Napa Almond Chicken Salad (Best Panera Copycat Recipe)

This copycat recipe for Panera's chicken salad is loaded with juicy chunks of chicken, slivered almonds, sweet red grapes, and crunchy diced celery. It's all mixed up with a creamy mayo-based dressing and piled high onto thick slices of toasted sourdough bread. It's a meal that is sure to keep you satisfied, and it's even better than the one you'd get from Panera!

The Best Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich

This copycat Panera chicken salad sandwich is even better than the restaurant version! I love whipping it up at home using leftover chicken for a quick lunch that is so filling and delicious. You can eat it so many different ways! It's perfect on its own, in lettuce wraps, or, my favorite - sandwiched between two slices of crunchy sourdough bread.

This is the perfect make ahead meal, too! You can make a large batch of the chicken salad and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to eat! The best part is that the longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavor. The savory mayo dressing encompasses every inch of the ingredients in rich, flavorful goodness. I can't wait for you to try it!

Ingredients

For the chicken salad sandwich:

• Almonds- sliced almonds add a texture element as well as a nutty flavor.
• Chicken bread- fully cooked. You can use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Red grapes- seedless, halved or quartered. Grapes are the perfect way to bring brightness.
• Celery- diced celery is a welcome crunch in this chicken salad.
• Bread- toasted. I prefer sourdough, but any bread will work.
• Tomato- sliced, just enough to top the sandwich.
• Lettuce- romaine, or mixed lettuce, to top your sandwich.

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise- creamy and rich, this is the base of the dressing. I love using full-fat mayonnaise.
• Lemon juice- adds acidity and brightness.
• Honey- adds a natural sweetness to the dressing. Try a local honey if you can!
• Vinegar- apple cider vinegar is a winner! You can also use red wine vinegar if that's all you have.
• Mustard- dry, ground mustard adds a big, bold flavor punch.
• Spices- onion powder, sea salt, black pepper.
• Herbs- rosemary, basil. Herbs add deep, earthy flavors.

How To Make Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Step 1: Toast The Almonds

Place the almonds on a small sheet pan and cook in the oven at 400°F until they're lightly golden brown. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix

Add the cooked chicken, quartered grapes, and diced celery to a large mixing bowl. Stir them to combine. In a separate small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients and stir them until they're well combined.

Step 3: Combine

Pour the dressing over the top of the chicken mixture and mix to incorporate the dressing throughout. Everything should be well covered in the dressing. To the bowl of chicken salad, add the cooled almonds and mix lightly to combine everything.

Step 4: Serve

Divide the chicken salad mixture between two pieces of toasted sourdough bread and top with tomato slices and green leaf lettuce. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• I love using leftover chicken for this dish, but you can also use a rotisserie chicken or even cook and cool chicken breast ahead of time.
• Taste the dressing as you make it! I love a tangy bite to my mayonnaise dressing, so I use plenty of vinegar.
• This chicken salad tastes even better the next day! Feel free to make this ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Enjoy it throughout the week for a quick lunch.
• I usually eat this chicken salad as a sandwich, but you can also use lettuce wraps for an even healthier meal!

How To Store Napa Almond Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days this way! When you're ready to eat, just toast up some bread and assemble your sandwiches.

If you want to keep it for longer, transfer the chicken salad to a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Napa Almond Chicken Salad Recipe FAQS

What do I do if my chicken salad is too dry?

You can always adjust the amount of dressing you use in this recipe! You can totally add more or take some away as needed.

What can I use in place of grapes?

I love using dried cranberries, or raisins in chicken salad recipes. They still add a brightness of flavor to the chicken salad and a different texture.

Should I serve this chicken salad warm or cold?

Chicken salad is best served chilled! I like to refrigerate it for at least an hour after making it for the best flavor.

More Chicken Recipes To Try Next

• Chicken Al Pastor
• Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
• Chicken Eggplant Parm
• Chicken Cobbler