Description
Ever wondered what makes Wendy’s salads so fresh and flavorful? This homemade version of Wendy’s most popular salads brings the same crisp ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures—without the fast-food price tag! Whether you love the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad, or Taco Salad, this guide shows you exactly what’s inside and how to make them at home!
Ingredients
For the Salad Base (Common to Most Wendy’s Salads)
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup spring mix (optional, for extra texture)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan
½ cup croutons (optional)
1 grilled chicken breast, sliced (or crispy chicken for indulgence)
For Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
½ cup red & green apple slices
¼ cup candied pecans
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
Pomegranate vinaigrette dressing
For Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
½ an avocado, sliced
¼ cup fire-roasted corn & black beans
2 tbsp crispy bacon bits
Southwest ranch dressing
For Taco Salad
½ cup Wendy’s-style chili (or homemade chili)
¼ cup tortilla strips
Sour cream & salsa for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking continuously until fully combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce and mixed greens.
- Add the grilled chicken slices, diced apples, dried cranberries, and pecans.
- Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for a rich, tangy bite.
Step 3: Dress & Serve
- Drizzle the pomegranate vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss lightly to combine all the flavors.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Want a lighter option? Swap blue cheese for feta or omit it.
- No pomegranate juice? Substitute with cranberry juice for a similar tartness.
- Meal prep tip: Store the salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for grilling chicken)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American