Copycat Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

During one particularly busy week, I found myself grabbing Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad for lunch three days in a row. That perfect combination of crisp apples, crunchy pecans, tangy blue cheese, and tender chicken had me completely hooked. After the third day, I decided it was time to recreate this refreshing masterpiece in my own kitchen. After some experimentation, I’ve perfected a version that captures all the flavors of the original – and with a few special touches, it might even be better than what you’d get at the drive-thru. This satisfying salad makes an ideal light dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for freshness.

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Why Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad Is Perfect for Summer

This Wendy’s-inspired Apple Pecan Salad strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing. The combination of sweet and tart apples provides delightful contrast, while the addition of dried cranberries adds chewy sweetness that complements the sharp tanginess of quality blue cheese. Tender chicken ensures the salad is satisfying enough for a complete meal, and the crunch of toasted pecans adds wonderful texture. What makes this homemade version special is the opportunity to use fresher ingredients and add personal touches that elevate it beyond the fast-food original.

Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad Ingredients

To make this copycat chicken apple pecan salad, you’ll need:

• Chicken breast – Provides lean protein and satisfying substance
• Vegetable oil or canola oil – Creates the perfect cooking surface for chicken
• Sea salt – Enhances flavors throughout the dish
• Ground black pepper – Adds gentle heat and depth
• Garlic powder – Infuses chicken with savory notes
• Parsley flakes – Adds subtle herbal character to chicken
• Romaine lettuce – Creates a crisp, fresh foundation
• Fresh spinach – Provides nutrition and tender texture contrast
• Dried cranberries – Contribute sweet-tart chewiness
• Red apple – Offers sweet juicy crunch
• Green apple – Delivers tart crisp texture
• Blue cheese – Provides creamy, pungent contrast
• Roasted pecans – Add satisfying nutty crunch

Ingredient Notes

I like to use organic meats and vegetables when I can. Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad is the perfect salad to do this. I recommend using organic chicken and organic apples in this recipe. You can buy organic meats and fruits at many stores, heck, even Walmart sells organic items now.

For the apple pecan salad base blend, you could use packaged spring mix salad greens. Or you can save some money by buying romaine and washing it yourself, and cutting it. Romaine lettuce is very easy to work with, so it is easy to do.

How to Make Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad

To make the Apple Pecan Salad from Wendy’s:

Cook the chicken:

1. Prepare the seasoning for the chicken by combining salt, ground black pepper, dried parsley flakes, and garlic powder in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Blot a skinless, boneless chicken breast dry using a paper towel.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken breast. Use your hands to press the seasoning onto the chicken gently. Set aside. 

4. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Use cast iron to get the best sear.
5. Add a little oil to the cooking surface.
6. Place the chicken breast in the hot pan.
7. Let the first side cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more.
8. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Remove the chicken when the center reaches 160°F. Taking the chicken off the heat when it is still a few degrees undercooked allows for carry-over cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out. 

9. Place the cooked chicken breast on a wire rack on a baking tray to cool while preparing the salad. 

To finish the salad:

1. Rinse the lettuce and spinach in a colander, and spin dry.
2. Divide the leafy greens between two serving bowls. 

3. Dice the cooled chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
4. Sprinkle half of the diced chicken, dried cranberries, apples, pecans, and blue cheese on top of the greens in each bowl.
5. Drizzle the salads with the dressing of your choice.

Recipe Notes

Some ways you can enhance the salad:

• Toast the pecans in a skillet until they become fragrant. This will really help the flavor come through and make a nice crunch.
• Use a nice quality blue cheese to make this salad simply delicious.
• Add some cayenne pepper and paprika to the seasoning to make spicy chicken breasts.
• Add some sliced shallots or sweet onion.
• Substitute the blue cheese with feta cheese.
• You can also chill the bowls you are going to serve the salad in to add a little extra touch.

Possible Recipe Variations 

• Switch out the regular pecans for candied pecans for extra sweetness to balance the tartness of the green apples. 
• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.  
• Turn the recipe into a chopped salad by cutting each ingredient into small dice and tossing them together.
• Make the best chicken salad sandwich you have ever eaten. Finely dice the chicken breast, dried cranberries, apples, blue cheese, and pecans. Mix with just enough mayonnaise to hold the ingredients together. Serve on toasted whole-grain bread with spinach and lettuce. 

Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad Dressing

When it comes to the pomegranate salad dressing that Wendy’s serves with this salad, you can buy some Marzetti Simply Dressed Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing.

Or make pomegranate dressing by combining 1/4 cup pomegranate juice, 1/4 cup avocado or extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until well blended.

What To Serve With Chicken Apple Pecan Salad

The Apple Pecan Salad from Wendy’s is perfect as a light meal by itself, but a slice or two of good warm bread makes it even more filling. 

Serve the salad with either a pomegranate dressing or your favorite dressing. Homemade or store-bought balsamic vinegarette is a good choice. If you have the time, making warm bacon dressing makes this salad even more impressive.

To make bacon dressing:

1. Combine two tablespoons of bacon drippings, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, two teaspoons of sugar, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard in a small bowl over medium heat.
2. Whisk the ingredients together and bring to a simmer just until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove the dressing from heat, and let cool slightly before using. 

You could also make a quick homemade herbed vinaigrette. I make these by combining 1 part white wine vinegar, and 2 parts oil, and adding salt, pepper, and other dried herbs.

No matter what dressing you top this salad with you are going to enjoy this salad when it is made in your own kitchen.

How To Store Leftover the Copycat Apple Pecan Salad From Wendy’s 

You can cook the chicken breast in advance to save time when preparing the salad. The cooked chicken will last in the fridge for two to three days if you wrap it well in plastic. It is best to prepare the other salad components immediately before using them for the salad.

Love Wendy’s? Try these copycat recipes!

• BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
• Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili
• Wendy’s Breakfast Baconator
• Wendy’s Cheese Fries
• Wendy’s Chili
• Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty
• Wendy’s Strawberry Salad
• Wendy’s Taco Salad

Best Salad Dressing Recipes

• Hot Bacon Dressing
• Russian Salad Dressing
• Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
• Japanese Dressing
• Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe

Be sure to check out my easy salad recipes and the best fast food copycat recipes.