I've Tried Dozens of Costco's Ready-to-Eat Salads and This Is My Favorite

Bulk buys, deep discounts on brand names, and premade foods are just a few Costco membership perks that make this warehouse club a fan favorite.

Most people look for convenience and low cost, and Costco's ready-to-eat salads offer both. From crisp greens to tangy tortellini, Costco’s selection of refrigerated salads has standout flavors you’ll savor.

If you’re not sure which ones to pick, we've listed the top budget-friendly, most delicious options.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $4.49 per pound

This classic salad is a favorite for a reason. Crisp chopped Romaine, savory garlic and cheese croutons, shredded parmesan, and a creamy dressing make the Caesar one of Costco’s top prepared picks.

Mix everything together, add a spritz of lemon (one wedge is included), and you’re ready to eat. You can also get creative in the kitchen and top the salad with grilled chicken, blackened salmon, or baked tofu. If you were a fan of Costco’s original food court Caesar, sprinkle a handful of shredded rotisserie chicken into the ready-made salad kit.

Less expensive than a comparable menu item from a fast-casual restaurant. It’s also more affordable than buying the individual ingredients and making your own version. One 13-ounce bottle of Marzetti’s Supreme Caesar Dressing costs almost as much as a pound of this salad.

Price: $5.99 per pound

Costco’s rotisserie chicken is one of the store’s most iconic items. When the warehouse club added the juicy roasted meat to a salad selection, this $5.99 per pound buy was an instant success.

Fans were less than pleased when it disappeared from most local stores, but luckily, it returned to the refrigerated prepared foods/salad section.

Roll a dollop of the mayo and chicken mix into a lettuce leaf, tortilla, or wrap to make a savory sandwich.

You can also try this tip from Redditor Blondie-Kate: “Get the ciabatta buns from the bakery, slice them, and toast with some butter before laying down a glob of the chicken salad. So good.”

Price: $5.49 per pound

Skip plain pasta salads and try this tortellini-filled favorite. Mozzarella pearls make this a true foodie find that fans of the store enjoy. The salad also includes salami, tomatoes, black olive slices, and Italian dressing.

Compare the $5.49 per prepared pound to the cost of making your own version. A nine-ounce package of 365 by Whole Foods Market Cheese Tortellini costs the same, but you’ll get less than a pound of pasta and no extra add-ins.

Price: $6.49 per pound

The savory flavor of this Mediterranean-style salad makes it one of Costco’s top prepared products. Reddit user Shanntuckymuffin raved about this buy, “I took one bite and ran here to spread the word. 10/10, five stars. Now excuse me, I’ve got more pasta salad to eat.”

While some Costco shoppers aren’t thrilled about salami in the salad, others enjoy it. Redditor oldpicklady wrote, “I absolutely loved it. I’m on my third container now and everyone has been delicious. I happen to love salami. If you don’t like salami, you prob won’t like it.”.

Price: $2.99

What isn’t there to like about our winner? The grain and celery salad is filled with nutritious ingredients and is bargain-priced.

Each container includes a heaping helping of quinoa, chickpeas, bulgar wheat, celery, onions, kale, cabbage and carrot blend, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. But that’s not all. Costco tops this healthy mix with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

Pair this side with grilled chicken, tofu, or more veggies. At $2.99 per pound, it’s a steal. Walmart sells a 14.4-ounce bag of brand-name Ancient Harvest quinoa for $5.50. That’s less than a pound of plain, uncooked grain for more than Costco’s ready-to-eat salad.

Total the cost of vegetables, dressing, bulgar wheat, and chickpeas, and the container from this members-only club is a much better bargain than a homemade version.

Planning a party? Cooking dinner for three, four, or more? Costco’s prepared salads make life easier. Instead of chopping, dicing, and mixing, pour your favorite ready-to-eat find into a bowl and serve.

At these low prices, you keep your grocery budget in check and leave cash in your wallet. Add extra savings with the best cash back credit cards. Score perks, points, and other rewards on eligible prepared foods, frozen meals, everyday essentials, pet products, and more.