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Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad with Chicken Copycat Recipe

Name: Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad with Chicken Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast (cut into chicken breast, or tenderloins); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup pecans (diced); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups romaine lettuce (shredded); 2 cups mixed greens; 1/2 cup green apple (chopped ); 1/4 cup cranberries (dried); 1/4 cup pecans; 1/8 cup blue cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup Pomegranate juice; 1/4 cup Orange juice; 2 tablespoons White wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Lemon zest; 1 tablespoons Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Garlic (or minced: 1 clove); 1/2 cup Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: May 20, 2019

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Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Copycat Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad with Chicken!

This recipe combines fresh greens, juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and grilled chicken, topped with tangy blue cheese and a pomegranate vinaigrette.

Copycat Wendy’s Apple Chicken Salad with crisp apples and grilled chicken"

If you are a BIG fan of Wendy’s Salad, this is one of the best!

If you love a great salad, try my recipe for Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad, Chick Fil A Carrot and Raisin Salad, Classic Pea Salad, Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad, or Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Salad.

Salads are great for meal prepping, great for a make-ahead meal, and perfect for a great side dish!

This Wendy Apple Pecan Salad is no different! It’s amazing!

Close-up of Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad with blue cheese and pecans

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Balanced Sweet and Savory – Crisp apples, savory blue cheese, and crunchy pecans offer a delightful mix of flavors.
Easy and Nutritious – Full of wholesome ingredients, this salad makes a quick, healthy meal.
Restaurant Quality at Home – Enjoy the taste of a Wendy’s favorite, homemade and fresh.
Versatile Ingredients – Customize with your favorite greens, apples, or dressings for your perfect salad twist.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead for lunches or dinner, staying fresh and satisfying.

What’s In Wendy’s Copycat Apple Pecan Chicken Salad?

Ingredients needed for Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad with Chicken Copycat Recipe on kitchen table.

Chicken Breast: Try boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or use chicken cutlets and tenderloins to make crispy tenders.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Egg Wash
Crunchy Pecans: Start with whole or pecan pieces, then chop them up into tiny pieces to make the coating. Almonds, walnuts, or pistachios would be tasty too.
Mixed Greens – A blend of fresh lettuce for a crunchy, vibrant base.
Red and Green Apples – Sweet and tart apple slices for a burst of fresh flavor.
Dried Cranberries – Adds a chewy, fruity sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Crumbled Blue Cheese – Creamy and tangy, adding richness to each bite.
Chopped Pecans – Toasted pecans for a nutty crunch and texture. You can also use Roasted Pecans in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Cinnamon Pecans, Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Pecans, or Air Fryer Candied Pecans.
Pomegranate Vinaigrette – A sweet and tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together.

How To Make Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

A hand coating a chicken breast in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and ground pecans before air frying.

Step 1: Prepare egg and seasonings: Crack eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk well. In a separate small bowl, combine the seasonings.

Step 2: Coat chicken: Pat chicken dry and coat both sides with seasonings. Then, dip into whisked eggs and let the excess drip off. Sprinkle chopped pecans all over chicken breasts and press them onto the surface.

"The air fryer basket loaded with pecan-crusted chicken breasts, ready to be cooked."

Step 3: Air fry chicken Place pecan crusted chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook at air fryer temperature of 370 degrees F, and set cook time for 8-12 minutes. You shouldn’t need to flip it, but do so carefully if you do so the pecans don’t fall off.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base: Arrange a mix of fresh greens in a bowl. Layer in apple slices, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with pomegranate vinaigrette, or another favorite dressing. Place the grilled chicken on top and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Fresh and colorful Wendy’s Apple Chicken Salad with pomegranate vinaigrette

Wendy’s Pecan Salad Tips and Tricks

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use crisp lettuce, fresh apples, and quality blue cheese for the best flavor.
Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting pecans brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice crunch.
Adjust the Dressing: Pomegranate vinaigrette adds a signature tang, but a light balsamic can also work well.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store each ingredient separately and combine right before serving for freshness.
Add Your Twist: For extra flavor, try a sprinkle of cinnamon on the apples or swap in dried cherries.

Serving Suggestions

For a quick dinner, I love to serve pecan crusted chicken breast with a side of Air Fryer Asparagus or my favorite Butternut Squash Fries.

Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe Faqs

Can I make this salad in advance? Yes, prep the ingredients and store them separately. Combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese makes great alternatives if blue cheese isn’t preferred.

How should I store leftovers? Store the components individually, especially the dressing, to prevent sogginess.

Is there a substitute for pomegranate dressing? A raspberry or balsamic vinaigrette works well too.

"Healthy apple and pecan salad inspired by Wendy’s recipe"

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