by Hey there, salad lovers! If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy meal option, look no further than Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad.
This colorful creation is packed with fresh ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds while providing plenty of good-for-you nutrients.
Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts
Let’s dive in and explore what makes this salad so special!
What’s in the Salad?
Before we get to the nitty-gritty nutrition facts, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll find in Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad:
- A bed of crisp lettuce blend.
- Sliced strawberries.
- Juicy blueberries.
- Grilled chicken breast.
- Feta cheese crumbles.
- Crunchy apple chips.
- Toasted almonds.
- Marzetti® Simply Dressed® Raspberry Vinaigrette.
Sounds delicious, right?
Nutritional Benefits of Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad
Now let’s break down the nutritional benefits of this tasty salad.
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Calories
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll be happy to know that Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad clocks in at just 470 calories for the full salad. That’s a reasonable amount for a satisfying meal that will keep you fueled up for hours. Of course, if you’re looking to cut back even more, you can always opt for the half-size portion.
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Protein Power
Thanks to the grilled chicken breast, this salad packs a solid protein punch. One full serving provides 39 grams of protein, which is great news for anyone looking to build or maintain muscle mass. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
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Fat Facts
Now, let’s talk about fat. While “fat” may sound like a dirty word, our bodies need some dietary fat to function properly. The key is choosing healthy fats and consuming them in moderation. Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad contains 19 grams of total fat, with 6 of those grams coming from saturated fat. The rest is made up of heart-healthy unsaturated fats from ingredients like almonds and vinaigrette dressing.
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Carb Count
Watching your carb intake? No worries – this salad has you covered. One full serving contains 39 grams of total carbohydrates, with 7 grams coming from dietary fiber and 26 grams from sugars (mostly naturally occurring sugars from the fruit). So while it’s not a low-carb option per se, it’s still a relatively balanced choice in the grand scheme of things.
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Fiber Fun
Speaking of dietary fiber, Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad provides 7 grams per serving. That’s a decent chunk of the 25-35 grams that most adults should aim for each day. Fiber is important for keeping your digestive system running smoothly, promoting feelings of fullness, and even supporting heart health. So eat up!
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Sugar Situation
As mentioned above, this salad contains 26 grams of total sugars. But before you start worrying, keep in mind that most of these sugars are naturally occurring from strawberries and blueberries. Fruit sugars are bundled with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, so they affect your body differently than added sugars found in processed foods. That said, if you’re closely monitoring sugar intake for any reason, it’s still worth noting.
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Vitamin A All Day
One area where Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad shines is vitamin A content. A single serving packs in a whopping 220% of your daily value for this essential nutrient! Vitamin A is critical for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and keeping your skin looking its best. So go ahead and give yourself an A+ for choosing this salad.
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C stands for Colorful
In addition to vitamin A, this salad is also an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 50% of your daily needs. You can thank the strawberries and lettuce blend for that! Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage, supports collagen production (hello, healthy skin!), and gives your immune system a boost.
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Calcium for Healthy Bones
While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of salad, Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad is actually a good source of calcium, thanks to the feta cheese crumbles. One serving provides 20% of your daily calcium needs. This mineral is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting muscle and nerve function.
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Iron & Energy
Last but not least in our tour of key nutrients: iron. This salad provides 15% of your daily iron needs, which is important for maintaining healthy oxygen transport throughout your body. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue and other symptoms, so it’s great to get a little boost from your lunchtime salad.
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Antioxidant Superstars
We can’t talk about Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad without giving a shoutout to the antioxidant superstars: berries! Both strawberries and blueberries are loaded with beneficial plant compounds that help fight inflammation and protect your cells from oxidative damage. Plus, they add a delightful burst of natural sweetness to every bite.
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Sodium Considerations
One thing to keep in mind with any restaurant meal is sodium content. Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad contains 1120 milligrams of sodium, which is about half of the recommended daily limit for most adults. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to consider splitting this salad with a friend or saving half for later. You can also ask for the dressing on the side and use just a small amount to cut back on sodium.
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No Artificial Flavors
Here’s some good news for ingredient-conscious eaters: Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad contains no artificial flavors. The grilled chicken, berries, cheese, and almonds are free from fake stuff, and the Marzetti® Simply Dressed® Raspberry Vinaigrette contains a straightforward list of ingredients.
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Gluten-Free Goodness
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you’ll be happy to know that this salad is a safe and delicious choice. The chicken, berries, cheese, almonds, and dressing are all gluten-free. Just watch out for those apple chips on top – some varieties may contain trace amounts of gluten, so ask your server if you’re unsure.
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Fresh is Best
One of the best things about Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad is that it’s made with fresh, quality ingredients. The lettuce blend is crisp and vibrant, the strawberries and blueberries are plump and juicy, and the grilled chicken is tender and flavorful. No wilted greens or sad, mushy fruit here!
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Nut Allergy Note
It’s worth noting that this salad does contain almonds, so if you have a nut allergy, you’ll want to steer clear or ask for the almonds to be left off. Better safe than sorry when it comes to food allergies!
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Vegan Variation
While the standard Berry Burst Chicken Salad isn’t vegan-friendly due to the chicken and feta cheese, it’s easy to make some simple swaps to create a delicious plant-based version. Just ask for the salad without chicken or cheese, and you’ve got a colorful vegan meal packed with fresh produce, healthy fats, and plenty of flavor.
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Refreshing and Satisfying
At the end of the day, what sets Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet berries, savory chicken, tangy feta, and crunchy almonds come together in a symphony of deliciousness that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. It’s a great choice for a light lunch or dinner that won’t weigh you down.
Conclusion:
So there you have it – everything you need to know about Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad from a nutrition perspective.
With its impressive array of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, this salad is a smart choice for anyone looking to eat well on the go.
Just remember to keep an eye on the sodium content and consider splitting it with a friend or saving half for later.
And if you’re vegan or have allergies, don’t hesitate to make substitutions or ask questions. Your health and happiness are worth it!
At the end of the day, eating well is all about balance and finding foods that nourish your body and soul.
Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad is a great example of how fast food can be both delicious and nutritious when done right.
So next time you’re in the mood for something fresh and flavorful, give this salad a try – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Nutrition Facts Table
Here’s a quick reference table for the key nutrition facts we discussed above:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 470 | – |
| Total Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Total Sugars | 26g | – |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Vitamin A | 1100mcg | 220% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 200mg | 20% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 1120mg | 49% |
FAQs:
- Is Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is a nutritious choice that provides an array of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Just be mindful of the sodium content and consider splitting it or saving half for later.
- How many calories are in Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad?
A full serving of this salad contains 470 calories.
- Is Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad gluten-free?
The chicken, berries, cheese, almonds, and dressing are all gluten-free. However, the apple chips may contain trace amounts of gluten, so ask your server if you have concerns.
- Can I make Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad vegan?
Yes! Just ask for the salad without chicken or feta cheese, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based meal.
- Does Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad contain any common allergens?
This salad does contain almonds, so if you have a nut allergy, please be aware. It also contains dairy (feta cheese). If you have any specific allergy concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your server for more information.
- How much protein is in Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad?
This salad packs an impressive 39 grams of protein per serving, largely thanks to the grilled chicken breast.
There you have it – a comprehensive look at the nutrition facts, ingredients, and allergy considerations for Wendy’s Berry Burst Chicken Salad.
I hope this information helps you make an informed and delicious choice next time you’re looking for a fast food meal that won’t derail your health goals. Happy eating!
