3 Easy 6-Ingredient Meals from Trader Joe’s

Lauren Mardeusz, RD Salt and Honey Nutrition

Finding quick and nutritious meals can sometimes feel daunting, especially for busy families. Luckily, Trader Joe’s offers a fantastic variety of ingredients that can help you whip up easy meals in no time. Here are three delicious recipes, each with just six ingredients, making them perfect for hectic weeknights. Let’s explore why each meal is both easy to prepare and nutritious.

1. Pesto Pasta with Veggies

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Colander
• Skillet

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1 cup Trader Joe’s basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini and cherry tomatoes, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Add the cooked pasta and pesto to the skillet, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional pesto if desired.

Why It’s Easy and Nutritious: This dish is incredibly simple—cooking pasta and sautéing veggies requires minimal kitchen skills and time. The pre-made basil pesto adds a rich flavor without the need for complex sauces. Nutritionally, this meal is packed with vitamins from the veggies and healthy fats from the pesto, making it a well-rounded option for your family.

Nutrition Info (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

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2. Chicken Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Equipment:

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pre-cooked chicken strips
• 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetable mix
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s peanut sauce
• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Method:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the pre-cooked chicken over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the frozen stir-fry vegetables and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the peanut sauce and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Why It’s Easy and Nutritious: Using pre-cooked chicken means you skip the lengthy cooking time, making this dish a breeze to prepare. The frozen stir-fry vegetables are a great time-saver while still providing essential nutrients. Peanut sauce adds flavor and healthy fats, creating a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Nutrition Info (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g

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3. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Equipment:

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Trader Joe’s pre-cooked quinoa
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Optional: avocado or Greek yogurt for topping

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
2. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve in bowls, topped with avocado or Greek yogurt if desired.

Why It’s Easy and Nutritious: This recipe is incredibly straightforward—simply mix and heat! The pre-cooked quinoa and canned beans are pantry staples that save time. This bowl is rich in fiber and protein, thanks to the black beans and quinoa, which helps keep everyone full and satisfied. Plus, adding toppings like avocado introduces healthy fats, enhancing both the flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition Info (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 12g

These easy, six-ingredient meals from Trader Joe’s make weeknight cooking both convenient and nutritious. By utilizing pre-prepared items, fresh veggies, and simple cooking methods, you can create delicious dinners in no time. Embrace the ease and health benefits that Trader Joe’s offers, allowing you to spend more quality time with your family while still providing satisfying, wholesome meals.