Chicken Apple Pecan Salad Recipe (Wendy's Copycat) (2024)

If you’re tired of the same old boring salads, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a solution: the Chicken Apple Pecan Salad recipe. This delightful salad (a copycat recipe from Wendy’s menu) is packed with juicy chicken, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and a fruit dressing that will truly awaken your taste buds.

Lately, I’ve been a bit obsessed with Wendy’s Chicken Apple Pecan Salad. For whatever reason it’s hitting me in all the right places. The ingredients are rather simple, so I decided to try making it at home. Turns out it is pretty darn easy and so much better. (Every now and again the convenience of fast food is great, but I’ll take a homemade dish any day.)

Now that I know how to make this salad at home, I enjoy it a couple of nights a week. Some of my other go-to meals include this Yogurt with Granola, Berries, and Honey for breakfast and this Hummus Sandwich for lunch.

If you haven’t heard of this chicken apple pecan salad before, let me explain. It’s the perfect combination of flavors. The chicken provides a hearty protein source. The apples give a refreshing tart crunch. The addition of candied pecans adds a sweet nutty flavor and texture to the dish. The blue cheese adds a creamy zing. The dried cranberries add another kiss of flavor and sweetness. And to top it all off, the pomegranate vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together perfectly.

The only major change that I made was adding spinach to my romaine lettuce. These days I’m trying to get in as many leafy greens as I can (I’m eating all of my best salad recipes) and this is an easy way for me to do it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This Chicken Apple Pecan Salad recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy dressing.
• You’ll love the way the flavors come together to create a satisfying and healthy meal.
• Plus, this salad is incredibly customizable, so you can make it your own by adding or subtracting ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

To make this Chicken Apple Pecan Salad, you’ll need a few key ingredients.

• chicken breasts cooked
• romaine lettuce and baby spinach
• apples (I used Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• dried cranberries
• crumbled blue cheese
• candied pecans (store-bought is fine, but my homemade cinnamon pecans recipe is better)
• pomegranate vinaigrette dressing

Know that I’m using the exact bottled dressing that comes with Wendy’s salad. It’s Marzetti Simply Dressed Pomegranate Vinaigrette. I thought about trying to make a homemade version of this dressing, but the store-bought version is perfect, so I didn’t feel the need to create my own. If you want to make your own, feel free to do so.

How To Make

I’ll walk you through the steps for making this chicken apple pecan salad. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

1. To a large salad bowl add the chopped lettuce and baby spinach.
2. Top with chopped apples, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, and candied pecans.
3. Add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad bowl.

4. Drizzle the pomegranate vinaigrette dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste.
5. Toss the salad gently until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Customizing Your Salad

Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, it’s time to let your creativity shine and customize your salad to your liking. Here are a few tips to help you tailor this recipe to your taste buds.

Mix Up the Greens: Don’t be afraid to switch up the greens in this recipe. Try adding kale, arugula, or even spinach for a different taste and texture.

Add Some Protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, try swapping it out for tofu, grilled shrimp, or even bacon. You can also add additional protein sources like chickpeas, edamame, or quinoa.

Get Creative with Fruit: While apples are delicious in this recipe, you can also try other fruits like pears, peaches, or even dried cherries or cranberries.

Amp Up the Crunch: Pecans are a great addition for some crunch, but you can also try adding other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Crispy toppings like croutons or tortilla strips can also add texture and flavor.

By customizing this recipe, you can make it your own and create a salad that you’ll be excited to eat.

See Also

Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you’ve learned how to prepare this mouth-watering Chicken Apple Pecan Salad, you may have some questions about the recipe.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes! While my version of the recipe calls for romaine and baby spinach, you can use your favorite lettuce variety, such as mixed greens, arugula, etc.

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as grapes, pears, or strawberries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of dressing accordingly, as some fruits may be sweeter than others.

Can I add more or a different protein to the salad?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp or salmon would pair nicely with the flavors in this salad. Alternatively, you could add some chickpeas or quinoa for a vegetarian option.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the salad a few hours in advance, but hold off on adding the dressing until right before serving. Otherwise, the greens may become soggy.

More Salad Recipes You May Enjoy

• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
• Ramen Noodle Salad
• Wilted Endive Salad
• Summer Berry Spinach Salad
• Roasted Zucchini Panzanella

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