Sometimes I feel like cooking…
And sometimes I don’t.
Lately it’s been more of the latter. I’ve just been too tired at the end of the day, and there’s the couch, and Netflix, and HBONow…
I usually enjoy cooking and find it very relaxing, but lately I’ve just wanted the food to magically appear (POOF!).
Too bad it doesn’t really work like that, huh?
There’s always takeout, I guess, but there aren’t a lot of affordable healthy options around here, so for those times when the last thing I want to do is cook, there’s the Southwest Salad from Trader Joe’s (they’re about $4).
Yup, it’s TJ’s to the rescue.
This is one of my favorite things in the entire store right now because 1) it’s tasty as all get-out, and 2) it’s pretty low in calories (only 200, and that’s with the dressing; without the dressing it’s 160).
And so it’s not like I’m eating the same salad over and over again, I’ll just tweak it, like by turning it into a quick shrimp salad wrap or soft taco.
I’ll just chop the salad into tiny pieces and put them into a large flour tortilla (I like to warm them up) or two smaller soft taco tortillas. Then I’ll add a protein — usually frozen shrimp that I’ve sauteed in a non-stick pan with paprika, garlic powder, salt and red pepper.
Then you can add cheese, sour cream and/or avocado, or whatever other accoutrements you want. I usually have ’em with salsa! 🙂
They’re quick, easy and pretty healthy, too.
Kate says
That is a good salad I have bought it many times, I like your idea of adding shrimp ♥
Kiss & Make-up says
I love a good wrap! And the more stuffed it is the better! *makes nomming faces*
Rachel says
Great idea! I used to get that salad all the time when I had TJs in my ‘hood, never thought of adding shrimp to it! Yum!
Natalia says
Ahh, you’ve got me wishing I lived down the street from a Trader Joe’s like I used to, so I could run out and try this for lunch today! Looks delicious!
Lauren says
I used to get this salad all the time! A shrimp wrap…what CAN’T you do?! Happy Friday!
Elena says
Oh that looks delicious! I need to make a TJ’s run!
I made lettuce wraps the other day with a knock-off recipe of Chipotle’s Sofritas. It turned out pretty well and now I have a ton of sauce left to use…so maybe I will buy some shrimp to use with it!
Lauren S. says
Hi Karen! Looks super good! I would’ve never thought of adding shrimp to this salad! Is the dressing spicy though? I can’t handle anything spicy. 🙁 Thanks!
Kim says
Seriously? 200 calories WITH the dressing. That’s amazing. We don’t have a TJ’s near us but now I’m kind of inspired to find some tasty, low cal dressings. 🙂
denise S says
That’s a great idea! I’m going to pick up this salad soon! I love salad and shrimp
Barbara says
i got to try this!
Katherine T. says
Awesome idea! I will give it a try.