The pros:Â Â Trader Joe's Milk Chocolate Truffles have a nice shell and a soft interior that might remind you of something close to a Lindor truffle.
The cons: Wrapped this looks more like the Death Star than an Easter candy. No option for Dark Chocolate fans.
The verdict: Â ...
The pros:Â Trader Joe's 27 Layer Sesame Croissini is new to shelves and if you enjoy snacking on breadstick, you'll find this enjoyable.
The cons: I'm not sure why the package says eat while warm. It was good warm, but the flaky layers were much improved at room temperature. Not many of my croissinis were twisted out of the box. I'm not sure if this is a defect or something to expect.
The verdict: Â ...
Pasta salad can be hit or miss-but Trader Joe's Lemon Basil Pasta Salad hits that sweet spot between refreshing, flavorful, and easy to serve right from the container. It's a summer-ready option that doesn't feel like a mayo bomb and tastes far more vibrant than your average deli counter offering.
At $4.99 for an 11.5-oz container, this chilled salad comes packed with farfalle pasta, vegetables, a zippy vinaigrette, and shredded Asiago cheese. It sounds like a lot, and somehow it all works if you are willing to adapt this.
I've tried my share of store-bought pasta salads, and most end up tasting one-dimensional or soggy. So I wasn't expecting to love this one, but I was genuinely surprised.
This pasta salad is bright, herbaceous, and perfectly suited for warmer weather. The lemon basil vinaigrette is what gives it character. It's zesty but not overpowering, and just lightly sweet thanks to the honey and fruit juices in the dressing. You taste citrus, a touch of garlic and shallot, and a background of Dijon and white balsamic vinegar that adds a little tang and depth. It's a well-rounded dressing that keeps each bite interesting.
The mix of farfalle pasta, green peas, zucchini, spinach, and bits of shredded Asiago cheese feels well-balanced, not too heavy, not too bland. The cheese doesn't overwhelm the dish but gives it a nice savory edge, and the spinach and peas add color and texture. You can tell they actually thought about how to build flavor and contrast.
That said, this won't fill you up if you're looking for a full lunch-it's better as a side dish or part of a light meal. I served mine alongside grilled chicken, and it felt like a complete dinner without turning on the stove.
But I would recommend keeping an extra lemon on hand for this. The dressing was very light, and it desperately needed that acidic kick to brighten it up.
The following are the major ingredients in this pasta salad:
Additional components:
Contains: milk, wheat
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes, it contains no meat but does include dairy.
Yes, it contains traditional farfalle pasta made from wheat.
It's not recommended. The vinaigrette and vegetables will lose texture when thawed.
Best enjoyed within 2-3 days when kept refrigerated.
Trader Joe's Lemon Basil Pasta Salad turned out to be a refreshing surprise. With its thoughtfully balanced vinaigrette, satisfying textures, and just enough lemon to wake up your palate, it earns a spot on the summer shopping list. It's ideal as a side dish or picnic addition and works well with just a few easy upgrades. If you're tired of heavy, mayo-based pasta salads, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
The pros:Â Trader Joe's Sprouted Whole Grain Pizza Crust is a thin and healthy alternative to a regular pizza crust.
The cons: Can be an awkward size if you are going to store this for any amount of time.
The verdict: Â ...
The pros:Â Trader Joe's Tarte Aux Fruits is a terrific blend of sweet and tart on a nice crust.
The cons: Be sure to keep this level if you are defrosting, otherwise you'll have a gnarly mess waiting for you. Mine wasn't quite as picture perfect as the box, but it tasted just fine.
The verdict: Â ...
