Fuji Apple Chicken Salad (Panera Bread Copycat) 

This Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is a simple yet indulgent twist on the Panera classic—a vibrant mix of crisp greens, tender chicken, crunchy apple chips, tangy Gorgonzola, and candied pecans, all drizzled with a luscious white balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it balances textures and flavors beautifully without feeling heavy. The homemade version lets you control each element, making it fresher, healthier, and just as delicious as the restaurant original. Ready in under 40 minutes and scalable to feed a crowd, it’s become a go-to salad in many homes.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
  

• 1 (10 oz) bag mixed greens
  
  

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  
  

• 2 cups apple chips
  
  

• 1 cup glazed pecans
  
  

• ½ cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  
  

• 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  
  

For the White Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
  
  

• 2–3 Tbsp honey
  
  

• ½ tsp sea salt
  
  

• ¼ tsp freshly-cracked black pepper
  
  

• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray or oil it. Brush chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F and juices run clear. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes, then slice or shred.
   
   

2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, red onion, apple chips, glazed pecans, Gorgonzola, and tomatoes (if using). Add the sliced chicken.
   
   

3. Whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well blended.
   
   

4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.
   
   

Nutrients

Calories: 350–450 kcal
Fat: ~25 g (from olive oil, cheese, pecans)
Protein: ~25 g (from chicken, cheese)
Carbohydrates: ~20 g (from apple chips, greens, onions)
Fiber: ~3–4 g
Sugars: ~10 g (from honey, apple chips, tomatoes)