Thanks to Wendy’s for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
When you think delicious and healthy salads, you probably don’t think about finding them at a fast food restaurant. In fact, I was skeptical when the folks at Wendy’s invited me to learn more about their salad offerings. These salads are seriously amazing! I dare say they are the best fast food salads EVER! Frankly, these salads rival some that I’ve had at nice restaurants as well.
“I dare say they are the best fast food salads EVER!”
Choose Fresh, Choose Wendy’s
Opened in 1969, Wendy’s is the only quick service restaurant that boasts a fresh supply chain. Ingredients are shipped fresh to every location multiple times a week. Whole heads of romaine and iceberg lettuce, vegetables and seasonal fruits are all hand washed and chopped in house. Salads are made fresh for lunch and then again for dinner. As a result, you can really taste the difference!
Ideal vs. Real World
In an ideal world, I’d make myself a fresh salad every day. I’d wash and chop ingredients from my garden. Hmm, looking over my yard, I don’t see a fresh vegetable garden. How did that happen? Because carpools, dance lessons, soccer practice and more all get in the way of my ideal world. In my “real world,” I can pop over to Wendy’s for a perfectly made salad that is already waiting for me. Works for me!
Customizable Salads with Reasonable Calories
I had the pleasure of attending a special tasting event to learn more about each of Wendy’s salads. All salads are fully customizable. Dairy free like me? Ask for a salad without cheese. Don’t like onions? Ask for an onion-free salad. The Taco Salad comes with all extra ingredients like chips, salsa, chili, and sour cream on the side so you can choose how much you’d like to use.
Over the past year, I lost 20 pounds so portion control is especially important to me. Nearly all half-portion salads are under 500 calories. Packed with protein (even without chicken), these salads should keep you full for hours. Most of the full-size salads are around 600 calories. Say no to the cheese to reduce fat and calories even more.
The Salad Roundup
I tasted the following salads. Check your local restaurant for availability. Visit the Wendy’s website for their entire salad menu.
- Fresh Mozzarella Chicken Salad
Freshly chopped lettuce, slices of fresh mozzarella, a drizzle of creamy basil pesto, a juicy, marinated grilled chicken breast, grape tomatoes and seasoned croutons. - Taco Salad
Top with Wendy’s famous chili, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chunky salsa, and yellow corn tortilla rounds. - POWER Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Always-fresh-grilled chicken teams up with a savory ensemble of feta cheese, hummus, and sundried tomato quinoa blend - Strawberry Mango Chicken Salad
Sweet & juicy diced mango, strawberries and honey roasted sunflower seeds. Warm grilled chicken breast and crumbly feta cheese and honey citrus vinaigrette dressing top it off.
Secrets of a Wendy’s Chef
Wendy’s takes creating new salads seriously. A Wendy’s Test Kitchen Chef explained the process for launching the new Strawberry Mango Chicken Salad. She tasted mangos shipped from all over the world for the entire summer of 2016 to ensure this new salad would be amazing this summer. That’s the dedication of Wendy’s to provide fresh and delicious ingredients. They also test salads with consumers to figure out what size bites are best. Yup, the size of strawberries, mangos, chicken bites and more are dictated by customer preferences.
My Favorite Salad
Drum roll please…. Of the 4 salads I tasted, the POWER Mediterranean Chicken Salad is just divine. Protein-packed, nutrient rich, savory and delicious! The Strawberry Mango Chicken Salad is a close second. I have a feeling the folks at Wendy’s will know me by name pretty soon. They won’t be able to keep me away.
I will surely try out this recipe at my home to prepare this healthy salad for me. Thanks, Buddy for sharing.
I will now have to try a Wendy’s salad. It’s sounds so good!
My favorite Wendy’s salad has always been the taco salad. I do want to try the strawberry mango salad though. It looks really good.
Wendy’s Taco Salad is my favorite! I have always wanted to try the other salads, but I always end up ordering my favorite. I would love to try the Strawberry Mango salad (without chicken). I have to pick some up soon.
I love Wendy’s salads! When I want a quick meal that isn’t full of grease and fat, that is where I go!
I’d try the Power Mediterranean Salad first. It is filled with yummy ingredients that I love. Heading to Wendy’s….
I haven’t been to Wendy’s in a long time but this salad sure does look good! I’ll have grab this one day when I’m out.
I have to agree. Wendy’s does have great salads that don’t skimp on ingredients
I love that you can customize the salads! I did not know this about them. We struggle at times if we do get fast food (which we try to limit) but my daughter is vegetarian and there is not a lot of meat-free food options. So this would be a great idea for her!
Wendy’s does have creative options. They do strive to be a leader. Can’t beat their taste.
We are a loyal Wendys family. It’s been a while since I had one of their salads, but it sounds really great right now. Definitely a lighter option that I need.
Wendy’s salads are so tasty, and quick to grab when you are on the go. I love them after a workout. They definitely have the best fast food salads, I completely agree!
I am also a HUGE fan of the salads from here. If I have to choose I will definitely go for the varieties that they have.
I love stopping in for a Wendy’s salad when I’m on the go. I’ve had a lot of salads from a lot of different restaurants, and Wendy’s has always been the most fresh and crisp.
Wendy’s salads are the best! They are never all wilted and weird like so many other fast food salads are.
I’ve only been to Wendy’s a few times and never noticed they have salads before. I think it would be good to get a salad, so then I can make up for it with a Frosty afterwards, laugh.
I have to admit that I have never had a Wendy’s salad before. These salads all sound amazing and I would will have to try all of them. The Taco salad is the one I would love to try first because I love their chili. Thanks for sharing these awesome salads.
Coudln’t agree more! I love Wendy’s salad too! We may not yet have the salad choices but with all the fast food available here, Wendy’s is my number one for salad.
It’s difficult to find a healthy salad from fast foods. I’ll surely think of Wendy’s when I look for salads.
Wendy’s definitely is leveling up their game with these new salad recipes! The one with the mangoes sound amazing and I’d love to drive over to their nearest branch and give these a try!
I don’t usually eat at fast food but I like these salads from Wendy’s. This is an easy and affordable way to get your salad fix without having to make it yourself.
I am a salad lover. I liked all these recipes and would try them one by one. Thanks for sharing.
I cant’ wait to check out these menu items! I used to buy chili soup from Wendy’s!
I have always thought that Wendy’s salads looked decent. The combination of mozz and chicken is one of my favorites, I bet that salad is tasty.
The Fresh Mozzarella Chicken Salad is my new favorite. It is so delicious and quick to pick up on the go.
Love Wendy’s salads they truly are the best ones I’ve tried from fast food places. They are just so good. I might just go get one now that you mention it!
Wendy’s always has the best salads. I remember their Asian Chicken salad when I was growing up. I loved it!!
I didn’t realize Wendy’s salads looked so good. The next time we stop in for Frosty’s I’ll have to pick some up.
I been to that side of the pond twice and when doing road trips, I always stop of in Wendy’s. Compared to McD’s and Bugger King, I rather have the salads from here. Not completely fat free etc but its still a lot healthier than other fast food joints as they offer salads. Still I love Wendy’s for their burgers also (not the best meat I know, all those chemicals…but once in a blue moon doesn’t hurt) 😛
Wendy’s really does have the best salads. I haven’t had one in a while, but they are definitely my favorite.