May 10, 2023
Review RecipeFuji Apple Panera Salad
There are so many flavors in this Fuji apple Panera salad, from the crisp Fuji apple flavor to crunchy pecans, creamy cheese, and vinaigrette salad dressing.
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Table of Contents
This copycat Fuji apple Panera salad has the same amazing ingredients found in the original version from Panera Bread, but now you don’t have to leave home to enjoy it. The salad’s perfect combination of flavors features notes of cider vinegar, along with crisp apple chips, crunchy pecans, tangy cheese, and tender chicken.
Fuji Apple Panera Salad Ingredients
This apple salad has the perfect combination of both sweet and savory, with fresh greens and tart apples that perfectly complement the grilled chicken and tangy vinaigrette dressing.
The apple chips and pecans offer a satisfying crunch, while the salty cheese adds a delicious balance to the sweetness of the salad.
You’ll need:
- 1 (11-ounce) package of spring salad mix, washed and dried
- 2½ cups of sliced rotisserie chicken
- 1 (2.5-ounce) bag of apple chips (I used Seneca original apple chips)
- 1 (5-ounce) package of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- ½ cup of shaved parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1½ cups of halved grape tomatoes
- 1 cup of pecan halves
- 1 cup of thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup of dried sweetened cranberries
- Panera Fuji apple vinaigrette dressing
Substitutions And Additions
CHEESE: Not a fan of Gorgonzola? You can substitute crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese in this fuji apple chicken salad.
NUTS: You can substitute candied pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds for the halved pecans.
DRESSING: You can also use a champagne vinaigrette or apple cider vinaigrette for the Panera Fuji apple salad dressing.
TOMATOES: If grape tomatoes aren’t available at your grocery store, you can easily toss halved cherry tomatoes into your tasty salad.
How To Make This Fuji Apple Panera Salad Recipe
This delicious salad comes together quickly and easily, especially with the pre-made salad dressing. Once all the ingredients have been added to your salad bowl, you can toss the salad to mix it all up and serve.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Place the sliced red onions in a small dish of cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Soaking the onions in cold water helps remove some of the raw onion taste. It is optional to do. When ready to prepare the salad, drain the onions.
STEP ONE: Add the spring mix to a large bowl.
STEP TWO: Sprinkle the sliced chicken over the salad mix.
STEP THREE: Sprinkle the apple chips over the sliced chicken.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola, shaved parmesan cheese, halved grape tomatoes, pecan halves, sliced onion, and dried cranberries. Toss/stir the salad to distribute all of the salad ingredients evenly.
PRO TIP:
Toss the salad carefully, as you don’t want to break or crush any of the ingredients in this salad.
STEP FIVE: Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of Panera Fuji apple dressing over the salad, or wait and allow each person to drizzle the dressing over the salad in their bowls.
PRO TIP:
If you anticipate having leftover salad, it is best to allow everyone to add the dressing to their individual salads so that the rest doesn’t get soggy from the dressing while stored in the fridge.
How To Serve
This wonderful recipe will become your new favorite salad with its complex and rich flavors. Enjoy it alone as a meal salad or with crusty dinner rolls or beer bread to mop up all the tangy dressing.
For a larger meal, add a warm bowl of comforting soup such as our butternut squash soup or broccoli cheese soup.
If you are a fan of homemade salads, our southwest salad, and chicken bacon ranch salad are two more ways to enjoy a full meal all in one bowl.
MORE SALAD RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
IN THE FREEZER: None of the components of this salad will freeze well and will end up soggy if you try to keep it for longer storage.
Panera’s Fuji apple salad is a favorite menu item, and this copycat recipe lets you make the same amazing salad right in your own kitchen. With minimal prep time, you can recreate the creamy salad with all the sweet flavor of the original.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I buy Panera’s Fuji apple dressing?
The Panera dressing can be found online or at your local grocery store. It is often kept in the store’s refrigerated section of the produce department.
Can I use a different type of apples in this Panera bread Fuji apple salad?
Yes! Any type of apple will add a delicious sweetness to this yummy salad recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to my Fuji apple salad with chicken?
This salad is very flexible, and you can customize it to your liking. Add bacon, nuts, seeds, cucumber, or other types of cheese.
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Fuji Apple Panera Salad
There are so many flavors in this Fuji apple Panera salad, from the crisp Fuji apple flavor to crunchy pecans, creamy cheese, and vinaigrette salad dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 11 ounces spring salad mix (washed and drained)
- 2½ cups sliced rotisserie chicken (I used the chicken breast)
- 2.5 ounces apple chips (I used Seneca original apple chips)
- 5 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese, optional
- 1½ cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
- Panera Fuji apple vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Add the salad mix to a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle the sliced chicken over the salad mix.
- Sprinkle the apple chips over the sliced chicken.
- Sprinkle the crumbled Gorgonzola, shaved parmesan cheese, halved grape tomatoes, pecan halves, sliced onion, and dried cranberries. Toss/stir the salad to evenly distribute all of the salad ingredients.
- Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad, or wait and allow each person to drizzle the dressing over the salad in their bowls.
Notes
- Place the sliced red onions in a small dish of cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Soaking the onions in cold water helps remove some of the raw onion taste. It is optional to do. When ready to prepare the salad, drain the onions.
- Toss the salad carefully, as you don’t want to break or crush any of the ingredients in this salad.
- If you anticipate having leftover salad, it is best to allow everyone to add the dressing to their individual salads so that the rest doesn’t get soggy from the dressing while stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 732kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1582mg | Potassium: 429mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 965IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 283mg | Iron: 2mg
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