Memorial Day Feasts: Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes (Open on Memorial Day!)
Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, reflection, and, of course, delicious food! If you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or just a casual get-together, Trader Joe’s can be your secret weapon for creating incredible dishes with minimal effort. And the best part? Many Trader Joe’s locations are open on Memorial Day, making last-minute grocery runs a breeze. (Always check your local store’s hours to confirm!)
This article is packed with easy-to-follow recipes using Trader Joe’s staples, guaranteed to impress your guests and leave you with more time to enjoy the holiday.
Is Trader Joe’s Open on Memorial Day?
This is a crucial question! While most Trader Joe’s stores are indeed open on Memorial Day, operating hours can vary by location. It’s always best to check the Trader Joe’s website or call your local store to confirm their specific Memorial Day hours before heading out. Don’t get caught empty-handed right before your celebration!
Trader Joe’s Memorial Day Recipe Ideas
Here are some mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for Memorial Day, using readily available ingredients from Trader Joe’s:
1. Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These skewers are a vegetarian delight and incredibly easy to assemble.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Halloumi Cheese
* 1 pint Trader Joe’s Cherry Tomatoes
* 1 Trader Joe’s Zucchini, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
* 1 Trader Joe’s Red Onion, cut into wedges
* Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze
* Olive Oil
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Wooden Skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the vegetables:** Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion. Slice the zucchini into rounds and cut the red onion into wedges.
2. **Cut the Halloumi:** Cut the halloumi cheese into approximately 1-inch cubes.
3. **Assemble the skewers:** Thread the halloumi, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers. Alternate the ingredients for a visually appealing and balanced skewer.
4. **Brush with olive oil:** Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. **Grill the skewers:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the halloumi is golden brown and slightly softened, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook the halloumi, as it can become rubbery.
6. **Drizzle with balsamic glaze:** Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle generously with Trader Joe’s balsamic glaze.
7. **Serve immediately:** Serve the grilled halloumi skewers hot as an appetizer or a side dish.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant to the skewers.
* Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling.
* Serve the skewers with a side of Trader Joe’s tzatziki sauce for dipping.
2. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
This refreshing salad is a classic summer combination that’s both sweet and savory.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 small Trader Joe’s Seedless Watermelon, cubed
* 4 oz Trader Joe’s Feta Cheese, crumbled
* ¼ cup Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Olive Oil
* 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Balsamic Vinegar (or Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze for a sweeter option)
* Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the watermelon:** Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and remove any seeds (though seedless watermelon is preferred).
2. **Combine ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh mint leaves.
3. **Make the dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or glaze), salt, and pepper.
4. **Dress the salad:** Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as the watermelon can become mushy.
5. **Chill before serving:** Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps to keep the watermelon cool and refreshing.
6. **Serve chilled:** Serve the watermelon, feta, and mint salad chilled as a light and refreshing appetizer, side dish, or dessert.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.
* Substitute basil for mint if desired.
* Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.
* Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
3. BBQ Chicken Salad with Corn and Black Beans
This hearty salad is a complete meal, packed with protein and flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Grilled Chicken Strips (or leftover grilled chicken)
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Southwestern Chopped Salad Kit (or romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro)
* ½ cup Trader Joe’s BBQ Sauce (your favorite variety)
* ½ cup Trader Joe’s Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* Optional: Avocado, diced
* Optional: Tortilla Strips or Crumbled Tortilla Chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the chicken:** If using Trader Joe’s Grilled Chicken Strips, heat them according to package directions. If using leftover grilled chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Prepare the salad:** If using the Trader Joe’s Southwestern Chopped Salad Kit, follow the package instructions for assembling the salad. If making your own salad, chop the romaine lettuce and combine it with corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
3. **Toss with BBQ sauce:** In a separate bowl, toss the grilled chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
4. **Assemble the salad:** Add the BBQ chicken to the salad mixture and gently toss to combine.
5. **Add toppings:** Sprinkle the salad with shredded cheddar cheese and any other desired toppings, such as diced avocado or tortilla strips.
6. **Serve immediately:** Serve the BBQ chicken salad immediately as a satisfying and flavorful meal.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of BBQ sauce for a variety of flavors.
* Add other vegetables like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or jicama.
* Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for the chicken.
* Serve the salad with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite salad dressing.
4. Caprese Skewers with Pesto
These colorful skewers are a simple and elegant appetizer.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pint Trader Joe’s Cherry Tomatoes
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Fresh Mozzarella Balls (small size, also known as ciliegine)
* Trader Joe’s Pesto Sauce
* Fresh Basil Leaves
* Wooden Skewers
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the ingredients:** Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain the mozzarella balls.
2. **Assemble the skewers:** Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each wooden skewer. Repeat until all the ingredients are used.
3. **Drizzle with pesto:** Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle generously with Trader Joe’s pesto sauce.
4. **Serve immediately:** Serve the Caprese skewers immediately as a refreshing and flavorful appetizer.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto.
* Add a balsamic glaze drizzle for extra flavor.
* Marinate the mozzarella balls in pesto before assembling the skewers.
* Serve the skewers with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
5. Corn and Avocado Salsa with Tortilla Chips
This vibrant salsa is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for dipping or topping grilled meats.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ears Trader Joe’s Corn on the Cob (or 1 can Trader Joe’s Corn, drained)
* 2 Trader Joe’s Avocados, diced
* ½ Red Onion, finely chopped
* 1 Jalapeño Pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
* ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
* 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Trader Joe’s Tortilla Chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the corn:** If using fresh corn on the cob, grill, boil, or microwave the corn until cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using canned corn, drain it thoroughly.
2. **Combine ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the corn kernels, diced avocados, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
3. **Add lime juice and seasoning:** Pour the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Gently mix:** Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocados can become mushy.
5. **Chill before serving:** Cover the salsa and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps to keep the salsa cool and refreshing.
6. **Serve with tortilla chips:** Serve the corn and avocado salsa chilled with Trader Joe’s tortilla chips for dipping.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
* Use different types of peppers for varying levels of spiciness.
* Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.
* Serve the salsa as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos.
6. Bruschetta with Trader Joe’s Olive Tapenade
A simple yet flavorful appetizer that’s quick to prepare.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
* Trader Joe’s Olive Tapenade
* Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Sauce (optional)
* Olive Oil
* Fresh Basil Leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the baguette:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
2. **Toast the baguette:** Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and crispy.
3. **Top with tapenade:** Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and let them cool slightly. Spread a generous amount of Trader Joe’s Olive Tapenade on each slice.
4. **Add bruschetta sauce (optional):** If desired, top the tapenade with a spoonful of Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Sauce.
5. **Garnish and serve:** Garnish the bruschetta with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately as a delicious appetizer.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Rub a clove of garlic on the toasted baguette slices before topping with tapenade.
* Add crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for extra flavor.
* Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
7. Cold Pasta Salad with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Perfect for a potluck or picnic, this pasta salad is packed with flavor and easy to transport.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Trader Joe’s Pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
* ½ cup Trader Joe’s Pesto Sauce
* ½ cup Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* ½ cup Trader Joe’s Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved
* ½ cup Trader Joe’s Feta Cheese, crumbled
* ¼ cup Pine Nuts, toasted (optional)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. **Combine ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
3. **Add pine nuts (optional):** If desired, add the toasted pine nuts to the pasta mixture.
4. **Season and mix:** Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
5. **Chill before serving:** Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps to keep the pasta salad cool and refreshing.
6. **Serve chilled:** Serve the cold pasta salad chilled as a side dish or a light meal.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add other vegetables like artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
* Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese.
* Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier salad.
8. Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Whipped Cream
For a sweet and tropical dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Trader Joe’s Pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
* 1 can Trader Joe’s Coconut Cream, refrigerated overnight
* 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (optional)
* ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the pineapple:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the pineapple rings with a little bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. **Grill the pineapple:** Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly caramelized and have grill marks.
3. **Prepare the coconut whipped cream:** Scoop out the thick coconut cream from the top of the refrigerated can of coconut cream. Be careful not to include the watery liquid at the bottom of the can.
4. **Whip the coconut cream:** In a chilled bowl, whip the coconut cream with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. If desired, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to sweeten and flavor the whipped cream.
5. **Serve the grilled pineapple:** Arrange the grilled pineapple rings on a serving platter and top with a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream.
6. **Serve immediately:** Serve the grilled pineapple with coconut whipped cream immediately as a delicious and refreshing dessert.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the grilled pineapple.
* Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
* Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Trader Joe’s Shopping List for Memorial Day
To make your Memorial Day shopping trip as efficient as possible, here’s a sample shopping list based on the recipes above:
* Halloumi Cheese
* Cherry Tomatoes
* Zucchini
* Red Onion
* Balsamic Glaze
* Seedless Watermelon
* Feta Cheese
* Fresh Mint
* Olive Oil
* Balsamic Vinegar
* Grilled Chicken Strips (or chicken breasts for grilling)
* Southwestern Chopped Salad Kit (or ingredients for a salad: romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, cilantro)
* BBQ Sauce
* Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* Avocados
* Tortilla Strips/Chips
* Fresh Mozzarella Balls (ciliegine)
* Pesto Sauce
* Fresh Basil
* Jalapeño Pepper
* Lime Juice
* Tortilla Chips
* Baguette
* Olive Tapenade
* Bruschetta Sauce
* Pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
* Sun-Dried Tomatoes
* Kalamata Olives
* Pine Nuts
* Pineapple
* Coconut Cream
* Powdered Sugar
* Vanilla Extract
Making the Most of Memorial Day with Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s offers a fantastic selection of high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices, making it the perfect place to stock up for your Memorial Day celebration. By using these simple recipes and tips, you can create a delicious and memorable meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Remember to check your local store’s hours and enjoy your holiday!
Conclusion
This Memorial Day, let Trader Joe’s help you create a stress-free and delicious celebration. With these easy recipes and a well-planned shopping list, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of friends and family. Happy Memorial Day!