Panera Fuji Apple Salad Recipe

This Panera Fuji Apple Salad recipe is a fresh, crisp, and tangy delight that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen. It’s loaded with crunchy greens, juicy grilled chicken, sweet dried apples, and a zesty apple vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, this salad is quick to prep and full of vibrant textures. The combination of savory, sweet, and tart makes every bite incredibly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Effortless: This salad comes together in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for lunch or dinner on a tight schedule.
• Better Than Takeout: You get all the flavors of the original Panera salad, but fresher and fully customizable at home.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein from grilled chicken, fiber from greens, and antioxidants from apples and pecans, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about.
• Flavor Explosion: The tangy-sweet vinaigrette and chewy dried apples are a match made in salad heaven. Trust me, this dressing is a game-changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to gather to make this Panera-inspired Fuji Apple Salad:

• Mixed Greens: Use a mix of romaine, arugula, and baby spinach for a crisp and peppery base. A spring mix works well too.
• Grilled Chicken: Juicy, seasoned chicken breast adds lean protein. Use store-bought grilled chicken or leftovers for a time-saver.
• Dried Apple Chips: These give the salad its signature sweet crunch. Use unsweetened for a more natural apple flavor.
• Grape Tomatoes: Adds a pop of freshness and acidity. Slice them in half for easier bites.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness of the apples.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese: Offers a bold, creamy bite. Goat cheese or feta can work as substitutes.
• Candied Pecans: Crunchy, sweet, and slightly buttery, these nuts add incredible texture. Toasted pecans work too if you prefer less sugar.
• Apple Cider Vinaigrette: A tangy, slightly sweet dressing made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey.

Variations

There’s so much room to get creative with this salad:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken or replace it with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
• Different Cheese: Not a fan of blue cheese? Try feta, goat cheese, or shaved parmesan.
• Fruits: Swap the apple chips for fresh apple slices, pears, or dried cranberries for a fall twist.
• Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different flavor and crunch.
• Low-Sugar: Use plain toasted nuts and unsweetened apple chips to lower the sugar content.

How to Make the Panera Fuji Apple Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re cooking the chicken from scratch, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika. Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl or serving platter, spread out your mixed greens. Top with sliced grape tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese.

Step 3: Add the Apples and Nuts

Sprinkle over the dried apple chips and candied pecans, making sure to distribute them evenly so each bite has a little crunch and sweetness.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Layer the sliced chicken breast on top of the salad.

Step 5: Drizzle the Dressing

Whisk together your apple cider vinaigrette ingredients (apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper) and drizzle generously over the salad just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a huge time-saver and still tastes amazing in this salad.
• Chill the Dressing: Letting the vinaigrette sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Slice Ingredients Thinly: Thinly sliced onions and apple chips blend more evenly into each bite, making the salad more balanced.
• Toss Right Before Serving: To keep everything crisp, toss the salad with dressing just before serving rather than in advance.

How to Serve

This salad makes a lovely light dinner or lunch all on its own, but it can also shine as part of a bigger meal:

Pairings:

• Soup: Pair with creamy tomato soup or a light chicken noodle.
• Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls.
• Drink: A sparkling apple cider or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes of this salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the salad components separate if possible. Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Not recommended. The greens and apples don’t freeze well and will lose their texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat anything unless you’re using freshly cooked chicken. If so, warm the chicken gently before adding it to the salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing, nuts, and apple chips separate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

What if I don’t have apple chips?
No problem! Thinly slice a fresh Fuji or Honeycrisp apple for a fresh, juicy bite instead.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Absolutely. Look for apple cider vinaigrette or honey mustard vinaigrette as a close alternative. But homemade is worth the extra 5 minutes!

Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your chicken and dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and fast, this Panera Fuji Apple Salad hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you excited to eat a salad—seriously. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just tossing together a quick dinner, it’s got the perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and zing. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation!

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