I LOVE Panera. It brings happiness to my heart, warms my soul, and brings a smile to my face. But in all seriousness though, Panera Bread is pretty darn delicious. I go there literally all the time. and like the loner that I am, I often go by myself to eat lunch/dinner and do work. I do go with my friends, too…I’m not that much of a loser. But anyway- during the Fall season I always order the Orchard Harvest Salad (with a side choice of the whole grain baguette). Deliciousness. It’s a pretty wholesome/filling salad, too.I decided to try my own hand at making this salad (with a homemade cherry balsamic vinaigrette). Check it out….
Panera’s Orchard Harvest Salad with a Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- spring/field mix
- D’Anjou pears
- toasted pecans
- grilled chicken breast
- dried cherries
- Gorgonzola Cheese
Ingredients for Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 C balsamic vinegar
- 1 T sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 C cherry preserves
- 1/4 C red wine vinegar
- 1/4 C canola oil
- kosher salt
- fresh ground black pepper
Directions for Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar, sugar and garlic and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer the mixture, uncovered, until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
- Add the cherry preserves and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature
- whisk in the red wine vinegar followed by the canola oil.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Serve with a warm baguette and enjoy
Question: What is your favorite thing to order at Panera Bread?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I love that salad! I also like the black bean soup and the whole grain baguette! Mmmm…
This was exceptionally good and I’m so glad you posted it! I’ve been eating a similar salad from a local restaurant and who knows what kind of junk they’re adding to it? The kiddos liked it (for the most part) which always counts for lots of points and the hubs gobbled it up
Yum!
aw I am so happy to hear that the family liked it! have you ever had the one at panera? I liked my homemade version better than Panera’s but that could just be because everything tastes better (to you at least!) when you make it yourself! I am impressed the the kids liked it too- I was the pickiest little kid when i was younger.
I enjoyed this salad so much at Panera that I can’t wait to make it at home. Can’t tell you how excited I was to find this recipe posted!
LOVE that salad too– too bad it is only seasonal! The homemade version is so much better than Panera’s….you will really enjoy it! let me know how you like it:)
-Christina
I love this salad at Panera. I usually order a half size, with half of their Napa Almond Chicken Sandwich (also very yummy). Does anyone know when this salad becomes available again? It’s too much work to make myself. I tried to make it a few times (but the pears ended up being too mushy, and I didn’t add chicken, and I used a Raspberry Vinaigrette dresing. It just wasn’t the same at all. I’m sure your homemade version is awesome. I just never really have the time to spend in the kitchen.
I had this salad today, and freaked out and practically told everyone I know about it, that’s how awesome it was. And now, you have recreated it??? You’re awesome, thanks!
This is one of my favorite salads and I’m so happy to find a recipe for it. I’m also a HUGE fan of Panera’s summer Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad. You wouldn’t happen to have a recipe for that salad dressing?
I am so excited to find this. I get so tired of normal salads. I use to buy the dressing from Panera and eat it nonstop! I can’t wait to make this!!! Thank you so much!
you are welcome…hope you enjoy
no i dont…. i never had that salad actually!!! i need to try that out b/c it sounds awesome and i LOVE poppyseed dressing…ill have to try it out
Looking for a printable version of your recipes without all the extra stuff?
Our newer recipes have the printable version option. I will go back and edit some of our older recipes, including this one, and add the printable option. Thanks for your comment!!!