5-Minute Panera Fuji Apple Dressing (Better Than The Original!)

The first time I tasted Panera’s Fuji Apple Salad, I was immediately enchanted by the dressing. There was something magical about how the sweet apple notes danced with the tangy vinegar, creating a symphony of flavors that elevated even the simplest greens. After that memorable lunch, I craved the crisp Fuji apple flavor’s distinctive dressing and became determined to recreate it at home. Dozens of attempts later, I’m thrilled to share this copycat recipe that captures the essence of Panera’s beloved vinaigrette. This dressing is perfect for when you have fall cravings.

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What Makes Panera Fuji Apple Salad Dressing So Good? 

This sweet vinaigrette brings an orchard-fresh flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. In just five minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dressing that will transform everyday salads into something special.

What Makes This Panera Fuji Apple Dressing Special?

This Panera dressing features a sweet flavor that will surprise you with its well-balanced fruity profile. It’s incredible how just a tiny amount of apple juice tremendously impacts the flavor. That juice provides a complex sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the tart white balsamic vinegar notes, creating something uniquely delicious.

Once you make this homemade version, you’ll likely bid farewell to store-bought dressings for good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes you’ll want to commit to memory because you’ll reach for it repeatedly. The Fuji Apple Dressing:

• Contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients
• Takes just 5 minutes to prepare
• Uses simple ingredients most likely already in your pantry
• Tastes significantly fresher than bottled alternatives
• Works beautifully on various salads or as a marinade

Panera’s Fuji Apple Salad Dressing Ingredients 

For this dressing, you’ll need:

• Extra virgin olive oil – Creates the rich, smooth base for the dressing while adding heart-healthy fats and a mild fruity undertone
• White balsamic vinegar – Provides acidity and brightness with a milder, sweeter profile than regular balsamic
• Honey – Balances the acidity with natural sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing
• Fuji apple juice – Delivers the signature apple flavor with hints of citrus and pear notes
• Sea salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds subtle warmth and complexity
• Garlic powder – Contributes savory depth without overpowering the fruit flavors
• Onion powder – Adds aromatic sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile

Fuji apple juice has citrus and pear flavors that bring a lot of complexity to this recipe. However, it can be challenging to find in many supermarkets. If you can’t get Fuji apple juice, make this dressing with quality juice from another apple variety.

How to Make Apple Juice Salad Dressing 

To whip up this apple vinaigrette:

1. Add all the ingredients except the extra virgin olive oil to a blender jar or the bowl of a food processor.
2. Slowly add the oil in a steady stream with the machine running on the lowest setting. 
3. Continue processing until the oil is fully incorporated with the other ingredients. 
4. Serve immediately to prevent the dressing from separating. 

Time-Saving Tip: No blender? No problem! Add all ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds. The texture won’t be as creamy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Any leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The dressing will naturally separate when stored—simply shake vigorously before serving.

I recommend making this dressing in small batches rather than large quantities for the freshest flavor, as the apple flavor is most vibrant when newly prepared.

What Can I Do with Apple Juice Salad Dressing? 

Panera Bread serves the Fuji Apple Vinaigrette on its popular Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken, but that’s just one opinion. You can use apple vinaigrette on just about any salad where you want an extra touch of sweetness. It is an excellent way to tame bitter greens or to bring out the sharp, pungent taste of blue cheese or feta crumbles. 

But this dressing is good for more than just salads. Toss it with roasted vegetables like potatoes, onions, brussels sprouts, and radishes. Apple vinaigrette makes a good marinade for chicken or pork. You may also want to try tossing the dressing with noodles as a base for a pasta salad. 

More Panera Copycat Recipes

• BBQ Chicken Salad
• Chicken Avocado Sandwich
• Panera Black Bean Soup
• Panera Cobb Salad
• Panera Greek Salad
• Panera Tomato Soup
• Panera Turkey Chili

Favorite Salad Dressing Recipes

• Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Caesar Dressing
• Italian Salad Dressing
• Japanese Salad Dressing
• Oriental Salad Dressing
• Southwest Dressing

Check out my easy salad dressing recipes and the best copycat Panera recipes on CopyKat!