Add This Flavorful $3 Trader Joe's Find To Any Salad For An Instant Flavor Upgrade

We've all got our favorite Trader Joe's products, and many of those can make your boring weeknight salad far more exciting. It's not just the cult-favorite grocery chain's croissant croutons or its excellent selection of cheeses that fit that bill, however. Trader Joe's Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley are also an excellent salad topping — and the canned, seasoned legumes happen to be one of my favorite Trader Joe's products. 

I've shared before that these chickpeas are one of my-go TJ's products that work as a recipe shortcut, and using the ingredient on a salad is my usual plan of attack when I have a can in my kitchen cabinet. The chickpeas are essentially marinated in oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and spices like cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder. The Greek-leaning flavors are ideal for an array of salads and pair well with nearly anything you want to throw into the bowl. Plus, a can will only set you back $2.79.

For me, I like to take advantage of the oil and lemon juice that's in the can, so I use that essentially as a vinaigrette on my salad — no other dressing required. Otherwise, you can drain off the liquid and only use the seasoned chickpeas on your favorite salad.

I like to whip up a simple salad with cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and pickled red onions, then finish it off with these delicious chickpeas (and don't forget the juice as your vinaigrette). It also provides the ideal taste and texture in an Italian-style chopped salad with romaine or iceberg lettuce, radicchio, pepperoncini peppers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and a little extra dried oregano. You can also replace the croutons in your homemade Caesar salad with the chickpeas to skirt the carbs. Really, these canned chickpeas can work with any type of salad you crave for a fresh dinner.

Considering the TJ's product's name, you might also be tempted to add the chickpeas to a Greek salad. You can replace the plain chickpeas in our Greek-style seven-layer salad recipe. Or, use it in our tortellini Greek salad for even more flavor or texture.

While you're at Trader Joe's, there are some other products that work well with the chickpeas when it comes to an upgraded salad. Prefer a salad with more dressing? The chain has a balsamic vinaigrette that will add tang and zest to pair with the chickpeas. One of my other go-to Trader Joe's products is its Teeny Tiny Avocados, which are ideal when you are making a salad for one. Or lean into the chickpeas and try one of the chain's flavored hummuses to finish off your salad.