Trader Joe’s Summer Entertaining Essentials

Summers usually mean traveling and vacations, which can translate into guests for you to entertain, wine and dine. While hosting can be a daunting task for some of us who would rather be lounging on this donut float  (!!!) while sipping a tropical cocktail, I promise that thanks to the great folks at Trader Joe’s, we are going to pack your pantry + fridge with an arsenal to please any crowd in a snap. Friends coming over in 15 for a cocktail? You got this. Significant other’s parents wanting to meet you? Put down the paper bag, there will be no hyperventilating.

The only hitch? Cleaning your apartment/house is all you. Sadly, I have yet to discover a Trader Joe’s hack for that. But I can work on it.

Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole: Okay, I’m cheating with the first one since we all know that guacamole, the ambrosia of the gods, has a short shelf life and won’t be sitting in your pantry for weeks. But it’s just too good not to share! When I say I could eat the whole container in one sitting, there is zero hyperbole in that sentence. I double dog dare you to find any exaggeration. It’s just that delicious. Pair with TJ’s Quinoa Infused Tortilla Chips or plop a spoonful onto grilled chicken or fish to give your protein some jazz. I usually have to buy two of this bad boy when I go to Trader Joe’s because I know I can’t be trusted alone with this guacamole.

Seasoned King Salmon: During the summer, salmon + I have a bit of a love affair (don’t tell guac). I could probably eat it all day if I had to (like that’d be the worst thing ever). Keep this salmon in your freezer to quickly thaw and cook over a bed of quinoa and a side or two of veggies. Simple but tastes like a million bucks. Guaranteed parent-pleaser (ha you fooled them!).

Burrata + Tomatoes: It’s a summer package deal and you have it on good authority that this pairing plus a drizzle of balsamic makes for a delicious salad that takes minutes to prepare but is a hot weather heavyweight. During last week’s killer heat wave in DC, I ate this for dinner each night to cool down and eat healthfully without turning on the oven.

Mini Ice Cream Cones: And since we are being so good (#beachbod2014) eating tomatoes for dinner, I figure we can have a little fun with these adorable ice cream cones. In DC, there aren’t a whole lot of Mom ‘n Pop ice cream shops like back home in New York so ice cream cones have a soft spot in my nostalgic ol’ heart.

Carne Asada: Already marinated, carne asada just needs to be cooked and then lovingly added to a Southwest salad or tortilla shells (try TJ’s habanero lime kind) for the best darn Taco Tuesday you’ll ever have. Add a scoop of the reduced guilt guac (assuming you haven’t eaten it all like I have) to make a Chipotle burrito bowl at home.

Pineapple Juice: Easiest cocktail ever: pineapple juice + light rum and a lime slice for garnish. Goodbye, fire escape. Helloo, tropical island paradise.

Do you have any Trader Joe’s hacks? I’d love to hear them!

* * *

Let’s Chat!

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin’