Panera Fuji Apple Salad Recipe

This homemade Panera Fuji Apple Salad is everything you crave in a fresh, satisfying salad — crisp greens, juicy chicken, tangy-sweet apple chips, and that iconic, bold Fuji apple vinaigrette. It’s a quick, wholesome meal you can throw together in minutes, making it absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches. Best part? You don’t have to wait in line at Panera to get that restaurant-level flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Assembly: You can whip this salad up in about 15 minutes, especially if you’ve got pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken on hand.
• Burst of Flavors: The mix of tart apple chips, creamy gorgonzola, toasted pecans, and sweet vinaigrette is beautifully balanced and full of texture.
• Nutritious & Fresh: Packed with leafy greens, lean protein, and crunchy toppings, this is a feel-good meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
• Easy to Customize: Whether you want it dairy-free, vegetarian, or a bit more indulgent, this recipe is super flexible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Mixed Greens: The base of the salad; use a spring mix or arugula-spinach combo for freshness and bite.
• Grilled Chicken: Adds protein and heartiness; rotisserie or leftover chicken makes prep faster.
• Fuji Apple Chips: These bring that signature sweet-tart crunch. Look for thinly sliced dried apple chips for the best texture.
• Gorgonzola Cheese: A creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apple and dressing. Crumbled blue cheese works too.
• Toasted Pecans: Adds a buttery crunch. Toast them lightly to bring out the nutty aroma.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of sharpness that cuts through the sweetness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Optional, but they add freshness and color to round out the salad.
• Fuji Apple Vinaigrette: The magic of this salad! A mix of apple juice or cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of garlic.

Variations

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken or sub with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
• Add Grains: Toss in some cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
• Dairy-Free: Leave out the cheese or use a plant-based crumble.
• Fruit Swap: Use fresh thinly sliced apples or pears if you don’t have apple chips.
• Nut-Free: Swap pecans for roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

How to Make Panera Fuji Apple Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant. Let them cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or on a platter, layer your mixed greens. Top with sliced grilled chicken, apple chips, crumbled gorgonzola, red onion slices, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pecans.

Step 4: Drizzle and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the Fuji apple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Cold Chicken: Warm chicken can wilt the greens quickly. If using freshly cooked chicken, let it cool slightly before slicing.
• Make the Vinaigrette Ahead: It stays good in the fridge for up to a week and gets better as it sits!
• Thinly Slice Everything: This helps every bite get a little bit of everything — the ideal salad experience.
• Crunch Factor: Don’t add apple chips too early or they can lose their crispness. Add them last!

How to Serve

This salad works beautifully as a light main course or a hearty side dish. Pair it with:

A crusty baguette or sourdough slice

Perfect for soaking up extra vinaigrette.

A warm bowl of soup

Tomato bisque, butternut squash, or chicken noodle soup are all great companions.

A simple iced tea or sparkling apple cider

Complements the fruity notes of the vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep vinaigrette separate to prevent soggy greens.

Freezing

Not recommended. The texture of the greens and apple chips won’t hold up well in the freezer.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! Just give leftovers a gentle toss and maybe refresh with a splash more vinaigrette.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Fuji Apple vinaigrette?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, there are some excellent store-bought versions available. Just check the label to avoid ones that are overly sweet or filled with additives.

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple chips?
Yes! Thinly sliced fresh Fuji or Honeycrisp apples work great. They’ll give you a juicier bite compared to the crisp texture of apple chips.

What other cheese can I use instead of gorgonzola?
Feta, goat cheese, or even shaved parmesan can work if you’re not into blue cheese. Just pick something tangy and creamy.

How can I meal prep this salad?
Prep and portion the greens, cooked chicken, and toppings into containers. Keep the apple chips and dressing separate until just before serving to keep things fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Panera Fuji Apple Salad recipe is the kind of meal that proves salads don’t have to be boring. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make at home. Whether you’re packing lunch, prepping for dinner, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this salad hits all the right notes. Give it a try — you might just skip the takeout line for good!

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