A couple weeks ago I reviewed the limited time Southwest version of Wendy’s Chicken Caesar Salad, and it was excellent. That item is gone from the regular menu now, but hopefully will return again soon. I will keep you posted. Meanwhile, Wendy’s has made a change to their entire salad line, and I’m happy to report it’s a good one.

What’s new? The chicken. Imagine my delight as I witnessed a Wendy’s employee grab a whole grilled filet and then slice it right on the spot, and place it on the bed of lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. There is no more pre-cubed pieces of meat added ahead of time, resulting in cold chicken. Now it’s warm and freshly sliced.

They place the filet on top with the slices grouped together still forming the shape of the solid hunk they once were. There’s something about this presentation method that really appeals to me. I can see exactly how much chicken I’m getting, and can choose to mix it up, or leave it on the side. Plus, when you’re a burger and taco guy eating a salad, it makes you feel better to have that big pile of meat sitting there.

Warm versus Cold. The cold chicken from previous salads was not a problem. It was tasty and refreshing. I wouldn’t necessarily call the warm chicken better, just different. The salad takes on a new character when the temperatures combine. In a way similar to eating a hamburger or chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato, the contrast of warm meat and cold crisp veggies is a treat for the senses.

The regular menu Chicken Caesar continues the satisfying experience started by the Southwest version. The romaine lettuce is crisp and fresh. The tomatoes are plump and ripe, and the shredded Parmesan cheese is delicious. The warm chicken is moist and juicy, lightly seasoned with a mild natural flavor. It’s not as fancy as it’s limited time cousin, and lacks the spicy kick, but it’s still a mighty good salad.

As always, the dressing and croutons are served on the side, in individual packets. This keeps them fresh, and allows you to control the amount and manner in which they are distributed. The “Supreme Caesar” salad dressing comes from Marzetti. It’s natural and contains no preservatives. It’s good dressing, though not anything special. The croutons also come from the same company, and are quite tasty. I could eat the crunchy little garlic bread pieces as a stand-alone snack. Sometimes I do.

The Chicken Caesar Salad from Wendy’s is very good. The new serving and delivery method of the chicken is a nice change. I still prefer the bolder flavors and spicy kick of the Southwest version, but this is a solid alternative and worthy of my $5.

Price: $4.99 / Website: Wendys.com

Fast Food Critic Score: B+

Click here for rating system details.

Nutrition Facts - Wendy’s Chicken Caesar Salad.

Calories - 490
Calories from Fat - 300
Total Fat - 33 grams
Carbs - 20 grams
Saturated Fat - 7 grams
Trans Fat - 0.5 grams
Cholesterol - 110 milligrams
Sodium - 1200 milligrams
Protein - 31 grams

I’m not normally a salad guy, so let me say that upfront. It’s not often when visiting fast food restaurants that I even acknowledge the existence of salads on the menu, so it was a surreal experience finding myself ordering one. Furthermore, salads depend so greatly on the freshness of ingredients and assembly, that for many years the choices were few in number, and less than satisfactory in quality. Today several of the fast food giants are offering freshly made salads, daily. One of the most interesting is a limited time creation from Wendy’s called the Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad.

Wendy’s calls it “Caesar with an Attitude”. I think that’s a good description, as I was pleasantly surprised by the bold combinations of flavors and textures. From the first bite, the influence of the Southwest was obvious. The roasted corn and black beans, combined with seasoned chunks of chicken breast and Wendy’s spicy southwest dressing produce a taste reminiscent of a Mexican dish. Add shredded Parmesan cheese, bite sized grape tomatoes, and garlic croutons — this salad is loaded.

Sitting underneath those flavorful toppings is a core of Romaine lettuce, which is washed, chopped and prepared fresh daily at each location. After trying this salad on numerous occasions now, I can happily report the locations in my part of the country do a consistent job of keeping things crisp, cold and fresh tasting.

Don’t worry meat lovers, the chicken included in the salad is nice sized chunks of whole breast. Real meat, not over processed and pressed forms. The dressing and croutons come on the side, in individually sealed packets. That’s perfect, because it ensures the croutons will be crunchy and fresh, and the dressing will be applied as liberally, or as sparingly as you prefer. The rest of the ingredients are assembled at the start of the day, by hand, and then refrigerated until ordered and served.

The Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad from Wendy’s is excellent. It tastes like a fresh salad I would make at home, but with more toppings and flavor then I would probably ever be willing to devote the time or effort to achieve. This is a big, hearty and satisfying salad. An entire meal in a bowl. Unfortunately it’s a “Limited Time” item, but hopefully they will receive enough positive feedback to keep it around, or bring it back soon. They continue to offer the rest of their trademarked “Garden Sensations” line of salads, including a regular Chicken Caesar without the Southwest ingredients.

Price: $4.99 — Website: Wendys.com

Fast Food Critic Score: A

Click here for rating system details.

Nutrition Facts - Wendy’s Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad.

Calories - 490
Calories from Fat - 210
Total Fat - 24 grams
Carbs - 37 grams
Saturated Fat - 5 grams
Trans Fat - 0 grams
Cholesterol - 105 milligrams
Sodium - 1730 milligrams