When I think of classy things, I think of fine wine, Gwyneth Paltrow, and feta cheese.
Feta is one of those “special” cheeses not found with the trailer trash cheeses like American, cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, and, of course, Velveeta, which is as classy as shiny, spinning hubcaps.
Feta cheese is usually located in the deli area near other cheeses with funny names, like asiago, gorgonzola, taleggio, limburger, and smelofarts.
Now I record a lot of shows on Food Network because I need to add more material to my never ending loop of Rachael Ray shows playing at my Rachael Ray shrine.
While fast forwarding through all the parts that don’t have Rachael Ray, I noticed that a lot of the chefs on the Food Network use feta cheese on a lot of things, like salads, pizzas, and pastas. Those chefs really like feta cheese and are very liberal with it, like strippers are with cocoa butter lotion.
Well it seems the chefs in the Wendy’s kitchen also have been watching a lot of the Food Network because they put a nice crumbled heaping of feta cheese on their new Mediterranean Chicken Salad.
Besides the feta cheese, the Mediterranean Chicken Salad comes with herb-seasoned chicken chunks, iceberg lettuce, Romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion rings, and a package of red wine vinaigrette dressing.
Putting all of that together made for a pretty good tasting and decent sized salad. The feta cheese and the vinaigrette dressing gave the salad a nice tangy kick. The vegetables for the most part looked fresh, although I was disappointed that there was a lot of iceberg lettuce, which has as little redeeming value as the new Britney Spears reality show, “Britney and Kevin: Chaotic.â€
Despite the goodness that I discovered in the Wendy’s Mediterranean Chicken Salad, there were a few things I wish Wendy’s had done to it. For example, I think it would’ve been nice if the herb-seasoned chicken chunks were warmed up, because I’m slightly afraid of cold chicken.
However, my biggest problem was having to toss my salad, which is a pretty hard thing to do because I’m kind of uncoordinated and not very flexible.
If you look at the picture above, you’ll notice that all the feta cheese is on one side of the bowl, all the chicken is in the center of the bowl, and the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes are all in their own respective cliques.
It’s like the feta cheese are the preppy kids, the pieces of chicken are the jocks, the cucumbers are the band geeks, the onions are the nerds, and the tomatoes are the goth kids. This kind of separation may work well in high school, but it doesn’t work well with a salad.
It would’ve been nice if the salad was pre-tossed, so I wouldn’t have to go through the trouble, pain, and mess of tossing my salad.
Item: Wendy’s Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Purchase Price: $4.99
Rating: 8 out of 10
Pros: Tasty. Decent sized. High in Vitamin A & C. Feta cheese makes me feel classy.
Cons: High in sodium. Chicken was cold. Lots of iceberg lettuce. Forced to toss my salad.
I’m with the preppy kids! WHY should I have to mix my smelly-feet cheesy-ness with that fowl chicken, forchrissakes?
Excellent review.
grape tomatoes? i always thought they were cherry tomatoes.
good review.
Hey Marvo, could you tell if the salad was premade, or did they make it when you ordered it? The new McDonalds ones are made to order and the chicken is warm if you haven’t tried one of them yet. I agree tossing salad is a pain and fast food salads are often bad about the amount of tossing involved…oh well. Pretty tasty looking salad, though, I may give one a try.
Josh grape tomatoes are oblong; whereas cherry tomatoes are round
great review Marvo
Mmmm. Feta cheese.
I hate fast food salads for the manual tossing alone. The bowls are usually stuffed to capacity, which makes tossing the salad difficult if you don’t want your salad to end up all over the table (or on your lap if you’re like me and eat on the couch).
My favorites are the wendy’s side salads. They’re small, $1, and you can shake them up like the old McDonald’s salad shaker!
to all (and now marvo since he’s discovered feta) – beware of the feta. it is addictive, and will cause you to wake up in cold sweats at night screaming “FEETTTTAAAAAAA WHERE ARRRRRE YOUUUUU!?!”, once the addiction has fully set in. The road to recovery is a long one. You are forwarned. and like smoking, it’s expensive to keep up the 2 lbs. of feta a day habit.
This salad is truly to die for–once all the ingredients are mixed together (minus the onions for me), it so amazingly good. I substituted the Red Wine Vingarette for the Low-cal Ranch and highly recommend it. But beware–you’ll have garlic breath for a week afterward. But it’s so worth it.
Chuck, the salads are pre-made and kept in the cooler. The ones I’ve had were pretty fresh though, and the lettuce was nice and crisp. I like cold chicken though, so that part I didn’t mind.
And Mr Jon is right–feta is like crack in the cheese world. I could’ve just eaten the feta and been happy as a clam.
I really like Wendy’s salads. I haven’t tried this one yet though.
I was just wondering if you keep a record of the money that you spend on products to review here, or if you’d prefer not to think about it. It seems like it must be an awful lot by now! lol.
Dear lord. The vision of you tossing your salad. Too much. And I don’t even know who the fuck you are.
I surf the web alot lately. (should probably cut down at work!) I bought my oldest son a Sony PSP gaming system for his birthday. But now his little brother “needs” one too. I found out about an advertising scheme that gives them away for free. Sounds to good to be true, I know. But after googling for an hour it’s legitimate. So I thought I’d pass along the info for anyone else on a tight budget.
he is marvo, and this guy can review the fucking shit out of anything!
and how about doing a caesar salad? it’s got bacon, croutons and cheese, which actually makes it very un-salady, the reason why i like it so much.
Wow, Mary, that’s incredible! If only there were some place that gave away free iPods, Motorola Razr phones, X-Boxes or designer purses! Oh well, I guess that’s just too much to hope for.
They don’t toss for those whiners out there who don’t want one of the ingredients. So they don’t have to make a fresh salad every time someone shows up wanting a salad, “Hold the Goth kids”.
smelofarts… heh heh heh
that’s why I LURVE McDonald’s Bacon Ranch Salad. With the CRISPY chicken. It’s warm and oh so yummy!
God I dislike that salad. I can’t believe it is $5 for that. Imagine you could have gotten a 5 piece chicken nuggets, medium fry, small chilli, baked potato, and a jr single deluxe burger with $5 (insert joke about a free side of a heart attack). Actually I recently had a chicken, avocado, blue cheese, and walnut salad at Culvers which was amazing. Too bad there isn’t a Culvers out in the middle of the ocean. That Wendy’s salad… blah.
I had a fast-food salad from El Pollo Loco just the other day. It came in a bowl, not on a plate. Pretty much everything that wasn’t just iceburg lettuce was right on top (the onions, the salsa, the chicken, etc). In that tight-packed bowl, I couldn’t toss it so good. So, about a third of the way through my salad, all I had left was iceburg lettuce and no more dressing. That certainly wasn’t the best way.
(Just found your blog this morning, by the way. I started my own food review blog just yesterday: Bottom Feeder)
Okay, Marvo, please tell me … what is it about Rachael that makes guys want to build a shrine in her honor? I mean, you’re not the only one and, really, I don’t get it. Yes, she’s funny. She laughs at her own jokes. She can obviously cook. And I suppose that guys might find her kinda cute. But worthy of a shrine? I just don’t think so.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish my Bobby Flay collage.
You + Salad!? Have you turned over a new leaf or something? =)
I agree on the self-tossing salads, they probably can’t pre-toss it because the cheese would not sit too well with the other stuff for any period of time. Also, if they toss it they need to coat everything with the dressing otherwise you’d have to toss it again yourself.. and some people like more dressing than others. probably.
Damn, I used to like those fricken Mcdonalds shaker salads. why did they get rid of them?
P.S. i thought with all the star wars reviews you were going to make a joke about Boba Feta…
I’m just having a hard time reading all these ‘toss the salad’ references.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=toss+salad
Marvo, do not fear the cold chicken. It is your friend.
But Rachel Ray? Sorry. She has CrazyEyes and overly expressive hand gestures. I don’t know what you guys see in her. Except if you like the big booty.
if you are bad and go to jail, i bet you get your salad tossed
Eh, no real point of getting a salad at a fast food joint, if you ask me.
Good review, though. Good luck with the body cleansing =D
I Cant Believe You Had To Toss Your Own salad!
That must Suck?
Nice review. $4.99 a bit pricey for that salad, but they probably have to price it high since no one buys it.
P.S. I recieved the soap, thanks.
I’m going to have to be the only kid in the classroom who is a vegetarian and it is with that admission that I have to wonder as to the sanity of those who recommend Wendy’s side salad. Sure, I’ve eaten it a few times (mainly on road trips) but I’ve always counted 1/8 head of iceburg, 3 grape tomatoes (which I love), 3 cucumber slices, 2 onion rings, and a packet of dressing.
Oh, and everything is pretty much still frozen.
Why recommend it? Why?
Man, I’ve always hated those damn jock chicken chunks! I don’t want them high-fiving each other near my onions!
I think Wendy just doesn’t want to be picked up for salad tossing.. it carries a huge fine.
..or so I’ve heard.
THEINFAMOUSJ-
ugh, sometimes that disgusting side salad is the only thing available.
Mine never has anything BUT straight lettuce. Sick!
ALL places should follow burger king’s lead and get veggie burgers. 🙂
Why not? I don’t eat the regular side salad. I hate cherry and grape tomatoes. I like their caesar salads. And I’ll take frozed lettuce over warm lettuce any day. 😉
I’m not a huge fan of Rachel Ray myself. I think her laugh is forced and annoying, and most of the stuff she says on her shows is a little annoying, too. In fact, she’s kind of annoying. There, I said it. I don’t even think she really all that attractive. Hmmph.
nat – We must all learn to get along and respect each other, because when you do that it’s much easier to stab them in the back with their guard down. Damn nerds! Not nerdy enough for you because I don’t play D&D. NERDS!!!
josh – I thought the exact same thing, but apparently the powers of the fast food industry are getting stronger. I think they will soon have the power to change the name of iceberg lettuce to white lettuce.
Chuck – It was definitely premade. The Wendy’s cashier just turned around and pulled it out of the refrigerator behind her. I still wish the chicken wasn’t cold.
Kent Tell – Thank you for that tomato lesson. Now is there a difference between Catsup and Ketchup?
Priss – Oh, McDonald’s Salad Shakers…They bring back such memories and helped me make better a martini.
Mr Jon teh Redth of Canadia – Oh great, just what I need, a new addiction.
Sally – Garlic breath is something I don’t worry about, I’ve got Extra Cool Green Apple gum to cover the garlic.
Lorien – I don’t really keep track of how much I spent. I’m just happy I get to try new things, write reviews, and, hopefully, entertain people.
Shellubra – I know it’s not a pretty site, because there’s crap flying all over the place.
Mary – Wow, you surf the web alot (BTW, “alot” is two words). So do I? You bought your oldest son a Sony PSP? You’re such a sweet mom. Actually, you seem pretty hot. Are you a single mom? Are you a MILF? Do you need a man in your life? Because I’d like to be that man in your life. How about we make more little brothers and sisters that “need” a Sony PSP? You know what I’m saying. Hours and hours of sweet, sweet lovin’. Hours and hours of pain for you in the delivery room. We can be a baby factory. Oooh, maybe we can take some fertility pills and we can have several at one time. We can have so many babies that we’ll put all those septuplet families to shame. The more you have the easier it gets. So if you wanna hook up, send me an email.
averil – I will probably end up doing a Caesar salad because it seems like every fast food chain has one. It probably is the least healthiest salad out there.
Kirkkitsch – Yes, we can only dream. Hey, do you want to sign up for some magazines so i can get a free Mac Mini? 😉
Jeff in Denver – Grape tomatoes? Someone doesn’t like tomatoes? I just love the way they squish in my mouth. I like to pretend they’re eyeballs.
Webmiztris – You said smelofarts…Heh heh heh.
alex – Mmm…Tempted to eat entire Wendy’s Value Menu in one sitting.
Bottom Feeder – Welcome to the ever growing genre of product review blogs!
Julie – First of all she’s cute and has a nice smile. But most importantly she’s a dork and I heart dorks. Also, they say cooks make better lovers. Okay. Okay. I read that on an apron somewhere and I don’t know if it’s true. BTW, I’m glad it’s a Bobby Flay collage and not a Mario Batali collage.
Marvo, I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that. Not, now. Here’s looking at you, kid.
Bryan – Nah, I think this is a once a year experience. Like I said before, it’s a cleansing.
Peggasus – Oh yeah, I forgot about her booty. I’d like to toss her salad…because I’d like to be helpful in the kitchen.
Amy in GA – No, I’ll probably be someone’s bitch and I’ll have to do the salad tossing.
Ken – Yeah, fast food salad is kind of an oxymoron, but it’s fast, convenient, and kind-of-sort-of fresh.
Damon – It did suck and it was kind of messy.
chenu – You’re welcome.
TheInfamousJ – I’ve never had the Wendy’s side salad, but now I’m tempted to just for the iceberg lettuce, because I love iceberg lettuce. Please note the sarcasm.
KT – Yeah, those damn jock chicken chunks. Dating cheerleaders, getting special treatment, and dunking my head into the toilet.
Priss – Wait, there’s such a thing as frozen lettuce? When the hell did that happen and where the hell can I buy it?
Bottom Feeder – She’s also got a booty.
macOtto – Yeah, I’m kind of slow in the head, so I probably won’t understand for a while.
Did they use the REAL Feta Cheese that comes from Goat’s and Sheep’s milk or the cheap thing (no offense) that comes from cow’s milk?
Since it’s Salad Week at the Impulsive Buy, you might want to try Jack’s Asian Chicken Salad… for a pre-made-fast-food-cold-chicken salad, it’s pretty good…
I also want to defend Rachael Ray. I forgot why I liked her but I think it is cuz she is a dork. My boyfriend pointed out, however, that she kind of talks to her audience like they are retarded. That made me sad cuz he is kind of right. But I also like the 30-minute meals concept and I think she has pretty good recipes too.
Also, I hate Bobby Flay. His food usually looks good but I find him too cocky. Have you heard about the scandal from when he was on the original Iron Chef?
I agree that the non-mixed salads are a pain in the butt to deal with. I will only buy one if I’m on my way home so I can put it in a big salad bowl and toss it with the dressing. My faves are Jack in the Box chicken club and Wendy’s taco salad. PS love your reviews and am looking for the Extra Green Apple gum to see if my breath will smell like weed.
Hey, Mr Jon, Sally, and Mary!
http://www.FreeFetaCheese.com
Great review! I also hate the non tossing bit, but I remove the lid and place exactly half of the salad in that, then toss and eat each half. Weird and time consuming, but what else can you do?
lightpinksheep – I hear you on the Bobby Flay issue. I very much remember the scandal from the Iron Chef – both times. The first time, Flay won and jumped up on the cutting board. Everyone said that it was rude when he stood on the cutting board. So, the second time, Flay won again, and he threw the cutting board on the ground and jumped up on the countertop again.
And, Rachel Ray is a dork. It’s tough to watch her, but I do it for the 30-minute meal ideas. It just drives me crazy when she gives that forced laugh and says she needs to add a little “E-V-O-O. That’s what we always called it in my house.” Marvo does it for the booty.
BPyser1 – I think they probably used cheap feta cheese, but what do you expect for $4.99?
akiko – Thanks for the suggestion.
lightpinksheep – I heart dorks. Anyway, the controversy from the original Iron Chef was just from not respecting cultures. Happens all the time.
Karla – I’ve started to do that with the salads since I always bring them home to eat. I don’t eat them in the restaurant because hearing the oil sizzle from the kitchen brings back bad memories.
gko – Your link doesn’t work, dude.
catmz – Eh, I could buy a Whopper value meal. No salad to toss.
Bottom Feeder – I like big butts and I cannot lie.
I never thought there could be such a thing as “too much” feta cheese…
I was proven wrong this morning when I finally had one of these salads. I don’t think my arse hole is gonna forgive me for this one.
But oh…the cheese…sooooo goood…must risk exploding ass to have another one…must…have…more…
Priss – Are you lactose intolerant? Or as PETA people would say, “It’s Mootezuma’s Revenge.” God, that was a lame joke. 🙁
I’m not lactose intolerant…
At least I don’t think I am…
I can eat grilled cheese sandwiches all day long…And when I go to Olive Garden, the foot-high pile of parmesan on my pasta doesn’t affect me, either…
…mmm…parmesan…