19 Trader Joe’s Must-Have Items for a Satisfying Salad Bar

Trader Joe’s has become the go-to spot for building the perfect salad bar at home. Whether it’s crunchy toppings, unique dressings, or fresh produce, they’ve stocked their shelves with must-haves that make salad prepping so much easier and tastier. In this list, we’ll explore 19 of their best items that will help you create a salad bar that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Teeny Tiny Avocados

These small avocados are perfect for adding creamy texture to your salads. Their petite size makes them ideal for single servings, eliminating the risk of unused, browning avocado halves. The buttery flavor of these avocados pairs well with greens and citrus, creating a balanced and flavorful bite. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, making them a nutritious addition to any salad. They’re versatile, fitting into everything from a Cobb salad to a basic green mix.

Steamed Lentils

Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils are a protein-packed addition that makes any salad more filling. Lightly seasoned and ready to eat, they can be used cold or warmed for a cozy grain bowl-style salad. These lentils are rich in fiber and provide a hearty texture, balancing well with roasted vegetables or mixed greens. Their natural flavor blends with a variety of dressings, especially lemony or herbed vinaigrettes.

Sweet & Spicy Pecans

These candied nuts bring a crunchy, flavorful contrast to a salad’s softer ingredients. They balance sweetness, spiciness, and saltiness, making them a unique topping for leafy greens, especially when paired with creamy cheeses like goat cheese. The nuts are a source of healthy fats and provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire salad. They pair exceptionally well with beet salads or hearty grain bowls.

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese

This cheese offers a bold, sharp flavor that contrasts well with fresh greens. Its creamy yet crumbly texture is ideal for topping salads, especially a classic Cobb or a Tex-Mex-inspired salad. The cheddar’s richness is a great companion to tomatoes, avocado, and crispy bacon. It’s a Trader Joe’s favorite for adding depth to otherwise light dishes.

Roasted & Salted Marcona Almonds with Rosemary

These almonds bring a savory and fragrant flavor to any salad. Their buttery texture and rosemary seasoning add a gourmet twist to salads, particularly Mediterranean-style ones. They complement ingredients like feta, olives, and tomatoes, bringing crunch and flavor to your salad bar. These almonds are a great source of healthy fats and can elevate the simplest green salad.

Organic Baked Tofu (Teriyaki Flavor)

This firm, flavorful tofu is a fantastic protein option for your salad bar. With its subtle teriyaki seasoning, it pairs well with Asian-inspired ingredients like sesame dressing or ginger. The tofu is baked, so it holds its shape in salads without becoming mushy, and its high protein content makes salads more filling. It works particularly well with crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or shredded carrots.

Sesame Sticks

These crunchy sticks are a must for adding texture to your salad. Made from wheat and sesame, they bring a bold, nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with creamy or tangy dressings. They’re perfect in an Asian-inspired salad or even a classic green mix, providing a satisfying crunch that makes every bite more interesting.

Organic Dried & Pitted Deglet Noor Dates

These dates are a natural way to add sweetness to salads, especially during colder months when fresh fruit is less available. Their chewy texture contrasts well with crunchy nuts and creamy cheeses. A handful of chopped dates can elevate a simple green salad or pair beautifully with roasted root vegetables. These dates are packed with fiber, making them a nutritious choice.

Peanut and Crispy Noodle Salad Kit

This kit combines fresh romaine, cabbage, and carrots with crispy rice noodles and peanuts, all tied together with a vibrant peanut-lime dressing. It’s a great base for Asian-style salads or can be enhanced with grilled chicken or tofu. The crunchy elements make each bite satisfying, while the dressing adds a bright, zesty kick.

Sweet Chili Mango Salad Kit

This salad kit features a delightful mix of veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, all finely chopped for easy eating. It includes sunflower kernels and toasted quinoa for added crunch and texture. The highlight of the kit is the dried mango and sweet chili dressing, which brings a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to the salad. It’s a vibrant option that works perfectly as a side or base for a heartier meal. Pair it with grilled shrimp or chicken for a satisfying, tropical-inspired dish.

Green Goddess Salad with Blackened Chicken Thigh Meat

This salad is perfect for those looking for something both flavorful and satisfying. It comes with a mix of shredded vegetables and blackened chicken thigh meat, which adds a smoky, rich flavor to the dish. The crispy red rice adds a unique texture, and the Green Goddess Ranch dressing ties everything together with its creamy and tangy profile. It’s a fresh, protein-packed option that’s perfect for lunch.

Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon

This salad is another must-have for its complex flavors and textures. It combines shredded vegetables, grilled salmon, crispy onions, and a flavorful sesame miso dressing. The rich, umami taste of the sesame miso dressing complements the salmon perfectly, while the crispy onions add a satisfying crunch. It’s a balanced salad that works well as a quick lunch or light dinner.

Caesar Salad with White Chicken Meat

This classic salad is elevated with the addition of tender white chicken meat. The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and croutons come together for a satisfying, no-fuss meal. It’s a go-to for those looking for a familiar flavor, but with high-quality ingredients. The addition of chicken makes it a hearty choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Sliced Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese

For those looking to add an extra layer of flavor to their salads, Trader Joe’s Sliced Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese is a must-have. This cheese combines the creamy texture of Monterey Jack with the bold flavors of roasted garlic and fresh basil. It’s excellent when paired with tomatoes and cucumbers or added to a Mediterranean-style salad. The convenience of pre-sliced cheese makes it easy to include as a topping without much prep work.

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This ready-to-eat pulled chicken is perfect for those who want a bit of spice in their salad. Slow-cooked with roasted tomatillos, green chiles, and cilantro, this chicken offers a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. It’s ideal for adding to a taco salad or even as a topping for mixed greens with avocado and lime dressing. The ease of preparation makes it a quick and flavorful protein option.

Little Leaf Farms Baby Crispy Green Leaf Lettuce

This hydroponically grown baby green leaf lettuce is an incredibly fresh and crunchy addition to any salad. The greens are pesticide-free and packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for health-conscious consumers. Their crisp texture pairs well with a variety of toppings, from nuts to cheeses, ensuring every bite is refreshing. Since they’re grown using sustainable methods, this lettuce is both eco-friendly and delicious. Use it as the base for any salad, and its freshness will elevate the dish instantly.

Vidalia Onions

Vidalia onions are known for their natural sweetness and mild flavor, making them a great addition to any salad. Grown in a specific region of Georgia, these onions are available seasonally and offer a unique taste profile compared to standard onions. They’re great raw, sliced thin in salads, or even roasted to add a caramelized flavor. Their sweetness enhances other ingredients in a salad, providing balance to tangy or savory components. Vidalia onions are also a good source of vitamin C.

Green Olive Flats Italian Lingue Crackers

These crisp, savory crackers with bits of green olives are an excellent addition to a salad bar, especially for those who love Mediterranean flavors. They pair wonderfully with soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella and can even be crumbled over salads for an added crunch. The olive pieces in the crackers bring a briny flavor that complements fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack on their own or as part of a more elaborate salad setup.

Caramelized Onion & Bell Pepper Turkey Patties

These turkey patties are packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of caramelized onions and bell peppers. They make for a hearty salad topping, particularly in a grain bowl or a protein-packed salad with greens and roasted veggies. The patties are fully cooked, making them an easy, quick addition to any meal. Their savory, slightly sweet taste pairs beautifully with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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