When your weeknight dinner energy is on empty, Trader Joe’s has your back. These 10 clever dinner hacks use a mix of ready-to-eat and easy-to-prep TJ’s ingredients to turn your grocery haul into meals that are fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. No recipes needed—just assemble, heat, and eat.
1. Homemade Pizza
Skip delivery and make your own pie with just a few Trader Joe’s staples. The result? Crispy crust, gooey cheese, and total topping freedom.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Plain Pizza Dough
- Pizza Sauce
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Uncured Turkey Pepperoni (optional)
- Sliced Black Olives (optional)
Preparation Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface.
- Spread pizza sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
2. Falafel Wraps
This wrap hits all the flavor notes—tangy, creamy, fresh, and crispy—perfect for Meatless Monday or any quick dinner fix.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Dill Pickle Mini Falafel
- Olive Tapenade Hummus
- Persian Cucumbers
- Tandoori Naan
Preparation Instructions:
- Heat falafel in oven or air fryer.
- Warm naan on a skillet.
- Spread hummus, layer with sliced cucumbers and falafel.
- Fold and serve.
3. Spicy Tofu Noodles and Veggies
A fast-and-fiery stir-fry made with squiggly noodles, seasoned tofu, and a rainbow of veggies.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles
- Sriracha Flavored Baked Tofu
- Stir Fry Veggie Blend
- Toasted Sesame Oil (optional)
Preparation Instructions:
- Cook noodles per package instructions.
- In a pan, sauté tofu and vegetables with sesame oil.
- Add noodles and toss until heated through.
4. Potsticker Soup
Comfort food in a bowl—this shortcut soup is hearty, warming, and ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
- Chicken Broth
- Mirepoix Chopped Vegetables
- Toasted Sesame Oil
Preparation Instructions:
- Sauté mirepoix in sesame oil for 3–4 minutes.
- Add broth and bring to a simmer.
- Drop in potstickers and cook until warmed through.
5. Quinoa Veggie Burgers
A plant-powered twist on classic burgers, perfect for a quick bite with fries on the side.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers
- Brioche Buns
- Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries
- Organic Ketchup (optional)
Preparation Instructions:
- Cook veggie burger according to package directions.
- Toast buns and bake fries.
- Assemble with toppings of choice.
6. Spanish-Style Shrimp and Rice
This flavor-packed dish features plump shrimp, bold rice, and a drizzle of chimichurri for extra zing.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Argentinian Red Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- Spanish Style Rice
- Chimichurri Sauce
Preparation Instructions:
- Sauté shrimp in a pan with olive oil until opaque.
- Microwave Spanish rice.
- Plate shrimp over rice and top with chimichurri.
7. Orange Chicken Rice Bowls
A Trader Joe’s cult classic—crispy chicken tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce, served over veggie-packed rice.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Vegetable Fried Rice
Preparation Instructions:
- Bake chicken per package instructions.
- Cook fried rice in skillet or microwave.
- Toss chicken in sauce and serve over rice.
8. Pasta with Chicken Meatballs
Protein-rich chickpea pasta and hearty chicken meatballs make this a satisfying gluten-free dinner.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Chickpea Fusilli Pasta
- Chicken Meatballs
- Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
- Shaved Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Preparation Instructions:
- Boil pasta.
- Heat meatballs in a saucepan with pasta sauce.
- Combine with pasta and top with cheese.
9. Mediterranean Lentil Salad
No stove needed—this cold salad is refreshing, protein-packed, and made in under 5 minutes.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Steamed Lentils
- Crumbled Feta Cheese
- Bruschetta Sauce
- Arugula or Baby Spinach (optional)
Preparation Instructions:
- Mix lentils, feta, and bruschetta in a bowl.
- Serve chilled on its own or over greens.
10. Salmon Mango Rice Bowl
Fresh, vibrant, and nutritious—this rice bowl is a tropical-inspired meal you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients (All from Trader Joe’s):
- Fresh Atlantic Salmon
- Salmon Rub Seasoning
- Jasmine Rice
- Mango Jicama Slaw
Preparation Instructions:
- Season salmon with salmon rub and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Cook jasmine rice.
- Serve salmon over rice and top with slaw.
Final Bite
Trader Joe’s isn’t just a grocery store—it’s a shortcut to fast, delicious meals when you need them most. With these 10 dinner hacks, you’ll never stress about what’s for dinner again. Bookmark this post and make your weeknights a whole lot easier.
