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Easy panera fuji chicken salad recipe

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
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: panera fuji chicken salad recipe
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 296kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • Grill

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

  • In a non-stick skillet, add pecans and a touch of honey. Cook on medium heat until they become golden brown and fragrant. Toss them periodically to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and let them cool.

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

  • Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Pecans

  • Top the salad with the crumbled Gorgonzola and cooled caramelized pecans. Their crunch adds a delightful contrast to the soft greens.

Step 7: Dress It Up

  • Finally, drizzle your homemade vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients without wilting the greens.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 223g | Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20.5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 888mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!