Panera Chicken Salad : A Comforting Family Favorite

Posted on December 29, 2025

This Panera Chicken Salad comes together in about 30 minutes and is a no-cook recipe, making it the perfect weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those leftovers and odd bits you’ve got lying around!

Ingredient Breakdown

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded : I like to use rotisserie chicken, it saves so much time, and it’s wonderfully juicy! You can also grill some chicken breasts or use leftover baked chicken. Whatever you have works great!
1/2 cup celery, diced : Celery gives a nice crunch, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or replace it with chopped bell pepper for a bit of sweetness.
1/4 cup red onion, diced : For that beautiful pop of color and a little zing. If raw onions are too strong for you, try using green onions instead, which are milder.
1/2 cup grapes, halved : Grapes add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory elements. You can substitute raisins or dried cranberries if you’re out of fresh fruit. I just love the burst of flavor they bring!
1/2 cup mayonnaise : This is where the magic happens! The creamy mayonnaise is a must for that classic chicken salad texture. You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, but it won’t be quite as rich.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard : Adds a little tang and depth! You could skip it if you prefer, but I promise it’s a game changer for flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste : Always a couple of pinches! Seasoning is key; I always say, “you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!”
Lettuce leaves for serving : Such a refreshing way to serve this salad! I love using crisp romaine or butter lettuce, but any leafy greens will work just fine.

Let’s Get Cooking!

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, and halved grapes. Isn’t it just lovely to see all those colors come together?
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. The mayo should be creamy, make sure to give it a good stir until it’s well combined.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture, and gently stir until everything is well-coated. You want all those juicy bits to embrace each other!
Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is important, the flavors have some time to meld together into pure heaven. Trust me, waiting is worth it!
When you’re ready to eat, serve the salad over a few lettuce leaves. It’s as simple as that! The crispness of the lettuce gives a lovely texture that compliments the creamy salad.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and easy but still want to impress my family. The best part is how versatile it is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand! I’m a real sucker for recipes that allow for creativity. Whenever I make this Easy Panera Chicken Salad, I know it’s going to be a hit. Plus, it’s comfort food, and who doesn’t love a big bowl of comforting goodness?

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Flavorful Ground Turkey Rice Bowls, my Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus, or my Steak Queso Rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Easy Panera Chicken Salad comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those evenings when time is tight and everyone is hungry.

Minimal Cleanup

Since you’re just mixing everything in a bowl, cleanup is a breeze. No pots, no pans. Just a cutting board, a knife, and two bowls! Honestly, I love that part.

Comfort Food

This salad is loaded with tons of flavor! The combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet ingredients creates a satisfying bite. It’s the kind of meal you can feel good about serving.

Customizable

You really can use whatever ingredients you have. Don’t have grapes? Swap them for diced apples! Out of chicken? Use turkey! No mayo? Greek yogurt will do just fine. The possibilities are endless!

Meal Prep Friendly

This chicken salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have easy lunches ready to go all week long.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Chicken Salad

Serve this Easy Panera Chicken Salad in lettuce wraps, on whole-grain bread, or even over a fresh green salad. It’s so versatile; you can also enjoy it with crackers or as a topping on a baked potato for an effortless dinner.

Storage

This chicken salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions

I don’t recommend reheating this dish since it’s best enjoyed chilled. But if you really wanted to heat it up, you could warm it slightly in the microwave. Just don’t heat it too much so you don’t lose that fresh taste!

Freezer Friendly

Unfortunately, this Easy Chicken Salad does not freeze well, as the texture tends to change. So, I’d recommend enjoying it fresh!

So there you have it my Panera Chicken Salad recipe that’s not just simple but also satisfying and so tasty! Give it a try and let me know what your family thinks. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

With the weather warming up, this Panera Chicken Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecue gatherings, or a simple lunch at home. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, trust me you’ll be making it over and over again! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness. Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.