12 Super Simple Trader Joe’s Meals Using Just 3 Ingredients

Trader Joe’s is a goldmine for easy, delicious, and budget-friendly meals, and sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. If you are short on time or just want to keep things stress-free in the kitchen, three-ingredient meals are the way to go. With the right combination of Trader Joe’s staple items, you can create flavorful, satisfying dishes without spending hours cooking. To give you an idea, here are some of the easiest and most delicious Trader Joe’s meals you can make!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

If you love bold and spicy flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish, this Buffalo chicken pasta salad is an absolute must-try for your next meal or gathering. Boil one package of Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Gigli Pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it firm. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with one container of Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip and ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, stirring well to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. The heat from the dip combined with the sharpness of the cheddar creates a deliciously creamy and spicy dish that is both filling and satisfying. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing pasta salad that tastes like a game-day favorite. Whether for meal prep, a potluck, or just a fun twist on pasta salad, this easy dish will quickly become a go-to!

Mandarin Orange Chicken With Vegetable Fried Rice

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is already legendary, but this easy two-step meal turns it into a full, restaurant-quality dish with almost no work. Cook one bag of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken according to the package instructions, either baking it for crispy perfection or pan-frying for a quicker option. In a separate pan, heat one bag of Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and everything is heated through. Once both components are ready, toss everything together in a large bowl and drizzle the included orange sauce over the chicken and rice, mixing well to coat every bite with sweet and savory flavor. The combination of crispy chicken, flavorful rice, and tangy orange sauce creates a dish that tastes like your favorite takeout but comes together in just minutes. Whether for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend dinner, this meal proves that easy cooking can still be absolutely delicious!

Sriracha BBQ Meatballs

These saucy, smoky, and slightly spicy meatballs are the perfect quick appetizer, meal prep idea, or even an easy dinner option when paired with rice or veggies. In a large pan, heat one bag of Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated all the way through. Once warmed, pour in ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Sriracha BBQ Sauce, making sure to coat every meatball evenly with the sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken just slightly for an irresistible glaze. Serve them hot with toothpicks for a simple yet flavorful appetizer, or spoon them over steamed rice for a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you are entertaining guests or just looking for a quick bite, these meatballs deliver big flavor with almost no work!

1-Minute Lentil Salad

This protein-packed lentil salad is fresh, flavorful, and requires almost no effort, making it a lifesaver for busy days when you need something healthy in a flash. Open one package of Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils and pour them into a large bowl, breaking them apart slightly with a fork to loosen them up. Add ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Sauce, which brings in a perfect balance of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, and then toss in ¼ cup of Trader Joe’s Crumbled Feta Cheese for a creamy and slightly salty finish. Stir everything together well, ensuring the lentils are evenly coated with the bruschetta sauce and feta for maximum flavor. Serve it as a high-protein dip with pita chips, a side dish for grilled meats, or over a bed of greens for a more substantial salad. This easy dish tastes like something you would get at a Mediterranean café, but it comes together in just one minute!

Calabrian Chili Pasta With Burrata

This spicy, creamy, and incredibly rich pasta dish is a restaurant-quality meal that requires almost no effort, making it perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner. Boil one package of Trader Joe’s Italian Spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help create a smooth sauce. In the same pot, toss the pasta with ¼ cup of Trader Joe’s Calabrian Chili Tomato Paste, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it into a glossy, spicy sauce. Plate the pasta and gently place a ball of Trader Joe’s Burrata Cheese on top, letting the creamy center start to melt slightly into the warm pasta. The combination of the chili-infused tomato sauce with the cool, rich burrata creates an irresistible contrast that feels both comforting and elevated. This dish is an absolute showstopper with minimal effort, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a special occasion treat!

Chana Masala Tomato Soup

This cozy, hearty, and protein-rich soup is the easiest way to upgrade a simple tomato base into something truly comforting and satisfying. In a saucepan, heat one carton of Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is warm. Once hot, stir in one cup of Trader Joe’s Indian Chana Masala, letting the chickpeas and rich, spiced tomato sauce blend seamlessly into the soup. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to lightly puree the mixture, or leave it chunky if you prefer more texture in every bite. Pour the soup into a bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra richness. This warm, comforting dish is packed with bold Indian spices and comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect meal for chilly nights or a quick, nourishing lunch!

Pico de Gallo Egg Salad Bagel

This twist on a classic egg salad brings fresh, vibrant flavors and a little spice, making it a perfect breakfast or lunch option with minimal effort. Start by mashing four Trader Joe’s Hard-Boiled Eggs in a bowl until they reach your desired consistency, then stir in ¼ cup of Trader Joe’s Pico de Gallo and a spoonful of Trader Joe’s Organic Mayonnaise to add creaminess. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pico de gallo’s fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro blend into the egg mixture for a burst of flavor in every bite. Spread the mixture generously onto a Trader Joe’s Plain or Everything Bagel, allowing the soft bagel to soak up the rich and tangy egg salad. The combination of creamy eggs, bright pico de gallo, and a chewy bagel makes for a meal that feels both refreshing and comforting at the same time. This is a delicious and effortless way to upgrade your egg salad game without needing any fancy ingredients!

Southwestern Chopped Salad With Avocado

This easy Southwestern-inspired salad is packed with bold flavors, crunchy textures, and creamy goodness, making it a perfect quick meal or side dish. Grab a bag of Trader Joe’s Southwestern Chopped Salad Kit, one ripe avocado, and a handful of Trader Joe’s Roasted Pepitas to bring everything together effortlessly. Toss the salad mix with the included dressing until well coated, then dice the avocado and gently fold it in to add a smooth, buttery texture. Sprinkle the roasted pepitas over the top for a satisfying crunch that complements the fresh greens and zesty flavors. The combination of tangy dressing, creamy avocado, and nutty pepitas makes this a deliciously balanced salad that feels like a gourmet creation. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a vibrant side to any main dish, this salad proves that healthy eating can be incredibly simple!

Cheesy Chive-y Biscuits

These cheesy, buttery biscuits are packed with savory chive flavor and make the perfect side dish for any meal. Preheat your oven to 375°F and mix one package of Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Biscuit Dough with ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Shredded Unexpected Cheddar Cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives. Gently fold everything together, making sure the cheese and chives are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet, bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, and let them cool slightly before serving. The result is soft, fluffy biscuits with gooey melted cheese and a pop of fresh chive flavor in every bite. Serve them warm with butter, or enjoy them as a delicious snack on their own!

Sweet & Spicy Whipped Brie

This creamy, whipped Brie is the ultimate balance of sweet, spicy, and rich flavors, making it an irresistible spread for crackers or toasted bread. In a food processor, blend one wheel of Trader Joe’s Triple Crème Brie with 2 tablespoons of Trader Joe’s Hot Honey and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and drizzle extra hot honey on top for a glossy, slightly spicy finish. The whipped texture makes the Brie even more indulgent, while the hot honey adds just the right kick of heat and sweetness. Serve it with crispy baguette slices, crackers, or apple slices for a perfectly balanced appetizer. This easy yet elegant dish is a guaranteed hit for any gathering!

Aglio Olio Bread Dip

Inspired by the classic Italian pasta dish, this garlicky, herby olive oil dip is a flavor-packed way to elevate your bread game. In a small pan, gently heat ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil over low heat, then add 4 cloves of Trader Joe’s Minced Garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in ½ teaspoon of Trader Joe’s Red Pepper Flakes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil for an extra kick of heat. Pour the warm, aromatic oil into a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of richness. Serve it with warm, crusty bread for dipping, letting the garlicky oil soak into every bite. This simple yet bold dip is the perfect way to start a meal or impress guests at a dinner party!

Maple & Brown Butter Salmon

This rich, nutty, and slightly sweet salmon dish is packed with deep flavors and comes together in minutes. In a pan, melt 2 tablespoons of Trader Joe’s Unsalted Butter over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and develops a toasty aroma. Add 2 tablespoons of Trader Joe’s Organic Maple Syrup to the browned butter, stirring to create a smooth, glossy glaze. Place one filet of Trader Joe’s Fresh Atlantic Salmon in the pan, searing on each side for about 3-4 minutes until the fish is golden and cooked through. Spoon the maple brown butter glaze over the salmon as it cooks, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Serve it hot with a side of roasted veggies or rice for an effortlessly gourmet meal!

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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