Have you ever wondered just how fresh are these salads you get at fast-food restaurants? I had a behind-the-scenes-look at Wendy’s and can confirm that their salads are as fresh as they come.
Quality is our recipe® – Wendy’s commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and the best-tasting food is not just talk – it’s real. I was invited for a behind-the-scenes look at their salads and was able to see for myself just how true that promise is.
From the moment I walked in the door at the Wendy’s on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta, I could see how dedicated Wendy’s employees – from corporate to local – are to ensuring that every customer’s dining experience is great and their food delicious.
Along with Arkeedah from ItsArkeedah and Amy from Marvelous Mommy, I saw first-hand the process of how Wendy’s core salads are made from raw ingredients into fantastic salads.
The Lettuce Story
The salads start with fresh romaine and iceberg lettuce.
Leaves that are not good are removed and the rest is washed and placed in an ice bath before being chopped into perfect bite-sized pieces. The lettuce is then spun to remove excess moisture. Next, the lettuce is combined with a spring mix which makes the salad base a blend of 11 varieties of lettuce.
Fresh veggies are also freshly prepared and chopped daily at each store. Marinated chicken is grilled at each location and kept for no longer than an hour. When a customer orders a salad, the chicken is then cut and placed on top of the salad.
The Salads
Each of the salads starts with the fresh lettuce blend and is topped with tender all-white chicken. Between those two layers are flavor combinations that will make your mouth water.
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad – crisp red and green apples from Michigan and Washington orchards, along with roasted pecans seasoned with sea salt, dried cranberries, and bleu cheese crumbles made with milk from Wisconsin make this Wendy’s best-selling salad.
Wendy’s Asian Cashew Chicken Salad – fire-roasted edamame, spicy roasted cashews, sliced cucumbers, and chopped red peppers round out this tasty salad which happens to be the lowest in calories – only 380 calories for the full size.
Wendy’s BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad – fire-roasted corn, freshly diced tomatoes, freshly cooked Applewood Smoked bacon, and barbecue sauce top my favorite.
While there, I learned about the My Wendy’s app (on iTunes App Store and Google play). It’s a great tool when making your dining decisions. You can even select a calorie range to view meals that will fit into your dietary plans.
(Photo courtesy of Amy from Marvelous Mommy.)
After our tour, we got to enjoy our salads and learn more from Jenna, a food scientist at Wendy’s. Naturally, I chose to make my favorite – the BBQ Ranch Chicken. In the name of research, I tried the other two salads over the next two days. All in the name of research, of course. I can now personally vouch that they are all delicious.
Which salad would you like to try today?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Have you seen the salads this year? Click here to read about the four premium salads being offered at Wendy’s – they are healthy fast food options you should try.
Sandra says
Is it safe to eat salads rite now. Because of the e-coli outbreak?? It is said to be found in the room lettuce.
Sandra says
*ROMAINE LETTUCE
Lynda says
I think it all depends on where you live.
Guest100 says
First thing I looked for was whether their hands were gloved since they certainly are NOT in their commercials. The second thing I looked for was any hairnets and I see that NO ONE was wearing a hairnet while processing the food! DISGUSTING. Thank you for the REVEAL! I’ll be sure to spread the word and WARN everyone NOT to eat at Wendy’s!!!
Lynda says
To clarify, they do wear gloves and hairnets. The pictures are of bloggers who had an inside glimpse of how Wendy’s fresh salads are made. That was a one-time event and we were not employees of Wendy’s. Wendy’s salads are among my favorite and I highly recommend them.
Jengoo says
What kind of. Lue cheese do they use.
Never had blue cheese like that before
Shell Feis says
Okay I can not WAIT to try the BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! They all sound delicious, but that’s my go-to at other restaurants.
patti says
makes me want to try one….are nutrition facts posted at the restaurant?
Melissa (Wendy's employee) says
yes they are
patti says
Makes me want to go to Wendy’s more often. i usually do not buy fast-food salads, but I will give these a try.
Crystal says
Wendy’s has always been my favorite fast food restaurant just because of the quality and selection of food. I’ve had their salads before and they are really good!
valerieremymilora says
Thanks for sharing your behind the scenes experience with us. I discovered Wendy’s salads when my daughter was competing in martial arts. We were on the road a lot and I wanted convenient food that was on the healthy side of things and did’t break the bank. I love that they use a salad blend as I am not a huge fan of iceberg.
Swa-Rai (@swaraiblog) says
Glad you got to learn more. Wendy’s makes the best salads.
Liz Mays says
I had no idea they had a BBQ salad there. I’m so on it since I eat salads ALL the time!
@SensiblySara says
Loos like you guys had fun making salads! I’d like the BBQ Ranch.
jasmine says
hands down my favorite salads!
Ellen ThatChicMom says
All 3 of those sound delicious! Wendy’s is from my hometown I have always been a fan!
simplybeingmommy says
It’s good to know there are yummy options when you’re trying to make a better choice. Salads on the go are great for busy parents.
Jeannette says
The salads look amazing and I’ve tried several of them already and love them. It’s so much fun to get a behind the scenes look at how they’re made.
Allison Cooper says
The salads sound great! It’s nice to learn that there is a truly healthy alternative when eating on the go!
Kim Delatorre (@shopwithmemama) says
Oh yum! I have always enjoyed Wendy’s salads! I like the BBQ Ranch!
Alicia says
I have not tried Wendy’s salads yet, but these look delicious and like ones I would enjoy! Thanks so much for the post, I will be sure to try these next time we go out to eat.
MomMaven says
Looks like a great event. I wish they only used iceberg lettuce. I cannot eat romaine 🙁
Melissa (Wendy's employee) says
I’m sure you can get one made to order with iceberg instead of romaine in the salad itself! that shouldn’t be a problem!
Owen's Mom says
What a fun experience! I know the Apple Pecan salad was a staple for my MIL and myself when we ate out. I really enjoy when brands like this are transparent and show customers how much they care. Yay, Wendy’s!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I have never had a salad from Wendy’s before, but this makes me want to try one. They sound really, really good!
Lynda says
They are fantastic!