TSC’S Trader Joe’s [gluten free] favorites
Who doesn’t love a good Trader Joe’s run? Well maybe some of you genuinely do not like shopping there, but I stop for a few favorites once a month. I prefer to shop at Farmer’s Markets as my diet mainly consist of whole foods and local grocery stores (i.e. Rollin’ Oats) as they typically cater to those who have specialty diets as they have a large selection of certified gluten free products. However, Trader Joe’s does have 6 items that are my go-to and I am going to share how I like to utilize each product for you to possibly try in your own kitchen.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
This was my first gluten free purchase from TJ’s, which I enjoy utilizing as the main focus of my meals (just add some pasta sauce and a few spices), but more than likely you will find me utilizing it as a side mixed with sautéed greens paired with skillet cooked salmon or cod. I have found that if you cook it in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. This way of cooking the gnocchi makes it golden brown and crispy on the outside while still be soft and fluffy in the inside!
Kale & Edamame Salad
This is my go-to for a quick and easy lunch, especially if I am on the road or did not prepare anything. I really should just make my own version of this at home as I would probably save some money and be a little “cleaner”, but sometimes convenience wins. This salad is full of flavor and different textures, which is probably one of the reasons I crave it from time to time – the edamame to the dried cranberries to the grape tomatoes to the almonds then the yummy lemon dressing!
Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto
I recently decided to try this product and I have to say I am very happy I did. I like to cook my salmon with it on top of it, mix it in with my vegetables, and/or mix my cauliflower gnocchi in it. The pesto gives any dish a nice little zap of flavor without making it “heavy”. The pesto is also thick, which I like as it not super watery and holds itself very well when it is heated up.
The pesto is a blend of kale, cashew butter, and basil, mixed together with olive oil, lemon juice, and water, then seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip
If you do not already know, you know that I not only eat gluten free, but stay away from all dairy, eggs, chicken, and red meat. I would say I have moved into a Pescatarian lifestyle, which has only been over the last 7 months, as I have learned certain things do not agree with my body and I 100% feel better without consuming those things. I have also been educating on myself on the dairy and meat industries, which is legitimately jaw dropping. However, I do not judge nor discriminate if you are a meat or dairy consumer as that is your right to consume what you feel like is best for your body. However, I do highly recommend that everyone try TJ’s Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip, especially if you are a lover of chips and queso like me!
This dip is good for those who are dairy free, soy free, gluten-free or vegan. I warm this dip up and eat it some Siete Foods Dip Chips.
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Baking Mix
So typically, I like to make all my baked goods from scratch, but nothing wrong with a little bit of help from a mix. I have walked past this mix numerous times and on my list trip to TJ’s decided to try it out.
The mix can be made to be vegan friendly, which is how I made it and simply followed the directions on the back of the box. However, I did add some of my own almond flour to the mix as I did not like the consistency of the mix how it was (adding the flour thickened it up a little). The cookies turned out well, were tasty, and enjoyed by others, so they are something I would buy again.
If you are one that likes extremely soft cookies and/or prefers to bake with a box, then this is a product for you!
Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning
I used to think that everyone was simply hyping this product up, but then I bought it and started utilizing it on EVERYTHING! The hype is real. I utilize this seasoning on salad, on top of my salmon, to make cucumber chips (sliced seedless cucumbers, EVOO, and seasoning), to season my vegetables (i.e. green beans, edamame), and top some of the breakfast skillet hashes I make.
This is a game changer in seasoning foods and I highly recommend it!
This is TSC’s Trader Joe’s [gluten free] Favorites and would love to hear about some of your favorites! Also, if you want make any of the above combinations, I would love to hear about them - you can tag @thatssoceliac on Instagram and I will make sure to re-share.