- Rebecca Landesman
Trader Joe's Food Guide: Crucial Condiments
We're dishing on all the best Trader Joe's condiments: dressings, dips, and sauces we always have in the fridge or pantry. They're affordable, delicious, and a quick way to spruce up any dish. Check out our curated pick below.
Via Domino
Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto: For vegans, the cheese-intolerant, pesto lovers or pesto newbies
No, regular pesto sauce is NOT vegan! If you're bored of tomato-based sauce or want to go easy on the dairy, this cheese-free version of pesto is a must-have. It's great on noodles or spread on avo toast, and the kale, cashew, basil combo is honestly a perfect dupe for the real thing.
Almond Butter Turmeric Salad Dressing: For label-readers, a salad dressing lite that's preservative-free
When we discovered this gem we knew we hit the jackpot. This almond-based dressing is made fresh with just a few, simple ingredients. Generously douse your greens, grain bowls, tempeh, everything and anything with this dressing because for once it's ok to enjoy a bowl of dressing with a side of salad.
Hint: All three TJ's dressings pictured here are delicious, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing. Avoid the Green Goddess if going to meetings—it's got chives and garlic.
Coconut Aminos: For soy-avoiders, here's a healthier, sweeter seasoning sauce
Coconuts are the fruit that keeps on giving: coconut milk, coconut water, coconut meat, piña colada-base, and now coconut aminos. Made from fermented coconut sap, this light sauce is likened to soy sauce or tamari, but less salty and much more sweet. If you're a coconut fan, you have to try this coconut-soy love child on fried rice or fish. Oh, and it's only $2.99.
Everything but the Bagel Yogurt Dip: For bagel and schmear flavor without the regrets
We didn't think it was possible to compete with cream cheese, but then we found this dip. Made with TJ's staple "Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Blend"—sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, dried garlic, dried onion, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds—this dip delivers bagel and schmear flavor without the bagel and schmear guilt. It's light, tangy, and perfect with lox, carrot sticks, eggs, and pretty much everything. Get creative.
Chili Lime Seasoning Blend: For those who like a little kick
TJ's chili lime seasoning gives Tajín a run for its money. This salty, spicy, zesty combo is best sprinkled on avo toast, tacos, rice bowls, and most importantly—coating the rim of our margarita glass.
Hint: We own all three of the seasonings pictured here and we're not ashamed to admit it. We'd consider them all a pantry essential.
Thai Green Curry Simmer Sauce: For those who want a saucy, slowly simmered dish with bold curry flavor
This sauce is made with a sweet and subtle coconut milk base mixed with a mildly spicy green curry paste. Add vegetables, rice, chicken, tempeh, tofu, or whatever you're craving, simmer for a few minutes— or a few hours for more robust flavor—and enjoy a savory, fragrant dish that beats any Thai takeout around.