Indulge in the delicious simplicity of our Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Chicken & Spinach Stir-Fry, a recipe that effortlessly combines nourishing grains and fresh ingredients for a meal that's both quick and satisfying.
At Mindfully Healthy Living, we're dedicated to turning natural, wholesome ingredients into culinary delights. The cornerstone of this recipe is the Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend, a nutritious mix featuring red quinoa, baby garbanzo beans, and Israeli couscous. We've perfected cooking this blend in an Instant Pot with chicken broth and Trader Joe's 21 seasoning blend, ensuring each grain is perfectly flavored.
Our love for this grains blend shines through in this recipe. The stir-fry brings together tender chicken, crisp celery, fragrant onions, garlic, and ginger, along with the freshness of spinach and cherry tomatoes, all topped with cilantro and feta cheese. This combination of my favorite veggies for a stir fry transforms Trader Joes's harvest grains blend into a full-flavored main dish that's both hearty and healthy.
Ideal for those seeking delicious meals with a lot of flavor, this stir-fry stands out as a versatile and nutritious choice. It's perfect for a family dinner or as a delightful side dish, showcasing the diverse potential of different grains.
Our family loves to cook experiment with TJ's hauls and make simple, delicious, and healthy meals from it. Check out a few of our favorites: Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs Spaghetti Bake, Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma, and Trader Joe's Holiday Hash. Each dish reflects our passion for creating meals that are not just nutritious but also bring joy and flavor to your table, without sacrificing time or wellness!
Before starting this recipe, we encourage you to set healthy intentions. This mindful practice enriches your cooking and dining experience, aligning with our ethos of healthy, conscious living. Be sure to check out our free guide on setting intentions, an invaluable addition to your culinary journey.
Let's dive right into this simple, colorful, and delicious meal!
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Ingredients
Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend: The foundation of our recipe, this blend is a hearty mix of quinoa, Israeli couscous, baby garbanzos, and orzo. Its variety offers not just taste but also an array of nutrients.
Chicken Broth: Adding depth and flavor, chicken broth is a staple for cooking grains. For a healthier choice, look for organic options. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used.
TJ's 21 Seasoning Salute: This versatile seasoning adds a burst of flavor to the grains.
Shredded Chicken: You can find it at Trader Joe's pre-shredded or prepare your own at home for a fresher alternative. For the healthiest option, choose organic, free-range chicken.
Avocado Oil: A healthier oil choice, avocado oil is known for its high smoke point and heart-healthy fats. It's perfect for stir-frying and brings a subtle, buttery flavor.
Celery: Adding a crunchy texture and fresh taste, celery is a great source of antioxidants and essential nutrients. It pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients in this stir-fry. Organic is best.
Onion: Onions bring a depth of flavor to any dish. They don't need to be organic as the skin, which can hold pesticides, is removed.
Garlic: A must-have for its health benefits and flavor, garlic enhances this dish with its unique aroma. It's also known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Organic is best.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty, spicy kick and is well-regarded for its anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with flavor and color, cherry tomatoes add a juicy sweetness to the stir-fry. They're also a great source of lycopene, vitamins C, and K. Organic is best!
Feta Cheese: This crumbly, tangy cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. Opt for organic feta to avoid additives and get the best quality.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a distinctive, earthy flavor. It's also known for its detoxifying properties. Organic is best.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Instant Pot Grain Cooking: Start by adding the entire package of Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend into your Instant Pot along with 3 cups of chicken broth and a sprinkle of TJ's 21 Seasoning Salute. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 1 minute. After the cooking time, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This method ensures the grains are perfectly cooked, retaining their individual textures. Fluff and set aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics: In a large skillet, warm avocado oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic, diced onion, sliced celery, and grated ginger into the skillet. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté these ingredients for about 3-5 minutes until they become soft and aromatic, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
Incorporating Greens and Tomatoes: To the skillet, add the cooked Harvest Grain Blend from the Instant Pot. Mix in fresh baby spinach and cherry tomatoes. Stir everything gently on medium heat, allowing the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to blend with the other ingredients. Add a bit more oil if needed to keep the whole thing moist and flavorful. Remove the skillet from the heat once everything is well combined.
Final Touches and Serving: Now, gently fold in shredded chicken, fresh cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. If you like a bit of spice, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes is a great addition. Do a final seasoning check, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Serve this wholesome and hearty dish warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Hint: Grease the bottom of the instant pot with butter, ghee, or avocado oil before cooking to avoid sticking. Chop and sautee the veggies while the grains are cooking so everything will be ready once the grains are done. *If you do not have an instant pot, use a large pot on the stove, following the package instructions.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegan Variation: To make this dish vegan-friendly, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. Use a vegan cheese alternative instead of feta, or simply skip the cheese. For added protein, consider stirring in some cooked chickpeas or tempeh.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, follow the vegan suggestions but feel free to keep the feta cheese if you consume dairy. The protein can also be boosted with a mix of legumes like green lentils.
For a Spicier Kick: If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics or a splash of your favorite hot sauce at the end (this is our family's favorite!). Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Sweeter Twist: Introduce a little bit of sweetness by adding dried cranberries or chopped apples to the skillet instead of the spinach and tomatoes. This adds a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the dish.
Harvest Grain Salad: Transform this recipe into a harvest grain salad by mixing the cooked Harvest Grain Blend with fresh greens like tossed garden salad or crunchy kale. Dress it with a homemade dressing made from white balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, mixed with quality olive oil and a pinch of salt. Flavor the dressing as desired with herbs or garlic for an extra zing.
Other Serving Ideas
- Grain Bowls: Use the cooked Harvest Grain Blend as a base for grain bowls. Top with a variety of veggies, proteins, and dressings for a customizable, hearty lunch.
- Side Dishes: Serve the blend as a side, flavored with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. It pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Scoop the blend into hollowed-out bell peppers or zucchini boats and bake for a delicious, filling meal.
These variations and substitutions offer a range of possibilities for enjoying the Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend, making it versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a hearty lunch, a quick side dish, or a nutritious grain bowl, there are plenty of ways to creatively use this blend.
Storage
Proper storage is important to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you have cooked a large batch and want to save some for later, this dish also freezes well. Divide the stir-fry into portion-sized containers, ensuring they are airtight to avoid freezer burn. The frozen stir-fry can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
​To reheat, simply thaw the stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight if it's frozen. Then, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Remember to stir occasionally for even heating.
For the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume the stir-fry within the given storage timeframes. This ensures that you enjoy the dish at its best quality.
Top tip
To maximize flavor and texture in the Easy Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Chicken & Spinach Stir-Fry, try toasting the Harvest Grain Blend slightly before cooking it in the Instant Pot. This can be done by dry toasting the grains on saute mode for a few minutes until they become aromatic. This simple step adds a deeper, nuttier flavor to the grains, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Remember to stir frequently during toasting to prevent burning. This little trick makes a noticeable difference in elevating the dish's flavor profile.
FAQ
Trader Joe's Harvest Blend is quite versatile, and you can add a variety of ingredients to tailor it to your taste. Fresh vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers add color and nutrients. For protein, consider adding chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. Nuts and dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also provide a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Spices and herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or a dash of cumin, can elevate the blend's natural flavors.
Yes, you can cook Trader Joe's Harvest Blend in a rice cooker. It's a convenient and effective method to ensure the grains are cooked evenly. Just add the blend to the rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water or broth, following the package instructions for the water-to-grain ratio. The rice cooker will handle the rest, providing you with perfectly cooked grains every time.
Trader Joe's is known for its commitment to offering quality products, and there are certain ingredients they choose not to sell. These include artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). However, it's important to note that while they focus on healthier options, some products may still contain artificial ingredients. Therefore, we always recommend checking the ingredient list on the packaging to ensure the product meets your dietary preferences and standards. At Mindfully Healthy Living, we advocate for natural, wholesome ingredients in all our recipes and encourage our readers to do the same.
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More Holistic Nutrition Info
Recipe
Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Recipe: Chicken & Spinach Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 teaspoon ginger minced
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 4-6 celery stalks minced
- 1 sweet onion minced
- 1 package of Trader Joe's Harvest Blend rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoon TJ's 21 Seasoning Salute
- 1.5 tablespoon Avocado oil
- 5 oz baby spinach or more if desired
- Hot sauce optional
- Cilantro chopped
- One small package of feta cheese optional
- One pint of cherry tomatoes halved
- Sea Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In an Instant Pot, cook the Harvest Blend with chicken broth and 21 Seasoning Salute on high pressure for 1 minute. Allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, onion, celery, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until soft, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked Harvest Blend, fresh baby spinach, and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and tomatoes are well mixed. Remove from heat.
- Gently mix in shredded chicken, chopped cilantro, and feta cheese. Add hot sauce if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
Adjust the level of spices according to your taste preference.
If not using an instant pot, simply use a large pot on the stove. Bring the broth to a boil and cook according to package instructions.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
We hope you thoroughly enjoy making and savoring this Easy Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Chicken & Spinach Stir-Fry. It's a recipe we've crafted with love and care, aiming to bring both health and flavor to your table. We'd be delighted to hear how this dish turned out for you!
Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments. Did you add your own twist to it? How else do you enjoy using Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend in your cooking? Your insights and variations are always a source of inspiration.
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Be well,
Natalie
Andréa says
I love a good stir-fry, they're so easy and got a lot of flavor. And I like the combination of couscous with spinach and feta. Delicious!
Natalie Perry says
Thank you for sharing!
Nora says
Yum! This stir fry sounds fantastic! Love the combination of spices and I can hardly wait to give it a try!
Natalie Perry says
Let us know how you enjoyed it 🙂
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
A delicious meal in a bowl!! I bought the harvest blend before and it never occurred to me to add more ingredients!! This is so tasty, satisfying AND easy to make!
Natalie Perry says
Happy you enjoyed it!
Alexandra says
I love fresh and delicious dishes like this one that come together quickly. This is one for the whole family to enjoy - we all really enjoy spinach and feta!
Natalie Perry says
Happy to hear you enjoyed it!