This New $4.99 Trader Joe’s Find Is Perfect for Summer

Trader Joe’s has brought shoppers the perfect grab-and-go item for anyone placed on Pasta Salad Duty for a gathering this summer. If you don’t have time or the ingredients on hand to put something homemade together, the beloved grocery store has a great prepared option for showing up to a party with a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic dish.

Whether it’s for a potluck, barbecue, or picnic in the park, TJ’s new Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fits all casual summer occasions. And at just $4.99 per 11.5-ounce container, it’s definitely worth a try.

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

The base of Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is farfalle (or bow tie) pasta. This happens to be my family’s favorite noodle shape for this classic dish—it’s fun, casual, consistent with the size of any mix-ins, and beautifully soaks up the dressing. Some pasta shapes are a bit awkward for scooping up a decent bite of pasta salad, but not farfalle; it’s easy to grab a forkful with a little of each ingredient.

Besides the farfalle, this TJ’s pasta salad features seasonal produce, including peas, shredded spinach, zucchini, and basil. There’s also sharp asiago cheese and a “light basil lemonette,” which is essentially a lemon vinaigrette, for a touch of acidity. The dressing amount is perfect—you’re not left with soggy vegetables or an oily puddle on the bottom of the container.

How to Serve Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Each container of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad holds about 12 ounces, so it would be wise to pick up two or three containers if you’re feeding a crowd.

If you’re looking to add your own spin, there are quick and easy additions you can throw into the mix. I love adding extra chopped basil for more freshness or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for some of heat. One Reddit user suggests adding “shredded kale and a few tablespoons of pesto,” or Trader Joe’s Cilantro Salad Dressing. Other shoppers have added everything from crumbled feta to toasted pine nuts, fresh lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning for more flavor.

I’ve found that transferring the pasta salad to a large serving bowl is best for tossing (and, of course, sharing). Also, each container comes with a lemon wedge, so be sure to squeeze it over the rest of the ingredients for an extra pop of acidity. However you serve and prepare Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, the lucky guests will be asking for your “recipe.”

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