Bring on the sparkling watermelon juice and horchata ice cream
Warm weather means meals spent outside by the grill. So, as soon as you have your next gathering on the calendar, it’s time to head to Trader Joe’s to grab a handful of products for your summer cookout! The grocer has everything you need, from savory BBQ sauces and crispy chips to creative takes on burgers and desserts. Get ready to enjoy all that Trader Joe’s has to offer for the summer season.
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Appetizers, Condiments & Drinks from Trader Joe’s
Chips in a Pickle
What screams “summer” more than a pickle? These dill pickle chips! The special, seasonal bag is back and will remind you of sour cream and onion, but with a fun vinegar and dill vibe.
Related: 11 ‘Secret’ Trader Joe’s Tips Straight from Store Employees
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Organic Kansas City BBQ Sauce
It’s just not summer without a hearty jar of BBQ sauce, and Kansas City does it best. TJ’s has taken a note from the experts with its tangy, smoky, hickory sauce that pairs well with veggie patties, meats, and even salads. We also highly recommend the brand’s Carolina Gold BBQ sauce for a tangy alternative!
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Sparkling Watermelon Juice
Summer and watermelon are pretty much synonymous which means this sparkling juice needs to make an appearance at your cookout. It’s made with no added sugar and zero concentrate juice, plus only packs a whopping 60 calories. Both kids and adults will love refreshing sip after sip.
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Chimichurri Sauce
Sandwiches, seafood, burgers, kebabs, pasta, and potatoes—there’s no wrong way to use Trader Joe’s Chimichurri Sauce. It’s made with flavorful cilantro, crushed red pepper, garlic, and herbs that combine to make a rich, green sauce that amps up any summer dish.
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Steamed Lentils
Tinybeans
Yes, we said lentils for a BBQ. Hear us out: these pre-cooked goodies are a key ingredient in the most DIVINE lentil salad that is perfect for poolside. Just mix with one tub of TJ’s crumbled feta and one container of premade bruschetta sauce and you have an undeniably healthy dip that is the essence of summer.
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Chili Lime Rolled Tortilla Chips
Move over Takis, there’s a crispier, crunchier chip in town. Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Chili & Lime Favorite Tortilla Chips are the perfect mix of flavorful and spicy—that won’t burn your mouth like other brands. They are great as a stand-alone, side to your burger, or as a way to scoop your favorite summertime dip.
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Sides & Main Dishes from Trader Joe’s
BBQ & Black Pepper Toscano Chopped Salad
It has BBQ in the name, therefore this is a must for your cookout! While we love the crunchy cabbage and kale that gives this salad a chilly feel, the cornbread croutons and black pepper Toscano cheese really take the idea of a salad served on a hot day from drab to fab.
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Sesame Teriyaki Beef Skirt Steak
Most people think of sizzling meat when they picture a BBQ and that’s why this skirt steak is a natural choice. The pre-marinaded beef is USDA Choice Angus and is versatile enough to be cooked on the grill or stir-fried in an air-conditioned kitchen on a hot day.
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Portabella Burger
Tinybeans
Picture this: a thick juicy burger that is meat-free. It’s a reality when you swap a patty for an oversized Portabella mushroom! Perfect for your vegetarian guests, they cook quickly and pair with so many delicious sauces. Check out this recipe for a Pesto Portabello Burger!
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Pollo Asado
Tinybeans
Whether you enjoy this pollo asado in tacos, burritos, or a la carte, it’s a natural choice for a cookout. Thanks to the marinade of citrus juices, paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper, cayenne, and garlic you don’t have to think ahead of time to flavor your meat, which means more time just enjoying your guests.
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Brioche Buns
Just because you’re hosting a backyard BBQ doesn’t mean you have to settle for sub-par buns. We love both the Brioche hot dog and burger buns that bring a little sweet and salty to your gathering. Plus, they’re great for picky eaters who will probably only eat the bun anyways!
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Any Trader Joe’s Corn Product
Whether you’re sautéing up a bag of Mexican Style Roasted Corn, warming up some microwave-ready corn on the cob, or making your own Elote with Everything but the Elote seasoning, you can’t go wrong with any TJ’s corn product this summer.
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Desserts from Trader Joe’s
Horchata Inspired Ice Cream
When it comes to Trader Joe’s products for your summer cookout, we think this Horchata-inspired ice cream takes the cake. Not only does this dessert boast the creamy, cinnamony flavor you love from the Latin American drink, but it also comes with Horchata-flavored cookies mixed in! Grab a carton or two to close out your upcoming BBQ.
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Watermelon & Peach Macarons
We can’t say anything but “Oui!” to these perfect pastel macarons. Found in the freezer aisle, they are a great way to add just a little sweetness to your cookout and, dare we say it, would pair perfectly with an adult sparkling wine at the end of a long, hot day.
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