Go Back
–+ servings
Easy Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe

I remember the first time I tried the Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was craving something light yet filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • Large Salad Bowl

Ingredients

Chicken and Salad

  • 8 cups torn butter lettuce leaves
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
  • 3/4 cup canned mandarin oranges drained
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese optional, for creaminess
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews
  • 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
  • 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest for an added citrusy aroma
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until it’s cooked through. Remove and set aside to cool. Once cooled, slice into thin strips.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, champagne vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, honey, shallot, garlic, orange zest, mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the poppy seeds last and stir gently.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large salad bowl, add the torn butter lettuce. Drizzle with a small portion of the dressing. Next, layer in strawberries, blueberries, pineapple slices, mandarin oranges, and sliced chicken. Sprinkle goat cheese and cashews on top.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

  • Gently toss the salad together. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or dressing if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest produce for the best flavor.
  • Prep Ahead: Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
  • Chicken Options: Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well.
  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken for a lighter option.
  • Scale It Up: Multiply for larger gatherings.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!