The Low-Key 2-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Salad My Family Begs For Constantly

A couple of months ago, as I loaded my cart at Trader Joe’s with four jars of Pesto Rosso, a lady nearby asked, “It’s that good, huh?” I told her it’s my favorite thing at TJ’s, so she too snagged a jar. Then she pointed to a bottle of toasted sesame dressing on the shelf and said, “That’s my favorite.” 

In a chance encounter, two TJ’s fans offered each other a gift.

But here’s the thing: I don’t buy bottled salad dressing. I’ve even written a story about the superiority of homemade salad dressing. As my new TJ’s friend waited for my reaction, I didn’t have the heart to let her down, so I grabbed a bottle and everyone went home happy. 

The dressing sat on my fridge door unopened for weeks. Until one can’t-cook-won’t-cook kind of day, I drizzled it over TJ’s Champs Elysées salad mix for dinner. Let me tell you, I haven’t seen my kids eat salad with this much gusto ever. And my family loves salad. The salad bowl was empty in five minutes flat, and since, they’ve asked me for it at least three times a week. 

(Sesame dressing lady, if you’re reading this. Respect. And thank you!)

A Salad Mix and Dressing Combo That Works 

TJ's toasted sesame dressing ($3.99 for a 12-ounce bottle) has just enough toasted sesame flavor and light sweetness to work in a simple salad. (I do think the flavors are too subtle to use as a marinade as the bottle suggests. I would add more soy sauce, sesame oil, grated garlic, and black pepper to turn it into a proper marinade.)

TJ’s Champs Elysées salad mix ($2.29 for a 7-ounce bag) has green leaf lettuce, frisée, radicchio, and carrots. It doesn’t come with a dressing or add-ins. It’s perfect for when I don’t want bagged-salad dressing nor do I want to do any chopping.

This salad mix works magically with TJ’s toasted sesame dressing because the greens are hearty and crunchy—they won’t wilt under the thick and heavy dressing. TJ's Cruciferous Crunch salad mix ($2.79 for a 10-ounce bag) is another great option—it has kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and green and purple cabbage.

If making your own salad mix, stick to hefty vegetables like romaine hearts, cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots. Delicate greens like arugula and spinach would wither quickly under this dressing.