I might be known on Honest Grub, Honest Foodie as a St. Louis Bread Company [ Panera 😉 ] lover. Why? Number 1 because that is very true and number 2 because I love recreating Panera recipes. I love creating them with my HGHF spin on them. I love to make them accessible at home, cheaper and a bit healthier homemade for us! So after I have created the Copy Cat Panera Modern Greek Salad and the Chipotle Chicken Sandwich, this was the next request for you guys! Copy Cat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is on constant request and I am very excited to finally bring this recipe to you guys!
Now something that is big for me here at HGHF is it is one thing to tell you all the ingredients to put in the salad. However, you can figure that out by reading the ingredient list on the menu. I always like to bring you guys a way to create the dressing yourself or whatever it might be to give it more a homemade healthier spin that you will NOT regret!
I have been told that this Apple Balsamic Vinegar Dressing is better than the OG one…. just saying, plus it is super easy to not make yourself! 🙂
What Makes This Copy Cat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad so AMAZING?
Well it comes down to the delicious combination of ingredients. You might be skeptical of apple chips on salads or maybe the gorgonzola? But I am telling you, each ingredient pairs so well with each other– each bite just works so well with one another. You will be so happy you made this!!
Mixed Greens
You can use whatever your favorite mixed greens are for this recipe. For me I prefer using Red Bibb lettuce as seen in the picture, but it is up to you!
Pecans
Toasting the pecans is for sure optional, however I HIGHLY recommend toasting pecans for this recipe. Toasting pecans is not only easy, but makes a big batch for salads the next day, on top of yogurt etc.
Apple Chips
The apple chips that Panera uses in theirs in store are the Seneca Foods Apple Chips which can be found at your local grocer. However I LOVE to make our own! ( recipe linked here) They are super easy and make for a great snack. Plus they are a lot healthier for you then store bought options. However there are also no added sugar store options too! So just do whatever works best for you!
Gorgonzola Cheese
I know people can be hit or miss with this cheese– however it is SOOOOO good with this dressing, the pecans and just everything, even the chicken. However is gorgonzola really isn’t for you, still use a tart cheese like feta. The sharpness and tartness of the cheese is so important in this recipe 🙂
Cherry Tomatos
I love to cut the cherry tomatoes into little wedges and it goes perfect with the salad
Grilled Chicken
Guys. I have the easiest chicken recipe for this recipe that I did on the stove top. Truly going to be how I prep my chicken for the week for salads. I am so excited to share it with you!
Red Onion
Red onion is red onion… not much to say about this one hahah 🙂
How do I make the “Grilled Chicken” For this Copy Cat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad?
We are skipping the grilling guys lol. I know I love grilling chicken, however it is too hot and sticky outside lately for me to go stand over the grill. PLUS I want you guys to be making this all year round and I don’t do all year round grilling 😉 I want you guys to be able to make this any time anywhere so I bring you this simple and delicious way to cook your chicken on stove top.
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 TBSP basil
- onion powder 1 tsp
- garlic powder 1 tsp
- salt 1 tsp
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Directions:
- Pour 1 tbsp olive in frying pan, heat to medium heat. While it is getting hot. Place your chicken breasts on plate. Then in a small bowl add your basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Whisk until fully incorporated
- Evenly disperse seasoning mixture on both sides of each chicken breasts.
- Once skillet is hot, add chicken breasts and cover the top of the frying pan with aluminum foil. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes. I start usually with 7 minutes on the first side. Then on second side start with 5. Check the inside then do 1 1/2 more minutes if need be.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing
Homemade Apple Balsamic Vinegar Dressing for this Copy Cat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
It took me forever to get this dressing just perfect.. but let me tell you, all that time to get it just right is worth it! I need it to be perfect for you guys, so I am willing to do it however many times. I went to Panera and got the salad, then had their dressing next to me the whole time, trying it and then trying mine. 5 try later I finally nailed it! Now I liked their original dressing, however it also has a very strong sweet artificial apple taste. I don’t really care for the artificial taste. Therefore I made mine a little less apple tasting, but still sweet and tangy. You guys are going to love it!
**** DO NOT use apple juice. APPLE CONCENTRATE. Meaning the FROZEN apple concentrate. Not the juice! If you use the juice it will be super watery and not the apple taste we want for the subtleness in the dressing. Also helps with the thickness.
Apple Balsamic Dressing Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup apple juice concentrate ( NOT apple juice)
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 1/8 cup WHITE Balsamic Vinegar ( not regular balsamic vinegar, needs to be white)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice ( about 1/2 a large lemon)
- 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum ( you don’t have to use Xanthan Gum, however it gives it a great thickness!)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pinch of garlic powder
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a immersion blender safe container, immersion blend and place in air tight container. Seal and refrigerate. Dressing keeps in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Other HGHF Salad Recipe Must Makes
Simple and Delicious BLT Pasta Salad
Southwest Flank Steak Salad
Fall Harvest Salad
Healthy and Easy Salad Nicoise
Questions When Making Copy Cat Panera Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
Do I need to use gorgonzola cheese?
You don’t HAVE to… however I highly recommend that you do because all these ingredients balance eachother so well! The Gorgonzola pairs so well with the toasted pecans & chicken! Not to mention with the dressing!
Is there a way to not use xanthan gum in the dressing?
You don’t have to use xanthan gum for the dressing, however it gives it the great thickness consistency and I highly recommend it
Why apple CONCENTRATE and not apple JUICE?
This is KEY to the dressing working. I tried it twice with apple juice and it did not work lol. Too watery and not the right taste! Then I drove to Target twice for apple juice concentrate and that is PERFECT. It makes this dressing perfection.
How long does the Apple Balsamic Vinegar Dressing last?
It lasts up to two weeks in the fridge in an air tight container
Copy Cat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
Copy Cat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
- 32 oz mixed greens
- Apple Chips see above for homemade recipe & which ones Panera uses
- 4 oz gorgonzola cheese
- 24 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion sliced thin
- 1 cups pecans toasted
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- “Grilled” Chicken from below
Apple Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
- 3/4 cup apple juice concentrate NOT apple juice
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 1/8 cup WHITE Balsamic Vinegar not regular balsamic vinegar, needs to be white
- 1 tbsp lemon juice about 1/2 a large lemon
- 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum you don’t have to use Xanthan Gum, however it gives it a great thickness!
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pinch of garlic powder
“Grilled” Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 TBSP basil
- onion powder 1 tsp
- garlic powder 1 tsp
- salt 1 tsp
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Apple Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
- Add all ingredients into a immersion blender safe container, immersion blend and place in air tight container. Seal and refrigerate. Dressing keeps in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
“Grilled” Chicken
- Pour 1 tbsp olive in frying pan, heat to medium heat. While it is getting hot. Place your chicken breasts on plate. Then in a small bowl add your basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Whisk until fully incorporated
- Evenly disperse seasoning mixture on both sides of each chicken breasts.
- Once skillet is hot, add chicken breasts and cover the top of the frying pan with aluminum foil. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes. I start usually with 7 minutes on the first side. Then on second side start with 5. Check the inside then do 1 1/2 more minutes if need be.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing
Toasted Pecans
- Place butter in frying pan at medium heat, let melt, add in pecans. Then continue to toast pecans until they are golden brown about 5 minutes.
Assembling the Copy Cat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
- Place mixed greens in the bowl followed by the tomatoes, onion, gorgonzola cheese, “grilled” chicken, apple chips and toasted pecans. Optional to add avocado. Then drizzle Apple Balsamic Vinegar Dressing on top and enjoy!
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