Apple Pecan Wendy’s Salad

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Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad! – Food Review!

To learn more about how to eat, start with a weekly menu and work your way up. A good starting place is to follow the USDAs MyPlate program. They have a wide variety of foods available. Its important to include all of the food groups in each meal and snack. Choose whole foods that are low in fat and sugar. This is one of the ways that you can ensure youre getting all of the nutrients you need. You should limit yourself to a maximum of 500 calories for the snack time. Another great thing to include in your daily meals and snacks is fresh fruit and vegetables. They are low in calories and provide you with vitamins and minerals. Of course, its important to consume adequate amounts of protein, carbs, and fat in each meal.

Wendys Apple Pecan Salad Copycat Recipe

When fast food chains first started to proliferate, they were big on cheap, tasty eats but not so big on anything even approaching a healthy meal offering. But that was then, and this is now, and these days, most fast food restaurant menus offer several healthier, lighter options for people who want a quick and easy meal but dont want something thats going to weight them down. Wendys Apple Pecan Salad is a perfect example of a healthier fast food option, and when you make it yourself at home, its even more cost-effective than heading to a Wendys.

I would call this Wendys apple pecan salad copycat recipe a side, as it doesnt have any carbohydrates, says chef and recipe developer Susan Olayinka of The Flexible Fridge, but its a very filling side. If somebody wanted to make this a meal, they could pair it with some sweet potatoes or some rice or any type of grain. Or you could prepare a large batch of this salad and serve it as a starter for a much larger dinner, and you can rest assured few if any of your guests will ever guess the inspiration for the salad was a fast food chain menu item.

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Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad Copycat Recipe

When fast food chains first started to proliferate, they were big on cheap, tasty eats but not so big on anything even approaching a healthy meal offering. But that was then, and this is now, and these days, most fast food restaurant menus offer several healthier, lighter options for people who want a quick and easy meal but don’t want something that’s going to weight them down. Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad is a perfect example of a healthier fast food option, and when you make it yourself at home, it’s even more cost-effective than heading to a Wendy’s.

“I would call this Wendy’s apple pecan salad copycat recipe a side, as it doesn’t have any carbohydrates,” says chef and recipe developer Susan Olayinka of The Flexible Fridge, “but it’s a very filling side. If somebody wanted to make this a meal, they could pair it with some sweet potatoes or some rice or any type of grain.” Or you could prepare a large batch of this salad and serve it as a starter for a much larger dinner, and you can rest assured few if any of your guests will ever guess the inspiration for the salad was a fast food chain menu item.

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Gather Your Ingredients For This Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad Copycat Recipe

The quality and freshness of the ingredients you choose for this Wendy’s apple pecan salad copycat recipe make all the difference, so shop for the good stuff. All told, you’ll need a head of romaine lettuce, some mixed greens, a red apple and a green apple, toasted pecans, bleu cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, pomegranate vinaigrette dressing, chicken breast strips, vegetable oil , and salt.

And speaking of freshness, before you start the prep is a good time to point out that this salad is really best enjoyed as soon as possible. “This will keep for about one day in the fridge, as there are things like pecans and cheese that may go a bit soggy if it is kept for longer,” says Olayinka.

Cook The Chicken And Lightly Toast The Nuts For This Wendys Apple Pecan Salad Copycat Recipe

Wendy

Wash, pat dry, and salt the chicken strips, removing any pieces of fat or gristle with kitchen shears as you work. Now, fry the chicken strips by placing the oil in the frying pan and heating it up over a medium heat. When the oil is hot, put the chicken strips into the pan to cook.

Cook the chicken on each side on medium heat for ten minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle . Meanwhile, heat your ovens broiler, then place the pecans on a baking tray and broil them in the oven for 40 to 50 seconds, until they turn a deeper brown color.

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Cook The Chicken And Lightly Toast The Nuts For This Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad Copycat Recipe

Wash, pat dry, and salt the chicken strips, removing any pieces of fat or gristle with kitchen shears as you work. Now, fry the chicken strips by placing the oil in the frying pan and heating it up over a medium heat. When the oil is hot, put the chicken strips into the pan to cook.

Cook the chicken on each side on medium heat for ten minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle . Meanwhile, heat your oven’s broiler, then place the pecans on a baking tray and broil them in the oven for 40 to 50 seconds, until they turn a deeper brown color.

Wendys Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad

Wendys Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad is a take on the classic Caesar salad which is traditionally made with Romaine lettuce, croutons, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, and a special salad dressing made using anchovies.

Wendys version is topped with hand-chopped spicy chicken breast meat, tomatoes, and is served with Marzetti Simply Dressed Dressing Caesar. This hearty salad comes in at 720 calories and has 8 grams of fiber and 42 grams of protein.

Recommended Reading: How To Make Fresh Salad

Recipe Tips And Tricks

  • Swap out the blue cheese. I know that not everyone is a fan of blue cheese, so I recommend feta, goat, or aged cheddar as a substitute. These options will have a similar sharpness and texture.
  • Achieve perfectly balanced flavors. Use 100% pomegranate juice, which you can find in the refrigerated juice section of your grocery store. Dont skip it! You need its sweetness to offset the vinegar in your dressing.
  • Make ahead tip: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time. Just give it a good shake before pouring it over your Wendys apple pecan chicken salad.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend serving this dish immediately while everything is crisp and fresh. Dont add the dressing until just before serving time!

As for your garnish, you can use fresh chives, cilantro, or basil if parsley is hard to come by.

Your homemade Wendys apple pecan salad will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 5 days untossed. Once tossed in the dressing, I wouldnt save your leftovers for any longer than a day.

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Why Wendys Apple Pecan Salad Is Perfect For Summer

How to make an Apple Pecan Salad at Wendy’s!

When the weather warms up, this is the kind of light, refreshing meal most people crave. This dishs combination of seared chicken, sweet and tart cranberries and apples, crunchy pecan, and pungent blue cheese over leafy greens is deliciously addictive.

Enjoy as a dinner salad and satisfy your hunger without weighing you down.

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Copycat Wendys Chicken/pecan Salad

Wendys new Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad is a cause for celebration. Learn more about Wendys 2020 Summer Salad: The Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad. One thing our Wendys fans look forward to this time each year is a refreshing new salad option, preferably enjoyed while basking in the sun with a breeze*.

DIRECTIONS. Toss salad ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a seperate bowl. Drizzle Desired amount of dressing over the salad. Serve and enjoy!

The full-sized salad has 600 calories and the half has only 300. Wendys Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad its like Wendys took a Cobb salad and kicked it up a notch or two. The History of Cobb Salads. Cobb salads have been around for nearly 100 years.

Wendys is famous for a lot of things. From their chilli to their frosty, there is a lot to love about the place. Wendys was started in the 1960s by Dave Thomas in Ohio.

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My Review Of Wendys Salads

I bought one of each salad on the Wendys menu. Heres my review of each one.

Here are my takes on these so-called fresh, on-the-go salads.

Mike Mozart via Flickr Public Domain

Wendys . . . maybe you go there for the Baconators, or maybe you go there for the chili. Maybe you just like a fast food place that actually serves baked potatoes. Maybe you have a sweet tooth and love their Frosty shakes. Or maybe youve never tried it, but have seen commercials that make it look delicious.

For me, Wendys is about none of those things. I like it for their salads, which I think are better than the salads at any other fast food place. The ingredients taste really fresh and nice, even when I order them late at night. So, Im addicted to this place, especially when Im trying to get some vegetables to eat.

But, I always get the same salad: the Caesar. I decided to try their other salads to see if they were even half as goodso I bought one of each. Heres my review of each one.

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How Many Calories In A Wendys Caesar Salad With Dressing

Made with chopped romaine lettuce, greenhouse-grown grape tomatoes and an all-white meat grilled chicken fillet, the salad is 410 calories even at its most indulgent, full size with all dry toppings included, and is still under 500 calories when paired with one packet of creamy Caesar Dressing by Marzetti® Simply

Wendys Parmesan Caesar Salad

Wendy

On the milder side, there is Wendys Parmesan Caesar Salad. It is made with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breast, Italian cheeses, and crunchy Parmesan crisps. It is served with creamy Caesar dressing. This light salad with one packet of salad dressing has 440 calories, 42 grams of protein, 28 grams of fat, 7 carbs, and 3 grams of fiber.

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Add The Chicken Toss And Serve This Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad Copycat Recipe

Check to be sure the chicken has fully cooled, and then place the cooked chicken strips onto a chopping board and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Now place the chopped chicken into the mixing bowl atop the other ingredients.

Mix the Wendy’s apple pecan salad copycat recipe carefully using tongs or a large fork and spoon, ensuring that the dressing is evenly distributed. Then, you can serve and enjoy! And one more idea for making this salad into a full meal: Tuck a generous portion into a flatbread or tortilla and make yourself a convenient sandwich or wrap that you can enjoy at home or on the go.

Recipe Tips And Variations

  • If you want to take the flavors up a notch, toast the chopped pecans for 2-3 minutes on the stove or in the oven.
  • Substitute with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing or your favorite dressing.
  • Want to add a bit of warm, salty flavor. Try adding some cooked, chopped bacon.
  • Like things a little sweeter? Try substituting with candied pecans.

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Why This Recipe Works

Easy, quick, and flavorful are always my go-to options for lunch or dinner whenever Im looking for something to make. This copycat apple pecan salad is just like Wendys famous salad but way better!

This salad is great to make ahead of time because its easy to assemble and full of protein. Whenever you are super hungry, you can just reach for this prepared salad and indulge in all of the wonderful flavors.

Incorporate this apple salad into your routine of intuitive eating, and youll be set for your next lunch or dinner plans!

Ingredient List And Replacements

Wendy’s apple pecan salad recipe

Romaine Lettuce you can use any type of lettuce here but I personally love a fresh and crunchy romaine lettuce.

Red and Green Apples I used Granny Smith and Fuji but feel free to use what you have on hand or choose your favorites at the store.

Dried Cranberries if you dont like dried cranberries you can replace with raisins or omit completely.

Pecans again, if you dont like pecans feel free to replace with a nut of your choice or omit completely.

Goat Cheese I use a creamy goat cheese from Trader Joes and its perfect in this salad! If you dont like goat cheese try replacing with feta or another creamy cheese.

Grilled Chicken You can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken. If you plan to add the chicken, feel free to add some leftover chicken you may have in your fridge! Otherwise, throw some on the grill and make some fresh for this salad.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette:

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Chicken Apple Pecan Salad

I love a great hearty salad. This is a wonderful fresh salad from Wendys to enjoy at home when you prepare it yourself. You can even take a couple of extra steps to make this salad taste just a little bit better when you make it in your own kitchen.

Wendys apple pecan chicken salad is perfect for fall when apples are crisp, juicy, and in season. Both sweet and tart apples are in this salad for a great balance of flavor. Its an extraordinary salad with crisp greens, tender chicken, fresh apple chunks, crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and tangy blue cheese crumbles.

How Can I Make A Wendys Taco Salad Healthier

If you focus on fresh, healthy ingredients, a homemade version of Wendys Taco Salad can provide a good balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates and provide ample amounts of fiber, vitamin C, calcium and iron.

To prepare a healthier Wendys Taco Salad recipe and/or the Wendys chili recipe, incorporate some of the following tips:

  • Use non-fried corn tortilla chips instead of fried or flour tortilla chips.
  • Use low-sodium or low-fat versions of ingredients when possible, like low sodium beef broth, low-fat cheddar cheese and fat-free sour cream.
  • Make sure you drain and rinse canned beans. Rinsing beans after youve drained them can reduce the sodium content by as much as 41 percent.
  • You can substitute the extra-lean ground beef with a leaner protein, such as chicken or turkey.
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    Wendys Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

    Wendys Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, a perennial favorite, is composed of an apple pecan salad base blend, grilled chicken breast, blue cheese crumbles, and roasted pecans.

    The Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is served with Marzettis Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing. The entire salad with one packet of dressing has 550 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 39 grams of protein, 26 grams of fat , and 42 grams of carbs .

    About Wendy’s 1070 Major Mackenzie Dr E

    My Favorite Lunch Menu: Apple Pecan Chicken Salad (Half Size)
    • Opens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AM 8801 Woodbine Ave
    • Opens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AM 7690 Woodbine Ave
    • Opens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AM 1600 Langstaff Road
    • Opens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AMOpens At 6:30 AM 9151 Keele Street

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    Add The Chicken Toss And Serve This Wendys Apple Pecan Salad Copycat Recipe

    Check to be sure the chicken has fully cooled, and then place the cooked chicken strips onto a chopping board and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Now place the chopped chicken into the mixing bowl atop the other ingredients.

    Mix the Wendys apple pecan salad copycat recipe carefully using tongs or a large fork and spoon, ensuring that the dressing is evenly distributed. Then, you can serve and enjoy! And one more idea for making this salad into a full meal: Tuck a generous portion into a flatbread or tortilla and make yourself a convenient sandwich or wrap that you can enjoy at home or on the go.

    Wendys Apple Pecan Salad Dressing

    When it comes to the pomegranate salad dressing that Wendys serves with this salad, you can buy some Marzetti Simply Dressed Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing.

    Or make pomegranate dressing by combining 1/4 cup pomegranate juice, 1/4 cup avocado or extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until well blended.

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    Wendys Salads Are Healthy

    Many fast-food restaurants have salads, but when you go to Wendys, the salad is not just a side option.

    Their salads are healthy and can be topped with an entree item or come in a single serving size, so you dont have to share.

    They also have three different types of dressings for your taste buds to choose from.

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