All Hail the Freezer Section at Trader Joe’s, Which Makes All My Dinners Cheap and Healthy

Photo: Getty Images/Jecapix
"I'd love to cook an extravagant dinner when I get home after a long day at work," said no one ever. There's no time for washing, chopping, seasoning—when I'm tired and hungry, I need good food quickly. And that's why I'm in love with Trader Joe's frozen food aisle.

It's a fact that the frozen food aisle in any grocery store is where to find the healthiest options. And a freezer stocked with an assortment from TJ's endless array of healthy and versatile side dishes is the best way to round out weeknight meals. Whether I want to add some greens to my pasta or amp up the amount of protein in my meal, there's a healthy pick that can supplement the dish you're already cooking.

The best part about utilizing frozen goodies is that making them really only involves one step—spreading it out on baking sheet and popping it in the oven or throwing it in a pan and heating it up. You'll have a delicious meal at your fingertips and feel like a pro-chef in the process.

Grab these healthy staples the next time you find yourself in the Trader Joe's frozen food aisle.

Photo: Trader Joe's

1. Grilled cauliflower

There's no need to spend time cutting up a head of cauliflower with this grilled option that can be baked to perfection in a snap.

Photo: Trader Joe's

2. Organic green vegetable foursome

It's easy to get your greens with this vegetable medley that includes organic broccoli, peas, green beans, and zucchini, along with onion, garlic, and other spices.

Photo: Trader Joe's

3. Sweet potato fries

You can't make a list of Trader Joe's frozen food staples without sweet potato frites on it. You probably shouldn't eat the whole bag, but with a fairly short list of ingredients, it's a great option for when you're in a pinch.

Photo: Trader Joe's

4. Edamame

You get a whopping 13 grams of protein in only 1/2 cup of this frozen edamame, so toss it into any of your dishes to up the nutritional value.

Photo: Trader Joe's

5. Riced cauliflower

In the mood for some low-carb rice? This option only has two ingredients: organic cauliflower and salt. There's also a stir-fry version that includes green peas, red peppers, grilled corn, onions, and ginger.

Photo: Trader Joe's

6. Delicata squash

If you're not a squash fan, you will be after trying this. The pre-cut delicata squash option is perfectly sliced and ready to bake. Once you take it out, you'll be left with its beloved naturally-sweet flavor.

Photo: Trader Joe's

7. Vegetable fried rice

Consider this your new go-to on the fried rice front. This eggless mix includes carrots, edamame, corn, green peas, leeks, red bell peppers, and seasoning.

Photo: Trader Joe's

8. Melodious blend

You can't go wrong with a protein-heavy blend that combines all the legumes: green lentils, red lentils, and garbanzo beans.

Here's what you should know about Trader Joe's new umami seasoning. And the next time you're there, take a look at the beauty aisle, too.

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