If you buy fresh pasta from Trader Joe's, you might have noticed they've updated the packaging on most of the ravioli products. They are now brightly colored. This means one of two things: either they've changed the product or they've only just updated the packaging.
Taste
In this case, they've altered the name from previous years. They've dropped the name "Girasoli" and added the word ravioli. But overall, the taste seems pretty spot on from previous years.
Girasoli in Italian translates roughly to sunflowers. Based on the ingredients lists, there is nothing sunflower-related. It's clearly a commentary on the shape of these as they look the most homemade of all the stuffed pasta shapes available. To me, these were closest to a ravioli that looks like it was closed with a fork.
For $2.99 there are three portions in the box, but realistically, I would say there are two servings here.
Cooking couldn't be easier. The pasta was tender in about 3 minutes. The filling on any ravioli is truly the star here. It's very simple: ricotta, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, and salt. The filling is extremely smooth. There is some extra texture here from the zest, but nothing that was overwhelming. It's easy to go overboard with lemon zest, but this has a good balance to it.
When you use the zest, you get lemon flavor minus the acidity. If you are ever cooking and you want the acidity, add lemon juice. Just a little kitchen tip from me to you.
As far as a sauce, the box suggests keeping it simple. I tend to disagree. Any sauce that would play well with lemon would work here. I would say try it plain to start and use your best judgment. I can see a pesto working with this pasta or try my recipe Lemon Cream Sauce with Shallots and Capers. If the recipe works with lemon, it should work with this.
Overall
The timing was correct on the package leading to tender and delicious bites with just enough lemony brightness to the flavor.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli. This flavor has been hard to come by. In Trader Joe's that's usually a good sign. If it's hard to find, it's probably good.
Visual rundown
The box of Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli:
Calories and ingredient
Directions
The finished and fully cooked product:
Previous Product Prior to 2019
The box Trader Joe's Girasoli Ricotta and Lemon Zest with the cooking directions at the bottom:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli
Product Name: Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli
Product Description: Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli is a returning seasonal ravioli that seems to only be available through the summer months
Price: $2.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli is a returning seasonal favorite but now with new packaging.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli is a flavorful pasta if you can find it. It has just enough lemon flavor and the smoothness of the ricotta cheese. It is ready in under 5 minutes.
Cons
- Nothing stands out.
Alek says
This is one of my favorites. Very light & it doesn't need a heavy sauce. Just a pat of butter would do. I like how simple it is.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! I totally agree. Maybe a pesto with this to highlight the acidity here. Thanks as always for taking the time to stop by and share!
sam i am says
This pasta makes a great easy lasagne substitute. Have served it in meat, vegetarian & seafood versions and it's been a hit each time. You'll need 2 packages at least for 4 people, and if you'd like leftovers another 1 or 2 packages would be needed. It's so simple you won't mind no leftovers since it comes together in the oven in about 30 minutes.
becomebetty says
Hey Sam I Am! Great suggestion. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Nicole says
I think it's just okay! The lemon flavor is a little overpowering/artificial for me. I prefer the Goat Cheese & Sundried Tomato Ravioli.
becomebetty says
Hey Nicole! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these!
MaybeBerry says
The lemon and ricotta ravioli are by far the worst at TJs. The lemon tasted bitter like a lemon peel. I truly could not eat more than one and through the rest in the garbage. I hope I just got a bad batch because I am not sure how anyone would stomach these. The Lobster Ravioli and the Corn and Burrata Ravioli are supberb.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing!