Trader Joe's Fresh Atlantic Salmon is one of those fridge section items that's easy to overlook, but if you're aiming to eat more protein, cook at home, or skip another takeout order, it might just become a go-to. Sold in vacuum-sealed packs in the refrigerated section, it's portioned into filets and ready for whatever marinade or seasoning you throw at it.
The price per pound usually runs around $9.99, and the packaging makes it clear that it's farm-raised.
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Review
Let's start with this: if you're looking for wild-caught salmon with that deep orange hue and bold flavor, this isn't it. Trader Joe's Fresh Atlantic Salmon is farm-raised and milder in flavor, but it still checks a lot of boxes if you're shopping for convenience and flexibility.
When I opened the package, I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and fresh the filets looked. No strong fishy smell, no discolored spots, and no extra trimming needed. For something pre-packaged and sold alongside pre-marinated proteins, it gave off a fresher vibe than expected.
Once cooked, the salmon held together well. I've prepared it in the air fryer, oven, and on the stovetop-and it flaked beautifully each time. It's tender, moist, and not overly fatty, which can sometimes happen with lower-quality farm-raised salmon.
As for flavor, it's on the mild side. It's a great blank canvas, which I appreciate when I want to get creative with marinades or spice rubs. I've done a maple-soy glaze, a simple lemon-dill butter, and even just salt and pepper, and it worked every time. If you want a strong salmon flavor, this might be too subtle. But if you're cooking for a family or trying to introduce someone to salmon, this is a solid entry point.
Is it the best salmon I've ever had? No. But for the price, convenience, and reliability. It's definitely something I'll keep buying.
Ingredients
- Farm-raised Atlantic salmon
- Vacuum-sealed for freshness
Contains: fish (salmon) with color added
How to Prepare
Oven (400°F):
Place filet on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
Air Fryer (375°F):
Air fry for 9-11 minutes for a crisp edge and moist center.
Pan Sear:
Add a bit of oil to a hot skillet. Cook skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
Tip: Pat dry before cooking and season well. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or your favorite sauce.
After being baked with some butter, salt, and pepper you get:
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Trader Joe's Brown Rice and steamed broccoli
- Top with Trader Joe's Truffle Aioli for a gourmet twist
- Flake into salads with arugula, goat cheese, and lemon vinaigrette
- Build a salmon grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini sauce
- Use leftovers in wraps or mixed into pasta with a cream sauce
- With Trader Joe's Salmon Rub, be generous with it!
Or if you are feeling adventurous, then try my Salmon Meuneire recipe.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Fresh Atlantic Salmon
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
No, it is farm-raised and clearly labeled as such.
Most packages include skin-on filets, which get nicely crispy when pan-seared or air fried.
Check the sell-by date, but typically 2-3 days. If you're not using it right away, it freezes well.
No, the flavor is mild and approachable.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Fresh Atlantic Salmon isn't the most exciting product in the store, but it's one of the most practical. If you're looking for an easy-to-cook protein that doesn't take much prep and plays well with almost any seasoning, this is it. While it's not wild-caught or packed with flavor out of the package, the value and convenience make it a strong repeat buy for home cooks who want something reliable.
This salmon might not win awards, but it earns a permanent spot in my fridge.
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Trader Joe's Fresh Atlantic Salmon
Product Name: Trader Joe's Fresh Atlantic Salmon
Product Description: Trader Joe's Fresh Atlantic Salmon is a solid farm-raised fresh fish option in the refrigerated case of Trader Joe's.
Price: $9.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner and aren't near a solid fish market then this is one of the best farm-raised salmon I've tried.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Convenient packaging: Vacuum-sealed and portioned, ready to cook
- Mild flavor: Great for seasoning however you like
- Cooks evenly: Reliable results across oven, stovetop, or air fryer
- Budget-friendly: A good price for fresh, pre-portioned salmon
- Freezable: Easy to store for future meals
Cons
- Farm-raised: Not wild-caught, which some may prefer
- Subtle flavor: Might be too mild for some palates
- Inconsistent availability: Can sell out quickly depending on location
- Short shelf life: Use or freeze within a few days
buyingseafood says
Salmon get their color from the marine arthropods they eat. Farmed salmon have this added to their feed otherwise they would be a grayish-white. Responsible farms source this color from natural sources, but there is alot of salmon out there of dubious quality. I assume TJ's is sourcing from good farms, but I've only had their wild salmon.
becomebetty says
Thank you sooo much for the really solid insight. I don't think the average consumer would know that. I really appreciate you stopping by and adding that!
Karen G says
I tried the bbq cut (it's already cut into 4 pieces) of the same product and we love it! I have bought it 5 or 6 times. It's just the right amount for us. I like to sear it skin side up in a cast iron skillet and then put it in the oven for another 6 minutes. It has a nice crust on top and it's delicious!
becomebetty says
I saw those too. Glad to know theyre pretty much the same. Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts!
Andrea says
I kept mine in the refrigerator I bought it two weeks ago is it still good
becomebetty says
Hi Andrea! I live by the rule when in doubt throw it out. I wish I could be of more help.
Roune' says
I absolutely love this Salmon. It really melts in your mouth, especially if you marinate it overnight. I’ve been marinading it with mustard bbq sauce and as weird as it sounds, it’s so delicious!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing!
Luminosity says
Betty, you discuss the differences between the TJ's "farm-raised" salmon and the TJ's "wild" salmon but the true difference is that this "farm-raised" salmon is Atlantic salmon and the aforementioned "wild" salmon is one of the 5 Pacific/Alaskan salmon species. They are completely different fish.
Steve says
The T J Atlantic wild Salmon is farm raised. That's why they add color. Also there is no more wild salmon in the Atlantic,
it's been fished out. I am never buying the T J salmon again. Farmed raised Salmon is not a good choice, it contains too many harmful substances .
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Steve.
Sarah says
Apparently there are different types of farm raised fishing methods. The recirculating water tanks is better and there is less disease and toxins. But how do you know which farm raised methods are used on TJ's fish. My son saw a documentary Seaspiracy and was appauled at the farming methods. I love TJs salmon and it is cheaper that fresh plus other issues with that too. Would love to know how to find out what farming methods are used by TJs.
becomebetty says
I think that question can only be answered by Trader Joe's directly. Thanks for sharing!
Lyn says
I don't like that there is dye in the norweigen salmon. I don't like the wild version as it's a bit dense in texture and tastes a bit fishier. I wish they would not add the color. Even if they say it comes from krill or other 'natural' sources. The word 'natural' is a cover for many additives.
becomebetty says
Hi Lyn! Unfortunately, farm raised salmon wouldn't look like salmon to most of us if we saw it. It would likely be grey in color and many consumers wouldn't take well to a grey colored salmon. But I totally agree with you.