Zaxby's Zalad from Zaxby's features fresh mixed greens topped with crispy chicken fingers, shredded cheddar and jack cheese, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy fried onions, all drizzled with your choice of signature dressing, delivering a flavorful and satisfying salad experience.
Equipments
- Salad bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Tongs
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Paper towels
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Plate (for assembling fried chicken and onions)
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 cups breaded chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crunchy fried onions
- 1/2 cup salad dressing (ranch, honey mustard, or your choice)
- Vegetable oil (for frying chicken and/or onions, if making from scratch)
- Salt (optional, for seasoning)
- Pepper (optional, for seasoning)
Ensure that the chicken tenders are cooked to a golden crisp by maintaining the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF during frying to achieve the perfect crunch without being greasy. Use fresh mixed salad greens to provide a crisp base that complements the richness of the breaded chicken and shredded cheeses. Grape tomatoes should be washed and halved to enhance the freshness and juiciness of the salad. You can adjust the amount of crunchy fried onions depending on your desired texture and flavor intensity. Zaxby's Zalad from Zaxby's copycat menu offers a satisfying blend of crispy chicken, fresh greens, and flavorful toppings, making it a favorite for those craving a tasty and balanced salad.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and dry mixed salad greens and grape tomatoes.
- Slice grape tomatoes in halves.
- Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Bread chicken tenders if preparing from scratch.
- Heat vegetable oil in frying pan or deep fryer.
- Fry chicken tenders until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Slice fried chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces.
- Fry onions if making fried onions from scratch, drain on paper towels.
- Place mixed greens in a large salad bowl or platter.
- Arrange grape tomato halves evenly over the greens.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over salad.
- Top salad with sliced fried chicken.
- Add crunchy fried onions on top.
- Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Drizzle salad dressing of your choice over the top.
- Toss gently with tongs or serve as is.
Substitution
Zaxby's Zalad from Zaxby's copycat menu combines mixed greens, crispy chicken fingers, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, grape tomatoes, crunchy fried onions, and your preferred signature dressing. You can substitute pre-cooked or store-bought chicken tenders to save time while achieving similar texture and flavor. If frying onions from scratch, thinly sliced onions can be coated in flour and fried until golden in vegetable oil, or use packaged crispy onions for convenience. When assembling the salad, gently toss the ingredients in a large bowl with your chosen dressing to evenly coat without wilting the greens. Make sure to drain fried items on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly dry your mixed greens and grape tomatoes to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When frying chicken tenders, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF to ensure they cook through evenly without absorbing excess oil. Use paper towels to drain fried chicken and onions properly, which helps keep them crispy. Your choice of dressing significantly affects the flavor balance, so select one that complements the savory chicken and fresh vegetables.
Nutritions
Zaxby's Zalad provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates suitable for a meal with fresh greens, crispy chicken fingers, and shredded cheeses. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein from the chicken tenders and cheese, supporting muscle repair and satiety. The mixed greens and grape tomatoes contribute essential vitamins A and C, while the fried onions and dressing add flavor and fats, increasing calorie content primarily from oils. Your choice of dressing affects the nutritional profile, so selecting lighter options like honey mustard can reduce calorie and fat intake.
Storage
Store your Zaxby's Zalad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the mixed greens fresh and crisp. Keep the fried chicken tenders and crunchy fried onions in separate containers to maintain their texture and reheat the chicken before serving for optimal flavor. Refrigerate salad dressing separately to prevent sogginess and add it just before eating to enjoy the best taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap traditional chicken tenders for grilled or baked chicken strips to reduce oil content for a healthier option. Try substituting shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack with feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile. Use avocado slices or cucumber for added freshness and creaminess in place of tomatoes. For a different texture, replace crunchy fried onions with toasted nuts or seeds, providing your Zaxby's Zalad with a unique crunch.
Allergies
Zaxby's Zalad contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and gluten from the breaded chicken tenders and fried onions. The breading and frying process may also introduce egg or soy allergens depending on the preparation method used by the restaurant. You should inform the staff about any allergies to avoid reactions, as cross-contamination may occur during food preparation.
Why this recipe?
Zaxby's Zalad menu is popular for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, offering a satisfying yet healthier alternative to traditional fast food. The crisp greens, grilled or fried chicken options, and unique dressings create a balanced meal that appeals to a variety of tastes. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients and control quality while enjoying the iconic Zaxby's taste at home. Your efforts to recreate these salads capture the crave-worthy combinations and convenience that fans love.