After Trying Every Trader Joe’s Salad, These 20 Won’t Waste Your Money
Trader Joe’s salads are like little green adventures waiting in the fridge, but not all of them hit the mark.
After taste-testing every variety, some stood out as real winners, packed with flavor and fresh ingredients that make lunchtime exciting.
If you’re tired of sad salads or boring bites, these 20 options deliver tasty, satisfying meals that won’t leave you wondering where your money went.
1. Pizza Ranch Salad Kit
Ranch dressing meets pizza toppings in this genius mashup that’ll make you forget you’re eating vegetables.
The kit includes crisp romaine, shredded mozzarella, and crunchy pizza-flavored croutons that taste eerily similar to the real thing.
A sprinkle of tomatoes and a generous pour of creamy ranch dressing ties everything together. Perfect for those pizza cravings when you’re trying to be somewhat healthy!
2. Green Goddess Salad
Whoever created this herbaceous masterpiece deserves a raise! Fresh avocado chunks mingle with crisp cucumber, tender chicken, and a medley of greens that stay remarkably crisp even days after purchase.
The star is undoubtedly the green goddess dressing – a creamy, herby concoction that somehow tastes indulgent and light simultaneously.
I’ve caught myself licking the container clean more than once.
3. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit
Zesty doesn’t begin to describe this bright, peppery delight! Pungent arugula provides a spicy base while fresh basil adds an aromatic twist you rarely find in pre-packaged salads.
The lemon vinaigrette packs a serious citrus punch without overwhelming the delicate greens.
Shaved Parmesan and crunchy breadcrumbs add texture and savory notes. This kit consistently sells out at my local store – grab it when you see it!
4. Field Fresh Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken
Meal prep in a box! This hearty salad keeps me full for hours with its generous portion of actually juicy grilled chicken – a rare find in the pre-packaged salad world.
Crisp veggies maintain their crunch while creamy avocado adds richness.
The honey dijon dressing strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. At under $5, this protein-packed meal delivers serious bang for your buck compared to similarly priced fast-casual options.
5. Caesar Style Salad Kit
Not all Caesar salads are created equal, and TJ’s version reigns supreme in the grocery aisle.
Crisp romaine hearts stay fresh longer than competitors’, while the garlicky dressing delivers that distinctive Caesar punch without tasting processed.
Generous packets of real Parmesan (not the powdery stuff) and crunchy croutons elevate this classic.
A squeeze of the included lemon wedge brightens everything up – a thoughtful touch that makes this kit stand out.
6. Southwest Chopped Salad Kit
Taco Tuesday in a bag! Crunchy cabbage and romaine provide the perfect base for a fiesta of flavors – sweet corn, black beans, and pepitas bring protein and texture.
The real magic happens when you add the cilantro-lime dressing and cotija cheese.
Crispy tortilla strips maintain their crunch even when tossed with dressing. Pro tip: add rotisserie chicken or TJ’s carnitas for a complete meal that’ll make your coworkers jealous at lunch.
7. Broccoli & Kale Slaw
Forget everything you know about boring slaws! This vibrant mix combines shredded broccoli stalks, kale, and radicchio for a nutrient powerhouse that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Sweet dried cherries and blueberries balance the earthiness of the veggies. Sunflower seeds add essential crunch while the white cheddar dressing brings creamy tanginess.
Unlike most salads, this one actually improves after sitting in the fridge overnight as the flavors meld together beautifully.
8. Peanut & Crispy Noodle Salad Kit
Asian-inspired flavors shine in this addictive kit that combines crisp cabbage, carrots, and green onions with the most craveable peanut dressing I’ve encountered in a grocery store.
The sauce has authentic depth – not just sugary sweetness like many competitors.
Crispy wonton strips and chopped peanuts add satisfying crunch. I’ve served this at potlucks (in a nicer bowl) and received recipe requests every time. My secret’s safe with you!
9. Elote Chopped Salad Kit
Street corn flavors transform ordinary greens into something extraordinary! This innovative kit combines romaine with roasted corn, cotija cheese, and pepitas for authentic Mexican street food vibes.
The chili lime dressing delivers the perfect amount of heat. Crunchy tortilla strips and corn kernels add textural contrast to the tender lettuce.
Even my salad-skeptic partner devoured this one, asking when we could get it again – high praise from someone who considers french fries a vegetable!
10. BBQ & Black Pepper Toscano Chopped Salad Kit
Smoky, peppery, and utterly unique – this isn’t your average salad kit!
Tender kale and romaine provide the base for smoked gouda cheese, roasted sunflower seeds, and sweet dried cherries that create an unexpected flavor symphony.
The BBQ ranch dressing has actual complexity rather than just tasting like sweet ketchup. Black pepper adds a warming kick that elevates everything. This kit converted several of my kale-hating friends into believers!
11. Mozzarella & Tomato (Caprese) Salad
Summer in a container! Plump cherry tomatoes burst with sweet juice while fresh mozzarella pearls provide creamy richness in this classic Italian combo.
The basil actually tastes fresh – not wilted or browning like many pre-made caprese options. A light balsamic glaze ties everything together with the perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Pair with crusty bread from TJ’s bakery section for an instant appetizer that looks like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
12. Chinese Inspired Chicken Salad
Takeout cravings satisfied! Succulent chicken breast strips top a crunchy mix of cabbage, carrots, and snap peas that maintain their texture better than most pre-packaged salads.
The sesame ginger dressing delivers authentic Asian flavors without being overly sweet. Crunchy wonton strips and sliced almonds add satisfying texture.
For under $5, this protein-packed meal beats any fast food option in both flavor and nutrition. I keep at least two in my fridge for busy weekday lunches.
13. Harvest Salad with Grilled Chicken
Fall flavors shine year-round in this satisfying meal that combines tender grilled chicken with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans.
The apple cider vinaigrette delivers bright acidity that cuts through the richness of blue cheese crumbles.
Mixed greens stay remarkably fresh, while diced apples maintain their crunch. This salad has rescued me from countless sad desk lunches.
The portion size is generous enough that I’m not hunting for snacks an hour later.
14. Pacific Salad
Coastal California vibes in every bite! This refreshing blend features mixed greens topped with juicy mandarins, crunchy almonds, and tender chicken that’s actually seasoned properly.
The real star is the citrus vinaigrette – bright and zesty without being overly acidic.
Carrots and cabbage add color and crunch, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds brings subtle nuttiness. I’ve bought this three times in one week before – it’s that good as a light but satisfying lunch option.
15. Avocado Ranch Salad Kit
Ranch lovers, rejoice! This kit elevates the classic dressing by blending it with creamy avocado for a sauce that’s downright drinkable.
Crisp romaine and cabbage provide the perfect vessel for soaking up that glorious dressing. Monterey Jack cheese adds richness while corn and pepitas contribute texture and subtle sweetness.
The tortilla strips stay miraculously crunchy. This kit consistently disappears from shelves – a testament to its cult following among TJ’s shoppers.
16. Classic Greek Salad
Mediterranean perfection in portable form! Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta create the holy trinity of Greek salad goodness.
Red onions add sharpness without overwhelming the other flavors – perfectly portioned for those who don’t want onion breath all day. Kalamata olives bring briny richness that elevates the whole experience.
The oregano-spiked vinaigrette tastes homemade rather than mass-produced. I’ve fooled dinner guests into thinking I made this from scratch!
17. Mexicali Salad
Fiesta in a bowl! Spicy grilled chicken tops a vibrant mix of romaine, black beans, corn, and bell peppers that taste garden-fresh. The chipotle ranch dressing delivers smoky heat that builds rather than overwhelms.
Crispy tortilla strips and cotija cheese add authentic Southwestern flair. This hearty salad keeps me full for hours and has become my go-to before evening workouts.
Pro tip: add half an avocado to take it to the next level of deliciousness.
18. Broccoli Slaw & Kale Salad with White Chicken
Superfood central! This nutrient powerhouse combines tender kale and crunchy broccoli slaw with sweet dried cranberries for a textural adventure.
The lemon dressing brightens everything without drowning out the natural flavors of the vegetables. Generous chunks of white meat chicken add protein while sunflower seeds bring essential crunch.
Unlike many pre-packaged salads, this one maintains its texture for days in the fridge – perfect for meal prepping on Sunday for weekday lunches.
19. Vegan Super Spinach Salad
Plant-based perfection! This protein-packed marvel proves vegan salads don’t have to be boring or leave you hungry.
Tender spinach forms the base for hearty quinoa, creamy avocado, and protein-rich chickpeas that create a satisfying meal.
Carrots and grape tomatoes add color and freshness. The carrot ginger miso dressing deserves its own fan club – tangy, slightly sweet, with authentic umami depth.
Even my carnivore friends request this one when they come over for lunch!
20. Crunchy Slaw (Chinese-style)
Cabbage gets a glow-up in this Asian-inspired slaw that pairs perfectly with everything from burgers to grilled salmon.
The sesame ginger dressing has authentic depth – not just sweetness like many store-bought Asian dressings.
Sliced almonds and crispy wonton strips create textural contrast against the crisp vegetables.
This versatile side has saved countless weeknight dinners at my house. It even works as a crunchy topping for sandwiches or tacos for an unexpected flavor twist!