When I think of Trader Joe’s, salads aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. I’m usually drawn to their beautiful bouquets, unbeatable banana prices, and their incredible fall treats. However, when I found myself in need of a quick and satisfying lunch, I decided to give Trader Joe’s salads a chance. And boy, was I pleasantly surprised.
Shaking Up My Routine
As someone who thrives on routine, my meals tend to follow a familiar pattern. Smoothies for breakfast, salads for lunch, and a flavorful bowl for dinner. But during a recent trip to Washington DC, I felt inspired to try something new. So, I picked up a different Trader Joe’s salad for lunch every day for a week. And let me tell you, I was hooked.
Of course, I don’t plan on living on pre-made salads forever. But these salads served as excellent inspiration for recreating my favorites at home. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of nutrient-packed, flavor-filled Trader Joe’s salads, ranked from least favorite to the one that completely changed my perspective on vegan eating. And if you have any suggestions for the next store or product to review, let us know in the comments!
#7: Caesar Salad
Caesar salads can be hit or miss, and unfortunately, Trader Joe’s offering fell into the latter category. While all the components were there, the dressing lacked that fresh, anchovy-infused goodness. The croutons didn’t provide the satisfying crunch, and the serving of shaved parmesan was too light. This one can easily be skipped.
#6: Mexicali Salad
The Mexicali Salad had all the right ingredients to excite my taste buds, from crunchy cabbage to nutty pumpkin seeds. However, the chicken lacked the promised spicy kick, and the overall flavor fell flat. While the components could be used to create a more exciting salad of your own, it wouldn’t exactly be a pre-made salad anymore.
#5: Classic Greek Salad
As someone who adores Greek cuisine, I had high hopes for Trader Joe’s Classic Greek Salad. The olives provided that briny bite, the cucumbers were perfectly crisp, and the red onion added just the right amount of heat. However, I have one small complaint: I prefer my feta in big blocks rather than crumbled. The cubes of feta make it a more significant part of the salad, and for feta enthusiasts like me, that makes all the difference.
#4: Chopped Salad With Grilled White Chicken
Israeli couscous, with its nutty flavor and chewy texture, is one of my favorite grains to add to veggie-forward dishes. In this salad, it shines as the star ingredient. The only drawback was the sweet basil dressing, which didn’t live up to its promise of basil-forward flavor. However, this salad still satisfied my lunchtime cravings, and I left feeling content.
#3: Broccoli Slaw & Kale Salad With White Chicken Meat
For those looking for a hearty and satisfying salad, the Broccoli Slaw & Kale Salad with White Chicken Meat is the way to go. With the perfect mix of kale, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries, this salad ticked all the right boxes. The only drawback was the unseasoned chicken, which left the salad feeling slightly lackluster. However, with some added roasted chicken strips, this salad would be a winner.
#2: Southwest Salad
I’ll admit, I’m usually skeptical of anything labeled “southwest.” But Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad surprised me. The black beans, red onions, and cabbage created a delightful crunchy-creamy combination. However, the cotija cheese, with its salty, milky flavor, was overshadowed by the bold chipotle ranch dressing. Nevertheless, this salad still made me smile, and that’s saying something.
#1: Vegan Super Spinach Salad
And now, the crème de la crème of Trader Joe’s salads—the Vegan Super Spinach Salad. While it may not scream excitement at first glance, this salad delivers with every bite. Quinoa, carrots, cranberries, chickpeas, edamame, pumpkin seeds, and spinach come together in a harmonious blend of healthy and irresistibly delicious ingredients. But let’s talk about the dressing. The carrot, miso, and ginger combination adds a splash of color, a savory depth, and a hint of warming spice that elevates the entire salad. Trust me when I say that this salad will make you see spinach in a whole new light.
So there you have it, my ranking of the top Trader Joe’s salads. While these salads have opened my eyes to the convenience and flavor possibilities, I still plan on exploring my creativity in the kitchen. But for those days when I need a quick and satisfying lunch, Trader Joe’s salads will be my go-to choice. Don’t miss out on these delightful options!
This article was written with Takeout Food in mind. For more food-related content, visit Takeout Food.
