These one-pot and grill meals from Trader Joe’s will definitely make your life easier
Summertime is all about ease, and meals shouldn’t be an exception! With a few favorites in your pantry, these Trader Joe’s dinner ideas come together almost effortlessly, leaving more time for you to enjoy those long days with your little ones. There’s a recipe in this list that’s guaranteed to please everyone, even the picky eaters at your table.
Mini Chicken Wonton Stir Fry
There’s pretty much nothing easier than a stir fry, can we agree? This one is a twist as it features the mini wontons that are everyone’s favorite. Cook them up according to the package directions and then sautee the broccoli slaw and garlicky cabbage when the wontons are done. Add a bit of stir fry sauce to bring it all together.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Anna Doogan
This salad is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a portable option for a picnic or potluck. Plus, it’s equally fantastic served warm or cold! Toss cooked pasta with a jar of Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa, black beans, chopped chicken, and a bit of creamy dressing, like the tasty Cilantro. Add a handful of your favorite veggies and shredded or cubed cheese to top it off.
Shawarma Chicken Bowls
Trader Joe’s
Fire up the grill and cook up these chicken thighs that are full of flavor. The base of this dish is brown rice that cooks in the microwave. Top with grilled chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts along with a drizzle of lemon and a dollop of garlic hummus. The pita bite crackers add a bit of crunch.
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
Anna Doogan
For a delicious veggie-centric summer dinner, stuffed peppers with quinoa and feta are hard to beat. Stuff a variety of peppers with a pre-made quinoa salad, sprinkle with feta and bake until warmed through. You’ll get a bright pop of color, a big boost of vitamins, and a whole lot of yumminess.
Easy Gyros & Mediterranean Salad
Karly Wood
Keep it cool and refreshing during the warmer months by whipping up easy gyros. Grab a box of fully cooked Trader Joe's Gyro Slices, naan bread, tomatoes, and creamy prepared Tzatziki sauce and pair it with a simple Greek salad made with greens, cucumber, and balsamic vinegar.
Greek Bowls
Trader Joe’s
All you have to prepare is the quinoa for this easy summer lunch or dinner. It packs a punch of protein so we love it as our base topped with pre-cooked chicken breasts, tomatoes, Greek chickpeas, and diced cucumbers. The vegan tzatziki dip brings it all together.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw
Anna Doogan
BBQ pork sandwiches are one of the quintessential backyard summer meals, and they're oh-so-simple with a few shortcuts. Pre-made shredded pork heats up in minutes, and the coleslaw mix can quickly be thrown together, leaving extra time for you to toss that frisbee with the kids a few more times.
Scallop Rolls
Anna Doogan
One of our favorite Trader Joe's dinner ideas? A twist on the classic lobster roll! Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper, and saute in butter. Then tuck them into a squishy hot dog bun with some greens and a dollop of mayo or a tangy tartar sauce. You may not actually be lounging at the seashore, but with this recipe, at least you can pretend you are. Perfection.
Steak Tacos
Anna Doogan
Can’t decide what to have for dinner? A DIY taco bar is a fun and simple crowd-pleaser. While the meat’s cooking, set out tortillas, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, olives and any other toppings you can think of. Then let everyone go to town making their own creation!
Next-Level Ravioli
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's has a great selection of ravioli, but topping it with marinara can get old. By adding steamed spinach, peas and melted Boursin cheese, this pumpkin ravioli now has three veggies (and they all taste like cheese!).
Island Soyaki Rice Bowl with Meatballs
Anna Doogan
Get all the beach feels with a tropical-inspired rice bowl. Cook party-size frozen mini meatballs in Island Soyaki marinade, flavored with pineapple juice, garlic and ginger. Serve over cooked rice. Add sautéed red peppers and grilled pineapple chunks, and don’t forget to save a little sauce for drizzling on top.
Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
Anna Doogan
Pesto is the star of this easy pasta recipe that will definitely earn a spot in the summer dinner rotation. Mix your favorite cooked pasta with shrimp and garlicky pesto. Add chopped fresh basil and tomato with a sprinkling of grated parmesan for an extra blast of favorite summery flavors.
Carnitas Salad
The cilantro salad dressing at Trader Joe's is no joke, and it's delicious on more than just salads. Create a filling dinner salad or a tasty lunch by adding their pre-cooked carnitas, Mexican cheese, avocado, salsa, cilantro salad dressing and a small amount of sour cream to a bag of romaine lettuce.
Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's pulled pork can be made in the microwave in three minutes and makes a super-tasty base for these tacos. Add your favorite toppings, but don't skip the Roasted Tomatillo and Mango Salsa, which adds some tang and spice.
This is a simple and delicious recipe the kids can help make
30-minute meals are the best. This recipe comes together quickly, which means you can spend your evenings doing things that matter like building forts and playing hide-and-seek. In fact, we found that the longest part of the prep work for this pasta dish was getting our water to boil. Tell us below what you think of this pasta with peas and bacon dish!
Ingredients for Pasta with Peas and Bacon:
16 ounces fettuccine (or whatever pasta you prefer)
3 strips of thick-cut bacon
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, saute bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and break up into small pieces.
3. In the same pan, saute onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add peas and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, pasta, and bacon.
4. Moisten pasta with some of the reserved pasta water. Toss to incorporate, season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve, sprinkled with lemon juice.
Whelp we’ve made it to Christmas. It’s the time of year where one’s heart should grow three sizes and goodwill should be sprinkled like the curse words you use while trying to find the last-minute gift that your child decided was the gift of the year that you did not buy.
This is also the time of year where grief hits me hard. We recently sat down with our eager three-year-old and asked her what she hopes Santa will bring her. It was a complete fail as her belief in St. Nick is so pure this year her response was: “He knows what I want.” I want to be like, he really doesn’t so if you can help us so we don’t have the repeat of last year—where she asked numerous times who got her this? And then her famous, “Well I don’t like it.”
She keeps us on our toes so we have a backup fund labeled “Vivi” if she decides to give us a list.
But then there is my sweet seven-year-old boy Whit. He doesn’t communicate in the conventional way. I always think of the song from Bandaid “Does he know it’s Christmas time at all?!”
This year, for the first time ever, he marveled at the tree. We’ve tried to set up pictures in hopes of getting some kind of idea of what he wants for Christmas. I’m usually not an organized Christmas shopper. My husband and I have been known to run to Target on Christmas Eve for a last-minute Christmas gift or ten.
I think Whit’s not caring has given me this, “What’s the point attitude.” As I load a virtual cart with things, I think, “Will this be the year?! Will this be the time he acknowledges a gift and plays with it properly?!” Usually, it’s a no and there is always a twinge of disappointment. We have a closet full of gifts we thought would work but have backfired horribly.
Why do we keep them you may be asking? Because as a mom I have this mindset that there is always next year. There’s always next year to try Santa again. There’s always next year to get a Christmas list from Whit. There’s always next year. Then my mind wanders to what if there isn’t ever a year where he cares? What if all the Christmas buying, and therapy to help Whit process any celebration is all done in vain because I’m the mom who can’t let go and accept our reality? I get that way when people ask us for a Christmas list for Whit. He’s possibly into LEGOs, he seems to like to watch us attempt to put them together.
This is the first year that our 3-year-old is 100% sold on Christmas and I’m living up every moment of it but at the same time hoping and praying that maybe this will be the year that Whitman will open a gift, be excited, acknowledge us and play with it. I know that’s a huge hope—I’d take any of that sequence in a heartbeat. We are building our three-year-old a Target and Starbucks for our playroom. While ordering all the supplies and in my excitement, my husband stopped me and said: “I don’t want to ruin this for you but what about Whit?!” I tried to convince him that Whit has been showing interest in pretend play with his sister so fingers crossed. I added a few extra gifts for Whit to keep it even in hopes that maybe this will the year.
So here’s to the mom’s and dad’s who are feeling this too. May this be the year our kids surprise us in the best way, especially in a time where we are told to be happy but we grieve the loss of childhood traditions. May we find new holiday traditions that work for us. It’s not about the presents, I know, but sometimes it feels like it is. It’s about the love we have for each other and a reminder of how far we come in the last year even in the midst of a global pandemic. May this be the year of letting go, seeing the good, and having a little bit of hope.
Lindsey is a mom, wife, and blogger at The Althaus Life. She lives in Ohio with her husband and 2 children. Lindsey is grateful all things and to be able to chronicle her beautifully broken laugh til you cry cry until you laugh life.
The newest Krispy Kreme donut collection is here! Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with some seriously patriotic dough.
The limited edition collection comes in a special star-spangled box and four red, white and blue specially designed donuts! Krispy Kreme is also offering a special sweet deal for the weekend only.
photo: Krispy Kreme
From Jun. 28 through Jul 4, snag the the BOGO Free Dozens deal. For every every any dozen you buy, you’ll get an Original Glazed dozen for free.
The limited edition donuts include a Freedom Ring Doughnut, an original glaze with icing stripes and sprinkles, a Patriotic Sprinkled Ring Doughnut, an original glaze with white icing and patriotic sprinkles, a Strawberry Shortcake Doughnut, a strawberry filled donut dipped in red icing, sprinkled with gold stars and topped with a KREME dollop and shortbread crumbles and finally, the Patriotic Eagle Doughnut, a Cookies & KREME filled donut dipped in blue icing, decorated with red and white stripes and topped with an eagle sugar piece.
Regular donuts too big your littles? You can also pick up a box of mini flag donuts 20 in red, white and blue colors also in a special box.
Editor’s Note: The National Zoo reopened in May 2021. Admission is free, but visitors must register for timed-entry passes here.
The 163-acre National Zoo has been captivating visitors since way back in 1889, when it was called the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals, and has continued to expand its offerings over the years. Should you go? Of course! Should you have a game plan? You better! To make things easier, here’s a cheat sheet that will help you get the most out of a day spent with furry, feathered, and spiny zoo friends.
The best way to get to the zoo is by public transportation. Period. Both Metro Bus and Metro Rail have stops within walking distance of the Zoo. FYI: While equal distance from both Metro stops, the walk is uphill from the Woodley Park stop and flat from the Cleveland Park stop.The L1 and L2 buses stop right in front of the Zoo's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue. Parking can be reserved before your visit for $30.
Where to Eat
mliu92 via flickr
The Mane Grill is open and serves Elevation Burgers, vegan burgers, chicken tenders, grab and go items, and kid meals on Lion-Tiger Hill. You can grab a slice of Sbarro at Panda Plaza. Feeling the heat? Grab a cone at Carvel at Panda Overlook. Dippin' Dots, Dolci Gelati and Ben & Jerry’s is also available at various locations in the park.
Giant Panda 411
Mandy Jansen via flickr
Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Jiare definitely the resident headline makers at the National Zoo. In fact, they probably attract many of the park’s two million annual visitors. The National Zoo is a leader in giant panda conservation and has been working with China to study, breed and care for these black-and-white beauties since 1972 .Depending on the time and the weather, the giant pandas have a choice to be outside or inside the panda house. The pandas typically have outdoor access until early afternoon.
Safety regulations: Free, pre-timed tickets are required for this exhibit. You can get yours here.
Daily Programs
Something is always happening at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Daily programs include animal training, feeding demonstrations and keeper talks. Some programs change from week to week. Zoo educators and volunteers try to keep an updated schedule, but due to weather and the needs of the animals, activity times can change. Please be sure to consult a schedule at the Zoo on the day of your visit.
Keeping Your Cool
The Austinot via flickr
It’s no secret…during the summer the Zoo can get rather toasty. When the heat is on, keep cool by strolling through the many mist stations sprinkled throughout the park. Even better, dip your feet in the flowing waters of the American Trail Tide Pool (May 30-Sep. 30), a shallow wave pool open for tiptoe-ing through with replica model sea stars, barnacles and mussels.
Summer vacation is still a few weeks away but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the flavors of the season. Krispy Kreme has just launched their new collection and it’s available now.
Starting today, May 17, the Island Time Collection is available at participating locations in three tropical flavors. Not only do the flavors bring you to a summer state of mind, but the beachy toppings will have you craving a day at the shore, too.
photo: Courtesy of Krispy Kreme
The three flavors include:
Pina Colada Doughnut: An Original Glazed® doughnut filled with Pina Colada-flavored Kreme, dipped in a Pina Colada-flavored icing, sprinkled with toasted coconut shreds and topped with a candied cherry.
Island Time Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut filled with classic Kreme, dipped in light blue icing and graham crumbs to resemble an Island, and topped with a palm tree.
Key Lime Pie Doughnut: A doughnut filled with Key Lime Kreme, dipped in lime green icing, topped with graham crumbs and a Kreme dollop.
Not only will guests be able to enjoy the Island Times Key Lime Pie Doughnut option, but they’ll also be able to sink their teeth into the Key Lime Glazed Doughnut on Key Lime Fridays. May 21 and 28th, Krispy Kreme will offer both lime sweets for diehard citrus lovers.
The collection is only available for a limited time, so head to a Krispy Kreme near you.
If your kiddos just can’t decide which cereal is their fave, they no longer need to pick one over the other. Kellogg’s is bringing breakfast fans two cereals—in one!
The beloved brand has an all new mashup that combines Frosted Flakes and Apple Jacks. Kellogg’s Mashups Cereal with Frosted Flakes and Apple Jacks will hit store shelves this summer.
photo courtesy of Kellogg’s
The green and red-hued fruit-flavored cinnamon-y Apple Jacks are sprinkled throughout the sweet, sweet Frosted Flakes. The Frosted Flakes-Apple Jacks Mashup isn’t the first mixed up batch of breakfast cereal Kellogg’s has created. Last summer the brand paired Frosted Flakes with Fruit Loops. It looks like the success of the first cereal combo creation has spawned yet another tasty blended treat with a summer-time release.
Look for Kellogg’s Mashups Frosted Flakes and Apple Jacks in cereal aisles nationwide starting June 2021! Score this limited-timed cereal blend for the suggested retail price of $3.99 (for a 9.8 ounce box) or $5.69 (for a 15.6 ounce box).
Cold Stone Creamery is ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—with a new Lucky Charms themed flavor in a cool Creation and a super-sweet shake!
Treat your kiddos to something special on St. Paddy’s Day (or any day leading up to the holiday) with Cold Stone Creameries latest Creation. The treat starts with a base of Lucky Charms Ice Cream and just gets more and more magical from there.
Along with Lucky Charms Ice Cream, The Ice Cream at the End of the Rainbow Creation includes double the Lucky Charms Marshmallows, whipped topping and gold glitter. Nest your topped treat in a green waffle cone or a bowl.
If your kiddos want something sweet to slurp, the Sprinkled with Charms Shake is also covered in magical Lucky Charms Marshmallows, whipped topping and gold glitter!
Sara Schmillen, vice president of marketing at Kahala Brands (the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery) said, in a press release, “Cold Stone Creamery is delighted to partner with General Mills this month to bring the magic beyond the cereal bowl and introduce this limited time flavor.” Schmillen added, “Guests of all ages will enjoy the nostalgia of this combination, and it’s sure to bring some luck your way!”
Both St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms menu options are available Mar. 1-31, 2021 in Cold Stone Creamery stores nationwide.
—Erica Loop
Photos courtesy of PR Newsfoto/Cold Stone Creamery
Kellogg’s recently announced the debut of a brand-new cereal—and it’s out of this world!
Little Debbie fans rejoice. The iconic sweet treat brand’s beloved Cosmic Brownies are coming to a cereal bowl near you. If you’re a fan of the fave fudge-filled treat, you’re in luck. Those fudgy, chocolaty, rainbow sprinkled goodies you enjoyed in your middle school cafeteria, as after-school snacks, or by the pool in the summer, are back in a whole new way. Kellogg’s new cereal has everything you’d expect and more.
Don’t worry about stray brownie bits dissolving in a pool of your breakfast bowl’s milk. Even though the original brownie bars are ooey gooey fun, the cereal version features crispy chocolaty squares. Of course, that’s not all. Along with the choco-packed goodness, Kellogg’s Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie Cereal also comes with the original treat’s notable dayglo rainbow pieces mixed in to each bite-sized square.
If your mouth is already watering, you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer for these cosmic bites. This sweet cereal won’t blast-off until the spring. Kellogg’s Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie Cereal is available in May 2021 at retailer’s nationwide. The cereal will sell for $3.99 (for an 8.2 oz. box) and $5.69 (for a 13.2 oz. box).
Star off your holiday celebrations with a slice of cheesecake. The Cheesecake Factory is bringing back two seasonal favorites. The popular restaurant chain is welcoming back its popular Slice of Joy Gift Card Offer and the festive Peppermint Bark Cheesecake.
For every $25 in gift cards or eGift cards purchased through the end of the year at a Cheesecake Factory restaurant or online, guests will receive a Slice of Joy Card redeemable for a complimentary slice of cheesecake beginning Jan. 1, 2021 – Mar. 31, 2021. With more than 250 menu selections – handmade, in-house with fresh ingredients – and more than 30 legendary cheesecakes, Slice of Joy Cards are the perfect gift to give to a loved one or to keep for oneself this holiday season!
As an added treat, The Cheesecake Factory also announced that its festive Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is back on the menu! This delicious holiday dessert features a white chocolate cheesecake swirled with chunks of chocolate peppermint bark, topped with white chocolate mousse and sprinkled with chopped peppermint. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is available by the slice and as a 10-inch cake perfect for family gatherings.
“We are so pleased to announce the return of our very popular Slice of Joy Gift Card Offer. It’s one of our favorite ways to thank our guests for their loyalty,” said David Overton, Founder, and CEO of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated. “Our Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is a fan favorite that is available just for the holidays and we are happy to welcome it back to our menu.”
Available by the slice and as a 10-inch cake perfect for family gatherings, the Peppermint Bark Cheesecake features a white chocolate cheesecake swirled with chunks of chocolate peppermint bark, topped with white chocolate mousse and sprinkled with chopped peppermint.