Spring has sprung, and the last place you want to be is stuck in the kitchen. Luckily, Trader Joe’s is stocked with seasonal goodies that cook up fast in the microwave, giving you more time to enjoy the season. While we love Trader Joe’s for their unique pantry staples and easy frozen meals, we don’t like to microwave it in the plastic packaging they often come in. By using a plastic-free, glass Anyday dish with a vented glass lid, those shortcuts turn into fresh, seasonal (and microplastic-free) dishes that will satisfy your springtime cravings.
From fresh spring veggies to frozen berries, here’s how to turn your Trader Joe’s haul into quick, satisfying side dishes, desserts, and meals to celebrate the season:
1. Fresh Spring Veggies
This time of year, you can find peak-season baby corn, sweet English peas, and asparagus in the produce section. These fresh veggies come pre-washed and ready to use, perfect for a speedy microwave steam. Toss the veggies into your Anyday dish with a splash of water, cover with the glass vented lid, and microwave until vibrant in color and crisp-tender. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a healthy spring side dish—no boiling or blanching required. Season with a little butter, lemon, and salt, and you’re ready to dig in!
2. Organic Frozen Raspberries
Craving a fruity spring treat without hovering over a stove or turning on the oven? Trader Joe’s organic frozen raspberries are your answer. Try these berries in this recipe for microwave jam and in just a few minutes, you’ll have a sweet-and-tart sauce that’s ready to spoon over ice cream or yogurt, on toast, or with pancakes. Plus, you can store the jam in the fridge inside the same dish you cooked it in.
3. Lemon Poppy Seed Buns
Trader Joe’s Lemon Poppy Seed Buns make for an easy spring breakfast or teatime treat. Transfer these buns to an Anyday and give them a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave to warm them through. The lemon filling will get gooey and aromatic, and the pastry softens as if fresh-baked. Plus, you can cover any leftovers with the silicone-lined lid and keep them fresh for days.
4. Organic Couscous
Couscous is already one of the quickest “grains” to cook, and the microwave makes it even faster. Trader Joe’s Organic Couscous can be cooked start-to-finish in the microwave in less than 5 minutes—no stovetop required. Just add equal parts couscous and water (ratios are in the recipe link!) to a Deep Dish, cover, and microwave for about 2-3 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and you’ve got perfect, tender couscous ready for spring salads or as a base for easy grain bowls with veggies like peas, carrots, or asparagus.
5. Marinated Grilled Artichoke Halves
While fresh artichokes are only here for a short time, try jarred marinated artichoke halves for springtime flavor that lasts in your pantry all year long. Chop them up and add to an easy microwave spinach-artichoke dip or serve alongside grilled chicken with lemon. Looking for a full meal? Try this recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole with artichokes, or a Mediterranean Poached Salmon.
6. Meyer Lemon Cake Mix
Treat yourself to a slice of spring any time without turning the oven! Trader Joe’s Meyer Lemon Cake Mix is your shortcut to a sunny treat. Pour the prepared batter into a Square Dish and microwave on full power for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Maybe you’d rather make mini muffins? Portion batter (in batches) to a 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Tray and microwave for 3-5 minutes, or until the tops are bouncy. You’ll get warm, fluffy lemon cakes, perfect for a springtime tea party or festive brunch. Drizzle the provided icing on top and enjoy!
7. Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli
This refrigerated ravioli is filled with creamy ricotta and Sicilian lemon zest—talk about spring on a plate! You might think to boil them, but think again! Microwave the ravioli with a 1/2 cup of water (use this tortellini recipe as a guide) uncovered on high for about 3-4 minutes until the pasta is tender and the centers are hot. Drain the water, then toss the ravioli with butter or olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan. In minutes, you have a gourmet-tasting spring pasta ready to enjoy. Serve with a handful of microwaved peas and some fresh mint for extra color and flavor.
8. Asparagus Risotto
Trader Joe’s frozen Asparagus Risotto is a lifesaver on busy nights—it’s rich, cheesy, and studded with springy asparagus pieces. The best part? It's already cooked and heats up beautifully in the microwave. Pour the frozen risotto into a Shallow Dish, cover with the vented glass lid, and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until creamy and warmed through. The rice will turn creamy with zero stirring over a stovetop. If it’s not fully hot, continue microwaving in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. In less than 10 minutes, you'll have a bowl of comforting risotto ready to eat. Feeling fancy? Fold in some grated parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
9. Mini Shrimp Bao
Celebrate the beginning of shrimp season with these ready-to-heat Shrimp bao! These frozen buns are filled with seasoned shrimp patties, plus a dipping sauce. To recreate a steamer effect in the microwave, place a few frozen bao in a single layer in your Anyday dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Cover with the lid (vent open) and microwave for about 1½–2 minutes, or until the buns are soft and the shrimp filling is hot. The Anyday dish traps steam, keeping the bao tender and pillowy without drying out. Serve with the included dipping sauce or add a quick pickle of carrots and cucumbers for a fun spring appetizer.
10. Mango Blueberry Chia Bowl
The sun’s up, the birds are chirping, and you need something bright and filling for breakfast. This frozen chia bowl is basically a tropical breakfast pudding featuring fresh mangoes, blueberries, chia seeds, and creamy coconut. Remove the bowl from its packaging (don’t ever microwave in plastic!) and transfer to a Shallow Dish. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s defrosted and reaches your desired temperature. Top your warm chia bowl with a few extra fresh mango chunks or a dollop of yogurt, if desired. It’s an energizing breakfast that comes together in no time.
Can’t find this item in your local Trader Joe’s? Try our recipe for Coconut Mango Chia Pudding for an easy microwave DIY version.
With these Trader Joe’s springtime items and your microwave, delicious meals are just minutes away. From vibrant veggies and zesty pastas to bakery-worthy treats, you’ve got quick and easy options for every time of day. Microwave cooking lets you savor seasonal flavors without the hassle—and using Anyday microwave cookware makes it even more foolproof. With a little help from Trader Joe’s, you can whip up fresh, flavorful dishes in a snap—and make the most of spring one quick microwave meal at a time!
Looking for more ways to microwave your favorite Trader Joe’s groceries? Check out our blog post with 30 ideas to make easy meals in the microwave.
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