These one-pot and grill meals from Trader Joe’s will definitely make your life easier
Summertime is all about ease, and meals shouldn’t be an exception! With a few favorites in your pantry, these Trader Joe’s dinner ideas come together almost effortlessly, leaving more time for you to enjoy those long days with your little ones. There’s a recipe in this list that’s guaranteed to please everyone, even the picky eaters at your table.
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Mini Chicken Wonton Stir Fry
There’s pretty much nothing easier than a stir fry, can we agree? This one is a twist as it features the mini wontons that are everyone’s favorite. Cook them up according to the package directions and then sautee the broccoli slaw and garlicky cabbage when the wontons are done. Add a bit of stir fry sauce to bring it all together.
Chicken Pasta Salad
This salad is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a portable option for a picnic or potluck. Plus, it’s equally fantastic served warm or cold! Toss cooked pasta with a jar of Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa, black beans, chopped chicken, and a bit of creamy dressing, like the tasty Cilantro. Add a handful of your favorite veggies and shredded or cubed cheese to top it off.
Shawarma Chicken Bowls
Fire up the grill and cook up these chicken thighs that are full of flavor. The base of this dish is brown rice that cooks in the microwave. Top with grilled chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts along with a drizzle of lemon and a dollop of garlic hummus. The pita bite crackers add a bit of crunch.
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
For a delicious veggie-centric summer dinner, stuffed peppers with quinoa and feta are hard to beat. Stuff a variety of peppers with a pre-made quinoa salad, sprinkle with feta and bake until warmed through. You’ll get a bright pop of color, a big boost of vitamins, and a whole lot of yumminess.
Easy Gyros & Mediterranean Salad
Keep it cool and refreshing during the warmer months by whipping up easy gyros. Grab a box of fully cooked Trader Joe's Gyro Slices, naan bread, tomatoes, and creamy prepared Tzatziki sauce and pair it with a simple Greek salad made with greens, cucumber, and balsamic vinegar.
Greek Bowls
All you have to prepare is the quinoa for this easy summer lunch or dinner. It packs a punch of protein so we love it as our base topped with pre-cooked chicken breasts, tomatoes, Greek chickpeas, and diced cucumbers. The vegan tzatziki dip brings it all together.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw
BBQ pork sandwiches are one of the quintessential backyard summer meals, and they're oh-so-simple with a few shortcuts. Pre-made shredded pork heats up in minutes, and the coleslaw mix can quickly be thrown together, leaving extra time for you to toss that frisbee with the kids a few more times.
Scallop Rolls
One of our favorite Trader Joe's dinner ideas? A twist on the classic lobster roll! Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper, and saute in butter. Then tuck them into a squishy hot dog bun with some greens and a dollop of mayo or a tangy tartar sauce. You may not actually be lounging at the seashore, but with this recipe, at least you can pretend you are. Perfection.
Steak Tacos
Can’t decide what to have for dinner? A DIY taco bar is a fun and simple crowd-pleaser. While the meat’s cooking, set out tortillas, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, olives and any other toppings you can think of. Then let everyone go to town making their own creation!
Next-Level Ravioli
Trader Joe's has a great selection of ravioli, but topping it with marinara can get old. By adding steamed spinach, peas and melted Boursin cheese, this pumpkin ravioli now has three veggies (and they all taste like cheese!).
Island Soyaki Rice Bowl with Meatballs
Get all the beach feels with a tropical-inspired rice bowl. Cook party-size frozen mini meatballs in Island Soyaki marinade, flavored with pineapple juice, garlic and ginger. Serve over cooked rice. Add sautéed red peppers and grilled pineapple chunks, and don’t forget to save a little sauce for drizzling on top.
Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
Pesto is the star of this easy pasta recipe that will definitely earn a spot in the summer dinner rotation. Mix your favorite cooked pasta with shrimp and garlicky pesto. Add chopped fresh basil and tomato with a sprinkling of grated parmesan for an extra blast of favorite summery flavors.
Carnitas Salad
The cilantro salad dressing at Trader Joe's is no joke, and it's delicious on more than just salads. Create a filling dinner salad or a tasty lunch by adding their pre-cooked carnitas, Mexican cheese, avocado, salsa, cilantro salad dressing and a small amount of sour cream to a bag of romaine lettuce.
Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos
Trader Joe's pulled pork can be made in the microwave in three minutes and makes a super-tasty base for these tacos. Add your favorite toppings, but don't skip the Roasted Tomatillo and Mango Salsa, which adds some tang and spice.
Additional reporting from Anna Doogan
