Top 8 Trader Joe's Salads

If you're like most of my clients, you're a busy professional and/or mom and you sometimes struggle with making the best decision when it comes to your lunch. In fact, you probably skip lunch altogether if you're busy at work and didn't meal prep, or you're grabbing the quickest option from a nearby restaurant which doesn't always translate to the best options for your goals.

So here's a plan B for you. I reviewed a dozen Trader Joe's salads and found eight great options for your next lunch. Naturally your personal taste preferences will play a role in which salads you select, but instead of being in decision paralysis because of all of the options, you can refer back to this list and choose a couple that look appetizing to you. As you'll find with many bottled dressings, many of the included dressings are made of canola oil and are high in added sugar but you can regulate the dressing since it comes in a separate package. While these dressings aren't ideal, let's stay focused on quick lunchtime solutions that are better alternatives than other takeout.

Next time you go to Trader Joe's, pick up a couple of salads and keep them in your home or office fridge for your next lunchtime emergency. Not only are these salads probably healthier than what you're getting at the restaurant next door, but they're also less expensive so you're optimizing nutrition and saving money.

TOP PICK: Organic Kale Chicken Caesar Salad, 300 calories, 24g protein, 3g fiber, 2g sugar. If you like Caesar salads and kale, you can't go wrong with this one. High in protein and low in added sugar.

TOP PICK: Harvest Salad with Grilled Chicken, 420 calories, 16g protein, 4g fiber, 6g sugar. This salad isn't as high in protein as a few other options here, but it has a variety of veggies, two protein sources and is low in added sugar.

TOP PICK: Organic Greek style salad with chicken, 300 calories (entire container), 12g protein, 1 g fiber, 5 g sugar. Since this salad is lower in calories and protein, this would be a great salad to pair with a sandwich or another high protein snack.

Mexicali Salad, 380 calories, 26g protein, 7g fiber, 15g sugar. This salad has a unique taste profile. It's a great alternative to a boring chicken salad.

Salad with BBQ Flavored Chicken, 650 calories, 30g protein, 8g fiber, 16g sugar. If you love BBQ chicken salad, this is a great option. It's half the calories of what you'd buy at a restaurant.

Lemon Chicken and Arugula Salad, 410 calories, 26g protein, 7g fiber, 15g sugar. This salad is a nice alternative to traditional chicken salads.

Chinese Inspired Salad with Chicken, 315 calories, 24.5g protein, 21g sugar, 7g fiber. High protein, a variety of veggies for nutrient diversification. The dressing on this one is high in sugar, but you can use less or swap out for a different dressing.

Broccoli Slaw and Kale salad with White Chicken Meat, 500 calories, 17g protein, 4g fiber, 19g sugar. This salad has a nice crunch and tang. Regulate the dressing for less added sugar.

Crisp Pasadena Salad with Chicken, 560 calories, 36g protein, 24g sugar, 8g fiber. Great crunchy salad with a lot of volume from the lettuce. Regulate the dressing to control the total sugar.

Have a salad that should be on this list? Let me know!