• Creating this salad is a joy. Let’s break down the steps so that you can replicate that Panera magic right at home.

Step 1: Prepare Your Greens and Grains

• Start by washing your chosen greens thoroughly. Spinach, mixed greens, or arugula work wonderfully. Pat them dry. Simultaneously, if you’re using grains that require cooking, prepare those according to package instructions.
• Quinoa or farro usually does the trick. You want them tender and fluffy, not mushy.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

• In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice and honey. Whisk these two together until well blended. Then, add the aged balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and whole-grain Dijon mustard. It’ll start to get creamy as you whisk.
• Next, sprinkle in the garlic granules, onion flakes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme. Continue whisking until the dressing is emulsified beautifully. Taste it; if you feel adventurous, adjust the sweetness or acidity as desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, toss together the greens and cooked grains. Don’t be shy; mix them well! Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss again to ensure everything is well-coated. You can serve this immediately, but allowing it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes intensifies the flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• If you want to get fancy, serve in individual bowls topped with extra thyme or even crumbled feta cheese. Your family or guests will marvel at how a simple salad can taste so luxurious.