Kitchn Love Letters

I’m a Nutritionist and I Buy This Bag of Frozen Vegetables Every Time I Go to Costco

published Apr 18, 2022
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Credit: Alastair Wallace

Frozen vegetables rank pretty high on the list of my favorite things to buy at Costco. Frozen veggies, in general, are clutch when it comes to quick, easy dinners. And at Costco, they’re almost always organic. Plus, you can be sure you’re getting a really good deal on them.

Double plus: The wholesale grocer is constantly adding new frozen veggies to its freezer cases. That’s where this recent addition comes in. (It’s actually a vegetable blend with some fruit tossed in. Why settle for one veg when you can have five?). I’ve been buying it on repeat ever since I discovered it. Let’s take a look.

Credit: Heather McClees

Calabrian Roots Organic Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Blend, $11.99 for 48 ounces

It’s important to get a variety of vegetables into your daily diet — in whatever ways you can; they’re an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. That’s why I love this option so much. It comes with a mix of vegetables, including some I don’t see that often in frozen food blends: asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, grape tomatoes, and red bell peppers. 

Plus, the balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tart flavor to the dish that is delightful, emphasis on light. Balsamic vinegar is one of my favorite condiments to add to vegetables and salads, in general, and it comes with many health benefits. So the fact that this bag comes mixed with a balsamic glaze, well, that just makes me love it even more.

Now, let’s talk about veggie prep: Of course, you can follow the package instructions and heat the contents of one of the bags in a skillet for eight minutes (there are four 12-ounce bags within the larger bag). You won’t be disappointed; they’re simply delicious this way. But. But! The absolute best way to cook this frozen vegetable side is to roast the pieces in the oven. I spread the blend out on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast them until just browned on top, about 15 to 20 minutes. Yes, this preparation takes roughly twice as long. I promise, it’s worth it! 

I like to add the roasted vegetables to a salad or pair them with a small sweet potato. They make a nice side dish to fish, and work well in a grain bowl on top of rice or quinoa. Sometimes, I just eat them right off the baking sheet.

What are you go-to frozen veggies at Costco? Tell us in the comments below.