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17 Quick and Easy Trader Joe’s Salads and Meals for Hot Summer Days

Trade in the stove for a stress-free summer feast with Trader Joe's quick and easy options.

woman eating salad
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Trader Joe’s offers a variety of seasonal deals and unique products that can’t be found at other stores.

Those long summer days may drain you of energy, but preparing ahead of time with fast lunches and dinners will help save you time.

These salad mixes and heat-and-eat offerings give you plenty of quick and tasty meal options while helping you cut costs on groceries.

Editor's note: Prices are subject to change and may also vary by location.

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Organic Caesar Salad Kit

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Organic Caesar Salad Kit

Price: $4.99

This Caesar salad kit has everything but the dressing.

Add your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make this an easy meal. Plus, Trader Joe’s also has plenty of unique salad dressings to try.

Asian-Style Vegetable Stir Fry

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Asian-Style Vegetable Stir Fry

Price: $5.49

This ready-made stir-fry mix can be quickly heated up and eaten.

Keep it on hand for your next quick meal that could use some veggies. You can keep it vegan by adding tofu or buy one of the many other proteins at your local Trader Joe’s.

Elote Chopped Salad Kit

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Elote Chopped Salad Kit

Price: $3.99

Enjoy your greens with a taste of Mexican-style elote.

This salad kit packs a bit of heat with its special seasoning. And the cornbread crumbles and dried corn kernels provide a delightful crunch.

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Roasted Vegetable Tamale Pie

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Roasted Vegetable Tamale Pie

Price: $6.99

Here’s an affordable meal that just requires just a little heating before eating.

The vegetarian tamale pie is packed with vegetables and a tamale flavor, just like the real deal. You can serve this for dinner, making this a great choice for those busy nights.

Organic Ready, Set, Salad!

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Organic Ready, Set, Salad!

Price: $2.99

Ready, set, go with this convenient salad kit.

You can eat it as is or grab some mix-ins from Trader Joe’s to elevate your salad course. We suggest trying it with their buttermilk ranch dressing or green goddess salad dressing.

Spinach Tortellini

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Spinach Tortellini

Price: $2.99

Make pasta night a little easier while still being authentically delicious.

This spinach tortellini only needs a few minutes of cooking, and then you’re ready to have three different types of cheeses and spinach.

Try the Trader Joe’s cacio e pepe sauce to up the cheese ante.

Turkey Club Wrap

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's turkey club wrap

Price: $5.49

Grab this affordable and on-the-go meal on your next visit to Trader Joe’s.

This turkey club wrap has bacon and sun-dried tomatoes to round out the flavors. And you can always eat one half and save the other for a more cost-effective deal.

Southwestern Chopped Salad Kit

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Southwestern Chopped Salad Kit

Price: $3.49

Don’t mistake this salad for the elote kit.

This one has a spicy avocado dressing and classic southwestern toppings like tortilla strips and cilantro. You could make your own taco salad with this by adding beef or ground turkey.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Chicken Tikka Masala

Price: $6.49

Snag a classic Indian dish that requires very little cook time.

This chicken tikka masala can feed the family and pairs well with rice and naan bread. Both can be found at Trader Joe’s for a convenient and cheap dinner.

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Peanut and Crispy Noodle Salad Kit

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Peanut and Crispy Noodle Salad Kit

Price: $3.99

Plan an around-the-world dinner night, starting with this easy fare. This complete salad kit has all you need for an Asian-inspired meal.

With greens, crispy noodles, and a peanut and lime dressing, this pairs well with shrimp, chicken, or tofu.

Jerk Chicken Burrito

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Jerk Chicken Burrito

Price: $3.99

Craving a burrito on your busy summer day?

This one’s got the taste of the tropics and is ready to heat and eat. To offset the jerk spices, the jerk chicken burrito has fruit salsa, red beans, and coconut rice.

Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit

Price: $3.99

Pick up this refreshing summer salad kit on your next shopping trip.

It’s complete with toppings and vinaigrette for a light but tasty meal. Consider adding cooked salmon or tuna to elevate these citrusy greens.

Chicken Breast Parmigiana with Marinara Sauce

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Chicken Breast Parmigiana with Marinara Sauce

Price: $8.99

Need an effortless dinner for two?

Have your own Italian “fine-dining” experience at home and at a low cost. Just heat this chicken parmigiana and serve it with garlic bread or salad.

BBQ Seasoned White Chicken Salad

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-BBQ Seasoned White Chicken Salad

Price: $5.99

You can buy one of these on-the-go meals if you're crunched for time.

This barbecue chicken salad is a smart choice for lunch at the office or having a quick snack on the road. It even comes with Trader Joe’s famous buttermilk ranch dressing.

Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich

Price: $4.99

Enjoy the crunch of an apple in your turkey sandwich.

This easy meal is like having a charcuterie board to go. Enjoy aged cheddar, a Dijon mayo, and sliced apples with this turkey sandwich on a multigrain roll.

Chickpea, Kale, and Crispy Red Rice Salad with Avocado Herb Vinaigrette

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's-Chickpea, Kale, and Crispy Red Rice Salad with Avocado Herb Vinaigrette

Price: $4.99

Trader Joe’s has many great vegetarian and vegan options, like this salad bowl.

Chickpeas, kale, crispy red rice, and fresh avocado vinaigrette create a lovely flavor profile. Plus, it’s already packaged so that you can eat it anywhere.

Spicy Lentil Wrap

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Trader Joe's Spicy lentil wrap

Price: $5.99

Enjoy two wraps in one with this handy meal box.

The spicy lentil wrap comes with a tahini sauce to pour or dip. This is a great choice to share with someone or bring along on a picnic.

Bottom line

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joes at Tower Shops outdoor mall Davie Florida

So many bargains can be found at Trader Joe’s to help you keep more money in your wallet while eating well.

Another reason why customers love this store is because of their seasonal products that provide healthy and fresh meals that don’t take too long to make.

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