Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe
Savor a homemade take on the renowned Panera Bread chicken salad recipe. It features tender chicken and crisp veggies prepared swiftly.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl or combining ingredients
- Cutting Board for chopping chicken, celery, and grapes
- Sharp Knife for chopping and dicing
- Whisk for mixing the dressing
- Measuring cups and spoons for measuring ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings
- Refrigerator for chilling the salad before serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) Preferably rotisserie chicken for flavor and convenience.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Use full-fat mayo for creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a slight tang to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup Celery (finely chopped) Adds crunch and freshness to the salad.
- 1 cup Grapes (halved) Red or green grapes work, adding sweetness to balance savory flavors.
- 1/2 cup Pecans or walnuts (chopped, optional) Adds crunch; can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- To taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
- To taste Pepper Adjust according to preference.
- Optional Fresh herbs (dill or parsley) Use for garnish to enhance freshness and flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, halved grapes, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
- Mix everything together: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is well-coated.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill: Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with your favorite bread or crackers. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
A homemade chicken salad recipe inspired by Panera Bread. It's an easy and tasty dish you can make at home. Using rotisserie chicken is recommended for added flavor and convenience. The key is balancing creamy mayo with tangy mustard, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery & nuts. For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt or light mayo. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Customize with apples, raisins, or curry powder. Serve as a sandwich on croissants or whole grain bread. Great for picnics, lunches, or meal prep.