12 Best Panera Bread Salads You Can Make at Home (With Recipes)

Why Panera’s Salads Are Worth Recreating at Home

Craving a fresh Panera salad but don’t live near a location? Or perhaps you want to enjoy your favorite menu items without leaving home? Panera Bread has built its reputation on serving freshly made, flavorful salads that balance nutrition with incredible taste. While it’s tempting to order their famous “Pick 2” combination with two different salads, these copycat recipes let you recreate the Panera experience in your kitchen.

These homemade versions of popular Panera salads are so satisfying that they stand perfectly alone. From the trendy Green Goddess salad to seasonal favorites like the Strawberry Poppyseed with Chicken, this collection includes current menu items and discontinued favorites you may have missed.

Ready to discover which Panera salad deserves the title of “best”? Let’s explore these delicious options that bring the Panera Bread experience home.

Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken

This popular Panera salad stands out thanks to its perfect balance of textures and flavors:

• Crisp romaine lettuce creates a fresh, crunchy base
• Grilled chicken provides lean, satisfying protein
• Crunchy wonton strips add irresistible texture (the secret ingredient that makes this salad special!)
• Sliced almonds contribute nutty flavor and healthy fats
• Asian sesame vinaigrette ties everything together with sweet-tangy perfection

If you enjoyed Sweet Tomatoes’ Wonton Madness salad, you’ll love this Panera recreation.

BBQ Chicken Salad

This salad captures the flavors of a summer cookout in every bite:

• Fresh mixed greens provide the perfect canvas
• Grilled chicken topped with tangy barbecue sauce creates the centerpiece
• Crunchy fried onions add unexpected texture and savory depth
• Black bean and corn salsa brings southwestern flair
• Barbecue ranch dressing delivers the perfect finishing touch

The combination of fresh vegetables with smoky barbecue flavors makes this a customer favorite.

Caesar Salad with Chicken

This classic salad gets the Panera treatment with quality ingredients:

• Crisp romaine lettuce forms the traditional base
• Freshly grilled chicken adds substantial protein
• Shaved Parmesan cheese contributes rich, salty notes
• Homemade croutons provide satisfying crunch
• Creamy Caesar dressing brings the signature flavor

When you make this at home, you can add as much chicken as you like for a more substantial meal.

Fuji Apple Salad

This signature Panera salad has earned its fan-favorite status:

• Mixed greens create a fresh foundation
• Sweet Fuji apple chips add unexpected crunch and natural sweetness
• Crumbled blue cheese provides tangy contrast
• Pecans contribute nutty flavor and heart-healthy fats
• Apple vinaigrette dressing delivers light, refreshing flavor

The combination of crisp apples with tangy cheese makes this a perfect fall favorite.

Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken

Need something more substantial? This protein-packed version will keep you satisfied:

• All the components of the original Fuji Apple Salad
• Added grilled chicken breast for extra protein
• The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
• Hearty enough for a complete meal

This upgraded version provides sustainable energy to fuel your day.

Greek Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired option brings classic Greek flavors to your table:

• Crisp romaine lettuce provides the foundation
• Vine-ripened tomatoes add juicy freshness
• Feta cheese crumbles contribute signature tangy flavor
• Pepperoncini peppers deliver mild heat and acidity
• Kalamata olives add rich, briny notes
• Homemade Greek dressing ties everything together

This copycat recipe includes instructions for making authentic Panera Greek dressing. When you make it home, add as many pepperoncini as you desire!

Green Goddess Salad

Panera’s modern take on the classic Green Goddess offers fresh, vibrant flavors:

• Mixed greens create a nutrient-rich base
• Chicken adds lean protein
• Pickled red onions contribute tangy zip (omit for a low-carb version)
• Hard-boiled eggs provide additional protein and richness
• Avocado delivers creamy texture and healthy fats
• Green Goddess dressing brings herb-forward brightness

This salad offers endless customization possibilities—add extra avocado or egg for even more protein and healthy fats.

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

For those seeking a more substantial option, this grain-based salad delivers:

• Mixture of grains creates a hearty, satisfying base
• Grilled chicken provides lean protein
• Hummus adds creamy texture and plant-based protein
• Fresh vegetables contribute color, texture, and nutrition
• Mediterranean-inspired seasonings deliver aromatic flavor

This protein-packed option keeps you satisfied for hours, making it perfect for busy days.

Southwest Chili Lime Salad

Looking for something with a bit more kick? This southwestern-inspired option delivers:

• Romaine lettuce forms a crisp foundation
• Black bean and corn salsa adds protein and fiber
• Crispy tortilla strips contribute satisfying crunch
• Chili lime ranch dressing provides creamy heat
• Avocado brings rich, creamy contrast

The combination of textures and bold flavors makes this a standout option for those who enjoy vibrant, spicy profiles.

Spicy Thai Salad

Missing this discontinued fan favorite? Now you can enjoy it anytime:

• Mixed greens create a fresh base
• Grilled chicken adds substantial protein
• Roasted cashews contribute crunchy texture and healthy fats
• Edamame provides plant-based protein
• Fresh cilantro brings aromatic brightness
• Thai chili vinaigrette delivers sweet heat
• Peanut sauce drizzle adds rich, savory depth

This copycat recipe allows you to adjust the spice level to your preference, and you can even make a low-carb version.

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken

This seasonal Panera favorite is now available year-round in your kitchen:

• Crisp romaine lettuce provides the perfect backdrop
• Grilled chicken adds substantial protein
• Fresh strawberries contribute natural sweetness
• Blueberries, mandarin oranges, and pineapple add vibrant color and flavor
• Toasted pecans deliver satisfying crunch
• Poppyseed dressing brings sweet, tangy finish

While Panera only offers this refreshing salad during summer months, with this recipe you can enjoy it any time the craving strikes!

Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Salads at Home

Want your homemade Panera salads to taste just like the restaurant version? Follow these professional tips:

• Prep ingredients properly: Wash and thoroughly dry greens to prevent soggy salads
• Season your proteins: Properly season chicken and other proteins before cooking
• Make dressings fresh: Homemade dressings taste significantly better than store-bought
• Layer strategically: Build salads with heavier ingredients on the bottom, delicate ones on top
• Dress just before serving: Add dressing at the last minute to maintain optimal texture
• Temperature matters: Let refrigerated ingredients come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors

Create Your Own Panera Experience

With these copycat Panera salad recipes, you can enjoy your favorites anytime, customize them to your preferences, and even recreate discontinued items you’ve been missing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, these recipes deliver the fresh, flavorful experience that made Panera famous—no trip to the restaurant required.

Find lots of copycat Panera recipes on CopyKat!