Salads aren't typically my go-to at Trader Joe's. I’m usually on the hunt for fresh flowers, inexpensive bananas, and seasonal goodies. However, when I'm short on lunch options, I crave something 1) packed with veggies 2) filling and 3) even more delightful than the usual mix of ingredients. That's when I decided to explore the best salads available at Trader Joe's.
My meal routine is quite predictable. While I appreciate food trends and inventive recipes, my weekdays usually consist of a smoothie for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and a seasonal bowl for dinner. (Recently, I’ve even experimented with a stunning roast chicken—highly recommend!). This routine inspired me to test nine different salads from Trader Joe's to find the ultimate winner.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
Ranking Our Top Trader Joe’s Salads
Clearly, my meal habits could use a refresh, especially while traveling. As a self-proclaimed digital nomad, I took a recent two-week trip to D.C. as a chance to evaluate Trader Joe’s salads and see if they matched the millennial buzz.
To ensure consistency and indulge in fresh greens, I tried a different salad nearly every day. Expecting boredom and cravings for sweets, I was instead hooked. While I might not become a pre-packaged salad enthusiast forever, these selections have sparked ideas for recreating my favorites at home. Let’s get into the rankings—starting from my least favorite to the one that completely transformed my view on vegan eating!
#8: Caesar Salad
Caesar salads can be a gamble. I’ve yet to find one that balances between extraordinary and merely mediocre. Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s version fell into the latter category. Perhaps my low expectations contributed to my disappointment. While packaged salads can surprise me, Caesar salads rarely hit the mark.
I crave a freshly made dressing heavy on the anchovies, perfectly coating crisp romaine. The croutons need to be satisfyingly crunchy, and a generous amount of shaved parmesan is a must. While all the elements were present, this salad was more of a good idea than a good execution. Consider skipping it.
#7: Mexicali Salad
Reading the ingredients list for this salad sparked my excitement. It promised a medley of textures and flavors, with crunchy cabbage, nutty pumpkin seeds, and the season's favorite—corn!—paired with a creamy, jalapeño-infused dressing. Sadly, the execution fell short.
The chicken tasted simply like chicken, lacking the promised spicy kick. Despite the colorful ingredients offering a visual feast, the taste didn’t deliver. If you seasoned your own protein and used the Caesar dressing as inspiration, the salad's components might shine. But then, it wouldn't count as a pre-made salad, would it?
#6: Classic Greek Salad
With a strong Greek influence in my family, many of our reunions feature incredible, salty, fresh dishes, making Greek cuisine a favorite. I know not all Greek salads are created equal, but it’s the composition I adore. Trader Joe’s version came close to perfection. The olives added a briny punch (kalamatas are essential), the cucumbers were crisp, and the red onion contributed just the right amount of bite.
So, what could I possibly critique? You might think I'm being too picky, but I prefer my feta in larger chunks rather than crumbled. When crumbled, it disperses too evenly throughout the salad. There’s nothing like a forkful of feta paired with a juicy tomato. Cubes of feta elevate the dish, and if you’re a fan like me, you know that’s essential.
#5: Chopped Salad With Grilled White Chicken
Israeli couscous is definitely one of my favorite grains. Don’t confuse it with rice! Israeli couscous isn’t actually couscous; it’s toasted pasta in tiny balls. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it a perfect hearty addition to any veggie dish. In this salad, it truly shines.
My only complaint was the sweet basil dressing. I hoped for a more robust basil flavor with a peppery kick. Though it fell short, this salad remained a solid lunch option, helping me power through the afternoon.
#4: Broccoli Slaw & Kale Salad With White Chicken Meat
This was undoubtedly the heartiest and most fulfilling salad at Trader Joe’s. While this quality didn’t secure it the top spot, it certainly earned a place in the top three. With a delightful crunch from kale, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries, I was sold.
However, the chicken kept this salad from claiming first place. The unseasoned chicken was a bit dry, which was disappointing. Even the sweet and spicy dressing, surprisingly packed with heat, couldn't save it. I plan to use this combo in my cooking adventures, adding my own roasted chicken strips.
#3: Avocado Ranch Salad
This salad features a mix of cabbages, green onions, and carrots, all providing a satisfying crunch, and it comes in a bag twice the size of most others. The highlight is the creamy avocado ranch dressing, delivering a rich, tangy flavor. It also includes crunchy corn chips for added texture, making every bite a delightful mix of crispiness and creaminess.
In addition to its deliciousness, this salad kit is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal or a simple side while keeping it meatless. The combination of fresh veggies and protein-rich cheese makes it filling without being heavy. It’s versatile too; toss it with grilled chicken, crispy chickpeas, or use it as a slaw for tacos or burrito bowls.
#2: Southwest Salad
I’m usually skeptical of anything labeled as “southwest.” No offense to that region! I admire its vast skies and the beauty captured by artists. But the term often oversimplifies the distinct flavors within. After trying last year's Southwest Salad, I decided to give the new chopped salad version a go. The cojita cheese's flavor stood out more against the bold chipotle ranch, likely due to a better veggie-to-sauce ratio.
I enjoyed the crunchy and creamy contrast of black beans, red onions, and cabbage. The zesty flavors made a fantastic combination. Ultimately, this salad made me smile. (How many salads can you say that about?) However, I still wished it could have been even better.
#1: Vegan Super Spinach Salad
Now to reveal the top Trader Joe’s salad. While it may not appear the most extravagant, it more than compensates with its flavor. The quinoa, carrots, cranberries, chickpeas, edamame, pumpkin seeds, and spinach create a surprisingly delightful mix of healthy yet crave-worthy ingredients. I appreciate when nutrient-dense foods meet incredible flavors, and this salad nails that balance.
To wrap up, let’s talk about the dressing. Carrot adds color, miso provides a salty umami depth, and ginger brings a warming spice that enhances every bite. This salad has completely changed my perspective on spinach. Don’t overlook it!
This post was last updated on March 25, 2025 to include new insights.
