Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad

Fuji Apple Salad on a white marble background with apple chips and a wooden spoon.

5 from 2 votes

This Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad is the perfect make at home lunch made with real ingredients and a fresh apple vinaigrette.

Prep Time30

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Calories: 487kcal

Author: Nancylynn

Ingredients

For the Salad

8 cups Spring Mix
4 cups cooked chicken breast diced
1 1/2 cup Grape tomatoes sliced in half
1 package Apple Chips - I use the Bare brand use 2 Tbsp per salad
1/4 cup red onion sliced
1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup Candied Pecans see recipe below

For the quick candied pecans

1 Tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
½ cup pecans

For the dressing

1/2 cup avocado oil
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
½ tsp dijon mustard
1/2 apple fuji or honey crisp, diced
Pinch salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger to taste

Instructions

Make the candied pecans

Heat pecans in a nonstick pan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add in brown sugar and a pinch of coarse salt. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes or until pecans are toasted and coated with the melted sugar.
Place candied pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let cool. Once cooled, chop pecans.

Make the dressing

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Strain dressing using a mesh strainer for less apple pulp and a smoother dressing.

Assemble salads

Start with 2 cups of spring mix in each salad. Then in each bowl add in 3/4 cup diced chicken breast, 2 Tbsp cheese, 2 Tbsp apple chips, 2 Tbsp pecan pieces, 1/4 cup tomatoes, and 1 Tbsp red onion.
Toss ingredients together, then top with homemade dressing. Toss again, if desired.

Notes

21 Day Fix: 1 1/2 GREEN, 1 RED, 1 BLUE, 1 ORANGE, 1 1/2 sweetener TSP, trace PURPLE (per serving)

WW: without dressing- 5 points (per salad), with dressing - 13 points (per salad) [Calculated with candied pecans using brown sugar, and white balsamic vinegar in the dressing]

Nutrition