Name: Panera Apple Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens; 1 whole tomato (sliced); 1 whole Fuji apple (diced); ½ whole red onion (sliced); ¼ cup sunflower seeds (shelled); ⅓ cup goat or feta cheese (crumbled); 1-2 whole cooked chicken breasts (sliced); 2 ounces white balsamic vinegar; 2 ounces olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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When I think of a refreshing and delightful meal, the Panera Apple Salad instantly comes to mind. I recall those busy afternoons when I needed something quick yet satisfying, and this salad was my go-to. The balance of crisp greens and sweet apples always invigorated my spirits. It’s amazing how a simple combination can bring so much joy. I often found myself craving it, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, every bite of this salad is a celebration of flavors and textures.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
18 g

Diet:
Keto, Whole30, Gluten-Free

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl

Why This Panera Apple Salad Hits Different

Freshness is Key

The Panera Apple Salad stands out because it showcases the freshness of its ingredients. Each component, from the mixed greens to the crisp Fuji apple, adds its unique flavor and texture, making every forkful a delightful experience.

Versatile and Adaptable

This salad is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a hearty main course or a refreshing side. The choice to add chicken gives it a protein boost, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Health Benefits

Not only is it delicious, but the Panera Apple Salad is also packed with nutrients. The mix of greens provides vitamins and minerals, while the apple adds fiber and natural sweetness.

Perfect for Autumn Gatherings

As fall rolls in, this salad becomes a favorite at gatherings. The vibrant colors and crisp flavors add a festive touch to any table. It’s a dish that brings people together.

Simplicity in Preparation

One of my favorite aspects of this salad is how easy it is to prepare. Tossing everything together in a bowl makes it a quick option for those hectic days when you need a healthy meal in no time.

Ingredients for Panera Apple Salad

The ingredients for the Panera Apple Salad are simple yet powerful. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and vibrant dish. The combination of greens, fruits, seeds, and dressing works harmoniously to elevate this salad to new heights.

4 cups mixed greens – A blend of fresh greens provides the base for our salad, adding both crunch and nutrition.
1 tomato, sliced – The juicy tomato brings a burst of flavor and moisture to the dish.
1 Fuji apple, diced – Sweet and crisp, the Fuji apple adds a refreshing element that contrasts beautifully with other ingredients.
½ red onion, sliced – Red onion adds a subtle sharpness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
¼ cup sunflower seeds, shelled – These seeds provide a delightful crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
⅓ cup crumbled goat or feta cheese – The creamy texture of goat cheese adds richness and depth.
1-2 cooked, sliced chicken breasts – For those who enjoy protein, chicken makes the salad more filling and satisfying.
2 ounces white balsamic vinegar – This tangy dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully.
2 ounces olive oil – The olive oil binds the ingredients while adding a healthy fat component.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
½ teaspoon pepper – A touch of pepper adds a mild kick.
1 tablespoon honey – This natural sweetener balances the acidity of the dressing.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – A hint of garlic brings depth to the dressing.

Putting Together Panera Apple Salad

Making the Panera Apple Salad is a breeze! Let’s dive into the steps. With just a few simple actions, you’ll have a fresh, vibrant salad ready for serving.

Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always helpful to have everything ready before you begin, making the process smoother.
In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, tomato, Fuji apple, red onion, and sunflower seeds. Make sure the greens are the star of the show, with the other ingredients scattered evenly throughout.
If you’re using chicken, slice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl. Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the amount of chicken based on how filling you want the salad to be.
Next, prepare the dressing. In a jar, combine the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, honey, and garlic powder. Seal the jar and shake it well until all the ingredients are combined and emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the salad. As you do, keep an eye on the amount. You can always add more, but it’s best to start with a little and adjust according to your taste.
Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly with the dressing. It’s essential to be gentle here so that the mixed greens don’t get bruised.
Once everything is well combined, the salad is ready to serve! I recommend enjoying it immediately for the freshest taste.
If you have leftovers, store them separately to avoid soggy greens. The dressing can be kept in the jar for the next day.
When serving, consider adding a sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds or cheese for an added touch.

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Freshness: Always use fresh ingredients to enhance flavor. Wilted greens can dampen the taste of your salad.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to add more honey to taste.
Experiment with Greens: Try different greens like spinach or arugula for variety.
Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients in advance but don’t assemble until you’re ready to eat to keep everything crisp.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of the Panera Apple Salad lies in its adaptability! Here are some suggestions to personalize your salad.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the crispness of the greens.
Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients.
Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Variations: Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch, or substitute the chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Seasonal Additions: Consider including seasonal fruits like pears or cranberries during the fall for a festive twist.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad over a bed of quinoa or couscous for added texture and nutritional value.

What Complements This Panera Apple Salad

Grilled Chicken: Serve with grilled chicken for a fulfilling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Soup Pairing: This salad goes well with a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially on chilly days.
Picnic Delight: A great choice for picnics, pack it in a container with a cooling pack.
Seasonal Events: Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or fall luncheons, adding color to your table.
Storage Tips: For best results, store leftover salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness.

FAQ

The Panera Apple Salad is special due to its harmonious blend of fresh ingredients that together create a delightful flavor experience. The sweetness of the Fuji apple paired with the savory goat cheese and the crunch of sunflower seeds makes every bite memorable. It’s a versatile dish, easy to prepare, and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side, which adds to its appeal. This salad truly shines during the fall when apples are at their best, making it a seasonal favorite.

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients for the Panera Apple Salad in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the greens. You can store the salad components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for a day or two. This makes it a great option for meal prep or when hosting gatherings where you want to minimize the last-minute rush.

The Panera Apple Salad pairs wonderfully with proteins like grilled chicken or fish, making it a complete meal. It also complements soups, especially creamy tomato or butternut squash, for a comforting duo. For a more hearty option, serve it alongside a warm quinoa or couscous dish. Whether for lunch or dinner, this salad is versatile enough to fit into various meal contexts.

Yes, the Panera Apple Salad can easily be made vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and enjoy the salad as is, or add some protein-rich alternatives like chickpeas or tofu to make it more filling. The flavors from the other ingredients will still shine through, making it a delicious option for vegetarians looking for a tasty salad.

Conclusion

The Panera Apple Salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that truly makes it a standout dish. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion, and showcases the wonderful flavors of fresh produce, especially during fall. I encourage you to try this recipe; it might just become your new favorite salad!

Panera Apple Salad

The perfect balance of fresh greens and sweet apples, the Panera Apple Salad is a delightful treat for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and textures, it makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a refreshing lunch. You won't want to miss out on making this delicious salad tonight!

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 cups mixed greens
1 whole tomato sliced
1 whole Fuji apple diced
½ whole red onion sliced
¼ cup sunflower seeds shelled
⅓ cup goat or feta cheese crumbled
1-2 whole cooked chicken breasts sliced
2 ounces white balsamic vinegar
2 ounces olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

Chef's Knife
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl

Method

Toss all ingredients in a large salad bowl. The amount of chicken you use depends on how many you're feeding. As a main dish, this salad feeds 2 and 8 ounces of chicken breast is plenty. Place all dressing ingredients in a jar. Seal and shake. Pour over salad, toss to coat. Serve immediately.