Have you ever stood in front of ALL THOSE SALADS at TJ’s and then left without even getting one? (Yup, I have! But I’m a libra, so I don’t do well with too many options.)
If you find the choices a tad overwhelming… I’m here to help!
All Salads are Not Created Equal
People mistakenly think that having a salad means they’re eating healthy, but in fact some salads can pack way more fat and calories than a sandwich—or even a burger!
My Top 7 Healthy Trader Joe’s Salads
Trader Joe’s Citrus Chicken Salad (My fav!) $3.99
Tastes just like Thai Green Papaya Salad!!! If you’ve never tried one at a Thai Restaurant I highly recommend it. The shredded green papaya (i.e. unripe) and daikon radish give it that same delicious crunch, and the wonderfully light citrus dressing only has 2.5 grams of fat for the whole packet. (I only use half.) I personally could do with a little more chicken, but then I’m a hi-protein kind of girl. You could always add a little extra chicken breast if it’s not filling enough. It has cilantro in it, so if you’re not a fan this one’s not for you.
All Weight Watchers Power Foods, except for the dressing
Only 2 PointsPlus (for all the dressing) if you’re doing Weight Watchers Simple Start or Simply Filling
7 Weight Watchers PointsPlus for the whole container (if you’re counting points)
Carrot & Cilantro Bulgar Grain Salad NEW $3.49
LOVE the turmeric garbanzo beans on top, and I usually pick garbanzos out of salads!
Very fresh, light and “carrot-y”.
6 Weight Watchers PointsPlus for the whole container
Shrimp & Surimi Salad with Louie Dressing $3.99
FAVORITE Simple Start to-go lunch! Lots of lettuce, so very filling. The only thing that isn’t a Weight Watchers Power Food is the dressing—which surprisingly only adds 2g fat and ONE Point!
All Weight Watchers Power Foods, except for the dressing
Only 1 Weight Watchers Point (for the dressing) if you’re following Simple Start or Simply Filling
6 Weight Watchers PointsPlus for the whole container, with dressing (if you’re counting points)
Trader Joe’s Chicken & Roasted Beet Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Fabulous salad. The lovely feta add richness, so just a little of the dressing and a sprinkle of salt takes it to extreme deliciousness!
8 Weight Watchers PointsPlus for the whole container with all the dressing
(5 points without dressing)
Crisp Pasadena Salad with Chicken (Best for sharing) $3.99
The package claims that the dressing is to die for—and it is! I love that there’s no onion (a lot of their salads are too onion-y for me.) Super-yummy and big enough to share. Mr. Picky’s fav!
6 WW PP for 1/2 the salad, with dressing
4 WW PP for 1/2 the salad without dressing
Trader Joe’s Lemon Chicken and Arugula Salad
Tasty, moist white chicken, with Moroccan Style couscous (pearl couscous), red quinoa, and a lovely, fresh pimiento dressing. Just a slight kick, but not too spicy. I could do with a little more chicken and greens (protein and veggies), and a little less couscous (carbs), though I’m a huge fan of pearl couscous—with its pasta-like chew—and this one does not disappoint.
8 Weight Watchers PointsPlus for the whole container with dressing
Trader Joe’s Egg White Salad with Chives $2.99
– or –
Spicy Ranchero Egg White Salad $2.99
1 Weight Watchers PointsPlus for half the container
I’ve been known to purchase these at the store and sit in my car and polish off the whole container with a spoon! (Emergency Feeding)
But you could wait to get home and spread it on a RealFoods Corn Thin—only 1 WW PP for 2. (Whole Foods)
What’s Your Favorite TJ’s Salad?
Click here for my Trader Joe’s Shopping List (with Weight Watchers Power Foods and PointsPlus) >>
10 Responses
You are right on the mark with this post! I love these salads especially the Field Fresh Chopped Salad with Grilled White Chicken. If you’ve never tried it then you should, for it is yum and yum is good! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Ken! I’ll be sure to pick that one up next time. Maybe I should hit you up for a photography lesson so I can start taking gorgeous, mouthwatering pics of my food! 😉
I also think the Pasadena is very good. Hubby and me think alike.
I really love the balela salad. I found a clone recipe for it that is almost spot on.
Our favorite is the Pasadena Salad. Stay clear of the Mozzarella & Tomato Salad. It has a tasteless plethora of greens, 4 tiny tomatoes and several small rounds of tasteless mozzarella.
My hubby likes the Pasadena salad too. And yes, I totally agree about the Mozzarella & Tomato salad! Thanks for writing in Zarafa.
Great post. I’ve only tried the Pasadena and the beet salad and wanted something with a little less amount of fat, to fit my macros. This was VERY HELPFUL! Thank you!
Thank YOU Riza for reminding me about this list – I just re-posted it on my OrnaBakes Facebook page. 🙂
Right now, they have a salad called Salad Palette Turkey Harvest with sweet potatoes, turkey, Brussels sprouts, Kale, spinach, cranberries, sunflower seeds and apple cider vinaigrette. It is the most delicious salad I’ve ever had. I’d never think to combine all of these ingredients. I believe it was either 3.99 or 4.99. You can’t make it for that much. From now on, I’m buying all of my salads there.
Mmmmm that sounds yummy. I will look for it next time I’m at TJ’s. Thx for letting me know, Lorie!