Panera Fuji Apple Salad is delicious combination of green leaf lettuce, dried apples and a delicious homemade salad dressing recipe. Easy copycat recipe that the whole family loves.
I love going to Panera for their delicious soups, sandwiches and salads. But I love making copycat recipes and knew I could recreate their Fuji apple chicken salad to save time and money.
This salad was easy to replicate because of the simple ingredients. If you love Panera as much as I do, you may love these copycat recipes – Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
I love having a big green salad for lunch because of the many ways it can be made. This Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Copycat Recipe is loaded with flavor and easy to meal prep for the week.
The combination of the ingredients makes this recipe works. If you have leftover chicken, this salad is perfect to make.
Ingredients
- Mixed Salad Greens – I like using the spring mix because it has romaine, baby arugula and kale.
- Fuji Apples, thinly sliced – Use fresh or dried apple crisps
- Red Onion, thinly sliced – If you do not like onions, you can leave them out.
- Gorgonzola Cheese Crumbles – Feta cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese works as a great substitute.
- Toasted Pecans – Make Air Fryer Candied Pecans to add to this delicious salad
- Grilled Chicken Breast, sliced – Make Grilled Chicken Tenders or use rotisserie chicken. Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts works great too.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – If you are out, see The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Apples – You can use 2 medium Fuji apples, thinly sliced instead of the apple chips.
- Dressing – We love making homemade salad dressing, but feel free to use a salad dressing that you prefer.
- Additions – This salad is great by adding in cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and croutons.
How to Make Panera Fuji Apple Salad
Step 1 – In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
Step 2 – In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, and sliced red onion.
Step 3 – Add the dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, toasted pecans and apple chips to the bowl.
Step 4 – Add the grilled chicken to the salad.
- Step 5 – Drizzle the desired amount of apple vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Step 6 – Serve the salad immediately.
Expert Tips
- Making Ahead – If you would like to save time or make lunches for the week, prepare the salad as directed. Divide the salad in individual containers and keep the dressing on the side.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients – Chop the vegetables in bite size pieces so that it is easier to eat.
Serving Suggestions
This copycat salad recipe can be served as it is because of the grilled chicken that it is made with. But it also makes a delicious side dish for your next cookout or potluck.
Make these Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe, Grilled Hot Dogs with a side of Traditional Potato Salad Recipe for a complete meal idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
The apple chips that Panera Uses are Seneca Apple Chips but any brand of apple chips will work.
If you make this salad as directed, it is best served immediately. If you plan on having leftovers I would serve the salad without the dressing. Then everyone can add their dressing in individual bowls. Then store leftover salad ingredients in an airtight container and keep in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
More Easy Panera Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make this Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Panera Fuji Apple Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens spring mix
- 2 medium Fuji apples thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup apple chips
- 4 ounces grilled chicken breast sliced
Apple Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon finely minced shallot
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, and sliced red onion.
- Add the dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, toasted pecans and apple chips to the bowl.
- Add the grilled chicken to the salad.
- Drizzle the desired amount of apple vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve the salad immediately.