19 Easy Trader Joe's 2-Ingredient Summer Appetizers
And while I'm also a fan of two-ingredient dinners, I firmly believe TJ's micro-recipes truly shine in the hors d'oeuvre realm. If you've ever stood or sauntered the aisles and wondered what to pair with which and which to pair with what, this list is for you! Whether you're prepping for a last-minute potluck or creating a tasty pre-dinner amuse-bouche for your guests, I've got you covered with these wildly easy (albeit, some may dare say, "lazy") combos. Let's go and get 'em!
Garlic Spread Dip + Crunchy Chili Onion
Products: Garlic Spread Dip + Crunchy Chili OnionHow to serve it: Warm up pita or toast, swipe on a generous portion of the lemony garlic spread, then spoon on that chili onion crunch.Beverage pairing: Try it with a chilled dry rosé or a citrusy Paloma.
Dill Pickle Hummus + Mini Pretzels
Products: Dill Pickle Hummus + Mini Pretzel TwistsHow to serve it: I love the tang of the dill pickle hummus with the versatile vessel that is pretzels! Scoop the hummus into a shallow serving dish and pile the mini pretzels next to it, or enjoy straight from the tub and bag.Beverage pairing: Serve with a frosty pilsner or sparkling cucumber limeade.
Fresh Figs + Mascarpone
Products: Fresh Figs + MascarponeHow to serve it: Inspired by a recipe from my cookbook Living the Mediterranean Diet, halve the figs and top with mascarpone (and add a drizzle of TJ's balsamic glaze and a mint leaf, if you'd like).Beverage pairing: This one's lovely with chilled Moscato d'Asti or hibiscus iced tea.
Plain Greek Yogurt + Harissa
Products: Plain Greek Yogurt + HarissaHow to serve it: Spread your yogurt (hummus works, too!) in a shallow dish and swirl in the harissa. Bonus: Add chopped mint and parsley on top. Serve with warm pita or flatbread.Beverage pairing: Pair with a Moroccan mint tea or a light Sauvignon Blanc.
Green Olive Flats + Burrata
Products: Green Olive Flats + BurrataHow to serve it: These Italian-style flatbreads are thin, crisp, and packed with briny olive flavor in every bite. They're calling to be topped with something creamy, so spread on some stracciatella — aka burrata filling — and maybe even some grilled peaches.Beverage pairing: A spritz, naturally! Or try a sparkling green tea with lemon.
Mac and Cheese Bites + Marinara Sauce
Products: Mac and Cheese Bites + Marinara SauceHow to serve it: Bake the mac and cheese bites until they're golden-brown. Serve with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping.Beverage pairing: Wash it down with a cold root beer for something fun or an Aperol Spritz for something summery.
Eggplant Garlic Spread + Pita Bite Crackers
Products: Eggplant Garlic Spread + Pita Bite CrackersHow to serve it: So simple and so good — just slather it on a pita cracker (it's also good for a pizza sauce, if you've yet to try that trick).Beverage pairing: A crisp lager or a ginger-lime spritz will do the trick.
Mini Vegetable Samosas + Mango Chutney
Products: Frozen Mini Vegetable Samosas + Mango ChutneyHow to serve it: Bake your samosas until crispy, then spoon-spread a little chutney over each one, which is made from a base of cane sugar, coconut sap vinegar, and mango.Beverage pairing: Sip with mango lassi or a chilled Riesling.
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers + Sweet Chili Sauce
Products: Frozen Chicken Gyoza Potstickers + Sweet Chili SauceHow to serve it: Pan-fry the dumplings until perfectly crispy, then serve with sweet chili sauce (and some diced green onion, if you please). Crunchy Chili Onion is also tasty!Beverage pairing: Pair with a cold Japanese lager or lychee soda.
Psst: Download the Tasty app right now to access thousands of recipes in step-by-step mode.
Focaccia with Roasted Tomato & Parmesan + Mozzarella
Products: Focaccia Bread with Roasted Tomato & Parmesan + Fresh Mozzarella CheeseHow to serve it: Cube or tear pieces of focaccia and layer with fresh mozzarella slices. Add a balsamic drizzle or serve with a small side of pesto for dipping.Beverage pairing: Try a Negroni, or get a little wild with a tomato basil-based drink.
Pastry Bites with Feta & Caramelized Onions + Spicy Honey
Products: Pastry Bites with Feta & Caramelized Onions + Spicy HoneyHow to serve it: Bake until golden, then glaze each bite with a honey drizzle while they're still warm for a delectable sweet-spicy combo.Beverage pairing: Serve as summer winds down and fall rolls in with a fig gin fizz or sparkling pear cider.
Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons + Cucumber Ribbons
Products: Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons + CucumberHow to serve it: Cook the wontons until the edges are crispy, then thread them on skewers with cucumber ribbons for a fun party bite. Serve with soy sauce.Beverage pairing: Sip with an iced matcha latte or cucumber sake cocktail.
Mozzarella Pearls + Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
Products: Mozzarella Pearls + Slow-Roasted TomatoesHow to serve it: Thread small balls and tomatoes on toothpicks and serve for an easy caprese appetizer. Bonus points for fresh basil!Beverage pairing: This one will go great with a chilled Lambrusco or Italian soda.
Plain Chevre Goat Cheese + Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
Products: Plain Chevre Goat Cheese + Everything but the Bagel SeasoningHow to serve it: With a touch of heavy cream or yogurt, whip the chevre into a spreadable consistency, then top with seasoning, and serve on cucumber slices.Beverage pairing: Pour yourself a glass of something lemony!
Sharp Cheddar + Hot & Sweet Pickled Jalapeños
Products: Sharp Cheddar Slices + Hot & Sweet Pickled JalapeñosHow to serve it: Layer sliced cheddar and jalapeños on crackers for an easy, sweet-spicy-vinegary treat that tastes delicious. Beverage pairing: Try it with a pineapple jalapeño drink of sorts.
Persian Cucumbers + Smoked Salmon
Products: Persian Cucumbers + Smoked SalmonHow to serve it: Cut thick cucumber rounds and top with pieces of smoked salmon. Add a tiny twist of lemon or fresh dill. You can also add a dollop of TJ's Vegan Tzatziki.Beverage pairing: Achieve hosting perfection with a chilled glass of Prosecco.
Roasted Baby Potatoes + Garlic Aioli Mustard Sauce
Products: Roasted Baby Potatoes + Garlic Aioli Mustard SauceHow to serve it: Roast or air-fry until crispy and serve with garlic aioli mustard sauce for dunking. So easy and so satisfying!Beverage pairing: Serve with a Belgian-style beer or ice-cold lemonade.
Lemon Pesto Sauce + Burrata
Products: Lemon Pesto Sauce + BurrataHow to serve it: Can you ever have enough burrata in the summertime? Spoon this dreamy lemon pesto over torn burrata and serve with crostini or crackers.Beverage pairing: Lavender limoncello or crisp Vermentino (a citrusy white from Italy).
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese + Strawberry Preserves
Products: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese + Strawberry PreservesHow to serve it: Skip the cracker and serve it straight up: just a simple square of cheese plus a dollop of preserves. You can also use multiple types of preserves for a colorful checkerboard-style party platter.Beverage pairing: A spritz, naturally! Or try a sparkling green tea with lemon.
Have a favorite two-ingredient combo I didn't include in this list? Feel free to send it my way or drop a note in the comments below! I'm always on the hunt for elegant-meets-easy kitchen shortcuts. Happy summer, friends! Enjoy the sunny weather and warm days ahead.
For more easy appetizer ideas, download the free Tasty app to browse and save thousands of recipes — no subscription required.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
19 Easy Trader Joe's 2-Ingredient Summer Appetizers
I like to think that Trader Joe's is essentially built for two-ingredient, impromptu appetizer parties. For me, so many of the items that line the shelves entice the senses and conjure visions of mellow summer evenings on the deck or super simple afternoon snack plates. And while I'm also a fan of two-ingredient dinners, I firmly believe TJ's micro-recipes truly shine in the hors d'oeuvre realm. If you've ever stood or sauntered the aisles and wondered what to pair with which and which to pair with what, this list is for you! Whether you're prepping for a last-minute potluck or creating a tasty pre-dinner amuse-bouche for your guests, I've got you covered with these wildly easy (albeit, some may dare say, "lazy") combos. Let's go and get 'em! Garlic Spread Dip + Crunchy Chili Onion Products: Garlic Spread Dip + Crunchy Chili OnionHow to serve it: Warm up pita or toast, swipe on a generous portion of the lemony garlic spread, then spoon on that chili onion pairing: Try it with a chilled dry rosé or a citrusy Paloma. Dill Pickle Hummus + Mini Pretzels Products: Dill Pickle Hummus + Mini Pretzel TwistsHow to serve it: I love the tang of the dill pickle hummus with the versatile vessel that is pretzels! Scoop the hummus into a shallow serving dish and pile the mini pretzels next to it, or enjoy straight from the tub and pairing: Serve with a frosty pilsner or sparkling cucumber limeade. Fresh Figs + Mascarpone Products: Fresh Figs + MascarponeHow to serve it: Inspired by a recipe from my cookbook Living the Mediterranean Diet, halve the figs and top with mascarpone (and add a drizzle of TJ's balsamic glaze and a mint leaf, if you'd like).Beverage pairing: This one's lovely with chilled Moscato d'Asti or hibiscus iced tea. Plain Greek Yogurt + Harissa Products: Plain Greek Yogurt + HarissaHow to serve it: Spread your yogurt (hummus works, too!) in a shallow dish and swirl in the harissa. Bonus: Add chopped mint and parsley on top. Serve with warm pita or pairing: Pair with a Moroccan mint tea or a light Sauvignon Blanc. Green Olive Flats + Burrata Products: Green Olive Flats + BurrataHow to serve it: These Italian-style flatbreads are thin, crisp, and packed with briny olive flavor in every bite. They're calling to be topped with something creamy, so spread on some stracciatella — aka burrata filling — and maybe even some grilled pairing: A spritz, naturally! Or try a sparkling green tea with lemon. Mac and Cheese Bites + Marinara Sauce Products: Mac and Cheese Bites + Marinara SauceHow to serve it: Bake the mac and cheese bites until they're golden-brown. Serve with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for pairing: Wash it down with a cold root beer for something fun or an Aperol Spritz for something summery. Eggplant Garlic Spread + Pita Bite Crackers Products: Eggplant Garlic Spread + Pita Bite CrackersHow to serve it: So simple and so good — just slather it on a pita cracker (it's also good for a pizza sauce, if you've yet to try that trick).Beverage pairing: A crisp lager or a ginger-lime spritz will do the trick. Mini Vegetable Samosas + Mango Chutney Products: Frozen Mini Vegetable Samosas + Mango ChutneyHow to serve it: Bake your samosas until crispy, then spoon-spread a little chutney over each one, which is made from a base of cane sugar, coconut sap vinegar, and pairing: Sip with mango lassi or a chilled Riesling. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers + Sweet Chili Sauce Products: Frozen Chicken Gyoza Potstickers + Sweet Chili SauceHow to serve it: Pan-fry the dumplings until perfectly crispy, then serve with sweet chili sauce (and some diced green onion, if you please). Crunchy Chili Onion is also tasty!Beverage pairing: Pair with a cold Japanese lager or lychee soda. Psst: Download the Tasty app right now to access thousands of recipes in step-by-step mode. Focaccia with Roasted Tomato & Parmesan + Mozzarella Products: Focaccia Bread with Roasted Tomato & Parmesan + Fresh Mozzarella CheeseHow to serve it: Cube or tear pieces of focaccia and layer with fresh mozzarella slices. Add a balsamic drizzle or serve with a small side of pesto for pairing: Try a Negroni, or get a little wild with a tomato basil-based drink. Pastry Bites with Feta & Caramelized Onions + Spicy Honey Products: Pastry Bites with Feta & Caramelized Onions + Spicy HoneyHow to serve it: Bake until golden, then glaze each bite with a honey drizzle while they're still warm for a delectable sweet-spicy pairing: Serve as summer winds down and fall rolls in with a fig gin fizz or sparkling pear cider. Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons + Cucumber Ribbons Products: Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons + CucumberHow to serve it: Cook the wontons until the edges are crispy, then thread them on skewers with cucumber ribbons for a fun party bite. Serve with soy pairing: Sip with an iced matcha latte or cucumber sake cocktail. Mozzarella Pearls + Slow-Roasted Tomatoes Products: Mozzarella Pearls + Slow-Roasted TomatoesHow to serve it: Thread small balls and tomatoes on toothpicks and serve for an easy caprese appetizer. Bonus points for fresh basil!Beverage pairing: This one will go great with a chilled Lambrusco or Italian soda. Plain Chevre Goat Cheese + Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Products: Plain Chevre Goat Cheese + Everything but the Bagel SeasoningHow to serve it: With a touch of heavy cream or yogurt, whip the chevre into a spreadable consistency, then top with seasoning, and serve on cucumber pairing: Pour yourself a glass of something lemony! Sharp Cheddar + Hot & Sweet Pickled Jalapeños Products: Sharp Cheddar Slices + Hot & Sweet Pickled JalapeñosHow to serve it: Layer sliced cheddar and jalapeños on crackers for an easy, sweet-spicy-vinegary treat that tastes delicious. Beverage pairing: Try it with a pineapple jalapeño drink of sorts. Persian Cucumbers + Smoked Salmon Products: Persian Cucumbers + Smoked SalmonHow to serve it: Cut thick cucumber rounds and top with pieces of smoked salmon. Add a tiny twist of lemon or fresh dill. You can also add a dollop of TJ's Vegan pairing: Achieve hosting perfection with a chilled glass of Prosecco. Roasted Baby Potatoes + Garlic Aioli Mustard Sauce Products: Roasted Baby Potatoes + Garlic Aioli Mustard SauceHow to serve it: Roast or air-fry until crispy and serve with garlic aioli mustard sauce for dunking. So easy and so satisfying!Beverage pairing: Serve with a Belgian-style beer or ice-cold lemonade. Lemon Pesto Sauce + Burrata Products: Lemon Pesto Sauce + BurrataHow to serve it: Can you ever have enough burrata in the summertime? Spoon this dreamy lemon pesto over torn burrata and serve with crostini or pairing: Lavender limoncello or crisp Vermentino (a citrusy white from Italy). Unexpected Cheddar Cheese + Strawberry Preserves Products: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese + Strawberry PreservesHow to serve it: Skip the cracker and serve it straight up: just a simple square of cheese plus a dollop of preserves. You can also use multiple types of preserves for a colorful checkerboard-style party pairing: A spritz, naturally! Or try a sparkling green tea with lemon. Have a favorite two-ingredient combo I didn't include in this list? Feel free to send it my way or drop a note in the comments below! I'm always on the hunt for elegant-meets-easy kitchen shortcuts. Happy summer, friends! Enjoy the sunny weather and warm days ahead. For more easy appetizer ideas, download the free Tasty app to browse and save thousands of recipes — no subscription required.
Business Insider
08-08-2025
- Business Insider
I worked at Trader Joe's for 3 years. I still come back all the time for these 10 underrated items.
I always stock up on cold brew coffee bags. I drink coffee year-round, but in the summer months, cold brew is essential. Trader Joe's usually only sells these bags during the summer, so I buy them whenever they're available. They come in packs of four. I just steep two bags in about 7 cups of water overnight in the fridge, and I'm set for days. Over the summer, I almost always keep a pitcher of cold brew in my fridge — and I find this is much more cost-effective than buying a bottle or jug. Trader Joe's overnight oats are my go-to for a quick breakfast. I've tried overnight oats from several brands and found many to be either too mushy or too sweet. These, however, are perfect. Whenever I go on a Trader Joe's trip, I'll grab a few to keep in my fridge for early mornings. There are several flavors I love, but I always look forward to the pumpkin one that's stocked in the fall. I always buy this horchata-inspired ice cream, which nails the flavor of the classic Mexican drink. Trader Joe's horchata-inspired ice cream is creamy, cinnamon-y, and has just the right amount of cookie pieces (my weakness). This is another product that's only around in the summer months, so whenever I see it in the freezer case, I don't hesitate to add it to my cart. Trader Joe's dolmas are one of my favorite pantry staples. A customer once convinced me to try Trader Joe's dolmas, and I've been hooked ever since. You can eat these little grape leaf-wrapped rice rolls right out of the can! They're packed in soybean oil and make a great snack or side dish with hummus or tzatziki. I always buy Norwegian sourdough rye chips to pair with tuna salad. I first tried this combo after a customer recommended it. The rye chips add the perfect crunch and saltiness to any creamy tuna salad, and they're thick enough that they don't break easily. Trader Joe's refrigerated chicken nuggets are the ultimate work-from-home lunch hack. These chicken nuggets crisp up quickly in the air fryer and are easy to eat as a quick meal or snack. Sometimes, I toss them on a salad for extra protein. They have saved me from ordering takeout more times than I can count — and the spicy ones are great, too. The frozen hashbrowns are a cult favorite, and I've come to understand why. When I worked at Trader Joe's, customers would constantly ask if these were back in stock. I didn't understand the hype … until I tried them. Now, I always keep a box in my freezer. They crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and make a great base for avocado "toast" with a fried egg. The squiggly knife-cut-style noodles are a delicious alternative to instant ramen. Compared to other instant noodles I've tried, these have a chewy, bouncy texture that I love. Also, don't get me started on the sauce — it's spicy, garlicky, and nutty in the best way. I always keep a few packs on hand for lazy lunches or late-night snacks. Matua sauvignon blanc is my favorite chilled wine from Trader Joe's. A coworker introduced me to this crisp, not-too-sweet white wine from New Zealand, and it's been a staple ever since. I highly recommend chilling it in the fridge. Also, a pro tip: Look for the snowflake on the label, which turns blue when perfectly chilled. I'm terrible at staying hydrated, but these coconut waters help.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Yahoo
This Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession
This Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession originally appeared on Parade. As someone who works from home and tries his best not to eat out too often, living in New York City doesn't exactly help. With worldly cuisine on every corner and the familiar comforts of franchised chains always within reach, it's hard to settle for your modest grocery haul back home. That said, Trader Joe's always manages to come up with a few intriguing ready-made options that tend to end up in my cart. Because as much as I love cooking from scratch at home, the reality is that some workdays only allow time for something quick and week, after being won over by its growing popularity online, I made it a point to get my hands on Trader Joe's Korean Style Bibim-Guksu. It's a light and refreshing cold noodle salad inspired by the treasured staple of Korean cuisine. It's sold in a decently sized 9.81-ounce clear container and is packed with fresh ingredients for a cool $4.99. As a newcomer to this Trader Joe's find, I was instantly impressed by how well it held up in the fridge days after purchase. I didn't get around to opening the container until the day of the suggested 'Use By' date, and I was shocked by how fresh, green and inviting everything still looked inside. Like much of Asian cuisine, the packaging is impressively efficient—no space wasted, with every inch of the compact container put to good use. Inside, a variety of textures and bold flavors await, including a hearty mix of spicy somen noodles, napa cabbage, carrots, cucumber, scallions, kimchi and two (yes, two!) packets of gochujang dressing. After emptying one gochujang dressing packet and giving the vegetable and noodle medley a good mix, I quickly realized I had a new lunch option to add to my rotation. Even four days after purchase, each bite was still fresh, crispy and crunchy. The noodles were soft and plentiful, while the sauce itself was tangy and delicious, with a gentle heat that lingered as a background kick rather than hitting you head a review shared online by @traderjoeslist, one fan suggested adding TJ's pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs as the protein, saying, 'It's sooo bomb together.' Another chimed in with a tip to add sesame oil and sesame seeds, claiming, 'It will brighten the flavor,' while a third recommended the classic addition of a boiled egg for protein. Whichever approach you take, you'll be impressed by the excellent mix of healthy ingredients, firm and juicy cucumber chunks, plenty of tangy gochujang dressing and the fact that you only spent $5 on lunch. Stock your fridge for a few days and enjoy a fresh alternative to the all-too usual delivery app Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession first appeared on Parade on Jul 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
