Napa Almond Chicken Salad Recipe

This Napa Almond Chicken Salad Recipe is a fresh, protein-packed spin on a deli classic. Inspired by Panera Bread’s beloved sandwich, this version is even better homemade—with juicy shredded chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and a creamy Greek yogurt-mayo dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, crackers, or just by the spoonful. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or building a beautiful lunch platter, this salad is always a win.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥗 Panera Copycat: Just as flavorful, fresher, and more affordable
• ⏱️ Quick & Easy: 10 minutes and no cooking if using rotisserie chicken
• 🥬 Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well for up to 5 days
• 💪 Protein-Packed: Balanced with lean chicken and Greek yogurt
• 🍇 Textured & Bright: Sweet grapes + crunchy almonds in every bite

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or baked)
• 1 cup diced celery
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
• 1 cup red grapes, quartered
• ½ cup diced red onion (optional)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp spicy mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional for Sandwiches

• 8 slices hearty rye or whole grain bread
• Sliced tomato
• Lettuce or spinach
• Pickles

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Shred the chicken. Dice celery, onion, and grapes. Toast almonds in a skillet (optional).
2. Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, mustard, honey, lemon juice, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Stir in parsley.
3. Mix Salad: Add chicken, celery, grapes, onion, and almonds to the bowl. Fold gently until everything is well coated.
4. Assemble Sandwiches (optional): Layer bread with lettuce, tomato, and a generous scoop of chicken salad. Add pickles if you like!
5. Serve or Store: Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: ~$10

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 374
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 910mg
  Note: Sandwich ingredients not included. Based on chicken salad alone.

Tips & Variations

• Toast Your Almonds: A few minutes in the oven or pan makes them extra nutty and crisp.
• Swap the Fruit: Try diced apples or dried cranberries instead of grapes.
• Cheese it Up: Crumbled goat cheese or feta adds richness.
• Use All Mayo: Prefer a classic taste? Go full mayo for a creamier texture.
• Make It Low-Carb: Skip the bread and serve in lettuce cups or on a salad.

Napa Almond Chicken Salad Recipe

A healthy, creamy chicken salad inspired by Panera. Packed with protein, fruit, and crunch—great for lunches or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 374 kcal

Equipment

• – Cutting board
• – Knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• **Chicken Salad**
• – 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• – 1 cup diced celery
• – ¼ cup sliced almonds toasted optional
• – 1 cup red grapes quartered
• – ½ cup diced red onion optional
• **Dressing**
• – 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• – ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
• – 1 tbsp spicy mustard
• – 1 tbsp honey
• – Juice of ½ lemon
• – ½ tsp onion powder
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• – ½ tsp salt
• – 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• **Optional Sandwich Additions**
• – Hearty rye or grain bread
• – Lettuce or baby spinach
• – Sliced tomato
• – Pickles

Instructions

 

• Shred chicken and prep veggies. Toast almonds if desired.
• In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, mustard, honey, lemon juice, and spices. Stir in parsley.
• Add chicken, celery, grapes, onion, and almonds. Fold until combined.
• Serve as a sandwich, wrap, or salad—or enjoy with crackers.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

– Swap grapes for apples or dried cranberries
– Toast almonds for added depth
– Use all mayo if preferred
– Serve in wraps, lettuce cups, or grain bowls

Keyword Napa Almond Chicken Salad Recipe

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken has better texture and flavor.

Is this like Panera’s version?
It’s a close match—but fresher, more customizable, and healthier if you use yogurt.

How long does it keep?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Great for meal prep!

What bread works best?
Hearty breads like rye, sourdough, or multigrain hold up best and add texture.

Conclusion

This Napa Almond Chicken Salad Recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make, high-protein lunch that’s both satisfying and flexible. Whether you pile it on bread, scoop it into lettuce wraps, or snack on it straight from the bowl, you’ll be hooked after the first bite. It’s everything you love about the Panera version—just fresher, faster, and better.