Life gets busy, and on those exhausting days when cooking feels like a chore, having a delicious and satisfying meal ready in minutes is a blessing. Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer is exactly that—a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian dish that’s packed with protein and nutrients, thanks to its blend of spinach (palak) and cottage cheese (paneer).
This frozen find isn’t just budget-friendly at $3.99, but also incredibly versatile. While you can enjoy it straight from the pack with some warm naan or rice, why not get creative? With a few tweaks, this simple dish can be transformed into exciting, restaurant-style meals that will impress your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a fusion twist, we’ve got you covered! Here are 23 mouthwatering ways to take Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer to the next level.
23 Ways to Enjoy Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
1. Palak Paneer with Jeera Rice
Why You’ll Love It:
A classic combination! The nuttiness of cumin in the rice enhances the creamy texture of the Palak Paneer.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the basmati rice with cumin seeds and ghee.
- Heat up the Palak Paneer according to package instructions.
- Serve warm Palak Paneer over the fragrant jeera rice.
2. Palak Paneer Stuffed Paratha
Why You’ll Love It:
A wholesome and filling meal perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- Water (as needed for dough)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ghee or butter
Instructions:
- Knead flour with water and salt to make a soft dough.
- Roll out small circles, place a spoonful of Palak Paneer inside, and fold into a stuffed paratha.
- Cook on a hot pan with ghee until golden brown.
3. Palak Paneer Wrap with Whole Wheat Tortilla
Why You’ll Love It:
A quick and healthy wrap for an easy lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- Lettuce, sliced onions, and tomatoes
- 1 tbsp yogurt or hummus (optional)
Instructions:
- Warm up the tortilla and spread a layer of yogurt or hummus.
- Heat the Palak Paneer and spread it over the tortilla.
- Top with lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.
- Wrap tightly and enjoy!
4. Palak Paneer Pasta
Why You’ll Love It:
An Indian-Italian fusion packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 2 cups cooked penne or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Heat the Palak Paneer and mix it into the pasta.
- Add olive oil, chili flakes, and parmesan.
5. Palak Paneer Pizza with Garlic Naan Base
Why You’ll Love It:
A flavorful twist on pizza night!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 1 garlic naan
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread Palak Paneer evenly over naan.
- Top with mozzarella and chili flakes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Palak Paneer Grilled Sandwich
Why You’ll Love It:
A crispy, cheesy delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 2 slices bread
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Butter the bread and place one slice on a pan.
- Spread Palak Paneer over it and add cheese.
- Grill until golden brown.
7. Palak Paneer Quesadilla
Why You’ll Love It:
A fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Heat a tortilla and spread Palak Paneer on one side.
- Sprinkle cheese and place another tortilla over it.
- Cook with butter until crispy.
8. Palak Paneer with Couscous
Why You’ll Love It:
A quick and light meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 ½ cups hot water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Pour hot water over couscous and cover for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and mix with olive oil.
- Serve Palak Paneer over it.
9. Palak Paneer and Quinoa Bowl
Why You’ll Love It:
A nutritious, high-protein meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- Roasted veggies (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa as per package instructions.
- Roast veggies with olive oil.
- Top quinoa with Palak Paneer and roasted veggies.
10. Spicy Palak Paneer Tacos
Why You’ll Love It:
A zesty kick in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer
- 4 small soft taco shells
- Chopped onions, cilantro, and lime juice
Instructions:
- Warm taco shells.
- Heat Palak Paneer and spoon it into tacos.
- Top with onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
11. Palak Paneer with Butter Garlic Naan
Why You’ll Love It:
Soft, buttery garlic naan paired with creamy Palak Paneer makes for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 2 garlic naan breads
- Butter for spreading
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat the Palak Paneer as per package instructions.
- Warm the garlic naan and spread butter mixed with minced garlic.
- Serve the creamy Palak Paneer with the naan.
12. Palak Paneer with Lachha Paratha
Why You’ll Love It:
Enjoy crispy, layered parathas with the creamy goodness of Palak Paneer.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup ghee or oil
- Salt to taste
- Water to knead dough
Instructions:
- Make the dough with flour, salt, and water. Roll into circles and layer with ghee.
- Cook the Lachha Parathas on a hot griddle until crispy.
- Serve the Palak Paneer with the warm parathas.
13. Palak Paneer Puff Pastry
Why You’ll Love It:
Crispy and flaky puff pastry filled with rich Palak Paneer—a perfect snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- Puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut puff pastry sheets into squares, stuff with Palak Paneer, and fold into pockets.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve hot.
14. Palak Paneer Biryani
Why You’ll Love It:
A flavorful biryani with layers of basmati rice and creamy Palak Paneer.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp biryani masala
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the rice and set it aside.
- Sauté onions and mix with Palak Paneer and biryani masala.
- Layer the rice with the Palak Paneer mixture and steam for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
15. Palak Paneer Spring Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
A fresh and crispy appetizer with Palak Paneer and veggies wrapped in rice paper.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- Rice paper wraps
- Shredded carrots, lettuce, and cucumbers
Instructions:
- Soak the rice paper and fill with Palak Paneer and veggies.
- Roll up tightly and serve with dipping sauce.
16. Palak Paneer Stuffed Bell Peppers
Why You’ll Love It:
Bell peppers stuffed with Palak Paneer and baked to perfection—healthy and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off
- 1 onion, chopped
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff the bell peppers with Palak Paneer and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes and serve hot.
17. Palak Paneer Soup
Why You’ll Love It:
A creamy, velvety soup with the rich taste of Palak Paneer.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blend Palak Paneer with vegetable broth until smooth.
- Heat the soup and add cream.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of cream.
18. Palak Paneer with Spaghetti
Why You’ll Love It:
A perfect fusion of Italian pasta with Indian Palak Paneer.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 200g spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti and set aside.
- Toss the spaghetti with Palak Paneer and olive oil.
- Garnish with Parmesan and serve.
19. Palak Paneer Kathi Roll
Why You’ll Love It:
A satisfying wrap with Palak Paneer, onions, and chutney wrapped in a crispy paratha.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 2 parathas
- 1 onion, sliced
- Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions:
- Heat the Palak Paneer and parathas.
- Fill the paratha with Palak Paneer, onions, and chutney.
- Roll it up and serve warm.
20. Palak Paneer with Roasted Vegetables
Why You’ll Love It:
A nutritious meal with roasted vegetables and the creamy goodness of Palak Paneer.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- Olive oil for roasting
Instructions:
- Roast the vegetables with olive oil until tender.
- Heat the Palak Paneer and serve with roasted veggies.
21. Palak Paneer with Mashed Potatoes
Why You’ll Love It:
Creamy mashed potatoes paired with flavorful Palak Paneer for a comfort meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 4 potatoes, boiled and mashed
- Butter and cream
Instructions:
- Mash the boiled potatoes with butter and cream.
- Serve the mashed potatoes with Palak Paneer on top.
22. Palak Paneer and Chickpea Salad
Why You’ll Love It:
A refreshing, protein-packed salad with Palak Paneer and chickpeas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Instructions:
- Mix the chickpeas, cucumber, and feta.
- Add Palak Paneer and serve chilled.
23. Palak Paneer Sushi Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
An exciting fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors with Palak Paneer in sushi rolls.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Palak Paneer
- 1 cup sushi rice
- Nori sheets
Instructions:
- Prepare sushi rice and cool it.
- Roll the Palak Paneer and rice in nori sheets.
- Slice into rolls and serve with soy sauce.