Copycat Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad

Sometimes all you need is a big delicious salad filled with all the toppings, flavors, and CRUNCH! This Copycat Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad has all of that. To be honest I don’t frequent fast food restaurants often but you cannot tell me that those Wendy’s commercials don’t make those salads look dang appetizing! That’s why I just had to make my own!

Ingredient list and replacements

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 don’t like dried cranberries you can replace with raisins or omit completely.

Pecans – again, if you don’t 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 Joe’s and it’s perfect in this salad! If you don’t 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:

Pomegranate Juice

Maple Syrup

Olive Oil

White Vinegar

Dijon Mustard

Lemon

Salt

How to make this salad

One of the great thing about salads is that they’re so easy to throw together!

1. Wash and chop the lettuce and apples.
2. Slice up some leftover chicken or cook up some fresh.
3. In a bowl add all of your ingredients and then make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing on top and enjoy!

How to make homemade Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Combine all the ingredients into a mason jar, put a tight lid on and SHAKE vigorously.

How long does this salad last?

I wouldn’t let this salad sit with the dressing for more than a day. Personally I hate soggy salads and if you’re storing this salad with the dressing already mixed, it will get soggy pretty quickly so beware!

How to store dressing

Store your dressing in a mason jar with a tightly sealed lid in the fridge. Before using, shake it up to combine all the ingredients again. The dressing will naturally separate as it sits but shaking it up will combine it right up again.

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