# Nutrient-Rich Fast Food Salads The Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad is High in Protein and Fiber By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-05-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-mediterranean-chicken-salad References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2016/05/wendys-introduces-new-power-mediterranean-chicken-salad.html) & [wendys](https://www.wendys.com/en-us/salads/power-mediterranean-chicken-salad) In an effort to cater to health-concious consumers, [Wendy's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/springinspired-menu) is adding a nutritious new dish called the Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad to its menu. Not only will the salad offer a lighter alternative to the chain's burgers and side dishes, but it will also serve as a nutritious choice for those looking to [up their protein intake](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-menu). The Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a healthy dish that deviates from traditional fast food fare. Instead of a mixture of lettuce and fresh vegetables, the salad features a hearty blend of quinoa, chickpeas and white beans for a unique flavor profile. These ingredients are accompanied by lettuce, spring mix, grape tomatoes, grilled chicken, fire-roasted bell peppers, crumbled feta and hummus. In total, the full-sized version of the salad features 40 grams of protein. The dish is also lower in calories and higher in fiber than the chain's other salad offerings, making it one of the healthiest menu items to date. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Health-conscious Fast Food:** Fast food chains are introducing healthier menu options to cater to health-conscious consumers, creating opportunities for nutritious alternatives. - **Protein-packed Salads:** Salads with high protein content are gaining popularity as a nutritious choice for individuals seeking to increase their protein intake, presenting opportunities for innovative salad ingredients. - **Alternative Flavor Profiles:** Diverse ingredient combinations, such as the addition of quinoa, chickpeas, and white beans, are being incorporated into salads to create unique and flavorful alternatives to traditional fast food fare. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** Fast food industry players, including Wendy's, are diversifying their menus to include healthier options, opening up opportunities for nutritious fast food offerings. - **Health and Wellness:** The growing demand for healthier fast food choices is driving the health and wellness industry to develop innovative solutions and products catering to health-conscious consumers. - **Alternative Ingredients:** Food ingredient suppliers are exploring the incorporation of unique ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, and white beans into their product offerings, providing opportunities for ingredient innovation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Beefy Cheeseburger Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-cheeseburger-salad.md) - [Maximized Protein Entree Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-max-protein-bowl.md) - [Refreshing Spring-Ready QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/springinspired-menu.md) - [New Health-Focused Restaurant Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saladworks-new-menu.md) - [Nutrient-Rich Cauliflower Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauliflower-power-salad.md) - [Chicken Tender-Topped Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-fried-salad.md) - [Mediterranean-Style Chicken Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greek-goddess.md) - [Handheld QSR Salad Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pita-pit-salad-shakers.md) - [Topping-Packed Salad Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonduelle-bistro-loaded-bowls.md)