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Trader Joe’s makes weeknight dinners so much easier with their affordable, flavorful, and ready-to-go products. From frozen favorites to pantry staples, you can mix and match their ingredients for quick and delicious meals at home.
These 15 Trader Joe’s dinner ideas are perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken with Fried Rice
Crispy mandarin orange chicken paired with Trader Joe’s vegetable fried rice is a classic dinner combo. It’s sweet, savory, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss in steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Get the Mandarin Orange Chicken with Fried Rice recipe
2. Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto
Pan-fry cauliflower gnocchi until crispy and toss with their vegan kale pesto for a simple, flavorful dish that feels restaurant-worthy.
Olivia’s Tip
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Get the Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto recipe
3. Beef Birria Tacos
Use Trader Joe’s beef birria and corn tortillas to create juicy, flavorful tacos. Dip in the provided consommé for an extra-rich, authentic taste.
Olivia’s Tip
Add diced onions and fresh cilantro to brighten the dish.
Get the Beef Birria Tacos recipe
4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Heat Trader Joe’s pulled pork and pile it onto brioche buns with coleslaw. It’s a quick, satisfying sandwich night that everyone will love.
Olivia’s Tip
Toast the buns for a little extra crunch and better texture.
Get the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe
5. Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Grill or pan-fry their marinated chicken shawarma and serve it over rice with cucumber salad, hummus, and pita bread for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Olivia’s Tip
Drizzle with Trader Joe’s garlic spread for extra flavor.
Get the Chicken Shawarma Bowls recipe
6. Ricotta & Lemon Ravioli with Butter Sauce
Boil their ricotta & lemon zest ravioli and toss with melted butter, parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon for a light and zesty dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Add sautéed spinach for extra greens and color.
Get the Ricotta & Lemon Ravioli with Butter Sauce recipe
7. Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower Stir Fry
Bake their tempura cauliflower and toss in kung pao sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a spicy, satisfying meatless dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions for texture.
Get the Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower Stir Fry recipe
8. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Cook Trader Joe’s spaghetti and toss with their cacio e pepe sauce for a creamy, peppery pasta that’s done in minutes.
Olivia’s Tip
Top with extra parmesan and cracked black pepper for bold flavor.
Get the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe recipe
9. Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Veggies
Roast Trader Joe’s gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and olive oil on a sheet pan for a hands-off, one-pan meal.
Olivia’s Tip
Sprinkle with feta or parmesan cheese before serving
Get the Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Veggies recipe
10. Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
Grill their chili lime chicken burgers and serve on buns with avocado slices and salsa for a quick, zesty dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Pair with their elote corn chips or guacamole for a fun side.
Get the Chili Lime Chicken Burgers recipe
11. Vegetable Fried Rice & Chicken Gyoza
Heat their veggie fried rice and pan-fry chicken gyoza for a fast Asian-inspired dinner that’s packed with flavor and crunch.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a drizzle of soy sauce or chili oil for extra flavor.
Get the Vegetable Fried Rice & Chicken Gyoza recipe
12. Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Warm their frozen butter chicken and basmati rice for an Indian-inspired meal that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for busy nights.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve with naan bread to scoop up every bite.
Get the Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice recipe
13. Trader Joe’s Pizza Night
Use their pizza dough, pizza sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese to create a DIY pizza night. Let everyone add their favorite toppings.
Olivia’s Tip
Brush the crust with olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.
Get the Trader Joe’s Pizza Night recipe
14. Salmon Burgers with Arugula Salad
Grill their frozen salmon burgers and serve with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and a side of roasted potatoes for a light, healthy dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Add their dill pickle mustard for a tangy kick.
Get the Salmon Burgers with Arugula Salad recipe
15. Mushroom Risotto with Grilled Shrimp
Heat their mushroom risotto and top with grilled shrimp or scallops for a fancy but easy dinner that feels like a treat.
Olivia’s Tip
Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
