Behind-the-Scenes Look: Wendy's Fresh Salads

Last week, I had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at Wendy’s Fresh Salads – and I have to say, it was an eye opening experience. Two other area bloggers and myself were able to visit the kitchen of local Wendy’s to see, first-hand, the amazing preparation that goes into these fresh salads. I have to say – I was pretty surprised.

I have always known that Wendy’s liked to keep things fresh, but I didn’t know just how fresh until I saw these salads being made.

To make these salads, fresh produce is cleaned and chopped right there in Wendy’s kitchens early in the morning. They actually go through so much produce that they get delivery of these fresh salad vegetables 3x per week! They start by using full heads of iceberg and romaine lettuces – along with cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. The chopping is all done to a standard – so every piece is the same size and salads are consistent.

The lettuce is chopped with a special tool which ensures all the pieces are the same size. It’s that attention to detail that makes allthe difference. The chicken that tops these salads is premium white meat chicken breasts that are grilled at the time of you order – and placed warm on your salad.

With the lettuce and veggies freshly prepared every morning, when you order your salad, you know you’re getting a fresh meal. I even got to prep my own salad with the toppings.

I was able to try the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and it was out of the world! It was topped with cranberries, apples, bleu cheese crumbles and roasted pecans. It is definitely a salad I’ll be back for!

Wendy’s prides itself on how their salads are made – from farm to bowl. Check out this video to see more about the journey that romaine lettuce takes on it’s way, fresh, to your bowl: Wendy’s Romaine Lettuce Journey

Wendy’s Core Salads

Three salads make up the Wendy’s Core Salads. More about each: Wendy’s BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad harkens to a smoky backyard grill-out with fire-roasted sweet corn, freshly diced tomatoes, light and lively spring mix combined with Applewood Smoked bacon and grilled chicken drizzled with savory BBQ sauce, topped with creamy Simply Dressed^® BBQ Ranch Dressing.

Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad marries the crisp refreshing snap of ripe red and green apples with the delectable crunch of roasted pecans. This springtime splendor harmonizes sweet and savory throughout with delicious cranberries and creamy blue cheese crumbles topped with Marzetti® Simply Dressed^®Pomegranate Vinaigrette.

Wendy’s Asian Cashew Chicken Salad is a twist on the typical Asian salad with on-trend, flavorful ingredients like fire-roasted edamame, fresh red peppers and cucumbers, spicy roasted cashews, warm, grilled chicken breast and Marzetti^® Simply Dressed^® Light Spicy Asian Chili Vinaigrette.