My Favorite Trader Joe’s Miso Cod Salad

Some of my favorite lunches are the ones that feel a little fancy but require almost no planning. This Trader Joe’s miso cod salad is exactly that kind of meal.

The rich, flaky black cod pairs so well with peppery arugula, sweet chili sauce, sesame seeds, and crunchy wonton strips. It has a little bit of everything—sweet, savory, fresh, and crispy—and most of the work is already done for you.

I usually make this when I want a filling lunch that feels more interesting than an ordinary salad but still comes together quickly.

The Trader Joe’s Miso Cod

The star of this salad is Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Black Cod Sablefish with Miso Marinade.

Black cod is a rich, buttery fish, so it does not need many additional ingredients to turn it into a satisfying meal. The miso marinade gives it a slightly sweet and savory flavor that works especially well with the arugula and sweet chili sauce.

I cook the fish according to the package directions and let it brown slightly before adding it to the salad. Once cooked, it becomes tender and flaky enough to break into large pieces with a fork.

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make this easy cod salad:

• Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Black Cod Sablefish with Miso Marinade
• Baby arugula
• Sweet chili sauce
• Crispy wonton strips
• Sesame seeds

You can adjust the amount of each ingredient based on how large you want your salad to be. I usually use plenty of arugula as the base and add several large pieces of cod on top.

How to Make My Trader Joe’s Cod Salad

1. Cook the cod

Prepare the black cod according to the directions on the package.

I like to cook it until the outside has a little color while the inside stays tender and flaky. Because the fish is already marinated, there is no need to add much seasoning.

2. Add the arugula

Place a generous amount of baby arugula on a plate or in a shallow bowl.

Arugula has a peppery flavor that balances the richness of the black cod. It also holds up well underneath the warm fish without immediately becoming soggy.

3. Add the cooked cod

Place the cooked fish over the arugula. You can leave the pieces whole or gently break them into large chunks.

I like leaving the pieces fairly large because the cod is soft and flaky and can begin to fall apart as you eat it.

4. Add the toppings

Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the cod and arugula. Finish the salad with sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips.

The wonton strips are important because they give the salad the crunch it needs. The sweet chili sauce also acts as a quick dressing, so there is no need to mix up a separate vinaigrette.

Why This Combination Works

The black cod is rich and buttery, while the arugula is fresh and slightly peppery. The sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and a little heat, and the wonton strips add a salty crunch.

It tastes much more interesting than the short ingredient list would suggest.

This is also one of those meals that is easy to customize. You could add sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, avocado, edamame, green onions, or mandarin oranges. I usually keep mine simple because the miso cod already has so much flavor.

Easy Additions and Substitutions

Although I love the salad exactly as pictured, there are several easy ways to change it.

For more vegetables, add cucumber, carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, or snap peas.

For a more filling meal, serve the salad with rice or add a scoop of cooked rice beneath the arugula.

You can also substitute spring mix, spinach, or chopped romaine for the arugula. Romaine will give the salad even more crunch, while spinach has a milder flavor.

When I cannot find wonton strips, crispy chow mein noodles or crushed rice crackers can provide a similar crunchy topping.

A Quick Lunch That Does Not Feel Boring

This is not necessarily the least expensive salad I make, but it is one I look forward to eating. It feels closer to something I would order at a restaurant than something I assembled from a few grocery-store ingredients.

The marinated fish does most of the work, and the remaining ingredients are easy to keep on hand. It is perfect for days when I want a real meal without making an involved recipe from scratch.

Trader Joe’s Miso Cod Salad Recipe

Servings: Approximately 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: Follow the cod package directions

Ingredients

• 1 package Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Black Cod Sablefish with Miso Marinade
• Baby arugula
• Sweet chili sauce
• Crispy wonton strips
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cook the black cod according to the package directions.
2. Divide the baby arugula between two plates or bowls.
3. Place the cooked cod over the arugula, leaving it whole or breaking it into large pieces.
4. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Add crispy wonton strips immediately before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does black cod taste like?

Black cod has a rich, buttery texture and a mild flavor. It is softer and more delicate than many firm white fish varieties. The miso marinade adds a sweet and savory flavor.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes. Miso-marinated salmon would be the closest substitution, but this salad would also work with cooked shrimp, teriyaki chicken, or another mild fish.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can cook the fish ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad shortly before eating and wait to add the wonton strips until the end so they stay crisp.

Is the cod served warm or cold?

I usually serve it warm over the arugula, but leftover cod can also be served chilled. The arugula may wilt slightly beneath warm fish, which I actually like.

What dressing goes with miso cod?

Sweet chili sauce is enough for me because the cod already contains a flavorful miso marinade. A sesame ginger dressing or light soy vinaigrette would also work, but I would use it sparingly.

Final Thoughts

This Trader Joe’s miso cod salad proves that an easy lunch does not have to be boring. With buttery marinated cod, fresh arugula, sweet chili sauce, sesame seeds, and crunchy wonton strips, it has plenty of flavor and texture without a long ingredient list.

It is quick, satisfying, and just a little bit fancy—which is exactly what I want from an easy lunch.