There is nowhere I feel freer than the aisles of Trader Joe’s. I walk into those hallowed halls, and, all of a sudden, I have no budget, no plan, and no health goals in mind. I’m simply a girl committed to filling her basket with anything and everything that piques her interest. As fun (and chaotic) as this method of grocery shopping is, it often leaves me with nothing but peanut butter cups and mini ice cream cones by the time the weekend comes around. So, I’ve done the research to compile some Trader Joe’s dinner ideas to help my shopping list carry me through the week—while still leaving plenty of room for snacks, of course.
If you’re looking for quick and easy dinners to make this week, a handful of Trader Joe’s ingredients is all you need. From homemade pizza to a simple vegetarian stir fry, these Trader Joe’s dinner ideas are basically foolproof. Here’s exactly what to buy for the easiest dinners ever:
1. Baked dumplings
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Organic Coconut Milk
Organic Baby Spinach
Thai Style Red Curry Sauce
Toppings of choice
This Trader Joe’s dinner idea is inspired by a viral recipe I’ve seen all over TikTok. Basically, you dump some frozen potstickers and spinach into a baking dish along with a sauce made from a can of coconut milk and some Thai red curry sauce. You could also add in some minced garlic and soy sauce for extra flavor! Then cover and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. Dish up a bowl of saucy dumplings and top with extras like Crunchy Chili Onion, green onions, or fresh cilantro.
2. Carne asada tacos
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Carne Asada Autentica
Corn & Wheat Tortillas
Organic Chunky Homestyle Guacamole
Cilantro and lime juice for topping
Carne asada tacos are typically something I would only ever order at Mexican restaurants because the process of marinating the meat myself sounds way too time-consuming. But with this Trader Joe’s shortcut, these flavorful tacos are super easy to whip up at home. Simply cook the meat on the stove, slice it up, and serve with warm corn tortillas, guacamole, and toppings like fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
3. Yellow chickpea curry
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Organic Garbanzo Beans
Mirepoix Chopped Vegetable Mix
Thai Style Yellow Curry Sauce
Organic Basmati Rice
This vegetarian Trader Joe’s dinner idea is super easy to throw together on nights when you don’t have much time to cook. Grab a container of the Mirepoix veggie mix so you can skip all the work of chopping, plus a box of the frozen Basmati Rice, which cooks in minutes in the microwave. Cook the veggies in a pan on the stove until softened, add in a can of chickpeas and some Thai Style Yellow Curry Sauce, then let everything simmer until the flavors all meld together. Dish up the mixture over rice, and dinner is served!
4. Cauliflower gnocchi with chicken sausage
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Organic Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
Alfredo Pasta Sauce
Organic Baby Spinach
Cauliflower Gnocchi is a Trader Joe’s staple that always has a spot in my freezer. To turn it into a delicious and filling dinner, slice up a couple of Italian-style chicken sausages and brown those in a pan before adding your gnocchi. Once everything is cooked, dump in some alfredo sauce and spinach for a creamy dish that packs in plenty of protein and veggies.
5. Egg roll in a bowl
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
All Natural Ground Chicken
Organic Coleslaw Mix
Soyaki
Organic Basmati Rice
This easy Trader Joe’s dinner packs all the flavors of an egg roll into deconstructed bowl form. Start by browning a package of ground chicken (you could also use ground pork or turkey—either works!). Then add in a bag of coleslaw mix, cook until the veggies have softened, and dump in some Trader Joe’s Soyaki sauce for flavor. Serve up the mixture over rice (or skip it for a low-carb option) and top with a drizzle of sriracha if you like a little spice.
6. Greek chicken meatball bowls
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Chicken Meatballs
Orzo Italian Pasta
Jumbo Pitted Greek Kalamata Olives
Persian Cucumbers
Vegan Tzatziki Dip
Teeny Tiny Tomatoes
I never go without Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs in my fridge, and one of my favorite ways to use them is in these Greek orzo bowls. The meatballs are fully cooked, so all you have to do is heat them up on the stove, in your microwave, or in the air fryer. Meanwhile, cook up some orzo pasta to serve as a hearty base. Then load up your bowl with a couple of meatballs, some orzo, and all your favorite Mediterranean-inspired toppings. I personally love adding kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a big spoonful of TJ’s Vegan Tzatziki Dip.
7. Orange chicken rice bowls
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Mandarin Orange Chicken
Vegetable Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a staple in my freezer, and if you’ve tried it, you know exactly why. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and delicious. To turn it into a full meal with minimal effort, pair it with this frozen vegetable fried rice. Trust me, it tastes amazing and is way cheaper than ordering takeout from your usual spot.
8. Homemade pizza
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Plain Pizza Dough
Pizza Sauce
Toppings of choice
We all know Trader Joe’s frozen pizzas are top-tier, but making your own with TJ’s ingredients is even better. Their premade pizza dough makes things so simple, and you get full control over the toppings. Controversially, I love a little pineapple and pepperoni on mine (don’t judge until you’ve tried it), but feel free to grab whatever toppings suit your fancy.
9. Potsticker soup
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Chicken Broth
Mirepoix Chopped Vegetable Mix
Toasted Sesame Oil
The weather may be warming up, but a good bowl of soup always hits the spot. For another way to use up TJ’s incredible frozen potstickers, try them in this easy Asian-inspired soup. Cook the potstickers and veggies with a little sesame oil, then pour in some chicken broth and let everything simmer. You can even top off your bowl with a dollop of Crunchy Chili Onion if you like a little spice. It’s a hearty, filling meal that takes just minutes to throw together.
10. Pasta with chicken meatballs
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Chickpea Fusilli Pasta
Chicken Meatballs
Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Pasta plus a jar of sauce is a classic lazy-girl dinner, but it falls a bit flat in the protein department. For a boost of protein that makes this meal way more satisfying, I like to heat up a couple of Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs to add to my bowl. Plus, if you use TJ’s Chickpea Fusilli instead of regular pasta, you’ll also sneak in some extra fiber and nutrients.
11. Falafel wraps
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Dill Pickle Mini Falafel
Olive Tapenade Hummus
Persian Cucumbers
Tandoori Naan
If you’re a pickle girlie, let me introduce you to your new favorite meal. This easy wrap is super customizable, but my go-to combo is falafel, cucumbers, and olive tapenade hummus wrapped in pita or naan, depending on what I find in the store. You can also add greens or swap the falafel for chicken.
12. Spanish-style shrimp and rice
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Argentinian Red Shrimp
Spanish Style Rice
Chimichurri Sauce
This no-fuss dinner tastes surprisingly elevated for how simple it is. Topping off your shrimp and rice with a spoonful or two of Trader Joe’s Chimichurri Sauce is totally optional but adds a nice kick of flavor. I love eating it in a bowl as is, but you can also serve it in a tortilla or over a bed of greens. No matter how you plate it, a dinner with only two main ingredients is a win in my book.
13. Quinoa veggie burgers
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers
Brioche Buns
Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries
I swear these quinoa veggie burgers could convert even the biggest hamburger fans. If you love cowboy caviar salsa, you need to try these burgers made with Southwestern-style ingredients like black beans, roasted corn, and red peppers. I pair them with brioche buns and waffle fries, but you can finish yours off with lettuce, tomato, or whatever condiments you like.
14. Mediterranean lentil salad
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Crumbled Feta Cheese
Steamed Lentils
Bruschetta Sauce
I can’t remember the last time I made a Trader Joe’s run without picking up steamed lentils. They’re the perfect protein to throw into almost any dish, but one of my favorite ways to use them is in this salad. No chopping, no cooking—just mix everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to eat. It’s the perfect easy dinner to throw together on a busy weeknight.
15. Spicy tofu noodles and veggies
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles
Stir Fry Veggie Blend
Sriracha Flavored Baked Tofu
Instant noodles are the definition of a lazy dinner, but this combo upgrades it with hardly any extra effort. Heat up the veggie stir-fry blend on the stovetop before mixing it in with the cooked noodles, and if you want to go further, the sriracha-marinated tofu makes a delicious protein source.
16. Salmon mango rice bowl
Image sources: Trader Joe’s
Ingredients:
Fresh Atlantic Salmon
Salmon Rub
Jasmine Rice
Mango Jicama Slaw
Literally nothing can come between me and my weekly salmon bowl, and I’ve been loving this summer twist on the usual recipe. Whether you prefer to grill, bake, or air-fry your salmon, the Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub seasoning is essential because it adds so much flavor. Cook some white rice and top it with the cooked salmon and mango jicama slaw. It’s fresh, fruity, and absolutely delicious.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
