37 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes to Try in 2024

Buy all of your groceries at Trader Joe’s? I thought so, it seems to be everyone’s favorite grocery store. 😉 Run out to your nearest TJ’s to stock up on these ingredients that turn everyday Trader Joe’s ingredients into easy Trader Joe’s meals!

The recipes below are made with minimal ingredients and effort to get your meals on the table asap! Click on the link for each recipe to be taken to the full recipe with all of the details. And if you’re a TJ super fan, check out my friend Jordan’s cookbook – Quick Prep Cooking Using Ingredients from Trader Joe’s. It’s a must!

If you want to skip to the good part, the most popular TJ recipes are Trader Joe’s chicken curry, Trader Joe’s dirty gyoza, Trader Joe’s masala lentils, Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi,and how to make a Trader Joe’s cheese board (with two price options).

I’ve visited Trader Joe’s a LOT. Like, probably way too much. So I’ve tried many of their items, and I’ve made many meals from Trader Joe’s ingredients. Some turn into “real” meals, made from scratch, but when you’re looking for easy meals made with a few ingredients that take minutes to prepare? I got you! All meals contain SOME sort of vegetable too, so you can rest easy.

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Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

Trader Joe’s Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast Board

This no-bake breakfast spread platter is easy, totally customizable and so FUN! Whether you’re looking for breakfast entertaining ideas, breakfast for guests, or creative brunch ideas, this brunch spread is the way to go! You could also add a bowl of sour cream scrambled eggs to the board, just don’t skip the bacon! I also have a breakfast charcuterie board that includes cheese.

16 Breakfast Items to Take On The Go

The best Trader Joe’s breakfast items so that you can take a quick and balanced breakfast on the go. Mix and match, or use the combinations I share. Want something more substantial? Try my yogurt parfait, steak egg and cheese bagel or English breakfast! Serve with sweet cream cold foam or cappuccino.

Trader Joe’s Lunchbox and Meal Prep Recipes

Two-Minute Lunch

This zero-prep lunch idea is a balanced meal without the work. All you need is 2 minutes! More easy school lunch ideas.

Farro Grain Bowl

This recipe is nutritious, satisfying and perfect for meal prep. It all comes together super quickly with the help of some shortcut pantry staples and an easy pesto dressing!

Chicken Shawarma Hummus Bowl

A thick layer of hummus is topped with shawarma chicken and fresh veggies and all scooped up with warm and toasty pita chips. 

Pollo Asado Quinoa Bowls

This EASY, 6-ingredient recipe takes 15 minutes from start to finish and is loaded with delicious flavors and protein from the quinoa, marinated chicken breast, and black beans. Top with salsa for extra spice. Try out this recipe next time you need a quick and nutritious meal or meal prep recipe!

Tikka Masala Lentils

This recipe is delicious, takes just 10 minutes, vegetarian, packed with protein, and reheats really well which makes it ideal for meal prep. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe! And if you’re looking for flavorful and vegetarian meals, try my black bean tostadas or bean and cheese burritos next.

Ground Turkey Meal Prep Bowls

This 4-ingredient recipe is fast, easy, and healthy! Meal prep doesn’t need to be difficult, this recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, and you’ll have a tasty lunch for the entire week. Add a splash of soy sauce the bowls for extra flavor. Ground turkey stir fry or teriyaki chicken are also great make-ahead meals.

Trader Joe’s Dinner Recipes

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

The TJ’s air fryer orange chicken cooks up in less than 10 minutes and is perfectly crispy. It’s one of the most popular items at Trader Joe’s, so make sure it’s on your list. I also have a homemade orange chicken stir fry that is fantastic!

Cauliflower Gnocchi

This gluten-free cult favorite is super easy to prepare. I share my secrets to perfect cooking techniques so it turns out golden and crispy! Serve with Italian chicken sausage and marinara sauce. Kale and sweet potato gnocchi and are other popular items, you can use the same cooking methods!

Vegetarian Chili Nachos

All you need is 4 ingredients for this insanely satisfying meatless meal. Layer, bake and eat – it’s ready in 15 minutes! You can also make these with your own homemade chili, chili con carne, or even Mexican lentil soup. Or switch it up and use the TJ chili in chili cheese dip.

Easy Fish Tacos

This easy recipe has just 8 simple ingredients and is topped with sliced avocado or guacamole, red onion, and a crunchy slaw. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and is ready in just 30 minutes!

Street Corn Carnitas Flatbread

You need just five ingredients to make these fun flatbread pizzas for an easy meal that’s ready in 15 minutes! Top the flatbread with elote for a more authentic street corn flavor. My easy naan pizzas has tons of topping ideas for this easy meal.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

This super-popular skillet recipe takes the flavors of the inside of an egg roll and turns them into a stir fry instead of rolling them into egg roll wrapper. It’s super simple and tasty! This ground pork stir fry, moo shu shrimp, or General Tso’s shrimp are other great stir fry dinner options.

Bool Kogi Rice Bowls

This meal is SO easy – it only takes 20 minutes and has a ton of flavor. The bool kogi is all season and just needs to be cooked! You could also serve it with cauliflower rice for extra veggies.

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

This easy weeknight meal combines turkey sauce, brown rice, and cheese for a filling and delicious dinner!

Sheet Pan Cauliflower Gnocchi

This simple sheet pan recipe makes for super easy prep AND super easy clean up! It’s packed with healthy ingredients (chicken sausage for extra protein) and flavors. My sheet pan baked gnocchi is a similar option.

Italian Meatball Sub

This 5 ingredient homemade sub recipe is filling, easy and delicious! Meatball sliders are also delicious and work as a game day snack or easy dinner. You can also use Italian sausage in the air fryer instead of the meatballs.

Harvest Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash

This cozy, plant-based recipe is SO simple! 3 simple ingredients is all it takes to make this tasty fall dinner.

Carne Asada with Pepper and Corn Salad 

This meal feels slightly fancy, even though there is nothing fancy about it! Steak, bell peppers, corn, and a sprinkle of feta! What more do you need? The carne asada would also be delish in steak quesadillas.

Chicken & Vegetable Curry 

I’m not sure I can pick a favorite Trader Joe’s meal, but if I had to this one would definitely be at the top of the list. It’s creamy, sweet, with a bit of spice! And a full meal with protein, veggies, and a carb. Use the butternut squash fries if they don’t have sweet potato ribbons. Udon stir fry noodles or salmon stir fry are other Asian-ish dinners to try.

Pollo Asado Tacos 

Using this pre-marinated meat makes taco night easy but my homemade ground chicken tacos are another easy and delicious option as is slow cooker salsa chicken that can be stuffed into tortillas and used in cheater chilaquiles. Upgrade with refried black beans or Chipotle copycat corn salsa the side.

Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

This chicken broccoli quinoa casserole is divine, hearty, and satisfying (just like my chicken broccoli ziti!). I love that it covers all of the nutritional bases that I look for: whole-grain, protein, veggies, flavor! Cheesy potato casserole is another comfort-food must!

Turkey Stuffed Peppers 

The turkey bolognese sauce can go in so many directions, but combine with some rice (either made fresh or microwaved!) and stuff in a turkey for a fast and wholesome meal. Ground turkey stir fry is also a delicious meal that utilizes ground turkey.

Jerk Chicken with Rice & Beans 

These skewers are surprisingly tasty, and you’ll definitely want to add the coconut rice & beans into your rotation.

Country Potatoes with Eggs 

TWO INGREDIENTS! And seriously, so yummy. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – just like my breakfast egg tacos.

Turkey Bolognese Pizza 

Turkey Bolognese makes another appearance as a pizza sauce! I love tortilla pizzas!

Palak Paneer Eggs 

I’m always impressed by the Indian Food at Trader Joe’s, and just #putaneggonit for perfection! Leftover slow cooker butter chicken would also be fantastic with this meal. Save some naan for naan pizzas or buffalo chicken flatbreads.

Falafel Sandwich 

Make tzatziki. Bake falafel. Feast. Serve with Greek cucumber salad, hummus, and air fryer pita chips.

Penne Peperonata with Sausage and Spinach 

Frozen pasta gets upgraded with Italian sausage and spinach. Broccoli and sausage orecchiette pasta is a similar homemade version.

Classic Southern Dinner 

Don’t mess with the classic combos of mac and cheese, pulled pork, and greens.

Tortilla Pizza with Meatballs 

The meatballs are decent on their own, better on pizza! Full tortilla pizza details here.

Chimichurri Rice and Sausage 

Flavorful rice, sausage, and broccoli. Dinner is complete. Andouille sausage adds so much flavor to meals, like this Old Bay shrimp boil.

Pasta with Mushrooms and Parmesan  

Sautéed mushrooms make an easy pasta toppings, just don’t forget the parm! Drizzle with olive oil before serving. Penne pomodoro is another simple pasta dish.

Trader Joe’s Side Dish and Appetizer Recipes

Antipasto Salad

This easy salad is packed with nutritious veggies, totally delicious, and only takes 5 minutes to prepare! Greek cucumber salad is another easy side salad made with similar ingredients.

Italian Cherry Tomato Toast

This recipe is made up of a slice of crunchy sourdough toast topped with three simple ingredients. It’s filling, fresh, and a delicious meal for any time of the day! Top with roasted grape tomatoes if they aren’t in-season. Toast lover? Check out peanut butter toast topping ideas, ricotta toast, or avocado toast topping ideas for an endless amount of combinations.

Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board

Learn how to make the best TJ’s Cheeseboard. I show you exactly what to buy, how to arrange the items, and what tools you need to make the ultimate charcuterie! I also have a Costco cheese board with two different price options and a super fun breakfast charcuterie board!

Trader Joe’s Product Reviews + More

Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe’s Dumplings

I’m breaking down all of the Trader Joe’s potstickers, goyza, and dumplings and rating them on a scale. Whatever you do, be sure to serve them as “dirty goyza” with a drizzle of Trader Joe’s chili onion crunch and maple syrup. (See post for instructions on dirty gyoza.) Serve with fried rice or an Asian appetizer to round out the meal.

Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch

Curious about Trader Joe’s chili onion crunch? Look no further, I’m sharing all the details about chili onion crunch from Trader Joe’s! You’ll find ingredients, nutrition, and uses for Trader Joe’s chili onion crunch. 

23 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods

I share my top 23 items from the infamous frozen food section at Trader Joe’s!

12 Best (and Worst!) Frozen Appetizers from Trader Joe’s

9 Healthy Items to Buy at Trader Joe’s

Don’t leave Trader Joe’s without these items in your cart!

Trader Joe’s Smoked Salmon

This post goes over the smoked salmon options at Trader Joe’s. Put it on my smoked salmon sandwich, lox and bagels, or smoked salmon dip.