Spring into Flavor: Trader Joe’s Employee Picks for the Best New Recipes
Spring is in the air, and that means Trader Joe’s is bursting with new and exciting products! To help you navigate the aisles and discover your next culinary obsession, we’ve polled Trader Joe’s employees themselves. These are their top picks for spring, along with delicious and easy recipes to showcase their versatility.
Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and affordable offerings, and spring is no exception. From seasonal produce to innovative snacks and flavorful sauces, there’s something for everyone. But with so many new items vying for your attention, it can be tough to decide what to try. That’s where our insider knowledge comes in. We’ve tapped into the expertise of Trader Joe’s crew members across the country to bring you a curated list of the must-have products of the season, along with inspiring recipe ideas to make the most of them. Get ready to elevate your spring cooking with these employee-approved favorites!
## Employee Pick #1: Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix
**Why Employees Love It:** The vibrant purple hue and subtle, sweet flavor of ube (purple yam) make this mix a standout. The mochi texture adds a delightful chewiness that elevates pancakes and waffles to a whole new level.
**Recipe 1: Ube Mochi Pancakes with Coconut Whipped Cream and Toasted Coconut Flakes**
This recipe takes the classic pancake to a tropical paradise.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix
* 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
* Trader Joe’s Coconut Whipped Cream
* Trader Joe’s Toasted Coconut Flakes
* Maple syrup (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the batter:** In a large bowl, whisk together the Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix, milk, egg, and melted butter or coconut oil until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
2. **Cook the pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
3. **Flip and cook:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll see bubbles forming on the surface when it’s time to flip.
4. **Assemble and serve:** Stack the Ube Mochi pancakes on a plate. Top with a generous dollop of Trader Joe’s Coconut Whipped Cream, sprinkle with Toasted Coconut Flakes, and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.
**Recipe 2: Ube Mochi Waffles with Berry Compote**
A delightful twist on the traditional waffle, showcasing the ube flavor and chewy texture.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix
* 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
* 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Powdered sugar (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the batter:** In a large bowl, whisk together the Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix, milk, egg, and melted butter or coconut oil until just combined.
2. **Cook the waffles:** Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the batter into the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy, usually 3-5 minutes.
3. **Prepare the berry compote:** While the waffles are cooking, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries have softened and the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Assemble and serve:** Place the Ube Mochi waffles on a plate. Top with the warm berry compote and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
## Employee Pick #2: Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
**Why Employees Love It:** This ravioli is a shortcut to authentic Italian flavor. The creamy, cheesy filling with a peppery kick is incredibly satisfying, and it cooks up in minutes.
**Recipe 1: Cacio e Pepe Ravioli with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage**
Elevate this already delicious ravioli with a nutty brown butter sauce and fragrant crispy sage leaves.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 10-12 fresh sage leaves
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
* Black pepper, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the ravioli:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Cacio e Pepe Ravioli and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
2. **Brown the butter:** While the ravioli is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
3. **Crisp the sage:** Once the butter is browned, add the sage leaves to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sage leaves are crispy and fragrant.
4. **Assemble and serve:** Drain the ravioli and add them to the skillet with the brown butter and crispy sage. Gently toss to coat. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
**Recipe 2: Cacio e Pepe Ravioli Salad with Arugula and Lemon Vinaigrette**
A light and refreshing way to enjoy this flavorful ravioli, perfect for a spring lunch or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
* 5 ounces arugula
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the ravioli:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Cacio e Pepe Ravioli and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. **Assemble the salad:** In a large bowl, combine the arugula, cooked ravioli, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
## Employee Pick #3: Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend
**Why Employees Love It:** This seasoning blend captures the essence of Mexican street corn (elote) in a convenient jar. It’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to everything from grilled corn to popcorn.
**Recipe 1: Everything But The Elote Grilled Corn on the Cob**
The most obvious and delicious way to use this seasoning – a simple yet satisfying side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 ears of corn, husks removed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend
* Lime wedges, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the corn:** Brush the corn on the cob with olive oil.
2. **Grill the corn:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
3. **Season and serve:** Remove the corn from the grill and sprinkle generously with Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
**Recipe 2: Everything But The Elote Popcorn**
A quick and easy snack with a flavorful twist.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups popped popcorn
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the popcorn:** Pop your favorite popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, microwave). Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. **Season the popcorn:** Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn and toss to coat. Sprinkle generously with Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend and toss again to ensure even distribution. Serve immediately.
**Recipe 3: Everything But The Elote Chicken Tacos**
Add a unique flavor profile to your next taco night.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend
* 1/2 cup water
* 12 taco shells
* Toppings of your choice: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Stir in the taco seasoning, Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. **Assemble the Tacos:** Warm the taco shells according to package directions. Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground chicken and your desired toppings.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
## Employee Pick #4: Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto
**Why Employees Love It:** Finding a delicious vegan pesto can be a challenge, but Trader Joe’s has nailed it. This pesto is made with basil, cashews, olive oil, and garlic, and it’s bursting with flavor.
**Recipe 1: Vegan Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes**
A classic and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 jar Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto
* Pine nuts, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the tomatoes:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly blistered.
2. **Cook the pasta:** While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. **Combine and serve:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted cherry tomatoes, and Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto. Add a little pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce. Toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts, if desired.
**Recipe 2: Vegan Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich**
A gourmet twist on a childhood favorite.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices bread (sourdough or your favorite)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto
* 2-4 slices vegan cheese (such as Daiya or Miyoko’s Kitchen)
**Instructions:**
1. **Spread the pesto:** Spread a thin layer of Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
2. **Assemble the sandwich:** Place two slices of bread, pesto-side up, on a cutting board. Top with vegan cheese and the remaining two slices of bread, pesto-side down.
3. **Cook the sandwich:** Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
**Recipe 3: Vegan Pesto and White Bean Dip with Pita Bread**
A flavorful and healthy appetizer perfect for spring gatherings.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pita bread or vegetables, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the cannellini beans, Vegan Pesto, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. **Process until Smooth:** Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add a little water if needed to thin out the dip to your desired consistency.
3. **Serve:** Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve with pita bread or vegetables.
## Employee Pick #5: Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce
**Why Employees Love It:** This vibrant and spicy cilantro-based sauce is a flavor bomb. It’s a Middle Eastern condiment that adds a kick to everything from eggs to grilled meats.
**Recipe 1: Zhoug Chicken Skewers with Grilled Vegetables**
A flavorful and healthy meal that’s perfect for grilling season.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce
* 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes and Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce. Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
2. **Prepare the vegetables:** In a separate bowl, toss the zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Assemble the skewers:** Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
4. **Grill the skewers:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Recipe 2: Zhoug Eggs with Avocado Toast**
A spicy and flavorful way to start your day.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices bread (sourdough or your favorite)
* 1 avocado, mashed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 eggs
* Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the bread:** Toast the bread to your desired level of crispness.
2. **Prepare the avocado toast:** Spread the mashed avocado on the toast and season with salt and pepper.
3. **Cook the eggs:** Cook the eggs using your preferred method (fried, poached, or scrambled). For fried eggs, cook in a non-stick pan over medium heat until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
4. **Assemble and serve:** Place the eggs on top of the avocado toast. Drizzle with Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
**Recipe 3: Zhoug Hummus with Crudités**
Elevate your classic hummus with the spicy, herbaceous flavors of Zhoug sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 container (10 ounces) of your favorite Trader Joe’s hummus
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Crudités (carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers), for serving
* Pita bread, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Hummus and Zhoug:** In a bowl, combine the hummus and Zhoug Sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the Zhoug is evenly distributed throughout the hummus.
2. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the hummus with olive oil.
3. **Serve:** Serve the Zhoug Hummus with crudités and pita bread for dipping.
## Conclusion
These employee-approved Trader Joe’s products and recipes are sure to add a burst of flavor to your spring cooking. So head to your local Trader Joe’s, grab these must-have items, and get ready to create some delicious and memorable meals. Happy cooking!