If you’re a fan of Wendy’s seasonal strawberry salad, you’ll love this easy-to-make, copycat recipe that brings the flavors of your favorite fast-food salad right to your kitchen. Packed with fresh ingredients and drizzled with a tangy champagne vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Here’s how to recreate it at home.
Check another recipe form Wendy, called Wendy’s Sugar Cookie Recipe.
What so Special About Wendy’s Strawberry Salad?
This Wendy’s Strawberry Salad copycat combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a satisfying and refreshing meal. It’s a versatile dish that works as a light main course or a side to complement other meals. With minimal cooking and prep time, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a colorful, delicious dish.
Give this recipe a try and bring a little bit of Wendy’s magic to your table!
Ingredients for Wendy’s Strawberry Salad Recipe
- 1 box spring salad mix
- 2 cups frozen grilled chicken strips, cooked according to package directions
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped into large pieces
- ½ cup shaved Tuscan cheese blend
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 4-6 strawberries, sliced
- Champagne vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
Tools Required
- Skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Tongs or salad servers
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
How to Make Wendy’s Strawberry Salad?
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Prepare the frozen grilled chicken strips according to the package instructions. For a quick and even cook, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring constantly. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
Divide the spring salad mix evenly between two dinner plates or salad bowls.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Layer the sliced strawberries, cooked chicken, and crispy bacon pieces over the salad mix.
Step 4: Sprinkle and Garnish
Sprinkle the shaved Tuscan cheese blend and sliced almonds generously over the top.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle Champagne vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring an even coating. Serve with extra almonds and cheese on the side for added crunch and flavor.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Wendy’s Strawberry Salad
1. As a Light Lunch
Serve the salad with a slice of crusty multigrain bread or a warm breadstick for a simple yet satisfying midday meal.
2. Paired with Soup
Pair this salad with a bowl of creamy tomato bisque or butternut squash soup for a comforting combination that works year-round.
3. In a Mason Jar
Layer the salad in a mason jar for an easy, portable lunch option. Add the dressing at the bottom and the greens at the top to keep everything fresh until serving.
4. As a Dinner Side
Serve smaller portions of the salad as a side dish with grilled salmon, steak, or roasted chicken for a complete and balanced dinner.
5. On a Party Platter
Arrange the salad ingredients on a large platter for a beautiful and colorful presentation at parties or gatherings. Let guests assemble their own salads.
6. For Brunch
Add a sunny-side-up egg on top or serve alongside a quiche for a brunch menu that’s light yet indulgent.
7. In Wraps or Pitas
Transform the salad into a handheld meal by wrapping it in a tortilla or stuffing it into a warm pita. Drizzle some extra dressing inside for added flavor.
8. As a Picnic Dish
Pack this salad in a reusable container for a picnic. Its refreshing flavors make it an ideal option for outdoor dining.
9. With a Sparkling Beverage
Serve the salad with a glass of sparkling water infused with strawberries or a light rosé wine to enhance its fruity and fresh elements.
10. Topped with Extras
Elevate the salad by adding a few extras, like avocado slices, dried cranberries, or even candied pecans for added sweetness and texture.
Some Tips on This Wendy’s Strawberry Salad Recipe
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Always opt for fresh strawberries and a crisp salad mix to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Frozen or wilted greens can compromise the overall quality.
2. Toast the Almonds
Lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. This simple step intensifies their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
3. Upgrade Your Bacon
Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor, and cook it until it’s just crispy. You can even bake the bacon for an evenly cooked, less greasy option.
4. Add Warm Chicken
Serve the grilled chicken slightly warm for a delightful contrast with the cool salad greens and strawberries.
5. Try Homemade Dressing
If Champagne vinaigrette isn’t available, make your own by combining 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Experiment with Cheese
The Tuscan cheese blend is excellent, but feel free to use feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a unique flavor twist.
7. Layer Thoughtfully
When assembling the salad, layer heavier toppings like chicken and bacon first, and finish with lighter ingredients like strawberries and cheese to ensure even distribution.
8. Make it a Meal
For a more filling meal, add a side of crusty bread or serve the salad with a bowl of creamy soup.
9. Chill the Salad Plates
Chill your plates or bowls before serving to keep the salad fresh and cool for longer.
10. Keep Ingredients Separate for Meal Prep
If you’re meal-prepping, store the salad components separately and assemble them just before eating. This prevents sogginess and maintains the salad’s vibrant flavors and textures.
How to Store This Strawberry Salad Properly?
To store Wendy’s Strawberry Salad, keep the ingredients separate to maintain freshness. Store the salad mix, cooked chicken, and bacon in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep sliced strawberries and almonds in sealed containers, and store the Champagne vinaigrette separately. Assemble just before serving to preserve the salad’s texture and flavor.
Wendy’s Strawberry Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box spring salad mix
- 2 cups frozen grilled chicken strips cooked according to package directions
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon cooked crisp and chopped into large pieces
- ½ cup shaved Tuscan cheese blend
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 4-6 strawberries sliced
- Champagne vinaigrette store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare the frozen grilled chicken strips according to the package instructions. For a quick and even cook, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring constantly. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool slightly.
- Divide the spring salad mix evenly between two dinner plates or salad bowls.
- Layer the sliced strawberries, cooked chicken, and crispy bacon pieces over the salad mix.
- Sprinkle the shaved Tuscan cheese blend and sliced almonds generously over the top.
- Drizzle Champagne vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring an even coating. Serve with extra almonds and cheese on the side for added crunch and flavor.
Video
Notes
FAQs on This Wendy’s Strawberry Salad Recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions and their short answers on this Wendy’s Strawberry Salad Recipe
1. What is in the Strawberry Salad at Wendy’s?
Wendy’s Strawberry Salad includes a mix of fresh spring greens, grilled chicken breast, fresh strawberries, crispy bacon, a Tuscan cheese blend, and candied almonds, all topped with a Champagne vinaigrette.
2. How healthy is Wendy’s Strawberry Salad?
Wendy’s Strawberry Salad is a healthy choice, offering a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. With fresh ingredients like strawberries and greens, it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants. However, the calorie count may increase depending on the amount of cheese, bacon, and dressing used.
3. What comes on a Wendy’s salad?
Wendy’s salads typically feature a fresh lettuce blend paired with toppings like grilled chicken, seasonal fruits, nuts, cheese, and crispy bacon, depending on the salad. They also come with a specially crafted dressing to complement the flavors.
4. What is summer salad made of?
Summer salads like Wendy’s Strawberry Salad are usually light and refreshing, featuring a mix of greens, fresh fruits (such as berries or melons), nuts, and a tangy dressing. Protein options like grilled chicken or shrimp are often added to make it a complete meal.
5. Can I use fresh grilled chicken instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Freshly grilled chicken will enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for a savory boost.
6. What can I use instead of Champagne vinaigrette?
If you don’t have Champagne vinaigrette, substitute it with a balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or a light raspberry vinaigrette for a similar sweet-tangy flavor profile.
7. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! To make this salad vegetarian, omit the grilled chicken and bacon. You can add extra almonds, tofu, or chickpeas as a protein alternative.
8. How do I keep the salad fresh if I’m making it ahead of time?
To keep the salad fresh, store the ingredients separately. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
9. Are there any substitutions for the Tuscan cheese blend?
If the Tuscan cheese blend isn’t available, you can use shredded Parmesan, goat cheese, or feta as a substitute. Each adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the salad’s ingredients.
10. Can I customize this recipe for dietary needs?
Absolutely! You can make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring the bacon and dressing are gluten-free. For a low-calorie option, reduce the cheese and dressing or use a light vinaigrette.
This Wendy’s Strawberry Salad recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal that feels indulgent. Enjoy your fresh creation!
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