breast), Baby Bella Mushrooms, Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs Fresh Seasoned Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Boneless Chicken Breast) for 4 people (roughly 4 portions). Use 1 pkg (8 oz) Baby Bella Mushrooms (sliced and scattered over chicken before the last 5 minutes of baking) and 1 pkg (16 oz) Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella (use about half the bag, roughly 8 oz, divided over the 4 portions; store remaining mozzarella for another use).
Recipes:
- Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $4.98
- Fresh Honey Maple Salmon (1.5 lbs): $16.49
- Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet (1.5 lbs): $4.49
- Fresh Seasoned Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Boneless Chicken Breast (1.5 lbs): $7.49
- Parkview Polska Kielbasa Assorted Varieties (x1 pkg): $2.89
- Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (x2 cans): $1.98
- Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups (x6 cups): $9.90
- Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce (x1 jar): $1.69
- Baby Bella Mushrooms (x2 pkgs): $2.58
- Mini Cucumbers (x1 pkg): $1.69
- Avocados (x4): $2.36
- Park Street Deli Cantina Salsa (x1 jar): $2.49
- Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella (x1 pkg): $3.29

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil (for searing and roasting)
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Lime juice (for cucumber-avocado salad)
- Paprika or cumin (optional, for seasoning black beans)