Quick & Easy Meals with Trader Joe’s Finds

Trader Joe’s has millions of fans, and with good reason. With inexpensive staples and unique, seasonal items (pumpkin spice, anyone?), you can’t go wrong. And for super busy nights, we’ve got some quick and easy recipes so you can whip up dinner in no time.

Mediterranean Lentil Salad
This low-carb classic works equally well as a dip or a salad. Perfect as a light dinner for your vegetarian or gluten-free friends!

Ingredients
1 package Steamed Lentils 
1 tub Fresh Bruschetta Sauce
1 tub Fat Free Crumbled Feta
1 bag Organic Baby Spinach
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Fresh lemon juice
½ cup Reduced Guilt Pita Chips (optional, omit if gluten free)

Method
1.   Add lentils to a large bowl; break apart using the back of a fork to separate. 
2.   Add bruschetta and stir to combine. 
3.   Gently stir in feta and basil.
4.   Serve over spinach with a drizzle of lemon juice and a few pita chips (optional).

Serves 4.

Shrimp Fried Rice
This healthier alternative to traditional fried rice is packed with protein and veggies, making it the perfect one-pot meal.

Ingredients
1 package frozen Raw Shrimp
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 eggs
1 package frozen Vegetable Fried Rice
2 tablespoons Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce

Method
1.    Defrost shrimp in cold water, about 15 minutes.
2.    Heat olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
3.    Cook rice according to package directions. Set aside.
4.    Beat the eggs and scramble; if using the same pan, this will happen quickly.
5.    Add soy sauce, shrimp and rice blend to the skillet and stir to combine.
6.    Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl
These gluten-free Chipotle Chicken Bowls are perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. Or if fitness is a priority, add this to your meal planning schedule.
 
Ingredients
1 box frozen Organic Brown Rice
1 bag frozen Roasted Corn 
1 package Grilled Chicken Strips
1 package cherry tomatoes
1 can Organic Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch cilantro
Fresh limes
Fresh avocado

Method
1.    Prepare Organic Brown Rice and Roasted Corn according to package instructions.
2.    Meanwhile, prep the remaining ingredients. Chop the chicken, quarter the tomatoes, and finely chop the cilantro. Quarter the limes and slice the avocado.
3.    Divide the rice, corn, chicken, tomatoes and kidney beans between four bowls; top with cilantro and avocado, and include a lime slice.

Serves 4

Pesto Ravioli
This is so easy, it’s barely a recipe! When you have pesto in the fridge and ravioli in the freezer, you’re always just a few minutes away from dinner. No take-out required.

Ingredients
1 package Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli (or your favorite ravioli)
1 tub Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto or Genova Pesto
¼ cup fresh tomatoes, quartered
Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Method
1.    Prepare ravioli according to package instructions; drain and return to pot. 
2.    Add pesto, stir to combine. 
3.    Serve topped with chopped tomatoes and fresh parmesan cheese.

Serves 2-3

Scoglio (Seafood Pasta)
This quick and easy seafood pasta is fast enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for company.

Ingredients
1 package Lemon Pepper Pappardelle Pasta (or your favorite pasta)
1 jar Organic Marinara Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bag frozen Seafood Blend
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 bunch parsley, chopped

Method
1.    Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2.    In a separate pot, bring sauce to a low simmer; keep warm over low heat.
3.    Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the seafood until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic browns, about a minute more.
4.    Toss the pasta and the sauce, then add the seafood and stir to combine. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Serves 4

No Time to Cook?
No problem! From savory wraps to protein-packed salads, don’t miss the latest finds in the Trader Joe’s refrigerated aisle. Because even if you have to stop by the store, it’s still faster, cheaper and healthier then take-out. 

Are you obsessed with Trader Joe’s? Share your faves below!