The Costco Grain and Celery Salad is a delicious, nutrient-dense, and convenient meal option that offers great value, despite its relatively high calorie count from the vinaigrette. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick and flavorful side dish or a satisfying vegetarian lunch that’s ready to eat right out of the container.
What’s In The Box? First Impressions
You can find this salad in the refrigerated prepared foods section of Costco, usually near the other pre-made meals and salads. It comes in a large, clear plastic tub that weighs in at over two and a half pounds.
Inside the tub, you’ll find a vibrant mix of cooked grains, finely chopped vegetables, and dried cranberries. The apple cider vinaigrette comes pre-mixed into the salad, so there’s no extra work required—you can serve it immediately.
How Much Does the Grain and Celery Salad Cost?
The Costco Grain and Celery Salad costs $13.37 for a 2.68 lb container. The price per pound is $4.99. The official Costco item number is 47492.
This price offers excellent value, considering the quantity and quality of the ingredients. Preparing a similar salad from scratch would likely cost more and require significantly more effort.
How Many Servings Are In One Container?
A single container can provide anywhere from 4 to 8 servings, depending on your portion size.
- As a main course: Expect about 4-5 generous servings.
- As a side dish: You can easily get 7-8 smaller servings to accompany a main protein like grilled chicken or fish.
How Does The Costco Grain and Celery Salad Taste?
Overall, the salad has a wonderfully complex and satisfying flavor profile. The texture is a real highlight, with a delightful chew from the grain blend of quinoa, bulgur wheat, and tender whole grain pasta pearls. This is balanced by the fresh, crisp crunch of the diced celery, red cabbage, and carrots.
The dried cranberries add a welcome burst of sweetness that cuts through the savory notes, while the sliced almonds provide a subtle, nutty crunch. The apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly. It’s tangy and bright with a hint of maple sweetness, coating every ingredient without making the salad soggy.
Is The Grain and Celery Salad From Costco Healthy?
It’s a mixed bag, but it leans towards being a healthy choice in moderation. The salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that offer significant health benefits.
- The Good: It’s loaded with fiber from whole grains like quinoa and bulgur, as well as fresh vegetables like kale, celery, and carrots. This makes it very filling and great for digestive health.
- The Not-So-Good: The main drawback is the dressing. Like most pre-made vinaigrettes, it’s high in oil, sodium, and sugar. Canola oil is the first ingredient listed for the vinaigrette, and sugar is also present.
Nutrition and Calories Breakdown
While the official nutrition label is not always displayed, we can estimate the nutritional content based on the ingredients.
- Calories: Expect a one-cup serving to be in the range of 300-400 calories. The majority of these calories come from the canola oil in the dressing and the carbohydrates from the grains and cranberries.
- Macros: The salad is primarily a source of carbohydrates and fats. It does contain some plant-based protein from the quinoa and chickpeas.
If you are on a strict low-calorie or low-sugar diet, you may want to eat this salad in smaller portions.
Easy Meal Ideas & Serving Suggestions
This salad is incredibly versatile. While it’s great on its own, here are a few easy ways to serve it:
- Add a Protein: Top it with grilled chicken, salmon, or a can of chickpeas to make it a more complete and filling meal.
- Serve on Greens: Serve a scoop over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula for extra nutrients and volume.
- Make it a Wrap: Use it as a filling for a whole-wheat tortilla for a quick and easy lunch on the go.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
This is a definite buy for our household. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works equally well for quick weekday lunches or as an an easy side dish for a potluck or barbecue. The convenience and flavor are hard to beat for the price.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Taste | 9/10 |
| Price | 9/10 |
| Convenience | 10/10 |
| Nutrition | 7/10 |
- Buy if: You’re looking for a flavorful, convenient, and filling prepared meal with healthy ingredients and don’t mind the extra calories from the dressing.
- Pass if: You are on a strict low-calorie, low-fat, or low-sugar diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Costco Grain and Celery Salad good for? Based on the product label, it’s best consumed within 3-4 days of the “Pack Date.” Always check the “Sell By” date on the package and consume it within a couple of days for the best freshness and texture.
Did Costco discontinue the Grain and Celery Salad? This item can be rotational, meaning it may not be available in all stores at all times. If you don’t see it, check back in a few weeks, as it often returns based on season and demand.
What are the WW (Weight Watchers) points for this salad? Without an official nutrition label, it’s impossible to give an exact WW point value. However, given the oil, sugar, and grain content, it would likely be a high-point item.
Where can I find a copycat recipe? Many people love this salad enough to make it at home! To create a copycat version, you would combine cooked quinoa and bulgur wheat with finely diced celery, red onion, carrots, and kale. Add dried cranberries and sliced almonds. For the dressing, whisk together apple cider vinegar, a touch of maple syrup, dijon mustard, and olive oil.