Random Recs Week Three: Trader Joe's Edition

This is my public love note to the one and only, Trader Joe's. Grocery shopping is honestly such a stressful experience for me. My mom also didn't pass down her gourmet chef skills to me, but luckily Trader Joe's supreme selection of frozen food and fancy fresh vegetables has helped me manage the best I can. I've seen these recommendation posts all over TikTok and Instagram, so of course I had to do my own.

1. Teeny Tiny Avocados

These are everything and more. My biggest fear is bruised fruit (don't ask), but every time I cut one of these babies open, it's in pristine condition. I eat avocado at least once a day whether it's on some basic b*tch toast or a big salad. 10/10 recommend.

2. Joe-Joe's Slims

These are truly so good - a classic Trader Joe's staple in my family. We've been growing up buying these and they are honestly perfect for a sweet little treat. Also these newer Slims are KEY.

3. Premium Salmon Burgers

This is one of my faves from their frozen food section. Something about touching fresh, raw salmon out of the container freaks me out, so this is a perfect substitution. It took me not even 10 minutes to chef up the most professional meal in my repertoire. I linked TJ's drool-worthy burger recipe above!

4. Watermelon Overnight Face Mask

This may seem like a weird thing to recommend, but this face mask is insane. Lately I have been trying new face masks to get that #glow and this one smells like heaven. Apparently the ingredients are super hydrating and moisturizing, which I can attest to considering I wake up with a smooth-ass face.

5. Chicken Fried Rice

To be honest I've only had this one a few times, but one of my roommates would start many mornings out with a nice bowl of this rice and she would be absolutely beside herself if I did not have this on the list. It's perfect for the days you don't meal prep (me every week).

6. Bite Size Everything Crackers

These are perfect for charcuterie, which is the thing of all things now. My shameless plug of this post is to check out my mom's impressive charcuterie and grazing table business, Sage & Jam. It is NO joke.

7. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

I didn't get into pesto until recently, but this is seriously the most flavorful store-bought one I've tried. It's vegan if that's your jam. It's definitely not mine because I love chicken too much, but I could put this stuff on anything.

8. Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers

These are another one of my must haves in the frozen food section. It's so easy to throw one in the microwave after a long and draining day. I make Mexican salads with them - highly recommend.

9. Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip

I'm actually obsessed with this dip; I recommend it to everyone I know. It tastes so good and honestly I don't feel guilty eating it. I love it with fresh veggies or their superior cracker selection.

10. Sweet Chili Sauce

Last but never least, this delicious sauce is almost always in my cart. My mom likes to glaze her salmon with it, but because I'm not as fancy, I just dip my grilled chicken in it. It's not too tangy like how some Sweet and Sour sauces are sometimes - it hits just right.