Panera Seasonal Greens Salad is a seasonal version of the ever-popular Panera Salad. It is low in calories and fat but high in nutrients, so it is a guilt-free lunch choice.
This salad has all the ingredients you would expect to find on a regular Panera salad – spinach, tomatoes, eggs, cheese, cucumbers, and croutons.
But with a few new additions: cilantro lime vinaigrette dressing with avocado oil or sunflower oil; red peppers; roasted chicken.
The addition of roasted chicken gives this salad protein which satisfies hunger for longer periods of time.
Panera Seasonal Greens Salad Recipe
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Recipe Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup chopped, peeled cucumber (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 tomatoes, diced (1/3 cup – about 2 small tomatoes)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced into strips (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces sliced low-fat sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces cooked or roasted chicken breast, torn into bite-size pieces (optional; 1/2 cup)
- 2 eggs per serving: hard-boiled egg*, quartered and thinly sliced over greens.
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional; 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
Optional Dressing Ingredients: 1/4 cup cilantro lime vinaigrette, or any vinaigrette dressing of your preference
Step By Step Instructions:
Step-1: Place spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
Step-2: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of the oil or canola oil with 1 tablespoon of the dressing in a small bowl. Pour over salad greens and vegetables and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining crumbled cheese if desired.
Step-3: Top with roasted chicken or top with sliced hard-boiled egg per serving if not using chicken (per serving).
Step-4: Drizzle with any desired dressing. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Fat | 29 g. |
| Carbohydrate | 22 g. |
| Protein | 21 g. |
| Sodium | 1040 mg. |
| Fiber | 6 g. |
| Vitamin A | 100% |
| Vitamin C | 60% |
| Iron | 15% |
What Salad Dressing Goes Good On Seasonal Greens Salad?
Cilantro lime vinaigrette is the best salad dressing for this salad and also goes well on any other salad or as a dip for vegetables, chicken, or fish too.
How Do You Eat Seasonal Greens Salad?
You can eat this salad like a regular Panera salad. Some people prefer to use restaurant-style lettuce or kale to wrap around their salad.
Are Seasonal Greens Salad Good For You?
Yes, the salad is good for you and is especially healthy if you use roasted chicken or egg per serving.
Can You Lose Weight Eating Seasonal Greens Salad?
Yes, you can lose weight eating this salad and many other salads if you make them fewer calories by choosing low-fat options (like extra cheese) and skipping the bread or asking for grilled instead of crispy bread crumbs in your dressing.
Do Kids Like Seasonal Greens Salad?
Yes, kids love this salad too. In fact, many people like to use their kid’s favorite vegetables in this salad.
Best 7 Health Benefits Of Seasonal Greens Salad
1) Low Calories
This salad saves you up to 100 calories per serving, and The health benefit of the seasonal greens salads is that it is low in calories. You will feel full for much longer after eating this salad with just a little protein from the chicken or egg.
2) High In Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects your body from cell damage, promotes good eyesight, and helps with muscle growth & development.
This salad is high in Vitamin A, so you will benefit from the proven benefits of this vitamin with every bite.
3) High In Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your body from cell damage, promotes good eyesight, and helps with muscle growth & development.
This salad is high in Vitamin C, so you will benefit from the proven benefits of this vitamin with every bite.
4) High In Iron
Iron is an important mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining energy levels and contributing to proper blood production for optimal immune system function.
This salad is high in Iron, so you will benefit from the proven benefits of this mineral with every bite.
5) Healthy Fats
Unrefined and unprocessed canola oil is a healthy fat that is s energy source for the body. It is also an LDL cholesterol-lowering oil (and also helps to lower blood pressure).
Avocado oil or olive oil are also healthier than olive oils with added flavorings, so choose these too.
6) High Source Of Protein
This salad is high in protein, so you will benefit from the protein in this salad with every bite. In fact, the combination of roasted chicken and eggs per serving should be enough protein to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time after eating this salad.
7) High In Fiber
Dietary fiber can help you feel full longer, helps to regulate blood sugar levels, helps lower cholesterol, and is important for optimal digestive health. This salad is high in Fiber, so you will benefit from the high fiber content of this salad with every bite.
The Bottom Line
The seasonal greens salads are healthy, filling, low in calories, and easy to make. In fact, the only difficult part is choosing your favorite veggies and other ingredients. So just go ahead and try this salad, and you will be surprised at how satisfying it is.
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