Panera Bread Salad Menu: Salads, Prices, & Nutrition Facts
The panera bread salad menu is a current, U.S.-focused guide for January 2026 that highlights freshness, clearer nutrition, and more grain-forward options. The panera bread salad menu quickly tells you what to expect: prices, size and value, and a compact nutrition snapshot so you can compare calories, protein, and sodium.
This guide is for you if you want a quick read before ordering or pairing a half portion with soup. It explains why improvements like romaine returning and extra toppings matter. You get practical pricing ranges and tips for budgeting.
Key features: freshness updates, clear allergen flags, and grain-based options that make a salad feel like a full meal. Expect short tables for calories, vegan/keto fits, and common allergens so you can choose with confidence.
What’s New for Panera Salads in 2026: Ingredients, Greens, and Menu Updates
2026 brings a clear shift: greens are getting heartier, crunchier, and more meal-ready. The brand leans into texture and freshness so bowls feel like a full meal instead of a side. These changes affect prices, calories, and what you pick at lunch.
Romaine returns for bite and structure
Romaine lettuce is back to restore crispness and structure. That crunch holds dressings and toppings better. Many diners notice an immediate lift in quality when romaine replaces softer leaves.
More grains: farro and rice blends
Farro and rice blends appear across greens to create a fuller base. A grains-and-greens mix keeps you satisfied longer and works if you skip bread. It’s a practical swap when you want balanced carbs and texture.
Extra toppings and flexible ordering
Expect more crunchy and creamy items—nuts, tortilla strips, avocado, and bolder seasonings. Customization is easier: ask for dressing on the side, swap proteins, or boost grains. These updates match how people actually eat today.
Panera Bread Salad Menu: Full List of Salads With Prices in the US
Want to compare items fast? Below is a clear list of core salad offerings, current U.S. prices, and calories for January 2026. Use this to pick a half for a You Pick Two combo or a full when you want a meal.
Chicken selections
- Fuji Apple Chicken — popular sweet-savory apple chicken option.
- Southwest Chicken Ranch — bold, creamy chicken ranch profile.
- Green Goddess Chicken Cobb — high-protein Cobb with green goddess dressing.
- Caesar with Chicken — classic Caesar topped with grilled chicken.
Vegetarian and grains
- Caesar (vegetarian), Greek Salad, Mediterranean Greens with Grains, Balsamic Greens with Grains.
- Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains and Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains blend protein and farro/rice for fullness.
Seasonal picks
- Harvest Medley and Harvest Medley Chicken — fall-forward ingredients, higher calories for hearty appetite.
| Item | Price (Half / Full) | Calories | Notes (Diet / Allergens) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Goddess Chicken Cobb | $6.49 / $13.89 | 510 | Protein-forward; dairy, egg, nuts possible |
| Fuji Apple Chicken | $6.49 / $11.99 | 560 | Contains nuts; dressing adds sugar |
| Southwest Chicken Ranch | $6.99 / $13.49 | 670 | Higher calories; tortilla strips, dairy |
| Harvest Medley Chicken | $7.99 / $12.99 | 790 | Seasonal; nuts and cheese common |
Quick tip: Gluten-free or keto fits depend on toppings and dressing. Check allergens (nuts, dairy, egg, sesame) and use half portions as a side or combo.
Panera Salad Prices by Size: Half vs Full Portions and What to Expect
Knowing typical size costs helps you choose a satisfying meal without surprises. A half portion is built to pair with a soup or sandwich, while a full portion is meant as a complete lunch or dinner.
Typical national ranges and location effects
As of January 2026, half portions commonly run about $5.99–$7.99. Full portions typically range from $8.39–$13.89.
Expect higher totals in big cities, airports, franchise locations, and with delivery fees or busy‑time markups. Popular full items like Southwest Chicken Ranch and greens-with-grains sit near the top of the range.
Best value picks for budget-friendly ordering
Value here means filling per dollar, not just lowest sticker price. Grain bowls and protein-forward choices often stretch a dollar farther.
- Classic Caesar and Greek builds tend to deliver strong satisfaction for modest prices, with or without added protein.
- If you want predictable totals, order in‑cafe or via the app and skip unneeded add‑ons.
- Adding a side like a baguette or fruit can tilt the math—sometimes a full portion beats a half plus extras.
| Portion | Typical Price (Jan 2026) | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Half | $5.99–$7.99 | Pairing with soup or sandwich; lighter appetite |
| Full | $8.39–$13.89 | Stand‑alone meal; higher protein and grains |
| High‑priced items | Top of range | Southwest Chicken Ranch, grains-with-protein bowls |
Remember: the cheapest option can be the most calorie‑dense depending on dressing and toppings. The next section breaks down calories, protein, and sodium so you can pair price with nutrition and make the best choice for your food plan.
Panera Salad Nutrition Facts: Calories, Protein, and Sodium at a Glance
A quick nutrition lens helps you match a salad to your day—light lunch, post-gym protein, or a more filling dinner. This section summarizes typical calorie ranges and what actually moves the dial on energy and salt.
Most full-size items land between about 410 and 790 calories. Examples range from a lighter Caesar (around 410) up to a hearty Harvest Medley Chicken (near 790).
What drives calories? Creamy dressings, cheese, avocado, crunchy toppings, and grains add energy and satiety. How you use the dressing matters: pouring the whole cup adds substantially more than dipping or asking for the dressing on the side.
- Higher-protein picks: Builds with grilled chicken, egg, bacon, or Cobb-style toppings raise protein quickly and feel meal‑complete.
- Sodium reality: Dressings, cheese, cured toppings, and seasoned proteins can push sodium up—measure the dressing or choose vinaigrette-style options.
| Item (half) | Calories | Protein | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Salad | 210 | 4 g | 570 |
| Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains | 330 | 16 g | 700 |
| Green Goddess Chicken Cobb | 260 | 21 g | 680 |
Simple rule: If you’re watching sodium, favor vinaigrette builds and measure the dressing; if you want protein, add chicken or Cobb toppings. Pair a higher-sodium choice with water and a light side to balance the meal.
Top Panera Chicken Salads, Ranked by Flavor, Texture, and Overall Taste
If you pick by texture and taste, these chicken choices stand out for different reasons. Below are concise tasting notes to help you order with confidence.
Fuji Apple Chicken
Why it shines: sweet-savory balance with dried apple chips and pecans. The apple-forward vinaigrette tastes bright and keeps each bite lively.
Southwest Chicken Ranch
Why it shines: cool avocado and roasted corn meet crunchy tortilla strips. The chipotle aioli plus ranch creates a bold-creamy flavor contrast.
Green Goddess Chicken Cobb
Why it shines: creamy herb dressing and classic Cobb toppings—bacon, egg, avocado—make this the top pick for protein and richness.
Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains
Why it shines: hummus and shawarma seasoning add savory depth. Grains and feta give satisfying heft and pleasant chew.
Caesar with Chicken
Why it shines: romaine crunch, parmesan, and hearty croutons deliver classic comfort. Note: chicken texture can vary, so ask for extra warmth if preferred.
Greek with Chicken & Asian Sesame Chicken
Why they shine: both feel lighter. The Greek option offers briny feta, olives, and pepperoncini bite. The Asian sesame version brings almonds and wonton crisp with a sesame vinaigrette.
Pick by mood: sweet-crunchy (Fuji Apple), bold-creamy (Southwest Chicken Ranch), protein-classic (Green Goddess Chicken Cobb), Mediterranean-savory (Greens with Grains), crisp-traditional (Caesar).
| Item | Taste Focus | Key Texture | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji Apple Chicken | Sweet-savory, apple vinaigrette | Dried apple chips, pecans | Bright, crunchy bites |
| Southwest Chicken Ranch | Bold-creamy, smoky heat | Tortilla strips, avocado | Fun contrast of cool and spicy |
| Green Goddess Chicken Cobb | Herb-forward, rich | Creamy dressing, chunky toppings | High protein, very filling |
| Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains | Savory, tangy shawarma notes | Grains and feta crumble | Hearty, savory bowl |
| Caesar with Chicken | Umami, tangy anchovy-parmesan | Romaine crunch, croutons | Classic, reliable flavor |
| Greek with Chicken | Briny, bright | Feta, olives | Refreshing, vinegary dressing |
| Asian Sesame Chicken | Oily-vinegary sesame | Almonds, wonton strips | Light, crunchy finish |
Best Panera Salads Without Chicken: Vegetarian Options That Still Feel Filling
Looking for hearty vegetarian options that actually satisfy? Here are meatless picks that keep the meal feeling complete. These builds rely on grains, creamy elements, and crunchy toppings to add chew, richness, and substance.
Balsamic Greens with Grains
The balsamic greens grains choice balances sweet-tangy dressing with banana pepper bite. Seeds and grains add crunch and chew, while avocado and feta lend creamy contrast. Eat This Not That praises this pick for its unexpected, bright taste and filling texture.
Mediterranean Greens with Grains
Hummus anchors this bowl so it feels like a meal, not a side. Grains give chew and energy, and crunchy vegetables hold up against the dressing. The result is a satisfying, bowl-like build.
Greek Salad
The greek salad uses romaine lettuce for structure, briny olives, and tangy vinegar-forward dressing. Feta cheese brings salty richness, and the overall taste stays clean and refreshing.
Caesar Salad
Simple and reliable: romaine, parmesan cheese, and crouton crunch. This classic mix pairs easily with soup or a sandwich and delivers familiar texture and creamy flavor.
- Make it more filling: add grains, keep crunchy toppings, or include avocado for extra creaminess.
| Item | Calories (Half) | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balsamic Greens with Grains | ~330 | Vegetarian (not vegan) | Dairy, seeds |
| Mediterranean Greens with Grains | ~340 | Vegetarian (hummus base) | Sesame (hummus), gluten (grains) |
| Greek Salad | ~210 | Vegetarian | Dairy (feta), olives |
Ingredient Spotlight: Greens, Grains, and Toppings That Define the Menu
Crisp leaves, hearty grains, and crunchy toppers drive how each bowl feels from first bite to last.
Leaf base: romaine vs mixed greens
Romaine gives a clean crunch and holds dressing well. It keeps textures distinct even after a few minutes.
Mixed greens add color and tenderness. They taste delicate but can soften faster under heavy dressing.
Grains for fullness
Adding farro or rice shifts a plate toward a bowl. Grains add chew, slow-release energy, and help the dish survive delivery.
Cheese and salty add-ons
Feta brings briny tang. Parmesan adds nutty salt and a classic finish.
Bacon is a small addition with a big savory impact in Cobb-style builds.
Crunch factors and texture hacks
Pecans, tortilla strips, croutons, almonds, and wonton strips each offer a distinct crunch profile. Keep crunchy toppings separate until you eat and add dressing last for maximum snap.
| Ingredient | Effect | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce | Structure, crispness | Caesar, hearty builds |
| Mixed greens | Tenderness, color | Light, vinaigrette-led bowls |
| Farro / Rice | Satiety, chew | Grain-forward bowls |
| Pecans / Almonds / Wonton strips | Crunch contrast | Top just before serving |
Dressings and Flavor Profiles: From Green Goddess to Balsamic Vinaigrette
Dressings set the tone for every bite, turning greens and grains into distinct flavor experiences.
Green goddess dressing is creamy, herb-forward, and bright. It softens sharp vinegar notes and lifts Cobb-style toppings. Choose it when you want freshness without heavy acidity.
Balsamic vinaigrette offers a sweet-tangy balance. It clings to farro and rice, making grains taste more integrated. Use this vinaigrette when you want a richer, slightly sweet finish.
Sesame vinaigrette gives an oily-vinegary bite with toasted sesame character. It pairs especially well with almonds and wonton strips for a crunchy contrast.
Greek dressing plus pepperoncini lives in the briny, sharp lane. This combo brightens a greek salad and adds a clean, punchy acid note.
Ranch and chipotle aioli form a creamy-heat duo. They turn Southwest-style bowls into indulgent, spicy-comfort choices.
Apple vinaigrette defines the fuji apple profile: sweet, cider-like, and slightly tangy. It’s the go-to for fruit-forward builds that balance sweet and savory.
| Dressings | Best Pairings | Flavor cue |
|---|---|---|
| Green goddess | Cobb, herb-forward bowls | Creamy, bright |
| Balsamic vinaigrette | Greens with grains | Sweet-tangy |
| Sesame vinaigrette | Asian-style, crunchy toppings | Oily-vinegary, nutty |
How to Customize Your Panera Salad for Calories, Protein, and Allergies
Small swaps at the counter let you tune protein, calories, and allergens without reworking your whole order.
Add or remove grilled chicken to match protein goals
Grilled chicken is the fastest way to raise protein. Remove it for a lighter plate or add extra for a post-workout meal.
Order dressing on the side to control calories and sodium
Ask for the dressing on the side. Using half the cup can cut calories and sodium dramatically while keeping flavor.
Swap greens and skip toppings like cheese or nuts when needed
Choose romaine for crunch or mixed greens for tenderness. Skip cheese or nuts to avoid dairy or nut allergens and lower fat.
Add grains for energy and longer-lasting fullness
Adding farro or a rice blend gives chew and steady energy when you skip bread. Grains make a bowl feel like a true meal.
- Make one change at a time so you know what worked.
- Confirm cross-contact if a severe allergy exists.
| Move | Effect | When to pick |
|---|---|---|
| Add grilled chicken | +Protein, more filling | Post-workout or hunger |
| Dressing on side | Lower calories & sodium | Watch intake or reduce salt |
| Add grains | Longer fullness | Skipping bread but want energy |
Best Combos for Lunch: You Pick Two and Value Duets With Soup and Salad
Pairing a crisp half salad with a steaming bowl of soup balances freshness and comfort. The You Pick Two setup lets you mix two smaller items for variety and value.
Why half combos work
Half portions give better portion control and let you taste more without overeating. You get a lighter side plus a satisfying main, and the combo feels more interesting than one large item.
How You Pick Two works
Conceptually, You Pick Two pairs two half items so you can combine a fresh salad with a warm soup or a sandwich. This option reduces waste and stretches your food budget.
Value Duet examples and guidance
Quick pairings to order fast:
- Caesar Salad + Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup — 330 calories.
- Greek Salad + Creamy Tomato Soup — 460 calories.
Pick a brighter, crunchy salad if your soup is creamy. Choose a richer salad when your soup is brothy and light.
Adding bread as a side can shift the meal from balanced to heavier. Decide based on hunger and the rest of your day.
| Combo | Calories | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Caesar + Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup | 330 | Light lunch, crave warm comfort |
| Greek Salad + Creamy Tomato Soup | 460 | Balanced, tangy and creamy pairing |
| Half salad + Half sandwich (You Pick Two) | Varies | Best for variety and portion control |
Personalization tip: If you favor a particular dressing, pick the salad that highlights it and pair a soup that complements that taste. That way your choice feels deliberate and satisfying.
Conclusion
The latest changes make it easier to order a meal that matches hunger, nutrition goals, and taste.
Overall, the panera bread salad lineup in January 2026 leans into crunch and chew. Romaine lettuce returns for firmer texture, grains and extra toppings add staying power, and clear customization keeps choices simple.
Use the price-by-size table and quick nutrition snapshots to scan calories and protein. Treat the dressing as your main calorie lever. Pick chicken options for higher protein, choose greens-and-grains for lasting fullness, or go Caesar/Greek for familiar flavor.
For allergies or preference, skip cheese or nuts and ask for dressing on the side. Return to the combo and table sections to build a confident lunch—whether you order in-cafe, pickup, or delivery.
