Mcdonald's Candied Walnut Fruit Salad by Todd Wilbur
Recreate the nostalgic crunch and vibrant flavors of McDonald's Candied Walnut Fruit Salad with this spot-on copycat recipe by Todd Wilbur. Perfectly balancing sweet, savory, and tangy elements, this refreshing salad combines crisp mixed greens with juicy red grapes, fresh apples, pineapple chunks, and orange segments for a burst of tropical sweetness. Tender, diced chicken breast adds a satisfying protein element, while homemade candied walnuts—glazed with a caramelized brown sugar coating—offer irresistible crunch and richness. Drizzled with a light low-fat balsamic vinaigrette, this wholesome dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or guilt-free indulgence. Packed with fresh ingredients and easy-to-make candied walnuts, this vibrant fruit and nut salad is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike!
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Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup red seedless grapes
- 1 medium fresh apple, diced
- 1 medium fresh orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup candied walnuts
- 0.5 cup low-fat balsamic vinaigrette
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup walnut halves
Directions
Step 1
Begin by making the candied walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water, and stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.
Step 2
Add the walnut halves to the saucepan and stir, ensuring that they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once the walnuts are well-coated and slightly crisp, transfer them to a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely.
Step 4
While the walnuts are cooling, prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, red seedless grapes, diced apple, orange segments, pineapple chunks, and diced or shredded chicken breast.
Step 5
Once the candied walnuts are cool, add them to the salad.
Step 6
Drizzle the low-fat balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients and evenly coat them with the dressing.
Step 7
Serve immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1557.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3272.0 |
| Total Fat 190.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g | |
| Cholesterol 212.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1060.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 292.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 35.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 247.3g | |
| Protein 119.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 442.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3174.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories