Meal Prepping Made Easy with Trader Joe’s
As someone who loves to meal prep, I consistently turn to Trader Joe’s for its affordable and diverse range of ingredients. The store’s selection of pre-seasoned and ready-to-use items allows me to whip up delicious meals effortlessly, even on those hectic weeknights.
Why Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is a go-to for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine. With a variety of options that cater to different diets and cuisines, it becomes easy to create family-friendly dishes while keeping costs in check.
Favorite Meals Using Trader Joe’s Products
When it comes to meal prepping, I have a few staple recipes I adore. They require minimal preparation, use a handful of ingredients, and are adaptable for both plant-based and meat-eating families. Here are five of my favorite dinners:
1. Chopped Falafel Salad
This fresh, vibrant salad has quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- ½ cup of kalamata olives
- 7 ounces of Trader Joe’s tabbouleh
- ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Goddess dressing
- 12 frozen Trader Joe’s falafel
This salad is not only nutritious but also incredibly simple to prepare. While the falafel cooks in the oven, I chop the lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, then toss them together in a large bowl. The addition of tabbouleh brings a nice texture and flavor, and once the falafel is done, I add it in and drizzle the Goddess dressing. My kids love transforming their salads into pita pockets with some pita bread on the side!
2. Skillet Lasagna
This dish is comfort food at its finest and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ½ onion
- 24 ounces of Trader Joe’s marinara sauce
- 2 packages of Trader Joe’s vegan ravioli
- 2 tablespoons of chopped basil
- 6 ounces of vegan Boursin cheese
- 1 cup of vegan mozzarella shreds
I start by sautéing the onion until translucent, then add marinara sauce and let it simmer. Next, I incorporate the vegan ravioli and cook for a few minutes, then finish it off with dollops of Boursin cheese and mozzarella, broiling until everything melts beautifully. It’s a dish that screams indulgence but with minimal effort!
3. Easy Ramen
Ramen doesn’t need to be complicated; this quick recipe is ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts of Trader Joe’s ginger miso broth
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil
- 14 ounces of Trader Joe’s organic baked teriyaki tofu
- 4 packages of Trader Joe’s miso ramen
- 2 cups of chopped napa cabbage
- 4 heads of baby bok choy
- 1 cup of shiitake mushrooms
I bring the ginger miso broth to a boil and sauté the tofu in sesame oil. Then, I simply add the ramen noodles to the pot and finish by stirring in the bok choy and mushrooms. This bowl is not only comforting but satisfying and packed with flavor.
4. Meatball Subs
A classic that everyone in my family loves, meatball subs can be made in a snap.
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces of San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- 12 frozen vegan meatballs
- 4 ounces of vegan mozzarella shreds
- 1 tablespoon of garlic olive oil
- ¼ cup of basil leaves
- 4 Trader Joe’s sandwich rolls
I bake the meatballs while I prepare the sandwich rolls. Once everything is ready, I assemble the subs with marinara sauce, meatballs, and finish with cheese before broiling until golden. It’s that easy!
5. Pizza Salad Mashup
Why serve salads on the side when you can put them on top of your pizza?
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s pizza crust
- 1 tablespoon of garlic olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ cup of vegan mozzarella shreds
- 1 bag of Trader Joe’s lemony arugula basil salad kit
I brush the crust with garlic oil and layer on fresh garlic slices before sprinkling on the vegan cheese. Five minutes in the oven until golden, and then I top it with a fresh salad. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza night!
Trader Joe’s offers a treasure trove of options that make meal prepping not only simple but enjoyable. With minimal effort and a few clever ingredients, you can prepare a week’s worth of delicious meals that your family will love. Whether you’re whipping up a salad, skillet lasagna, or ramen, Trader Joe’s is the ultimate meal prep partner.