16 Trader Joe’s Plant-Based Meals That Are Surprisingly Filling

Eating plant-based doesn’t mean you have to feel hungry or miss out on flavor. Trader Joe’s has a wide range of plant-based meals that are not only delicious but also surprisingly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for something quick for lunch or a hearty dinner, there’s an option that will keep you full without the meat.

Vegan Pasta Bolognese

This comforting dish uses a hearty plant-based bolognese sauce over tender pasta, making it a filling and tasty option for dinner. The sauce is made with textured vegetable protein, which gives it a rich, meaty texture without any actual meat. Combined with pasta, it’s loaded with carbs and protein to keep you full for hours. Plus, the savory flavor and blend of herbs make it a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Filled with carrots, peas, and corn, this rice dish is a colorful way to enjoy your veggies. The combination of rice and vegetables provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates and fiber, helping you feel full. You can enjoy it on its own or add your favorite plant-based protein for an even heartier meal.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Cauliflower Gnocchi is a popular Trader Joe’s item that’s both light and surprisingly filling. Made from cauliflower, it’s a lower-carb alternative to traditional gnocchi but still has that comforting, chewy texture. When paired with your favorite sauce or vegetables, it becomes a meal that satisfies your hunger without feeling heavy. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare.

Vegan Tikka Masala

Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala offers all the bold flavors of traditional tikka masala but without the meat. The meal features tender soy protein chunks in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, served with a side of rice. It’s a filling and comforting option that’s packed with protein to keep you full. The fragrant spices and hearty serving size make it a go-to choice for a plant-based dinner.

Vegan Meatless Meatballs

These meatless meatballs are a versatile and hearty option for any meal. Made from plant-based ingredients, they have a surprisingly meaty texture and are perfect in pasta, sandwiches, or even on their own with some sauce. They’re packed with protein, which helps keep you full, and are a great choice for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals into their diet. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare, making them a convenient option for busy days.

Vegan Enchiladas

Trader Joe’s Vegan Enchiladas are packed with flavor and make for a filling dinner or lunch. The enchiladas are stuffed with a tasty mixture of black beans, corn, and vegetables, all wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a savory sauce. The black beans provide plenty of protein, while the veggies add fiber, making this meal both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a convenient option for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based Mexican-inspired dish.

Thai Vegetable Gyoza

These Thai Vegetable Gyoza are perfect for a light but filling meal or snack. Each dumpling is stuffed with seasoned vegetables and has a chewy, flavorful wrapper that makes them incredibly satisfying. You can pair them with a dipping sauce or serve them over rice or noodles for a more substantial meal. Either way, they’re an easy way to enjoy a filling, plant-based dish.

Vegan Spinach & Cashew Ravioli

Trader Joe’s Vegan Spinach & Cashew Ravioli offers a rich and creamy plant-based filling inside delicate pasta pockets. The spinach adds a light, earthy flavor while the cashew-based filling brings a cheesy richness without any dairy. It’s a quick meal that can be paired with your favorite sauce, making it both filling and satisfying. With protein from the cashews and fiber from the spinach, it’s a wholesome choice that keeps you full.

Jumeokbap

Jumeokbap, or Korean rice balls, are a flavorful and portable plant-based meal option from Trader Joe’s. Made with seasoned rice and packed with veggies, these rice balls are a hearty and filling snack or meal. The blend of sesame oil, seaweed, and vegetables provides both nutrition and bold flavor. They’re easy to grab on the go and make for a satisfying, plant-based bite that fills you up without needing meat.

Pad See Ew

Trader Joe’s Pad See Ew is a plant-based version of the popular Thai dish, featuring wide rice noodles and a flavorful soy-based sauce. The noodles are chewy and satisfying, while the mix of vegetables adds crunch and freshness. This meal is rich in carbohydrates and fiber, making it a filling option that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The savory sauce ties it all together, offering a bold taste without any animal products.

Kanom Krok Thai Coconut Pancakes

These Kanom Krok Thai Coconut Pancakes are a sweet and satisfying treat that also work as a light meal. Made with coconut milk and rice flour, they have a chewy texture and a delicate coconut flavor. Though sweet, they’re still filling thanks to the fiber in the rice and coconut. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these pancakes are a unique and delicious plant-based option.

Meatless Breakfast Sausage Patties

Trader Joe’s Meatless Breakfast Sausage Patties offer the flavor of traditional sausage without any meat. These patties are made from soy protein, providing plenty of filling protein to start your day. They’re seasoned with herbs and spices that give them a savory, sausage-like flavor. Whether paired with toast or used in a breakfast sandwich, these patties are a hearty and satisfying plant-based option.

Buffalo Style Chickenless Wings

Trader Joe’s Buffalo Style Chickenless Wings are a spicy, satisfying alternative to traditional chicken wings. Made from plant-based ingredients, these wings have a meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the bold buffalo sauce. Packed with protein and full of flavor, they make for a filling snack or meal. Serve them with celery and vegan ranch for a classic buffalo wing experience without the meat.

Riced Hearts of Palm

Riced Hearts of Palm from Trader Joe’s is a low-carb, plant-based alternative to traditional rice that’s both light and filling. Made entirely from hearts of palm, this “rice” has a slightly tangy flavor and a firm texture. It’s perfect for pairing with sauces, stir-fries, or adding to salads. Despite being low in calories, it’s surprisingly satisfying and provides fiber to help keep you full.

Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage

Trader Joe’s Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage is a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s plant-based and surprisingly filling. The cabbage is sautéed with garlic, giving it a savory, slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with rice or noodles. It’s a great source of fiber, which helps keep you full, while the garlic adds a punch of flavor that makes this dish anything but boring. You can enjoy it as a side or even as part of a main dish.

Korean Beefless Bulgogi

Trader Joe’s Korean Beefless Bulgogi is a plant-based version of the traditional Korean dish, made from soy protein. It has a sweet and savory marinade that mimics the flavor of bulgogi, with a satisfying, meaty texture. This dish is high in protein, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner. Serve it with rice or in a wrap for a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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