When I was still working and if I was running errands at lunch time, I used to pick up a particular salad from the nearby Wendy’s fast food restaurant. I just loved the combination of flavours in this particular salad: the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. Salad greens, apples, pecans, chicken breast, blue cheese crumbles – with a fruity sweet-sour dressing – delish! I probably ate this salad at least once per week, back then.
Fast forward to now – I’m happily retired and the nearest Wendy’s is a 20 minute drive away, and I have to keep asking myself why I don’t make this salad at home?!?! With a bathroom renovation in progress and a garden full of chores awaiting me, the time is now for this speedy, healthy meal.
How do you get through the busy times in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, as well as see what’s on your plate in the Comments or by joining up your blog to the Link Party. And head over to my co-host Donna’s blog for another vegetarian mainstay!
Rock on,
The WB
Probably much better for you than the Wendy version
Definitely has less sugar without dried cranberries and candied pecans! Thanks, Sheree 💕
I’ve never had the Wendy’s version but this holds all of my favorites so I’m in. And I agree, a world without blue cheese would be a sad place indeed.
It makes for a quick and somewhat healthy fast food meal, in a pinch. Of course the home version is even healthier! (And you can add as much blue cheese as you want 😉). Thanks, Rivergirl 💕
Hi Deb – I immediately thought of a Waldorf salad – but I love these ingredients and would make it at home. I go with what I’ve got and as you say get on with eating and then doing … good idea – while you’ve so much going on. Cheers Hilary
Oooh, a timely reminder of another salad that I love and never get around to making at home!!! Thanks, Hilary 💕
Blue cheese is the perfect addition to a salad. When we go shopping, Himself knows to ask me “what type of blue cheese do you want this week?” 🙂 It’s pretty much my only contribution to the shopping list!
Good luck with the bathroom renovations – looking forward to seeing the finished result when you’re all done.
Thank you, Debs 💕 So far the renovation is going very fast and as planned. This has never happened to me before and I don’t know what to make of it 🤣.
I think of feta cheese the same way. There’s usually a pot of soup in the fridge that takes me through a few days. The last soup I cooked was a peanut/spinach vegan soup. And this week, 1L containers of borscht & hamburger soup were pulled from the freezer. A summer time fridge filler is a tuna pasta salad loaded with cooked carrots, green beans, peas, corn. Another go-to is a roasted chicken that morphs into sandwiches, stir fries, casseroles. The last of the roast chicken this week was used in a bbq chicken bacon flatbread from Canadian Living May 2024. And don’t forget the made ahead mini quiches from the freezer.
All excellent suggestions!!! Makes me wish I had a bigger freezer in my skinny fridge. Thanks, Mona 💕
This salad sounds delicious. I would use raisins and definitely pecans (but not candied)with a granny smith. Blue cheese is an occasional treat here, so next time we have some, I will try this.
Go to items. Cooler weather it’s the soup in the freezer that I pull out for lunch. Quick meals in the summer is all about 💯 % BBQ and no clean up. Good luck with the renovation! Would love to see before and after shots.
Thanks for reminding me I don’t have a BBQ (YET!), Bernie. Yet more reasons to wish I had a bigger freezer when I read your comment. Definitely planning on showing the before and afters at some point – and I have been taking pictures along the way. Thank you 💕
That’s a great lunch! And quick and easy too! #WOYP
It sure is! Thank you, Lydia 💕
Hi, Deb – I don’t believe that I ever had the Wendy’s Chicken Salad before, but I definitely want to try yours. It is now on my list for “D & D’s upcoming adventures.” And so is Milner Gardner’s High Tea. They are open Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm. No reservations required. Just sayin’! 😀
We are definitely doing Milner this year!!! D&D’s Upcoming Adventures – love the sound of that 😁. Thanks, Donna 💕
That is my favorite Wendy’s salad. I make a similar version – also minus the candied pecans. And yes, blue cheese is the best part.
Our quick and easy dinner is pizza. We pick up premade dough, add sauce from a jar, cheese and sometimes pepperoni. Done. Tonight I made chicken noodle soup – no fuss in the kitchen, fast and filling.
Love a quick and easy pizza!!! Soup is always good too, especially chicken noodle! Thanks, Suzanne 💕
I remember that salad. I don’t live anywhere near a Wendy’s anymore. Thanks for the suggestion!!
You are most welcome! Thanks, Tracey 💕
I agree Deb the world would be a sadder place without blue cheese, but I’ve only become a convert as I’ve got older. Sounds like a great recipe and perfect for busy times.
Meal salads are great for busy times, providing you have everything on hand! Thanks, Debbie 💕
That looks like a winner salad! …. and yes please, to the blue cheese crumbles! YUM! 🙂
Winner, winner, chicken salad dinner!!!! Thanks, my friend 💕
Looks delicious. I want to run out and get the ingredients to make it right now.
Run, don’t walk! 🤣 But be careful!!! Thanks, Ally 💕
Pasta salads are my quick go to for busy times. I can make in the morning and eat anytime. This looks yummy though. I’m on the “other” side of blue cheese but some cheddar crumbles or lumps of fresh mozzarella would work.
Those would work! Also feta, if that’s your thing. Thanks, Kate 💕
Nope. No feta either! 🙂 Honestly I do love almost all cheeses except blue, goat and feta.