Napa Almond Chicken Salad (Panera Copycat)

A copycat Panera chicken salad sandwich sliced and resting on a cutting board.

4.91 from 131 votes

Napa Almond Chicken Salad (Panera Copycat)

Inspired by Panera’s famous Napa Almond Chicken Salad, this homemade version is just as delicious and so easy to make! Panera may have taken it off the menu, but you can still enjoy this favorite at home.

Prep Time15

Cook Time4

Total Time19

Course: Lunch, Main Course, Sandwiches

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 545kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

½ cup sliced almonds
3 heaping cups fully cooked chicken breast chopped (I used rotisserie chicken)
½ cup halved or quartered seedless red grapes
⅓ cup diced celery

Dressing:

¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
½ teaspoon fine ground sea salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste

For the Rest:

12 slices sourdough sandwich bread
2 small tomatoes sliced
green leaf lettuce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the almonds on a small baking sheet and transfer to the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Add chicken, grapes, and celery to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl combine the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the top of the chicken mixture and mix to incorporate the dressing throughout. Add the cooled almonds and mix lightly to combine.
Divide the mixture between the bread and top with tomato and green leaf lettuce.

Video

Notes

To lighten this recipe up, substitute up to half of the mayonnaise with light (reduced fat) sour cream or nonfat plain Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. For the best quality, enjoy it within 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition