Panera Fuji Apple Salad

Panera’s Fuji Apple Salad is a crisp, sweet, and savory dish that’s become a customer favorite—and for good reason. Made with mixed greens, tender grilled chicken, sweet dried apples, and tangy vinaigrette, this salad delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to recreate at home for a refreshing, satisfying meal any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is light but filling, combining protein-rich grilled chicken with sweet and crunchy elements like dried apple chips and pecans. The tangy apple vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully, while the mix of greens keeps it fresh and vibrant. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Grilled chicken breast, sliced
• Mixed greens (spring mix, romaine, or arugula)
• Dried apple chips
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles
• Candied pecans or walnuts
• Optional: fresh apple slices

For the dressing (Fuji Apple Vinaigrette):

• Apple juice or apple cider
• Apple cider vinegar
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together apple juice, vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Grill or pan-cook chicken breast until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice thinly.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, apple chips, cheese crumbles, and candied pecans.
4. Top with sliced chicken.
5. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 to 3 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time (for chicken): 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken or substitute with chickpeas or tofu.
• Use fresh apples: Add thinly sliced fresh Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for more crunch.
• Try different cheese: Goat cheese or feta are great substitutes for blue cheese.
• Add grains: Quinoa or farro make it heartier and add extra nutrition.
• Swap the dressing: Balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing can be used for a different twist.

storage/reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If prepping ahead, store the components separately and add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens from wilting.

Store:

• Greens and toppings: Up to 2 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
• Chicken: Up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Dressing: Up to 1 week in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.

Reheating:

• Only reheat the chicken; warm in the microwave or skillet until heated through. Do not heat the salad or dressing.

FAQs

What kind of apples are in Panera’s Fuji Apple Salad?

Panera uses dried Fuji apple chips, but you can add fresh apple slices as well for added texture.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, any apple vinaigrette or a tangy balsamic-based dressing will work.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Keep the dressing separate until just before serving and store the components separately if meal prepping.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, if using gluten-free apple chips and dressing, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this salad without cheese?

Of course. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or even hard-boiled eggs are great alternatives.

What kind of greens work best?

A mix of baby greens, romaine, and arugula creates a flavorful, textured base.

Are candied pecans necessary?

Not at all. You can use plain toasted nuts, seeds, or leave them out entirely.

Can I use bottled apple juice for the vinaigrette?

Yes, just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar for the best flavor.

Is this a good salad for meal prep?

Yes, if you store the dressing and wet ingredients separately, it’s perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

Conclusion

The Panera Fuji Apple Salad is a crisp, refreshing, and nourishing option that’s easy to replicate at home. With its balance of sweet apple, tangy vinaigrette, and savory toppings, it’s a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is a wholesome favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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