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Homemade Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (Complete Recipe) photo

Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (Complete Recipe)

A bright, crunchy salad with baked chicken, apple-forward dressing, pecans, and Gorgonzola.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for seasoning chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning chicken
  • 1/2 cup olive oil for dressing
  • 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar for dressing
  • 3 tablespoons honey for dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Fuji apple juice or regular apple juice for dressing
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for dressing
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for dressing
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for dressing
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder for dressing
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cups apple chips
  • 1 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven
  • Food processor or blender
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
  2. Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F; let cool slightly.
  4. While the chicken cools, make the dressing: combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Fuji or regular apple juice, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
  5. Transfer the dressing to a covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
  6. Slice the cooled chicken into thin strips.
  7. In a large mixing bowl combine the chopped romaine and baby arugula.
  8. Top the greens with sliced red onion, apple chips, toasted pecans, crumbled Gorgonzola, diced tomatoes, and the sliced chicken.
  9. Add the dressing just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Notes

  • If you can't find Fuji apple juice, use regular apple juice.