Panera Fuji Chicken Salad Recipe
Recreate the Panera Fuji Chicken Salad at home with this recipe. Fresh greens, apples, and tangy dressing make it a flavorful favorite!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: panera fuji chicken salad recipe
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 296kcal
Author: Bex Smith
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 10 oz. bag of mixed baby greens
- 1 cup caramelized pecans
- 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes optional, for extra freshness
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled or seared
- 1/4 red onion thinly shaved
- 2 cups crunchy apple crisps
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries for a sweet contrast
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese
- 1 Tbsp. cold-pressed olive oil
White Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 2 –3 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with the chicken. If possible, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes in a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then grill or sear them until fully cooked. This gives the chicken a flavorful kick that’s hard to beat.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
Whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. This will serve as a tangy dressing, enhancing the flavors of your salad.
Step 3: Caramelize the Pecans
Step 4: Build the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed baby greens, diced tomatoes, shaved red onion, dried cranberries, and apple crisps. Toss lightly to mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Slice the Chicken
Step 6: Add Cheese and Pecans
Here are some valuable tips to enhance your Fuji Chicken Salad experience:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality always matters in salad. Fresh greens and seasonal fruits yield the best flavor.
- Customize the Dressing: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan alternative.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to swap Gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese if you prefer milder options.
- Chill the Ingredients: Tossing in chilled ingredients makes every bite refreshing.
- Add More Crunch: Include additional veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
Serving: 223g | Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20.5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 888mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g