COPYCAT PANERA BREAD STRAWBERRY POPPYSEED SALAD

This summer strawberry salad is my go-to when I need something fast, fresh, and crowd-pleasing. Inspired by the beloved Panera poppy seed strawberry salad, this version balances sweet, tart, and crunchy in every bite. It’s easy to make at home and feels like restaurant-quality in your own kitchen!

The Story Behind This Salad

This salad isn't an exact match to Panera Bread’s poppyseed salad, but it’s pretty darn close—and in some ways, even better! I used 80 Acres Farms Power Greens instead of romaine because I absolutely love the flavor and texture microgreens bring to this summer side salad. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just need a fresh lunch idea, this Panera bread salad is always a hit.

Would you like to check out another copycat recipe? Try the Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread! Both pair amazingly with a One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe.

INGREDIENTS FOR PANERA STRAWBERRY POPPYSEED SALAD

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this colorful summer salad. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or nuts.

For the Summer Salad

• 80 Acres Farms Power Greens (or romaine)
• Fresh strawberries
• Blueberries
• Pineapple (fresh or canned)
• Pistachios (or pecans for a more Panera-style version)
• Optional: Mandarin oranges

For the Poppyseed Dressing

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Diced sweet onion
• Salt
• Poppy seeds
• Black pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

4 EASY STEPS TO MAKE THIS SUMMER SALAD

Here’s a quick overview of how to make this Panera strawberry poppyseed salad at home:

1. Step 1: Make the dressing by blending together all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. Step 2: Wash and prep the fruit by slicing strawberries and dicing pineapple.

3. Step 3: Assemble the greens and fruit in a large bowl.

4. Step 4: Drizzle with dressing, toss, and serve immediately.

Hint: If serving for a gathering, keep dressing on the side until ready to eat to prevent soggy greens.

SUBSTITUTIONS FOR PANERA STRAWBERRY SALAD

Here are some common swaps you can use to suit your taste or pantry:

• Lettuce: Romaine, spinach, or a spring mix all work great.
• Pineapple: Mango or canned peaches are delicious too.
• Greek yogurt: Use mayo or sour cream if needed.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave can be subbed in a pinch.

VARIATIONS FOR PANERA BREAD POPPY SEED SALAD

This summer salad is endlessly customizable. Here are a few fun ways to mix it up:

• Use different fruit like raspberries, kiwi, or blackberries.
• Swap pistachios for almonds or walnuts.
• Try it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Add feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Cutting board & knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk or small blender for dressing
• Serving bowl

STORAGE INFORMATION

Store the salad and dressing separately. The fruit and greens can be prepped and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The dressing lasts up to 5 days in a sealed jar in the fridge. If it solidifies, bring it to room temperature and shake well before using.

FAQ

Copycat Series

Looking for other copycat recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing Ideas

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Summer Salad:

Print Pin

Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

A bright, fruity summer salad inspired by Panera, with Power Greens, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, pistachios, and a creamy poppyseed dressing.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, copycat recipes, Summer Recipe

Keyword copycat panera, copycat recipes, fruit salad, Panera strawberry poppyseed salad, poppy seed dressing, summer salad

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 280kcal

Cost $10

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls 
• Knife
• cutting board
• Knife
• Whisk
• Jar

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon finely diced sweet onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad

• 1 Box Mixed Greens Or which ever lettuce you prefer such as romaine.
• 1 cup strawberries sliced
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup fresh pineapple sliced or diced
• ½ cup mandarin oranges drained

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon finely diced sweet onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. If using high-quality olive oil, note that the dressing may solidify in the fridge. To fix, leave it out at room temp for 10-15 minutes or run the jar under warm water before shaking again.

Step 2: Prep the Fruit

• Slice 1 cup of strawberries, rinse and drain ½ cup blueberries, and dice ½ cup fresh pineapple. You can also add ½ cup drained mandarin oranges if you like.

Step 3: Build the Salad

• In a large serving bowl, add the Power Greens (or romaine), then top with the prepared fruit and ⅓ cup pistachios (or pecans).

Step 4: Toss and Serve

• Drizzle the salad with your desired amount of poppyseed dressing. Toss everything together gently and serve immediately.