I’m not sure when I tried Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad recipe for the first time. Whenever it was, I was impressed. The crunch of the pecans contrasting with the seasoned chicken, the tart dressing, and the bite of arugula made it one of my favorites. And it still is! When I’m out and about and need a quick lunch, this is one of my first choices.
Copycat Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
As the weather heats up, I add more salads to our menu. One day, while eating my salad, I thought, “Hey! I could easily make a Copycat Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken salad at home and have it whenever I want.” It’s also much cheaper to prepare a large batch of this. I can prep the ingredients up to 3 days in advance, toss them all together whenever I want and it’s ready to go! Bonus, for those with celiac, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Chicken Seasoning Blend
Before we make the recipe, let’s talk chicken. You can purchase seasoned chicken breast strips but they’re expensive. Why not make your own and place them in the freezer? Mix up the seasoning blend below, rub both sides of 1-lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with oil and then sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides. Bake or grill the chicken breasts. Slice the cooked breasts into thin strips. Allow the strips to cool completely before placing them in an airtight freezer bag or container and placing them in the freezer. They’ll keep up to 3 months.
Chicken Seasoning Blend Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Thawing Instructions For Seasoned Chicken Strips:
Whenever you’re ready to use the strips, take out the amount you want to use, place them in an airtight container, and allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To thaw the strips quickly, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in the microwave. Heat, at 50% power, for 2 minutes. Check the strips at 1 minute and flip them over.
Ingredients Needed for The Salad
- Seasoned Chicken Strips
- Mixed Salad Greens
- Crumbled Blue Cheese
- Granny Smith Apples
- Toasted Pecans
- Onion
- Dried Cranberries
- Pomegranate Salad Dressing (I prefer to buy this rather than make my own. I use Marzetti Simply Dressed. It’s available in the produce section of your local grocery store.)
Preparation Tips:
- If you prefer, you can purchase a package of Fresh Gourmet Dried Cranberry and Glazed Walnuts Crunchy Snack and Salad Topper to use instead of the dried cranberries and toasted pecans. I keep these on hand all the time to use when I am in a hurry.
- You can also purchase toasted pecans.
- Use a sweet onion- either yellow or Vidalia- in this salad. Red onions are too strong and will overpower the other flavors.
Substitutions
Make this salad a family favorite by preparing it with your favorite ingredients. I’ve included some of our favorite variations.
- Replace the pomegranate dressing with your favorite salad dressing. Some good choices include blue cheese, creamy Italian, and Ranch.
- Replace the toasted pecans with your favorite nuts. Cashews, almonds, or walnuts all work well.
- Replace the dried cranberries with dried cherries or dried blueberries.
- Replace the Granny Smith Apples with Red Delicious, Pink Lady, or Gala.
- Make it a vegetarian salad by omitting the chicken or replacing it with plant-based chicken strips.
- Replace the blue cheese with goat cheese. Honey goat cheese is especially good with this salad.
Printable Recipe:
Copycat Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
4
servingsIngredients
2 cups grilled or baked seasoned chicken breasts, cut into slices
4 cups mixed salad greens
2 medium Granny Smith Apples, diced
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Pomegranate Salad Dressing (4 to 8 tablespoons)
Directions
- Add the salad greens to large bowl. Layer the following ingredients: Chicken, Granny Smith Apples, onion, blue cheese, pecans, and cranberries.
- Serve Pomegranate Salad Dressing on the side.
Notes
- Use this chicken seasoning blend to prepare your baked or grilled chicken strips.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Have you tried preparing the Copycat version of Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad? I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. What is your favorite salad recipe for summer?
Pingback: Sonic Copycat Vanilla Shake #Recipe (and 5 variations) - Simply Southern Mom
Pingback: Copycat Applebee's Triple Chocolate Meltdown recipe - Simply Southern Mom
Pingback: Panera Bread French Onion Soup CopyCat Recipe - Simply Southern Mom
Pingback: Work With Me at Simply Southern Mom - Simply Southern Mom
I really go nuts for copycat recipes and this looks like a winner! Isn’t is great to recreate your favorites and make them healthier and less expensive!
That looks like a yummy salad. Nice that you can make it at home
This looks very different and delicious. I never tried this Wendys salad at home. I am sure my husband would definitely love this. These Calphalon self sharpening knife looks so sharp and handy too. Would love to have one for my kitchen.
I have had this salad in Wendy a couple of times and always wanted to make it myself. Now thanks to your recipe, I can make it.
I love this salad at Wendy’s. This looks just like it! These knives look like the perfect kitchen must have!
I’ve never had this at Wendy’s. Your recipe looks on point!
Not only does that look delicious, I need a set of knives like that. Our set is over a decade old and I’m hankering for a new set.
It’s always better making your own. Healthier and portion control too. 🙂
This salad looks really good. I love that it is gluten free. Thanks for the recipe.
That looks delicious. I will definitely try this.
That looks delicious! I’ve never had that salad but I know my daughter has a loves it. How fun to make it at home for her!
I love that salad at Wendy’s. I’ll have to try this out! I have to pick up some pomegranate salad dressing.
I’ll take that to go please! This looks so yummy! I love the sauce, really makes the dish appealing.
I am so trying this! It’s my favorite salad at Wendy’s!
I need to try to make this salad. I had their strawberry salad on Monday and really loved it!
I’ve never had this Wendy’s salad before but I’m sure it’s pretty good. I’m allergic to nuts so would have to take them out.
Ooooh, I love this salad and I am excited to be able to make it at home! Yum!