Make This Pizza Pasta Salad for Your Next Summer Picnic

Twohy’s been a TJ’s fan ever since she was little, where she remembers joining her mom on grocery trips to the very first Trader Joe’s store in Pasadena, California. Since then, her love for the Trader Joe’s ‘treasure hunt’ (AKA finding fun, new products to try) hasn’t wavered.

In developing The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook: 15th Anniversary Edition, Twohy said crafting the collection of 150 recipes took years.

“Many were tested and debuted when I had a cooking school in CA,” she said. “Now that I live 3 hours round-trip from the closest Trader Joe's, the drive can take longer than the recipe testing! I don't pay much attention to the clock when honing a recipe, because it's so much fun.”

When asked about her favorite items to pick up from TJ’s Twohy was quick to give her best recommendations! Some of her go-to’s include: puff pastry, fennel, the Umami Seasoning Blend, the Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa, frozen garlic cubes, creme fraiche, and 10 Minute Farro – and, of course, the entire cheese section.

“If you are a ‘can of this, package of that’ sort of cook, TJ's products are great because they don't use artificial colors, preservatives and all that stuff,” Twohy offered. “Not only [are they] time saving, but good for you, too.”

We were lucky enough to get a peek at some recipes from Twohy’s cookbook: One-Pot Pesto Pasta, Potatoes, and Green Beans and Linguini with Leeks, Shrimp, and Arugula. Scroll on for the deets!

Recipe: One-Pot Pesto Pasta, Potatoes, and Green Beans

"The first time I heard of this classic Ligurian dish, I thought it sounded so strange," Twohy writes. "Talk about carb overload! But the flavors, textures, and colors couldn’t be more perfectly paired, and you’ll be converted to the pasta-and-potato combination with the first bite."

Ingredients:

• 1 large boiling potato (or two small ones)
• 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
• 1/2 (16-ounce) bag thin pasta, such as capellini or spaghetti
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Pesto alla Genovese (in the refrigerated section)
• 2 ounces Trader Joe’s Chevre Goat Cheese, softened
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, scrub the potato and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place the potato cubes in the boiling water and cook until barely tender, about 7 minutes. Scoop the potatoes out of the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the green beans to the same water and cook until just tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the potatoes.
3. In the same water, cook the pasta until tender. When you drain the pasta, reserve 1⁄2 cup of the cooking water.
4. In the pasta pot, combine the pesto, goat cheese, and 1⁄4 cup of the water, then add the cooked pasta and toss. Add the potatoes and green beans.
5. If a saucier consistency is desired, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water. Adjust seasonings to taste with salt and pepper.

Recipe: Linguini with Leeks, Shrimp, and Arugula

"I’m a sucker for the pink-and-green look of this dish," Twohy writes. "The leeks, arugula, and shrimp get all tangled up in the long pasta strands, and the grated Parmesan provides a nutty saltiness I just love."

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 cubes frozen crushed garlic
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 (16-ounce) bag linguini (or another long pasta), cooked and drained
• A handful of arugula
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter. Sauté the leeks over medium-high heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and sauté 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until pink.
5. Toss the leek-shrimp mixture with the cooked pasta. Add the arugula and toss.
6. Add the grated Parmesan, toss, and adjust seasonings to taste with salt and pepper.

Brown Butter Salmon with Tomatoes & Capers

Salmon is chockfull of omega-3 fatty acids that keep your heart healthy and your inflammation at bay. This flavorful recipe enlists brown butter and tender tomatoes to complete every bite! (via Dinner for Everyone by Mark Bittman for Brit + Co)

Citrusy Chickpea Shakshuka

Shakshuka is super easy and makes a great anti-inflammatory lunch or brunch option! This particular recipe earns an extra protein boost from chickpeas so you'll be satisfied. (via Rebecca Firsker and Heyday Beans for Brit + Co)

Layered Berry Ombré Smoothie

Berries are high in antioxidants that can soothe inflammation. This beautiful smoothie trick includes three types of 'em, not only for flavor, but for the added anti-inflammatory benefits, too. (via Brit + Co)

Butternut Squash & Spinach Casserole

Leafy greens like kale and spinach are loaded with substantial vitamins and minerals that keep you feeling your best. This vegan casserole is one of our go-to anti-inflammatory lunch ideas, because cooking it once leaves you with plenty of leftovers to much on throughout the week. (via Farmacy Kitchen Cookbook by Camilla Fayed for Brit + Co)

Vegan Portuguese Kale Soup

Warm and oh-so cozy, this vegan soup makes a wonderful addition to your meal rotation when it's chilly out. (via Brit + Co)

Creamy Thai Turmeric Chicken & Noodles

Turmeric is a notable anti-inflammatory ingredient that you should be cooking with! These noodle bowls bring on Thai-inspired flavors in the best way, delivering lots of nutrients all the while. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Raw Coconut Cheesecake Bites

For a little sweet treat to enjoy pre- or post-lunch (or as a midnight snack!), these cheesecake bites made with raw ingredients are downright delicious – and marked safe from inflammatory elements! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Walnut Tacos

Walnuts are wonderfully high in healthy fats and antioxidants and help calm inflammation with ease. Instead of reserving a handful of them for a mid-day snack, why not try out these vegan tacos for lunch?! The walnuts turn nice and tender – and not to mention, flavorful as can be. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Tomato Confit

Tomatoes are secretly rich in an antioxidant called lycopene, so eating them on the reg is surely helpful if you're experiencing inflammation! With this confit recipe, they turn shelf-stable so you can spread 'em on toast or add them to pasta dishes with ease. (via Gladys Soriano of Forks & Foliage for Brit + Co)

Quinoa Kale Salad with Blueberries & Feta

Talk about nutritious! Get in all your green goodness with this easy kale salad that's complemented so well by the sweet blueberries and tangy feta crumbles. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Instant Pot Lentil Dal

The ginger and turmeric included in this Instant Pot dal recipe are an anti-inflammatory eater's dream since they provide a good amount of antioxidants to set you right. Comfort food central, we tell ya! (via A Virtual Vegan)

Spinach Apple Salad with Cheddar & Cranberries

Nothing hits harder like a yummy, crispy salad at lunchtime. Pack this one full of apples, spinach, cranberries, and more, and get ready to experience sheer mealtime magic! (via Averie Cooks)

Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad with Cashews

Fresh and so tasty, these noodles made with ginger and cashews will give you all the nutrients you're looking for in an anti-inflammatory lunch. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Coconut Rice Salmon Bowls with Mango Salsa

Get a taste of some island flavors with these coconut rice salmon bowls that are equal parts savory and sweet! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Hoisin Salmon with Zucchini Slaw

Salmon should be your go-to protein on an anti-inflammatory diet. This dish also packs in tons of veggies via the fresh zucchini slaw! (via Half Baked Harvest)

The company launched in a small Mississippi town in 2014 and is owned by siblings Retta Abraham and Menna Samaha. It's since become "one of the largest, cleanest Amazon-born skincare brands."

"LilyAna Naturals is proud to be a brand that operates from a place of goodness and love, centered on family and community, right down to the brand name – LilyAna. Lily and Ana Belle are the beautiful daughters of the husband and wife, who share the role of the Directors of Manufacturing Operations," the brand's website reads.

Some of their best sellers include anti-aging eye cream, retinol cream, charcoal face scrub, dark spot corrector, and multiple regimen kits. However, the latest product to take the internet by storm is the LilyAna Naturals Sea Moss Face Lift Cream.

Offered in 1-ounce or 1.7-ounce bottles, the formula is "enriched" with Bakuchiol, Sea Moss, Hyaluronic Acid, and Peptide Complex. Bakuchiol is a gentle and plant-based retinol alternative known for its ability to quicken skin turnover, enhance firmness, and even out skin tone. Meanwhile, Hyaluronic Acid and Sea Moss provide deep hydration for plumper-looking skin. Finally, the peptide complex helps boost skin elasticity for a smoother, more youthful appearance.

"Our face-lifting cream is made with natural and plant-derived ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates. Experience visibly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin with regular use," says the product's description.

If that sounds too good to be true, all you have to do is take a look at what shoppers are saying about the Sea Moss Face Lift Cream. It has over 13,000 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 stars.

"I have tried a lot of moisturizers, from drug store brands to high-end, expensive anti-aging moisturizers, and for me, LilyAna is the only brand that delivers results, doesn't irritate my skin, and doesn't totally empty my wallet. I'm so happy to have found this brand! The face cream glides on smoothly and absorbs within a few short minutes. It is not greasy at all and my makeup sits on top of it beautifully. No strong odors or anything else negative I can think of!" one reviewer shared.

"High-end product with a drug store price tag! Customer service is bar none. This will forever be my go-to skincare company," seconded another.

"I searched for an inexpensive alternative to the high-end creams I was using. This was it, and I'm 100% hooked! I actually like it better than my expensive stuff," agreed a third.

Now, if you're sold on the LilyAna Naturals Sea Moss Face Lift Cream and plan to get your hands on it, it's recommended that you apply it evenly across your face, neck, and décolletage twice a day after cleanser and serum.