From Panera’s Fuji Apple Chicken to Your Kitchen: A Fresh & Healthy Apple Salad Recipe
Last week, my little girl and I enjoyed a delightful lunch date. The weather was absolutely perfect for sitting outside, bathed in gentle sunshine, and my craving for a vibrant, fresh salad was undeniable. There’s something truly special about those spontaneous midday meals that create lasting memories, especially when shared with loved ones.
I’m not sure if you experience it too, but when a salad craving hits me, it becomes a genuine obsession. I gravitate towards salads that are generously loaded with crisp vegetables, sweet fruits, and crunchy nuts, while keeping the “other” additions light. You might call me a salad purist; I believe that sometimes, the simplest combinations of fresh ingredients yield the most satisfying and delicious results. It’s all about celebrating the natural flavors and textures.
Our lunch destination ended up being Panera, a place we both adore. We settled into a lovely spot outside by their tranquil fountain, enjoying the beautiful day. Panera consistently delivers when it comes to the freshness and quality of their salads – it’s truly hard to beat. You’re probably already familiar with my enthusiasm for their bread and sandwiches, but let me reiterate that their salads are equally stellar. They’re my go-to choice when I’m seeking a healthy, wholesome meal, whether dining in or grabbing takeout.
For my meal, I decided to try the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad, a choice I’d heard rave reviews about, while my little one happily munched on a sandwich paired with yogurt. This was my very first time ordering the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad, and oh my goodness, it was absolutely exquisite! I found myself captivated by every single element, but the delicate apple chips and the perfectly balanced vinaigrette were definite highlights. Each component felt incredibly fresh, contributing to a symphony of flavors and textures. Though I’m generally not a huge chicken eater, I did try a piece for the sake of the experience, and then happily passed the rest to my daughter, who devoured it in minutes. I suspect the tender chicken might have been her favorite part of the entire lunch; she kept asking for more (and honestly, she still mentions it!). It was incredibly reassuring to read on the menu that the chicken used at Panera is all-natural and antibiotic-free. This commitment to quality and ethical sourcing is always a significant plus for conscious consumers like myself, making the meal even more enjoyable.
I also found it quite fascinating to delve a little deeper into the culinary philosophy at Panera, learning about the talented chefs and the meticulous process behind their recipe creation. It’s clear that these individuals possess a profound passion for food and genuinely care about how their dishes taste, and that dedication truly shines through in every bite. Panera offers some quick, insightful videos showcasing their Head Baker Tom and Head Chef Dan, where they share their inspirations and culinary passion. Watching them, I couldn’t help but think, “Hey Dan, can I come work for you?” (Nothing personal, Tom, but baking isn’t quite my forte. Unless, of course, you’re offering lessons… now *that’s* an intriguing idea!). It truly embodies their ethos: “Our menu wasn’t developed in a test kitchen. It was inspired by the food.” This quote perfectly encapsulates their authentic approach to creating delicious, wholesome meals that resonate with their customers.
Discover Panera’s Culinary Vision: Meet Head Baker Tom and Head Chef Dan
Behind the Scenes: Panera’s Inspiration at the Farmer’s Market
If you, like me, are a devoted Panera fan and appreciate their commitment to fresh, quality ingredients, be sure to connect with them on social media! Follow them on Twitter: @panerabread and give their Facebook page a like to stay updated on their latest offerings and inspirations!
(Disclaimer: Panera Bread provided me with compensation for writing this post. However, rest assured that all opinions expressed herein are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience and appreciation for their food.)
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With the weather in Florida definitively warming up, my salad cravings have only intensified. That memorable Fuji Apple Chicken Salad from Panera left such a strong impression that I was inspired to create my very own rendition at home. This homemade version allows for incredible flexibility and personalization, ensuring that every bite is exactly to your liking. The foundation of this delightful salad is beautifully simple yet profoundly flavorful: a bed of fresh greens, crisp sliced apples, savory cheddar cheese, a hint of zesty red onion, sweet grape tomatoes, and satisfyingly crunchy toasted pecans. But don’t stop there! Feel free to truly make it your own; consider adding leftover grilled chicken for extra protein, sliced hard-boiled eggs for creaminess, or swap out the mixed greens for nutrient-packed spinach. The vinaigrette, a bright and slightly sweet concoction, gets its unique character from the addition of apple juice. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, a touch of honey can easily be incorporated to elevate those delightful notes.
Print Recipe
Apple, Nut & Cheese Salad with Apple Vinaigrette
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Category: Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Apple, Nut & Cheese Salad, elevated by a bright apple vinaigrette, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Panera’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. It’s a perfect blend of crisp, sweet, savory, and tangy, making it ideal for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a delightful side dish. Customize it with your favorite greens, cheeses, and even add some protein for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad Base – Choose your favorites for a perfect mix of crunch and freshness:
- Greens: A generous mix of fresh greens such as spring mix, chopped romaine, or tender baby spinach.
- Apples: 1-2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Fuji or Granny Smith work wonderfully for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness/tartness).
- Cheese: 1/2 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled gorgonzola (for a more pungent, creamy contrast).
- Nuts: 1/4 cup toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Vegetables: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion for a gentle bite, and 1/2 cup sweet grape tomatoes, halved.
For the Bright Apple Vinaigrette – A perfectly balanced dressing that complements the salad’s flavors:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for emulsification and a tangy kick)
- 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for its distinct tang)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice (to enhance the apple flavor and add natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon minced shallot (or a very fine dice of sweet onion for mild allium flavor)
- 1 teaspoon finely minced apple (adds another layer of fresh apple essence)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Vinaigrette: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, minced shallot, and finely minced apple. Season generously with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might prefer a little more oil for a richer dressing or a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
- Prepare the Salad Components: Thoroughly wash and dry your chosen salad greens. If using pecans, almonds, or walnuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before adding to the salad to maintain their crispness. Slice your apples and red onion, and halve the grape tomatoes.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine your fresh greens, sliced apples, cheese (cubed cheddar or crumbled gorgonzola), toasted nuts, sliced red onion, and grape tomatoes.
- Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared apple vinaigrette generously over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure all components are lightly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of your homemade Apple, Nut & Cheese Salad!
If this delightful apple salad has further ignited your passion for fresh, healthy meals, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of incredible salad creations waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for vibrant vegetable mixes, hearty grain salads, or refreshing fruit-infused options, these recipes offer endless inspiration to keep your healthy eating journey exciting and flavorful:
Cucumber Feta Salad – A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired delight from Two Peas and their Pod.
Grilled Romaine with Blue Cheese Dressing – Experience a unique smoky flavor with this recipe from Mom’s Cooking Club.
Chopped Broccoli Salad with Tahini Soy Dressing – A crunchy and savory option from Family Fresh Cooking.
Blackened Fish Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette – A bold and flavorful creation from Aggie’s Kitchen.
Spinach Couscous Salad – A light and wholesome staple from Aggie’s Kitchen.
Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Salads on Pinterest.