My Review of Costco Grain and Celery Salad: A Delicious Substitute for Rice and Potatoes
Every now and then, I come across a hidden gem at Costco that quickly earns a spot on my favorites list. One of those gems is the Costco Quinoa and Celery Salad from the deli section.
I was hesitant to try it at first—mainly because it contains celery, which I don’t usually enjoy—but once I gave it a chance, I was hooked. Delicious and surprisingly versatile, this salad has become a weekly staple in my meals and a healthier alternative to rice or potatoes.
First Impressions
The Costco Grain and Celery Salad has quickly become one of my Costco favorites. Honestly, I sometimes make a trip to Costco just for this salad—it’s that good.
When I first noticed it in the deli section, I wasn’t sure if it was for me. I’ve never been a fan of celery, so I hesitated. But curiosity won, and I’m glad it did.
To my surprise, the celery wasn’t overpowering at all. Instead of being sharp or bitter, it blended nicely with the grains, adding just a touch of crunch and freshness without dominating the flavor. That was the turning point, and since then, it’s become a weekly staple in my meals.
What’s Inside
This salad is a colorful grain and salad mix of quinoa and bulgur wheat as the base, paired with chickpeas for plant-based protein.
Celery, cabbage, carrots, and sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch, while dried cranberries bring just the right touch of sweetness to balance everything out.
Fresh kale and red onions give it flavor, and it all comes together with a light apple cider vinaigrette.
My only wish is that it didn’t contain almonds, so it could be completely nut-free. Since my son has nut allergies, I get a bit nervous eating it around him, and honestly, the almonds don’t add much to the mix. I hope Costco considers making a version without almonds.
The Dressing
The salad comes with an apple cider vinaigrette, which is light, tangy, and adds a refreshing brightness if you like your salads dressed. However, I often skip the vinaigrette altogether. To me, the grain and veggie combination is flavorful enough on its own—no need to add the dressing.
What I love most about it is the versatility. This salad has become my go-to substitute for rice and potatoes. It feels lighter but still keeps me full, making it a healthier alternative to heavier starches.
Whether I’m pairing it with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or enjoying it alongside air-fried tofu, it tastes delicious.
Shelf Life
If there’s one drawback, it’s the shelf life. Like many fresh deli items, this salad doesn’t last very long. After about 4–5 days, it starts to go bad, so you really need to eat it quickly.
For someone like me who eats it almost every week, this isn’t always a big deal, but there have been times when I didn’t finish the container in time and had to throw some away.
Since Costco sells it in club-size portions, I really wish they would offer a smaller size option. That way, more people could enjoy it without worrying about waste.
Do I Recommend It?
Yes! I love that the Costco Grain and Celery Salad is a versatile dish that works equally well as a side or a main component of a meal. The combination of grains, chickpeas, crunchy kale, and, dried cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Even if you don’t like celery, it’s worth giving this salad a chance, because the flavor is subtle rather than overpowering.
For me, it’s become a weekly must-have and a healthier substitute for rice and potatoes. The only things I’d change are the portion size, since the short shelf life makes it tricky to finish in time, and removing the almonds so it could be nut-free.
