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True story: I used to live across the street from Trader Joe’s. This was both good and bad at the time, but now the memories are only fond. I still visit when I can, and today I decided to share a list of things that could totally save you some time during your next meal prep session. From the base of your next southwest chicken salad, to cauliflower & veggie stir-fry calling for your favorite protein, it’s all right here. PLUS, check out the extra recipe ideas to give you some starting places for next week’s meal plan. Here are the 9 Best Products to Meal Prep from Trader Joe’s!
9 Best Products to Meal Prep from Trader Joe’s
1. Fire Roasted Bell Peppers & Onions
Skip literally all the chopping with these pre-cooked (fire roasted if we’re being technical) and ready to use peppers + onions. I’m thinking fajitas, or maybe over some bratwurst? The best part – they’ll stay in the freezer until you’re ready to heat them up and put them to good use.
Meal ideas:
Chicken Fajitas with Chipotle Lime Crema from Carlsbad Cravings
Roasted Bratwurst with Peppers & Onions from Budget Bytes
Baked Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole from Project Meal Plan
2. Broccoli & Kale Slaw
Greens, dried fruits, almonds, sunflower seeds, AND dressing all packed into this thing. Talk about saving some serious time cutting, cleaning, mixing. Thanks TJs! Pair with chicken or bulk up with more veggies for a few good salads prepped and ready to go!
Meal ideas:
Broccoli Slaw with Chicken from Jessica Gavin
Quinoa Broccoli Slaw from Cookie and Kate
Ginger Chicken Tacos from Well Plated
3. Ready to Eat Steamed Lentils
Change up your meal prep routine and head for lentils instead of rice or quinoa. Maybe I’m just really bad at cooking lentils, but this seems like an awesome shortcut. They’ve got more protein than rice, and can help lower your blood pressure.
Meal Ideas:
Broccoli Lentil Quinoa Casserole from Meal Prep on Fleek
Roasted Veggie & Lentil Protein Bowl from Total Body Nourishment
Sweet Potato & Lentil Buddha Bowl from Sweet Potato Soul
4. Riced Cauliflower
My personal issue with riced cauliflower is the fact that I have to clean appliances after I make it. But not today! This package contains ONLY cauliflower, and can be used for any of those riced cauliflower needs. It’s a no-brainer.
Meal ideas:
Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice from Kirbie’s Cravings
Low Carb Cauliflower Pot Pies from It’s Cheat Day Everyday
Healthy Cauliflower Fritters from Just a Taste
5. All the Burgers
Pick your favorite burgers, cook them up ahead of time, and have an easy lunch or dinner that’s basically done. Go for lettuce buns, pretzel buns, all the toppings, no toppings, or just a simple patty cooked how you like it. Easy! They’ve got turkey burgers, chicken burgers, buffalo burgers, beef burgers, salmon burgers and tuna burgers.
Meal ideas:
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Burgers from TipHero
Spicy Tuna Steak Burgers with Wasabi Mayo from A Sassy Spoon
Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges from Baker by Nature
6. Individually Portioned Trail Mixes
Okay, not so much prep here, because they’ve basically done it for you! If you’re one of those people that can’t help but keep reaching into an open bag of trail mix (ME), these snack-sized pre-portioned trail mix packs are for you. Plan healthy snacks so you don’t have to stop and buy something!
If you have more time, try making one of these recipes at home. Instead of using plastic baggies to portion out your snacks, try a Stasher bag!
Recipe ideas:
How to Build a Healthy Trail Mix from The Healthy Maven
Nut Free Trail Mix from Homemade for Elle
Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix from Cotter Crunch
7. Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken
This is probably the best-looking pre-seasoned main dish I could find in the entire store. You could pick this bird up on Sunday afternoon, roast it up for dinner, and then have chicken to last you for the next couple dinners. Plus, it’s already pre-seasoned and butterflied. Sounds like the hard part is done for you!
Side dish ideas:
Italian Oven-Roasted Vegetables from The Mediterranean Dish
Make-Ahead Quinoa Party Salad from Project Meal Plan
Roasted Asparagus with Almonds and Asiago from Food and Wine
8. Southwestern Chopped Salad
This salad just needs a little bit of protein and then it’s basically a whole meal. Separate it into four portions, and you’ve got lunch for the week. It would be perfect with some BBQ chicken and tortilla chips! Or stick with the spicy avocado dressing and some plain chicken breast. Talk about an easy meal prep!
Meal ideas:
Homemade Chipotle Grilled Chicken from Project Meal Plan
Southwest Chicken from All Recipes
Southwest Steak Bowls from Budget Bytes
9. Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower
My plan for the tempura cauliflower currently chilling in the freezer? Some kind of build-a-bowl workshop – chicken, sauteed veggies, mix it up, and boom. Dinner with a new side dish I bet you haven’t tried. Prep some bowls for the week, or pair with dinner any night of the week.
Meal ideas:
Asian Meal Prep Bowls from Damn Delicious
Thai Peanut Chicken Meal Prep Bowls from From Valerie’s Kitchen
Paleo Asian Taco Meal Prep Bowls from I Heart Unami
That’s all folks! Thanks for taking a peak into my latest shopping adventure. Hope you found something good in the 9 Best Products to Meal Prep from Trader Joe’s. I also like to shop at Costco, and made a list of 7 Things From Costco That Make Meal Prep Better. What’s your favorite thing to meal prep from Trader Joe’s? Let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer: I have no relationship with Trader Joe’s and was not compensated in any way for writing this post. I just really like Trader Joe’s!
Kristen King says
We just moved to a city with a Trader Joe’s and it has been great getting to know the products. They are all wonderful! This post is a big help and I have not seen several of these before. I want to find that butterflied chicken!
Danielle says
I’m so happy for you Kristen! Is that a thing I can congratulate people on? Moving nearer to Trader Joe’s should be considered an accomplishment ๐ So glad you found this list useful! The butterflied chicken is normally on the bottom shelf of the refrigerated raw meats at my Trader Joe’s. I’m positive it’s a year-round item so I hope your store carries it! Good luck!