I love fresh, ready-to-eat salads from Trader Joe’s, especially when they have Mediterranean flavors. This Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad immediately caught my eye because it has orzo, feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach—all things I enjoy.
I picked it up for a quick lunch, hoping for a bright, herby, and satisfying bite. It turned out to be a solid option—light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy straight out of the container. It has that zesty Mediterranean taste, but it’s also substantial enough to feel like a real meal.
Taste and Texture
The orzo is perfectly cooked, giving the salad a nice bite without being too soft. The feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast, while the olives and sun-dried tomatoes bring that briny, slightly sweet Mediterranean flavor.
The spinach adds freshness, though I found it could have been chopped a little finer to blend more seamlessly with the other ingredients.
The dressing is light and citrusy, with a nice balance of herbs and acidity that makes the salad feel fresh without being overpowering. It’s not overly oily, which I appreciate, but a little extra dressing would have helped coat everything better.
Best Ways to Enjoy
While it’s tasty on its own, I found a few ways to make it even better:
- With grilled chicken or shrimp to add more protein and make it a complete meal.
- Tossed with extra arugula or spinach for more greens and a fresher taste.
- Drizzled with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Served as a side with grilled fish for a light, summery dinner.
Also i figured that the best way to enjoy it would be to transfer it to the bowl and mix well instead of eating it straight out of the package, like i did.
How It Compares to Similar Products
Trader Joe’s offers a lot of Mediterranean-inspired salads, and this one is a good option if you want something light and refreshing. Compared to some of their grain-based salads (like their couscous or quinoa ones), this one is less dense but still flavorful.
If you’re looking for a pasta-based salad that isn’t overly creamy or heavy, this is a great pick. However, if you prefer something with a little more substance or protein, you might want to add something to bulk it up.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔️ Light, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavors
✔️ Nice mix of textures with orzo, feta, and olives
✔️ Super easy to grab for a quick meal
✔️ Pairs well with grilled protein or extra greens
Cons:
❌ Could use a little more dressing for better balance
❌ Might not be filling enough as a full meal on its own ( talking about serving size)
Location in Store
You’ll find this in the prepared foods and refrigerated section at Trader Joe’s, near the other salads like Trader Joe’s Pearl Couscous Salad with Chicken and grab-and-go meals. Also tastes great when paired with Trader Joe’s French Onion Focaccia Bread.
Final Verdict
Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad is a fresh, easy, and flavorful option for a light lunch or side dish. The mix of orzo, feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes delivers that classic Mediterranean taste, and it’s easy to customize with extra protein or greens.
This salad is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. While it’s a great quick option, I’d probably pair it with something else next time to make it a little more substantial.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (⅘)
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