Homemade Fuji Apple Salad (Panera Bread Copycat Recipe)

A simple, nutritious homemade fuji apple salad is the best salad ever! Though a copycat of Panera Bread’s Fuji apple salad, this homemade recipe is loaded with fresh ingredients, including homemade apple chips, and tastes way better. Homemade is indeed the best. I hope you can give this healthy salad recipe a try!

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Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe

Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apple chips, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the original Panera brand dressing. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home.

It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

BEST & WAY BETTER Than Panera!

If you love Panera Bread, hold onto your hats because this is one copycat that is better than the original, just like my autumn squash soup. True story: whenever I am out of town or travel for work, Panera is my go-to. Annnnd 99.9% of the time, I order the Fuji Apple Salad. Well, I decided to make it at home, and boy, oh boy, it’s WAY better! This is so much better than the ones I get from Panera. No lie! You’ve got to give this a try!

I rarely use the salad dressing whenever I make this salad at home. The salad is just so loaded and striking on its own that it really requires nothing else. From the pickled onions to the well-seasoned and slow-baked chicken breast and toasted pecans. This salad is one of my favorite recipes. Honestly, you can never go wrong by going the extra length to make this at home. Come along with me and learn how to make it! Also, check out my other salad recipes including spring mix salad, spinach berry salad and Cobb salad.

Is Fuji Apple Salad Healthy?

Yes, this is a healthy salad, particularly, the way I make it with the chicken. This is because you’re getting protein, and also, fiber from the apples and loads of nutritious greens. Take it easy with the dressing, though, as too much can add more sodium and unnecessary calories than you bargained for!

Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

Why You Will Actually Love This Homemade Panera Inspired Fuji Apple Salad Recipe

  • It’s the kind of salad that makes you want to eat salads.
  • The flavors and textures are incredibly satisfying.
  • You can prep it with ease.
  • It tastes even better than Panera, and it’s cheaper too!
  • This salad is loaded with all the food groups – protein, good fat, greens, etc.
  • Nutritious salad you meal prep and assemble whenever you wish to eat
  • Kid-friendly salad: This is an easy salad recipe to introduce to children.
Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

What Are The Ingredients For A Tasty Homemade Fuji Apple Salad Recipe?

  • Arugula (or any green of choice; lettuce mix also works perfectly for this salad)
  • Chicken breast
  • Baked Fuji apple chips (I used homemade, but store-bought works, too)
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes
  • Pecans (toasted)
  • Pickled red onions (you can use fresh onions, but I prefer pickled onions for this recipe). I always pickle my onions using this method. Don’t have time? Buy store-bought pickled onions, it may work.
  • Blue cheese
  • Panera Fuji apple salad dressing (I bought this from the store; didn’t bother replicating it at home). You can get it from commissary or Target.

How to Make the Best Panera Fuji Apple Salad At Home (Step-by-Step):

Tired of the same old salads? Make this favorite Panera salad in your own kitchen. Here’s how!

  1. Prep Your Chicken

    Start by washing your chicken breasts and patting them dry with a paper towel. Season liberally with salt and black pepper. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a dash or ¼ teaspoon each of Slap Your Mama and Knorr seasonings.

  2. Bake the Chicken

    Cover your seasoned chicken and bake at 350F until fully cooked, tender, and moist.

  3. Prep the Pickled Onions

    You can chop up red onions to use in this salad or pickle them to give them more flavor. Pickling is optional, but I highly recommend it. Watch my video to learn how to pickle onions.Prep the Pickled Onions You can chop up red onions to use in this salad or pickle them to give them more flavor. Pickling is optional, but I highly recommend it. Watch my video to learn how I pickle my onions.

  4. Prep the Pecans

    To toast pecans, place a clean, dry pan on the stovetop, add 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener, and a dash of salt, and combine. Then, add 1/3 cup of raw pecans and continue to stir until they absorb all the liquid and are toasted. Remove and place on a parchment paper-lined surface.Prep the Pecans I have always loved toasting my pecans, however, you can use store-bought toasted pecans to save time. Want to toast them yourself? It’s easy! To toast pecans, place a clean, dry pan on the stovetop, add 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener, and a dash of salt, and combine. Then, add 1/3 cup of raw pecans and continue to stir until they absorb all the liquid and are toasted. Remove and place on a parchment paper-lined surface. Be sure to separate them so they don't stick together.

  5. Prep the Apple Chips

    Make homemade chips by slicing the apples thinly and spreading them on the baking rack. Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on both sides. Then bake at 200 until dry and crisp. *Cinnamon is optional. You can skip this step and use store-bought apple chips.Make homemade chips by slicing the apples thinly and spreading them on the baking rack. Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on both sides. Then bake at 200 until dry and crisp.

  6. Assemble your Homemade Fuji Apple Salad

    Once your ingredients are prepped, grab a big salad bowl. Put in the arugula or any other greens you intend to use first. Then, sliced chicken breasts. Add a generous amount of pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, homemade apple chips, blue cheese, and pecans. Add a generous amount of Fuji apple salad dressing to finish it off when ready to eat.Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

Tips/Recipe Notes

  • Note that you can make the chicken way ahead of time or at the beginning of your week. Alternatively, you can use leftover chicken.
  • You can also toast your pecans in the air fryer using this recipe, or you can buy store-bought toasted pecans. 
  • Make my homemade apple chips, or go ahead and buy them at the store or Amazon.
  • Want pickled onions but don’t want to do the work? You can buy those at the supermarket too!
  • If you wish to bake your own apple chips, as I did, please note that it takes a bit of time, so be patient. Do not bake the apples at a high temperature.
  • This salad recipe makes a whole meal for one person or sides for two!

Where to Get Panera Fuji Apple Salad Dressing

This iconic salad dressing is ready-made at any Panera location or at your supermarket, including Target or a commissary. If your local stores don’t have it, you can easily order it online.

Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

What Do You Serve with Homemade Fuji Apple Salad?

This salad is a meal in and of itself, though a nice soup or bread will round things out:

Easy autumn squash soup Panera copycat is rich, nutritious, comforting, and delicious! This healthy butternut squash soup recipe is sweet, savory, and creamy. This soup is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and stress-free. A perfect Panera copycat autumn squash soup loaded with butternut squash, celery, ginger, onions, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and more! #Butternutsquashsoup #Butternutsquash #soup #Panerasquashsoup #Autumnsquashsoup #fall #winter #glutenfree #vegan

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover of this spectacular salad, put it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days; make sure it stores without the dressing. That way, it stays fresher longer. Combine/assemble when ready to serve/eat.

Variations and Substitutions

  • You can absolutely season your chicken with your favorite seasonings like Cajun or blackened seasoning for example.
  • No Fuji apples? Try Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp instead if you’re making homemade apple chips.
  • If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, swap it with feta.
  • You can use different onions if you prefer, though the red ones (especially when pickled) are the best.

Homemade Panera Fuji Apple Salad FAQs:

What Dressing is on the Fuji Apple Salad from Panera?

It’s a Fuji apple vinaigrette dressing. And it’s so good I just buy it instead of trying to recreate it.

Do Fuji Apples have a lot of Sugar?

They have roughly 14 to 18% sugar, though it is natural sugar. This is why these apples are so sweet; if you want a lower sugar content, you can use Granny Smith apples.

Can I use Another type of Apple instead of Fuji Apples?

Yes, especially if you want to cut down on the sugar factor or sweet flavor.

What is so Special about the Fuji Apple?

Fuji apples are extra sweet, extra crisp, and very dense. They make eating healthy more delicious.

Can I Make Fuji Apple Salad Ahead?

Of course, you can! That’s what I do so that I have no excuses to not eat healthy!

Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

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Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

Homemade Fuji Apple Salad (Panera Bread Copycat Recipe)

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  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: Universal

Description

A simple, nutritious homemade fuji apple salad is the best salad ever! Though a copycat of Panera Bread’s Fuji apple salad, this homemade recipe is loaded with fresh ingredients, including homemade apple chips, and tastes way better. Homemade is indeed the best. I hope you can give this healthy copycat Panera bread Fuji apple salad recipe a try! 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 oz Arugula (142 grams). Use any green of choice); lettuce mix also works perfectly for this salad.
  • 1 Chicken breast (100 grams); oven-baked chicken breast
  • 12 Fuji apple(s); bake to make apple chips or buy store-bought ones.  
  • 1/31/2 cup cherry tomatoes; sliced into halves
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans; toasted
  • 1/4 cup Blue cheese
  • 25 rings of pickled red onions or fresh red onions (add as much onions as you desire).

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Chicken. Start by washing your chicken breasts and patting them dry with a paper towel. Season liberally with salt and black pepper. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a dash or ¼ teaspoon each of Slap Your Mama and Knorr seasonings.
  2. Bake the Chicken. Cover your seasoned chicken and bake at 350F until fully cooked, tender, and moist. 
  3. Prep the Pickled Onions. You can chop up red onions to use in this salad or pickle them to give them more flavor. Pickling is optional, but I highly recommend it. Watch my video to learn how to pickle red onions effortlessly. Prep the Pickled Onions You can chop up red onions to use in this salad or pickle them to give them more flavor. Pickling is optional, but I highly recommend it. Watch my video to learn how I pickle my onions.
  4. Prep the Pecans. I have always loved toasting my pecans. However, you can use store-bought toasted pecans to save time. Want to toast them yourself? It’s easy! To toast pecans, place a clean, dry pan on the stovetop, add 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener, and a dash of salt, and combine. Then, add 1/3 cup of raw pecans and continue to stir until they absorb all the liquid and are toasted. Remove and place on a parchment paper-lined surface. Be sure to separate them so they don’t stick together. Then, set aside for the salad.Prep the Pecans I have always loved toasting my pecans, however, you can use store-bought toasted pecans to save time. Want to toast them yourself? It’s easy! To toast pecans, place a clean, dry pan on the stovetop, add 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener, and a dash of salt, and combine. Then, add 1/3 cup of raw pecans and continue to stir until they absorb all the liquid and are toasted. Remove and place on a parchment paper-lined surface. Be sure to separate them so they don't stick together.
  5. Prep the Apple Chips. Make homemade chips by slicing the apples thinly and spreading them on the baking rack.Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on both sides. Then bake at 200 until dry and crisp. *Cinnamon is optional. You can skip this step and use store-bought apple chips. Make homemade chips by slicing the apples thinly and spreading them on the baking rack. Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on both sides. Then bake at 200 until dry and crisp.
  6. Assemble your Homemade Fuji Apple Salad. Once your ingredients are prepped, grab a big salad bowl. Put in the arugula or any other greens you intend to use first. Then, slice the deliciously cooked chicken breasts and place them on the arugula. Add a generous amount of pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, homemade apple chips, blue cheese, and pecans. Add a generous amount of Fuji apple salad dressing to finish it off. Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.
  7. Serve and Enjoy. This salad is super easy to make ahead of time. Prep all the ingredients and assemble them whenever you’re ready for an amazing salad! 

Notes

Note that you can make the chicken way ahead of time or at the beginning of your week. Alternatively, you can use leftover chicken.

You can also toast your pecans in the air fryer using this recipe, or you can buy store-bought toasted pecans

Make my homemade apple chips, or go ahead and buy them at the store. I like Seneca apple chips brand.

Want pickled onions but don’t want to do the work? You can buy those at the supermarket too! Watch this video if want to pickle your own onions. TBH, it’s easy and so good!

If you wish to bake your own apple chips, as I did, please note that it takes a bit of time, so be patient.  Do not bake the apples at a high temperature.

This salad recipe makes a whole meal for one person or sides for two!

Time calculation only includes the time needed to assemble the salad. 

The salad dressing is not included in the recipe calorie calculation because I don’t know how much you wish to use. 

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More Nutritious Salads To Try:

Super healthy and easy-to-make strawberry blueberry spinach salad, aka berry spinach salad with lime olive oil vinaigrette, is loaded with nutritious antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Amazingly this spinach and berry salad calls for only a few ingredients - spinach, strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, and a simple lime olive oil vinaigrette! This strawberry blueberry spinach is low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, and easily customizable. #Salad #Spinachsalad #healthysalad #Strawberrysalad #detoxsalad #vegan #lowcarb

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A simple, nutritious homemade fuji apple salad is the best salad ever! Though a copycat of Panera Bread's Fuji apple salad, this homemade recipe is loaded with fresh ingredients, including homemade apple chips, and tastes way better. Homemade is indeed the best. I hope you can give this healthy copycat Panera bread Fuji apple salad recipe a try! 
Want a loaded healthy salad recipe? A simple, nutritious homemade fuji apple salad is the best ever! This Panera copycat is better than the original Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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