35+ Healthy Trader Joes Recipes (2024)

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By Kelli Shallal MPH RD 5 Comments

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These healthy Trader Joes recipes are inspired by TJs specialty items and grocery staples to inspire your next shopping trip.

35+ Healthy Trader Joes Recipes (1)

Hi friends, I hope you had a lovely Father’s Day weekend.

As you guys know, I LOVE Trader Joe’s. I discovered them in Grad School and was instantly hooked. What’s not to love? The stores are small, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Pre world pandemic world they used to have all kinds of samples like wine and cheese, coffee, featured items, and more. And, there is an obvious commitment to cleaner food items (although I’m not sure if it’s stated anywhere. ) I mean even there candy is free of artificial colors, so I think that’s pretty awesome.

I’ve written about my Trader Joe’s Pantry staples before, Healthy Trader Joe’s Dinner Recipes, my favorite Healthy Trader Joe’s Snacks, shared grocery hauls with y’all, and recently shared a 7-day Healthy Trader Joe’s Meal plan and shopping list. However, I realized when I put together that meal plan that there were A TON of recipes I could have put on it but didn’t have space.

You can only eat so much in a week, right?

The thing about Trader Joe’s is they aren’t a giant grocery store, you can’t get everything you ever wanted there. But, on the flip side, they also have specialty items you can’t get anywhere else (like cauliflower gnocchi.) So, today I’m rounding up all the recipes on my site that are TJ’s inspired. Some of the recipes with specialty items, some of the recipes with regular items you know you can find there, but all delicious inspiration for your next shopping trip!

These healthy Trader Joes' Recipes are inspired by specialty items and grocery staples we get at TJs all the time! Enjoy!

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This easy Trader Joe's meal is made up of some of my favorite TJ's specialty items like chicken sausage and cauliflower gnocchi!

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Healthy Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken

You'll never guess the secret TJ's ingredient in this chicken crust, it will blow your mind!

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Healthy Homemade "Fig Newton" Cookies

You know what TJ's has year around, sitting on the bottom shelf near all the dried fruit. Mission figs! I make these healthier cookies year-round knowing they will always have figs for me to purchase!

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If I don't get my wings at Butcher Box, the next likely place I am to get them is Trader Joe's. This is my new favorite wing recipe, so I thought I'd throw this recipe in the list!

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Mediterranean Pizzas

I LOVE TJ's Mediterranean Hummus and their brown rice tortillas. The brown rice tortillas crisp up perfectly to make these delicious Mediterranean inspired pizzas.

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Remember when cauliflower rice was exclusive to Trader Joe's and you'd buy like 10 packets every time you went? Oh, just me? Now, thanks to TJ's you can get it just about anywhere, but I still throw all the cauliflower rice recipes inspired by TJ's first convenient package in the list!

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Easy Paleo Taco Salad with Plantain Chips

Harissa salsa and roasted plantain chips also top the list of two of my all-time favorite Trader Joe's goods I can never pass up. They make this salad out of this worth delicious!

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Oven-Fried Paleo Chicken Tenders

Do you know what I can never find anymore? Almond meal, NOT almond flour, almond MEAL. The only place to get it nowadays is TJs. Thank goodness because almond meal lends a crispy texture to these chicken tenders that you can't get with almond flour. Try them, you'll love them I promise!

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DIY Starbucks Spinach Feta Breakfast Wrap - Freezer Friendly

This one isn't TJ's specific, but I do love that they always have the roasted red pepper jars, which are sometimes hard to find elsewhere and are needed to make these Starbucks Feta Wrap knock offs I love so much.

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Oatmeal Crust Breakfast Pizzas

Not TJs specific, but you can get all the ingredients at TJs for these delicious oatmeal crust breakfast pizzas.

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Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Another item I love from TJs is there already made bruschetta. I love to eat like regular bruschetta, but I also like to mix it with pasta for a delicious summery dish.

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Trail Mix Energy Balls

Need a quick healthy snack? These Trail Mix Energy Balls are quick and easy to whip up!

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Berry Bacon Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

A fun summer salad you can pick up all the ingredients for at TJs. I like to include anything with bacon on my TJs recipes list because my favorite bacon of all time is the uncured applewood smoked super thick-cut bacon at TJs.

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Ultra Creamy Lightened Up Macaroni Salad

This lightened-up mac salad has a few TJs specific ingredients like their 8 veggie mix and light cheese wedges found only at TJs.

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Sweet Potato Coffee Brownie Cake

This delicious dessert uses coffee flour from Trader Joes.

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5 Ingredient Healthy Egg Muffins

I often use Trader Joe's steam in the bag broccoli for recipes. I use it in these healthy egg muffins to speed up the recipe and meal prep breakfast faster!

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5 Ingredient Breakfast Sausage Skillet

Frozen carrot noodles! Another fun TJ's only item to try in this healthy breakfast skillet.

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(Almost) 5 Ingredient Pumpkin Seed Bars

I love that TJ's carries unsalted unroasted pepitas year around so I can make my pumpkin seed bars! They also carry roasted, salted pepitas that Mr. Hungry likes to snack on by themselves.

One of my favorite veggies is Trader Joe's butternut squash zig-zags which I've never seen anywhere else. I used them in this fun oven-roasted fall salad which is perfect for a weeknight dinner or holiday!

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Crustless Quiche Lorraine

Another use for TJ's bacon and frozen cauliflower rice.

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How to Make Grilled Pizza

I love to use Trader Joe's premade pizza crusts when I throw pizza on the grill!

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4 Ingredient Sun Butter Cookies

Trader Joe's store brand sunflower seed butter is a must-have every single time I shop there, these cookies are one of the reasons why!

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Angel Food Cake Overnight Oats

A quick and easy overnight oats recipes from back in the blogs early days.

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Trader Joe's is one of the only places I know that I can always get coconut cream. They also carry coconut sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder so you can put this delicious pudding on your dessert list for the week!

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Chile Lime Grilled Corn on the Cob

Trader Joe's Chile Lime seasoning is delicious on mangos, but also on corn on the cob! Get the full recipe here!

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I'm putting this on the list because all the ingredients are from Trader Joe's, but I especially love their pre-cooked uncured bacon.

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Roasted Green Beans with Bacon

I love the haricot green beans at Trader Joe's. You can get them other places, but not as neatly wrapped and even steam in the bag friendly as theirs!

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Thai Green Curry Turkey Burgers

TJ's Green Curry Sauce is not just to dump over veggies and rice, it's better than that!

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Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Zig Zags

I'm not the only fan of zig-zags, it's basically the only way my 19-month old will willingly eat vegetables nowadays!

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I like all kinds of pesto, and I'm we aren't a dairy-free household. But, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy this surprisingly delicious vegan pesto in the cold case.

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Not Trader Joe's specific, but I often make it to go with one of their pre-made meatloaves or frozen lasagna, we like both the turkey and ground beef versions.

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Healthy Breakfast Quesadilla (with VIDEO)

Did I mention I REALLY like the brown rice tortillas? Of course, they have other tortillas you can use though! My MIL makes this easy breakfast recipe all the time with their whole wheat tortillas.

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Energy Bites (5 Ingredients)

Trader Joe's is responsible for introducing me to cashew butter and now it's a must-have in my kitchen at all times. It's buttery, ultra-creamy, rich, and the perfect base for this healthy snack!

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Sheet Pan Meal: Turkey Bacon Ranch Bowls

If you haven't tried Trader Joe's peppered turkey bacon, you don't know what your missing. Did you feel the FOMO just set in?

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Sheet Pan Meal: Everything Salmon

Is there anything Everything But The Bagel Seasoning can't do?

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35+ Healthy Trader Joes Recipes (38)

About Kelli Shallal MPH RD

Kelli Shallal MPH RD is a Phoenix, Arizona based Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University. She is a blogger behind the popular blog and nutrition practice Hungry Hobby. She is also the owner and creator of What to Eat? Meal Plans.

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Comments

  1. 35+ Healthy Trader Joes Recipes (40)Keep Calm and Eat Bacon says

    Salmon and bacon? Two thumbs up! Good thinking. Thanks for the share!

    Reply

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  1. […] most popular posts here at HH are my Trader Joe’s Healthy Meal Plan and Shopping List and my 35+ Healthy Trader Joe’s Recipes […]

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  2. […] Joe’s as much as I do because my Healthy Trader Joe’s Meal Plan and Shopping List, 35+ My Healthy Trader Joes Recipes, and 32 Healthy Trader Joe’s Snacks are among my most popular […]

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  3. […] and sausage, sheet pan gnocchi and red shrimp (yes, I’m obssesed with Trader Joe’s, see 35+ Healthy Trader Joe’s Recipes and Healthy Trader Joe’s Meal Plan and Shopping List), but for best results, those all need […]

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  4. […] up, pre-riced cauliflower was not a thing. You had to make your own. Then, for a while, Trader Joe’s was the only place you could get your cauliflower “pre-riced,” but it seemed like they […]

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35+ Healthy Trader Joes Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is Trader Joe's considered a healthy grocery store? ›

Trader Joe's does not exclusively sell healthy foods, but you still have a variety of healthy food options to choose from. You have plant-based protein foods like almond butter and tofu and plant-based dressings or pesto. Other options include avocados, lentils, lentil pasta, and more. Trader Joe's.

What is the most popular item at Trader Joe's? ›

Just like last year, Trader Joe's zesty, crunchy rolled-up corn chips have taken home the prize of overall favorite. For fans of Takis and all things that will make the roof of your mouth feel like it's on fire, this one will be a surefire favorite in your cabinet.

Does Trader Joe's have a lot of processed foods? ›

Limit Processed Foods: While Trader Joe's does offer some processed and convenience foods, it's essential to consume them in moderation. Opt for products with shorter ingredient lists and avoid those high in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.

How to cook shawarma chicken thighs from Trader Joe's? ›

Yes, you can cook Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and bake the chicken thighs on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Can I grill Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs? Absolutely!

What is a weakness of Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's SWOT Analysis: Final Thoughts

Its mastery of private label products, sustainability initiatives, and ability to attract shoppers of all ages are significant strengths. However, complexities in the supply chain, limited online presence, and geographical limitations pose challenges.

What is America's healthiest grocery store? ›

Just four grocers in our survey—Central Market, Wegmans, Heinen's, and New Seasons Market—received superlative ratings in several health-related categories: selection of healthy options, produce quality, produce variety, and selection of locally produced products.

What is the busiest day at Trader Joe's? ›

The Best Times to Shop at Trader Joe's

What's the worst time to shop? You probably won't be surprised to learn it's the weekends. “I think it's hilarious that people go on Sunday and complain that we are so busy,” says the store manager. This also falls in line with my own observations.

Why are people at Trader Joe's so happy? ›

Between the positive work environment and the unspoken expectations to work to the best of their abilities, these employees are notorious for the friendly manner they treat all their customers with.

Does Aldi own Trader Joe's? ›

In Austria and Slovenia, Aldi operates stores under the Hofer brand. Aldi Nord also owns the Trader Joe's grocery chain in the United States which operates separately from the group. Aldi Süd announced in August 2023 that it will buy 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets in the southern United States.

Who is Trader Joe's biggest competitor? ›

Top 10 Trader Joe's competitors
  • Walmart.
  • Bravo Supermarkets.
  • CJ Express.
  • DealsOfAmerica.com.
  • HEB Grocery.
  • Kroger.
  • Pete's Market.
  • Target.

What does Trader Joe's do with unsold food? ›

Through our Neighborhood Shares program it's been our long-running policy to donate 100% of products that go unsold but are safe for consumption to local food banks & other non-profit food recovery partners.

What is the busiest Trader Joes store? ›

Most locations averaged between 10,000 and 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2). California has the largest number of stores with 193 open in the state. The chain's busiest location is its 72nd & Broadway store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Is the Trader Joe's chicken fried rice fully cooked? ›

What's inside the package is fully cooked—you can heat it in minutes in a microwave or skillet or wok—and works brilliantly as either a side with a larger Japanese-inspired meal or as the main dish for a vegetarian feast.

Does Trader Joe's chicken fried rice come cooked? ›

Because the rice has already been cooked, it requires only a simple heating. A couple minutes in the microwave returns fluffy, tender grains, while a handful of minutes in a frying pan or wok (over medium heat) browns the grains and gives them a craveable crispness.

Is Trader Joe's non toxic? ›

Trader Joe's does not sell any product containing chemicals in excess of the levels allowed by the FDA or any other law. We want to make absolutely clear that we would never sell any product we believe to be unsafe. We take these matters seriously—personally, even, as our families eat and drink TJ's products, too.

What category is Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores. We are committed to providing our customers outstanding value in the form of the best quality products at the best everyday prices.

What is Trader Joe's reputation? ›

Per the intel, Trader Joe's scored a 64 percent popularity rating in the survey, which is actually a point higher than its popularity rating at the end of 2022. Popularity, as defined by YouGov in relation to this data, is the “percent of people who have a positive opinion of a grocery store.”

What's so special about Trader Joe's? ›

From its focus on sustainability and customer service to its affordable pricing and liberal position on refunds, Trader Joe's is one of the most popular grocery store chains in the United States for a reason.

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