If you’re like me, Trader Joe’s is a go-to for quick, flavorful meals that don’t skimp on quality. Their pre-made salad kits are especially fantastic—fresh, creative, and ready to toss.
But what really elevates them is the right dressing.
Most kits come with their own, but I’ve scoured reviews and rankings to suggest the best pairings, including alternatives from Trader Joe’s lineup for when you want to mix things up.
This guide focuses on popular options, drawing from taste tests and expert opinions. Let’s dive into my top picks for salads and their ideal dressings!
1. Southwest Chopped Salad Kit – $3.69/13.6 Oz
This vibrant kit features green cabbage, romaine, cotija cheese, roasted pepitas, tortilla strips, green onion, and cilantro for a crunchy, Tex-Mex vibe. It’s hearty enough as a main or side.
- Best Dressing: The included spicy cilantro avocado dressing adds creaminess with a subtle kick.
- Alternative Pairing: Try the Cilantro Dressing for an extra fresh, herbaceous boost—it’s ranked as one of the top dressings overall for its versatility on tacos or salads.
2. Broccoli Slaw & Kale Salad with White Chicken Meat – $4.15/9.3 Oz
Packed with broccoli slaw, kale, white chicken meat, red onions, and cranberry pieces, this one offers a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. It’s nutrient-dense and satisfying.
- Best Dressing: The included spicy-sweet creamy dressing contrasts the sharpness beautifully.
- Alternative Pairing: Swap in the Goddess Dressing for an earthy, tahini-based twist that adds richness without overpowering the veggies.
3. Vegan Super Spinach Salad – $4.49/10 Oz
A plant-based powerhouse with spinach, quinoa, carrots, cranberries, chickpeas, edamame, and pumpkin seeds—it’s colorful and filling.
- Best Dressing: The carrot-miso-ginger dressing brings umami depth and a warming spice.
- Alternative Pairing: Green Goddess Dressing complements the greens with its bright, avocado-lemon notes, making it feel even healthier.
4. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit – $3.99/9.75 Oz
Featuring arugula, rainbow ribbon carrots, almonds, and parmesan cheese, this kit is light and versatile, great as a base for entrees.
- Best Dressing: The basil lemon vinaigrette is zesty and fresh, highlighting the peppery arugula.
- Alternative Pairing: Organic Italian Dressing with Romano Cheese adds a tangy, restaurant-quality edge—perfect if you want more cheese-forward flavor.
5. Organic Mediterranean Style Salad Kit – $3.99/12.95 Oz
This includes romaine lettuce, shredded broccoli stalks, radicchio, celery, seasoned flatbread strips, feta cheese, dried tomatoes, and roasted chickpeas for Greek-inspired vibes.
- Best Dressing: The red wine vinaigrette ties in the briny, tangy elements.
- Alternative Pairing: Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing offers a sweet, rich complexity that enhances the feta and tomatoes.
6. Sesame Crunch Chopped Salad Kit – $3.99/12 Oz
With bok choy, savoy cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, sesame sticks, cashews, and nori seaweed flakes, it’s bold and Asian-inspired.
- Best Dressing: Toasted sesame ginger vinaigrette provides a nutty, savory kick.
- Alternative Pairing: Thai Style Peanut Dressing amps up the peanut notes for more depth, ideal as a marinade too.
7. Avocado Ranch Salad Kit – $3.99/12.8 Oz
Loaded with cabbages, green onion, carrots, crunchy corn chips, and cheese—it’s twice the size of some kits and super satisfying.
- Best Dressing: Creamy avocado ranch is rich and tangy, pairing perfectly with the crunch.
- Alternative Pairing: Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing keeps it dairy-free while adding a fresh herb twist.
8. Classic Greek Salad – $3.49/9 Oz
Simple yet spot-on with kalamata olives, cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, and feta—briny and refreshing.
- Best Dressing: Red wine vinaigrette for that sharp, tangy balance.
- Alternative Pairing: Organic Italian Dressing with Romano Cheese brings extra savoriness if you crave more cheese.
9. Lemon Chicken & Arugula Salad – $5.49/9.2 Oz
Includes arugula, cubed chicken, couscous, and shredded carrots for a bright, Mediterranean feel.
- Best Dressing: Lemon dressing with turmeric—light and zesty.
- Alternative Pairing: Vegan Caesar Dressing adds creaminess and zest without the dairy.
10. Caesar Salad – $4.99/9 Oz
A classic with romaine, croutons, and shaved parmesan; options include with chicken or kale for variety.
- Best Dressing: Creamy Caesar dressing for that garlicky, anchovy-rich coat.
- Alternative Pairing: Romano Caesar Dressing if you want a mustardy twist, or Buttermilk Ranch for a milder option.
These pairings are based on flavor profiles that enhance the salads’ natural ingredients, whether sticking to the kit or experimenting. Next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab a few and try mixing dressings—it’s a game-changer! If you have a favorite combo, let me know in the comments. Happy salad-ing!
