Copycat Panera Chicken Salad Recipe (2024)

Published: Apr 1, 2024 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

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Copycat Panera Chicken Salad Recipe is one of my favorite light lunches. Made with juicy chicken, plump grapes, and crunchy toasted almonds. It's seriously quick and easy to make and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken!

Why You'll Love Copycat Panera Chicken Salad

Raise your hand if you love Panera Bread!*waves both hands excitedly in the air* I've been a long time Panera Bread fan, and one of my favorite things to order is their Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich. This Panera chicken sandwich has all things you love including grapes, sliced almonds, and celery. Not only does it taste fantastic but it has the perfect crunch in every bite. Plus, it makes the perfect light lunch! Here's why you'll love this:

Quick & easy
Refreshing any time of year
Great for meal prepping
Perfect picnic food
Kid and adult approved

It's always good to have a few good chicken salad recipes up your sleeve (like these Chicken Salad Stuffed Tomatoes, which make an excellent, healthy appetizer!).It's a great way to repurpose your dinner into a light lunch the next day. While you are at it, be sure to try out my Copycat Panera Bread BBQ Chicken Salad too. It's heavenly!

Ingredient Information and Substitutions

Chicken - I prefer chicken breast for this but any cut will work- leftovers, rotisserie- even leftover holiday Turkey!
Add-ins - In addition to the chicken, celery adds the perfect crunch along with sliced almonds. And juicy grapes add just the right touch of freshness.
Dressing - The creamy, balanced dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, dried basil, dried rosemary, salt and pepper.

How To Make Chicken Salad With Fruit

Step 1: Mix the dressing

In a large bowl whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Add remaining chicken salad ingredients

Add chopped chicken, celery, almonds and grapes into the bowl. Stir until everything is combined and well coated in the dressing.

Serve on your favorite bread to make a sandwich, eat with crackers, or roll it up in a large piece of lettuce for a wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook chicken specifically for this recipe?

Yes! Here's what I do: Begin by sprinkling lemon pepper on chicken breasts. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until they reach 160 degrees F. Allow the chicken to cool and chop it.

What if I'm only cooking for one or two people?

This makes a pretty good amount of napa almond chicken salad, so if you're cooking for one or two and don't want leftovers, feel free to halve the recipe

Is there a good way to make this recipe low carb?

Sure! This the chicken salad is already pretty low carb on it's own, but it would taste great as lettuce wraps or stuffed into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados.

What is the best chicken for chicken salad?

I prefer breast meat but any cut will work once the skin, fat and bones are removed. Although I prefer to use chopped chicken, you can also make this chicken salad with shredded chicken if you'd like.

How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

This lasts 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container.

Can you make this chicken salad recipe a bit healthier?

Although the recipe is pretty light to begin with, if you want to make it even lighter, you can use light mayonnaise and substitute Greek yogurt in place of sour cream (or just use light sour cream).

Tips For Making Panera chicken salad recipe

If you want to make the chicken for this salad: Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until they reach 160 degrees F. Allow the chicken to cool and chop it.
In a hurry? No problem, swap the chicken breasts for your favorite rotisserie chicken. It will save you a step and is a great option when you are in a time crunch.
Play with the flavors. This Panera chicken salad recipe is forgiving, so you can easily adjust the ingredients. Fresh herbs, cranberries, and diced apples are just a few ideas to consider.
Swap the almonds. Not a fan of almonds? That's fine! Simply swap them for walnuts or pecans. Or leave the nuts out altogether.
Prep ahead: Cook and chop the chicken, dice celery and halve grapes.
Leftovers and Storage: This will last up to 4 days covered in the fridge.

What To Serve With Chicken Salad

These recipes pair really well with chicken salad:

Mexican Bean Salad
Cabbage Soup
Coffee Snickerdoodles

Other Awesome Lunch Recipes

Egg Salad Sandwich with Olives
Italian Tuna Salad (No Mayo!)
Avocado Egg Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie onInstagramandTikTok!