Fuji Apple Panera Salad

Table of Contents

1. Fuji Apple Panera Salad Ingredients
2. Substitutions And Additions
3. How To Make This Fuji Apple Panera Salad Recipe
4. How To Serve
5. When To Serve
6. Storage
7. Why We Love This Recipe
8. More Recipes You’ll Love
9. JUMP TO RECIPE
10. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

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 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

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.

FUJI APPLE: If you can’t find Fuji apples, you can easily swap them for Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady apples.

DRIED CRANBERRIES: Don’t have dried cranberries? No problem! You can replace them with dried cherries, raisins, or even dried apricots.

LETTUCE: While spring mix lettuce is the classic choice for this salad, you can experiment with other leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or romaine.

Each variety will bring its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize your salad to your liking.

AVOCADO: For an extra dose of creaminess and healthy fats, consider adding slices of ripe avocado to your salad.

Avocado pairs wonderfully with the sweet apples and tangy dressing.

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.

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.

STEP FIVE: Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of Panera Fuji apple dressing over the salad.

You could also allow each person to drizzle the dressing over the salad in their bowls.

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.

Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a juicy steak to elevate your main course.

Transform this salad into a delicious wrap by placing a generous portion inside a large tortilla or a lettuce leaf.

Serve this salad as part of a brunch spread. It pairs wonderfully with quiches, omelets, or a selection of breakfast pastries.

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.

When To Serve

LUNCH: The combination of crisp apples, candied pecans, and creamy dressing provides a balanced and flavorful midday meal.

DINNER: Serve it as a light and refreshing dinner option, especially on warm summer evenings.

BRUNCH: Include this salad as part of a brunch spread. Its fruity and nutty elements add a delicious twist to your brunch menu.

POTLUCK: It’s an excellent choice for potluck gatherings or picnics. The portable nature of this salad makes it easy to transport.

Storage

Now that you’ve whipped up this scrumptious salad, let’s talk about how to store it to keep those flavors fresh.

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare some components of this salad in advance.

Wash, slice, and store the Fuji apples in a resealable plastic bag with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply assemble the salad by tossing everything together for a quick and convenient meal.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three 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.

Why We Love This Recipe

VIBRANT FLAVORS: The sweet Fuji apples, the creamy richness of gorgonzola cheese, and the tangy dressing come together to create a variety of irresistible flavors.

CROWD-PLEASER: The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy elements ensures that everyone at the table will find something to love.

PRESENTATION: With its colorful ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

This Fuji apple Panera salad is a favorite menu item, and this copycat recipe lets you make the same salad right in your own kitchen. With minimal prep time, you can recreate the salad with all the sweet flavors of the original.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Pistachio Salad
• Cherry Fluff
• Potato Chip Chicken
• Chinese Chicken Salad
• Classic Coleslaw
• KFC Copycat Coleslaw

Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Salad Recipes

• Chicken Salad
• Waldorf Salad
• Overnight Fruit Salad
• Broccoli Salad
• Orange Creamsicle Salad
• Snickers Salad
• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Pineapple Pretzel Salad
• Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad
• Watermelon Salad
• Jello Salad
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Apple Recipes

• Crockpot Applesauce
• Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
• Apple Fritter Bread
• Apple Crisp
• Apple Enchiladas
• Apple Salad