The Best Ready-to-Eat Meals at Trader Joe's for When You Need Fuel ASAP

When life gets hectic, sometimes all we have time (and energy) for are quick and easy meals. But that doesn't mean we have to settle for bland and unhealthy ones that are still super pricey. With its robust selection of food and drinks, Trader Joe's offers a solid selection of ready-made meals that fit the bill and cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. These meals are perfect for when you're short on time but still want something nutritious and flavorful to keep you energized throughout the day.

From wraps and burritos to soups and salad kits, here are 11 ready-to-eat items that Trader Joe's superfans say they can't get enough of. 

Related: The Only Frozen Meals You Should Be Buying at Trader Joe's

$4.49

This refreshing pasta salad is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal to help fuel you up during busy workdays. The lemon basil dressing adds a bright, zesty flavor that pairs well with the pasta and vegetables. It's also an excellent choice for a quick lunch, dinner, or a picnic meal by offering a balance of carbs and nutrients. 

"I just made a bomb salad by mixing a container of this pasta salad with shredded kale and a few tablespoons of pesto," writes one Redditor in a review. Yum!  

Related: 19 Filling Dinner Salads You'll Actually Want to Eat

$4.49

This flavorful and filling vegetarian option is another great choice for a grab-and-go meal. It features a lentil and bulgur mix spiced with curry, wrapped in a soft tortilla with a tangy, creamy tahini sauce. It's also high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for those looking for a quick, plant-based meal with a slight kick. 

"I love them!" writes one user. "I unroll, put some of the spicy sauce inside, and then heat them up in a pan so the outside gets crunchy." 

$4.49

This nutrient-packed salad is both tasty and filling. It includes baby spinach, carrots, quinoa, cranberries, chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds, all tossed in a zesty carrot ginger miso dressing. High in vitamins and minerals, this salad also has all the right elements of sweet, savory, and crunchy to make it a flavorful and satisfying meal.

"The salad was fresh, all of the ingredients jived," writes one user in a review. "The dressing was just like the dressing from Japanese restaurants." 

$4.99

This zesty salad consists of a flavorful mix of roasted corn, quinoa, black beans, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a tangy lime dressing. It's packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The bright and fresh flavors are perfect for those in search of a healthy, ready-to-eat option with a bit of a Mexican flair.

"I add some arugula for a few more greens and cut up chicken thighs," writes one Redditor. "One of my favorite salads."

Related: Trader Joe’s Meals that Take 10 Minutes or Less

$4.99

This protein-packed salad features orzo pasta mixed with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a variety of fresh vegetables all tossed in a bright lemon-herb dressing with a hint of pesto. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and texture, it's the perfect item for a light yet filling meal, or to enjoy as a side dish. 

"I don’t always have the bandwidth on Sunday to put together meals for the week," writes one user who suggests adding chicken, tzatziki, and sweet peppers for extra protein. "This was a major time saver and clocks in at around $5.50 per meal." 

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$4.49

TJ's Harvest Chili is a hearty and comforting option that's perfect for cooler days. Made with a mix of vegetables, including butternut squash and sweet potatoes, it's then seasoned with a blend of spices that give it a warm, savory flavor. This chili is vegan and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and filling option for lunch. 

"Just tried this last night!! [It's] so good and really filling," writes one user, adding, "Definitely a keeper!!" 

Related: The Best Snacks at Trader Joe's

$4.49

This ready-to-eat salad is made up of a flavorful mix of crunchy slaw, tender white chicken, and crispy noodles, all brought together with a tangy (and slightly sweet) peanut dressing. The delightful combination of textures and flavors make it a perfect option for a well-balanced meal that's high in protein and nutrients. 

Most users agreed that the real standout is the dressing. "I literally lick the dressing off the bottom of the container when I’m done with the salad," writes one user. Another adds, "THE DRESSING! Put it in a bottle and sell it to meee..."  

$6.99

Don't sleep on Caesar salad just because it seems kinda boring. Featuring romaine lettuce, kale, grilled salmon, croutons, and a creamy dressing, there's a reason why they call it a classic. High in protein and fiber, this timeless salad (with a twist) provides an ideal option for a quick, healthy lunch that doesn't compromise on taste.

"We eat this as a side twice a week," writes one user in a review. "It’s so refreshing during a heat wave."

$3.99 

Sometimes simplicity is best, and this Italian-inspired salad embodies that to a T. Made up of fresh mozzarella, pine nuts, cherry tomatoes, and olives, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, this one will transport you to the lush, green hills of Tuscany. It's also a great option for a light, refreshing meal that's perfect to enjoy on hot days.

"Love the little mozzarella balls and pine nuts," writes one user in a review.

$4.99

Chock-full of white beans, corn, poblano peppers, and organic chicken breast, this chunky chili is perfect to enjoy on nippy days. The broth is infused with seasonings like garlic, chili powder, cilantro, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and lime juice to give it a Southwestern style and flavor. Top it with all your favorite additions like fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar, or sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal. 

"One of my new regular meals," writes one user. "Hearty, tasty, a little bit spicy, good source of fiber, and healthy."

$5.99

TJ's Green Goddess dressing has a cult following, and this salad is no different. Featuring a base of shredded romaine lettuce, spinach, red cabbage, and carrots, the salad is complemented by protein-packed chicken thigh meat seasoned with savory spices, blackened, and cut into bite-sized pieces. The crispy rice and dressing come packaged separately, allowing one to add as much or as little as they'd like. 

"You can put it on ANYTHING," writes one user about the beloved dressing. "I love to make a big chicken-veggie-rice bowl and putting this on it. Also steak! So good on steak. Also great on asparagus! Put it on all the things!"