Top 30 Trader Joe’s Recipes for Your Meal Planner

Sometimes, you want a three-ingredient meal that you can toss together in minutes — made easier by these delicious Trader Joe's recipes.

Sometimes, you want a three-ingredient meal that you can toss together in minutes. Other times, you might feel like taking your time in the kitchen. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you know Trader Joe’s is the place to go.

But with almost 500 recipes on their website, where do you start? Well, we’ve taken the liberty of choosing 30 of the best, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, snacks, desserts and beverages.

30. Kale & Crispy Pork Belly

Kale & Crispy Pork Belly

Trader Joe’s Kale & Crispy Pork Belly might just be your new go-to when you’re in need of some comfort food. The recipe calls for 2 cups TJ’s Low Sodium Chicken Broth, 6 ounces of TJ’s Fully Cooked Pork Belly and one 10-ounce bag of TJ’s Kale.

Add garlic and red pepper flakes and enjoy with a slice of cornbread.

29. Butternut Squash Hummus

Butternut Squash Hummus

For a dip with a difference, try Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Hummus. After roasting and cubing your squash, blend it with Trader Joe’s Organic Tahini, paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice and Trader Joe’s Avocado Oil.

Serve with chips or veggies … or just dig in with a spoon!

28. Potato Pancakes With Asparagus & Poached Eggs

Potato Pancakes With Asparagus & Poached Eggs

TJ’s asparagus, eggs and potato pancakes (latkes) form the basis of a delicious, nutritious meal that will set you up for the day.

To poach your eggs to perfection, add 1 tablespoon of TJ’s Apple Cider Vinegar to the water after it’s on simmer. Garlic and lemon juice give the dish an extra flavor boost.

27. Berry Yogurt Pops

Berry Yogurt Pops

A cross between frozen popsicles and frozen yogurt, Trader Joe’s Berry Yogurt Pops are tasty treats that pack plenty of fruity goodness. As well as TJ’s Honey Greek Yogurt, you’ll need strawberries, blueberries and mint.

Oh, and don’t forget the wooden craft sticks and small paper cups.

26. Good as Gold Mini Meatballs

Good as Gold Mini Meatballs

Trader Joe’s Good as Gold Mini Meatballs live up to their name. Perfect for parties, they get their sweet ‘n’ smokiness from TJ’s Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce.

Best stock up — these babies won’t stay on the table for long.

25. Golden Milk Coconut Chia Pudding

Golden Milk Coconut Chia Pudding

Don’t have time to make breakfast before work or the school run? You can’t go wrong with Trader Joe’s Golden Milk Coconut Chia Pudding, which includes 1 cup TJ’s Turmeric Ginger Coconut Beverage and 1/4 cup TJ’s Organic Chia Seeds.

It’s super simple to prepare — just mix them in a small bowl with vanilla extract and maple syrup, let it sit for 10 minutes (stirring a few times to stop any clumps forming), then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge overnight.

24. Curried Chicken Papaya

Curried Chicken Papaya

TJ’s Curried White Chicken Deli Salad is at the heart of Trader Joe’s Curried Chicken Papaya recipe. Add 1 head TJ’s romaine lettuce and 1 ripe TJ’s papaya, and you’re good to go!

All you do is peel and halve the papaya, remove the seeds with a spoon, fill each half with the chicken salad, and serve on top of the lettuce.

23. 21 Seasoning Salute Vinaigrette

Seasoning Salute Vinaigrette

A great vinaigrette can elevate a simple salad beyond your expectations. Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute Vinaigrette tastes amazing thanks to grated TJ’s Pecorino, Romano and Parmesan Cheese Blend and, of course, TJ’s 21 Seasoning Salute (you’ll need six to eight shakes).

Of course, it’s not just for salads — it’s perfect as a marinade for fish or chicken, or added to pasta dishes.

22. Greek Style Potato Salad

Greek Style Potato Salad

Another classic side, Trader Joe’s Greek Style Potato Salad is another awesome “cheat dish” — TJ’s has done the hard work for you!

To their Old Fashioned Potato Salad, fold in Persian cucumber, red bell pepper, feta cheese and kalamata olives. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve!

21. Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

Sometimes breakfast is about throwing all the leftovers together. But you still want it to taste great, so follow this Trader Joe’s Breakfast Casserole recipe.

It calls for a loaf of TJ’s Crusty French Bread (torn into pieces), 6 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup TJ’s Sweet Italian Style Chicken Sausage (pre-cooked and sliced) and 1 cup TJ’s Monterey Jack Cheese (grated). Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back.

20. Gone Bananas Sundae

Gone Bananas Sundae

TJ’s French Vanilla Ice Cream, TJ’s Fudge Sauce and TJ’s Gone Bananas form the basis of Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas Sundae. Add cherries and graham crackers and enjoy! \

You can also make a strawberry version by switching the Gone Bananas with TJ’s Gone Berry Crazy.

19. Refreshing Raspberry Lemonade

Refreshing Raspberry Lemonade

Nothing beats Trader Joe’s Refreshing Raspberry Lemonade on a hot day.

Just add 2.5 cups TJ’s Frozen Raspberries to one container of chilled TJ’s Organic Lemonade in a pitcher, pour into glasses and garnish with lemon slices. Heaven!

18. Roasted Squash Salad

Roasted Squash Salad

A simple, healthy lunch option that will impress your guests is Trader Joe’s Roasted Squash Salad.

The Chèvre Goat Cheese Log is the perfect companion for your favorite TJ’s squash. A sprinkling of pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of oil are the finishing touches to this wholesome recipe.

17. Mango Limeadita

Mango Limeadita

It’s fiesta time when a pitcher of Trader Joe’s Mango Limeadita is on the go. You’ll need TJ’s Limeade, TJ’s Organic Frozen Mango Chunks and TJ’s Agave Sweetener.

Add TJ’s Reposado Distinqt Tequila if you want a boozy kick, and don’t forget to rim your glasses with TJ’s Sea Salt. Salud!

16. BABP (Bacon, Apple & Brie Panini)

BABP (Bacon, Apple & Brie Panini)

Trader Joe’s Bacon, Apple & Brie Panini has all the comfort of a basic grilled cheese sandwich, but the bacon and apple takes it to another level.

Adding TJ’s Whole Grain Dijon Mustard is optimal, but it definitely gives it a kick! This is another one that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

15. Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast Tacos

Tacos for breakfast? Absolutely. Trader Joe’s version packs in all your faves — a bag of TJ’s Roasted Potatoes with Peppers & Onions, TJ’s Soy Chorizo and your favorite TJ’s tortillas.

Add eggs, shredded cheese, avocados, and you have a totally moreish morning treat (that you’ll want to make any time of the day). Oh, and don’t forget TJ’s Pico de Gallo Salsa … mild or hot — you decide!

14. Hot & Smoky Rigatoni Bake

Hot & Smoky Rigatoni Bake

If Trader Joe’s Hot & Smoky Rigatoni Bake doesn’t rank in your Top 10 comfort foods, you’ve obviously never tried it. Like all the best pasta dishes, it has lots of cheese (in this case, 1 cup TJ’s Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, 1/2 cup TJ’s Grated Parmesan and 2 cups TJ’s Shredded Mozzarella Cheese) and plenty of spice (1 package TJ’s Sweet or Hot Italian Sausage and 2 teaspoons TJ’s Smoked Paprika).

Of course, TJ’s Rigatoni Pasta and TJ’s Tomato Basil Marinara are the key ingredients.

13. Trader Joe’s Waffle Sandwich

Trader Joe’s Waffle Sandwich

Sandwiches aren’t just for lunch, you know. Trader Joe’s Waffle Sandwich guarantees a sweet start to the day, and all you need is a pack of TJ’s Frozen Toaster Waffles, TJ’s Cream Cheese, blueberries, sugar and vanilla extract.

It’s a foolproof recipe — if you can toast the waffles, you’re halfway there.

12. Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit Carnitas

With its meaty texture, jackfruit is a brilliant alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Fun fact: It’s the largest fruit that can be found on a tree growing up to about 3 feet in length.

Trader Joe’s JackfruitCarnitas recipe is a great place to start if you’ve never cooked with jackfruit before.

11. Spicy Shrimp Slaw

Spicy Shrimp Slaw

Whether as a BBQ side, a filling for tacos or a main dish served with rice, Trader Joe’s Spicy Shrimp Slaw is a definite crowd-pleaser.

The slaw itself is super easy to make and refrigerate ahead of time, meaning all you have to do is broil the TJ’s Uncooked Wild Argentinian Red Shrimp and TJ’s Mango Chunks. Top the slaw with the shrimp and mango (a winning combination if there ever was one).

10. Lemony Grilled Chicken Thighs

Lemony Grilled Chicken Thighs

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. To make Trader Joe’s Lemony Grilled Chicken Thighs, all you need to do is whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt and lemon pepper seasoning, then add 1 package TJ’s All Natural Bone-In Skin-On Chicken Thighs.

Coat the meat with the mixture, cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to feast, grill the thighs.

9. Dairy Free Mac ‘N Cheese

Dairy Free Mac ‘N Cheese

To give the ultimate comfort food a vegan makeover, simply follow the recipe for Trader Joe’s Dairy Free Mac ‘N Cheese. There’s zero cheese involved, but it still tastes perfectly cheesy!

It’s all thanks to the blend of TJ’s Raw Cashews and TJ’s Unsweetened Almond Beverage. Add garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice and various spices to create your sauce mixture.

8. Vegan Caesar Salad

Vegan Caesar Salad

Another treat for the vegans is Trader Joe’s Vegan Caesar Salad, with organic garbanzo beans, vegan “Parmesan” and romaine lettuce.

Bonus: The recipe yields enough “cheese” to add to salads, pasta and omelettes for weeks!

7. Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie

Even a pie novice can make Trader Joe’s Coconut Cream Pie. It’s made using TJ’s Gluten Free Pie Crust, which comes already formed in its own tin.

So, all you have to do is bake it, then add the sweet, smooth coconut filling.

6. Unexpected Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Unexpected Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich?

Trader Joe’s Unexpected Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate recipe for this family favorite. Trust us — your kids will want this for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5. Fruity Chocolate Pudding

Fruity Chocolate Pudding

Trader Joe’s Fruity Chocolate Pudding looks (and tastes) like a sophisticated dessert, but it’s really easy to make. You only need three ingredients: TJ’s Belgian Chocolate Pudding, TJ’s Organic Freeze Dried Berry Medley and TJ’s Cinnamon Graham Crackers.

Serve it in retro cocktail glasses for the ultimate dessert experience.

4. Toscano Pizza

Toscano Pizza

Think you can’t make your own pizza? Trader Joe’s Toscano Pizza makes it a cinch because all the hard work is done already!

All you need is one TJ’s Organic French Baguette, TJ’s Pizza Sauce and TJ’s Pizza Seasoned Shredded Toscano Cheese.

3. Kick S’moreover Dip

Kick S'moreover Dip

S’mores get a major upgrade with Trader Joe’s Kick S’moreover Dip. All you need are TJ’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, TJ’s Organic Reduced Fat Coconut Milk and TJ’s Marshmallows, and then it’s all about your favorite dip accompaniments.

Fresh strawberries, dark chocolate crisps, graham crackers, all of the above … the choice is yours.

2. Charlotte’s Chocolate Bread Pudding

Charlotte’s Chocolate Bread Pudding

Trader Joe’s Charlotte’s Chocolate Bread Pudding is comfort dessert royalty. Chocolate chips, a French baguette, whipped cream … what’s not to love?

Serve warm (and be prepared to fight for seconds).

1. Lasagna Carbonara

Lasagna Carbonara

If you can’t choose between lasagna and carbonara, the answer is simple. Have both! Trader Joe’s Lasagna Carbonara has all the smoky richness of spaghetti carbonara, plus the gooey cheesiness of lasagna.

It’s two pasta favorites in one dish, and it’s made easy by Trader Joe’s Lasagna Noodles. Try it, and you’ll know exactly why it’s our No 1.

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