We're huge fans of Trader Joe's ideas and options, but there are often ingredients we wish were left out of the mix. All seven of these copycat recipes are inspired by the classic Trader Joe's meals and snacks we love, only lightened up and more aligned with your healthy, clean-eating goals!
Thai Citrus Chicken Salad
The combination of cabbage, carrot, and daikon in this 220-calorie citrus chicken salad [1] is an antioxidant-rich trifecta! This Trader Joe's classic supports your digestive system and keeps your body hydrated in warmer temperatures. It's also high in protein and low in fat, carbs, and calories.
Frozen Steel-Cut Oats
This Trader Joe's hack will make your weekday breakfasts even better. These frozen oatmeal muffins [2] heat up into a satisfying bowl of whole-grain steel-cut oats that's ready in under five minutes.
Greek Yogurt Guacamole
We're big fans of Trader Joe's Reduced-Guilt Guacamole, which blends low-fat Greek yogurt with avocados, but we made our own fresh low-fat guacamole [3] that's even better. Our version has 12 percent less sodium, zero sugar, and yes, more protein. Even better, we were able to add even more fresh produce to the mix — just the way we like it.
Kale and Edamame Bistro Salad
Big fans of the Trader Joe's prepackaged kale and edamame bistro salad can make their own homemade version [4] even better than the original.
Roasted Seaweed Snacks
Even if you don't love raw seaweed, many find that the texture and flavor of this nutrient-rich, dense sea vegetable changes after a quick pop in the oven. DIY [5] a lower-sodium, even more flavorful version than the Trader Joe's store-bought snack with this sesame-garlic nori chip recipe [6].
Dried Mango
If you're always snacking on a package of Trader Joe's Dried Mango, you'll be thrilled to know it's simple to bake your own [7] up at home. All you need is two ripe mangos, an oven, and two to three hours.
Banana Bites
These crave-worthy four-ingredient chocolate-covered banana bites [8] are an elevated and cleaner version of Trader Joe's Gone Bananas bites. You'll love the almond butter center in this cooling Summer treat.