My Trader Joe’s No Cook Meal Plan for the Week

Trader Joe’s is my go-to for no-cook meals, especially with one person in the family (*cough ME) has multiple food allergies. Not only is it cost-effective, but their premade foods are a steal! When shopping for no-cook options, I focus on including all macronutrients in each meal — protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with fruits and veggies for a balanced plate.

Focusing on filling in blanks for each meal helps to build a simple healthy meal plan that doesn’t have to require a lot of energy to make. Start with a base of whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice. Add a protein source like grilled chicken or ground beef. Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables either raw or cooked. Include healthy fats like avocado or nuts, and don’t forget to add flavor with herbs, spices or sauces. By following this template, you can easily create balanced meals without the need for complicated recipes or excessive time in the kitchen. This approach ensures you are getting a good mix of nutrients while keeping meal preparation efficient and stress-free.

Here’s what I purchased this week to help save time and money:

• Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

• Sous Vide Chicken Thighs

• Pulled Pork

• Chicken Meatballs (2)

• Frozen Jasmine Rice

• Frozen Turkey Meatballs

• Frozen Medium Tail Off Shrimp

• Shitake Garlic Green Beans

• Frozen Mixed Veggies

• Shredded Kale (cleaned and chopped)

• Silver Dollar Pancakes (for family)

• Gluten & Dairy Free pancakes (for me!)

• Sun Dried Tomatoes

• Regular and GF Pasta

Here’s a snapshot of my latest Trader Joe’s haul and the meals I have planned for the week:

Breakfast:

• Chicken Meatballs, Pancakes, and Strawberries

Lunch:

• Jasmine Rice, Pulled Pork, Shitake Green Beans (add cashews for a healthy fat)

Dinners:

• Chili Lime Taco Bowls

• Chicken Thighs, leftover Potatoes, and Broccoli

• Pulled Pork Sliders

• Turkey Meatballs and Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

• Shrimp Fried Rice

With over half of my meals just needing to be heated up and assembled, I calculated that each meal costs less than $4. While I might need to whip up a few dinners from scratch, most can be prepared using pantry staples.

These meals are not only convenient but also kid-friendly. I’ve discovered that simple adjustments like separating ingredients can make meals more appealing to picky eaters. For example, serving taco bowl ingredients separately instead of mixed together works like a charm!

Enjoy stress-free mealtimes with delicious and budget-friendly options from Trader Joe’s. Happy no-cook eating!

What are your go to no-cook meal options? Drop a comment below to share!