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Your Favorite Summer Salad is Back at Panera Bread

Jacqueline WeissUpdated: Nov. 15, 2023

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Experience all your favorite summer flavors with Panera Bread's wildly popular Strawberry Poppyseed Salad.

Every summer, Panera Bread brings back one of their most popular seasonal menu items, the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad. It’s the most summery salad ever, with strawberry slices, blueberries, mandarin oranges and pineapple, plus Panera’s signature lemon-herb chicken, toasted pecan pieces and poppyseed dressing. It’s on the menu in both whole and half sizes, and brings your mouth some crunchy, some savory and a whole lotta sweetness. We’re 100% ready to order our next You Pick 2. This would be so good with a Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT, right?

This salad brings together all the sweetness of summer, even when you’re stuck at work or running errands. Thank goodness for Panera’s curbside pick-up! Plus, the salad clocks in at only 340 calories with 29 grams of protein to keep you full through a busy day. (Here’s why protein is good for weight loss, too.)

Feeling inspired to make your own version at home? Check out our refreshing take on this popular salad with with snap peas, spinach and lime-marinated chicken, plus 35 Panera Bread copycat recipes so you can whip up whatever you’re craving!

Craving more salad inspo? You can bring the flavors of Panera’s fruity salad into your kitchen with these 80 salads perfect for summer.

Our Freshest Summer Salad Recipes

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Watermelon and Spinach SaladSummer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad for loved ones. The combination of fresh fruit and spinach makes an impactful cooling punch even on the hottest days.

Summer Salad by the Lake

Summer Salad by the LakeThis summer salad is the perfect mix of sweet, earthy and savory. While the combo of peas, couscous and pineapple may raise a few eyebrows, you can expect this to be a hit for even the skeptical folks.

Find more tasty dishes to celebrate the start of summer with these Memorial Day barbecue recipes.

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Spicy Cajun Potato SaladTurn up the heat with these fiery potatoes that everyone will love. The Cajun seasoning adds the perfect amount of spice to the classic potato salad dish.

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Bacon Pea SaladLet's be honest, anything with bacon on it is amazing and this salad proves that point further. This is a dish to remember.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Antipasto Pasta SaladThis hearty pasta salad is a delightful summery mix of tang and sweetness. The addition of chickpeas, peppers and salami make every bite a mouthful of Italian flavors!

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Strawberry Kale SaladThis fresh, zingy salad is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! The strawberries and mint give this salad an extra fresh feel, while the crumbled bacon adds a nice savory bite.

Melon-Berry Salad

Melon-Berry SaladYogurt and coconut milk make this dressing delectable and oh so creamy. You can't go wrong with fresh fruit on a hot summer day.

Southern Potato Salad

Southern Potato SaladThis potato salad recipe is perfect for summer potlucks or barbecue parties. The sweet pickles add an extra sweetness to this southern-style salad.

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Campers’ ColeslawThis crispy and crunchy coleslaw is the perfect side salad for summer get togethers. It's an old family recipe.

Watermelon Tomato Salad

Watermelon Tomato SaladWatermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this juicy and beautiful salad.

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Berry Chicken SaladWith sweetness from the berries and tanginess from the goat cheese, this salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

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Fast Macaroni SaladChopped fresh veggies provide crunch, and cherry tomatoes add vibrant color to this refreshing and creamy pasta salad.

Skinny Cobb Salad

Skinny Cobb SaladThis skinny Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. It's crunchy, healthy and tasty.

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Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine VinaigretteThis cooling salad with a fruity dressing is a perfect addition to any potluck. With fresh blackberries, raspberries and mangoes, it truly tastes like summer.

Green Bean and Potato Salad

Green Bean and Potato SaladThis crispy and refreshing green bean salad is tasty, satisfying and surprisingly light. The green beans add a refreshing flavor when combined with the starchy potatoes.

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Avocado & Artichoke Pasta SaladThe lime and avocado bulk up this pasta salad and add a slight zing to every bite. You're going to want to come back for seconds.

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Peach Mango Caprese SaladWhen the weather is scorching, this salad will be your cooling hero. The peaches and mangoes in this salad are bursting in flavor and the mozzarella cheese adds substance.

Creamy Fruit Salad

Creamy Fruit SaladThis fruit salad is the creamy delicious cooling treat you have been waiting for. Made with simple ingredients, this will only take a couple minutes to whip up.

Cool & Crunchy Chicken Salad

Cool & Crunchy Chicken SaladWhen the weather sizzles, get your chill on with a cool chicken salad. The celery and pecans add a wonderful crunch!

Apricot Fluff

Apricot FluffThis creamy and decadent recipe is simple and will be ready to go in minutes. Feel free to experiment with different yogurt and gelatin flavors, like strawberry.

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Garden Tomato SaladSometimes, simplicity is key for the best tasting recipes. This garden tomato salad is the perfect addition to any potluck or gathering. It's a fresh and light dish that is perfect when the weather warms up.

Sparkling Fruit Salad

Sparkling Fruit SaladPineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation.

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Layered Cornbread SaladFresh vegetables layered with cornbread and sweet relish comes together in a beautiful salad that everyone will enjoy.

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Grilled Firecracker Potato SaladIf you're tired of classic potato salad, try out this recipe that adds some zest and spice to every bite. You won't want to go back to ordinary potato salad ever again.

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Salmon and Spud SaladThis flaky salmon dish is perfect no matter if you're watching your weight or wanting to have a healthier lifestyle. It's just as nutritious as it is yummy!

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Island Mango SlawThe cooling effect of fresh mango and Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapeños. This slaw will make you feel like you're on vacation in a tropic island.

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Pesto Corn Salad with ShrimpThis recipe showcases the beauty of summer with fresh corn, juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil. In order to encourage browning of the salad, simply spritz the salad with lemon juice.

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Sesame Chicken Slaw SaladThis sesame chicken slaw is the perfect mix of ginger and spice that will have your tastebuds dancing. The wonton strips add a delightful crunch to every bite.

Blueberry Cantaloupe Salad

Blueberry Cantaloupe SaladThe simple citrus and poppy seed dressing works great with fresh berries and melon. While this salad only has a few ingredients, it packs a punch in terms of flavor.

Bacon and Broccoli Salad

Bacon and Broccoli SaladThis recipe gets most of its flavor boost from bacon, toasted pecans, dried berries and a mayo dressing. It's creamy, slightly sweet and has a ton of crunch thanks to the pecans.

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Garden Pesto Pasta SaladIn the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it’s too hot to cook, use the season's veggies for pasta salads like this one!

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Tangy Poppy Seed Fruit SaladFor a fruit salad that’s delightful and cooling, the combination of berries and citrus with a honey-lime dressing screams summer.

Summer Splash Chicken Salad

Summer Splash Chicken SaladThis recipe is simple, easy and no fuss. The savory rotisserie chicken and juicy mangos, watermelon and grapes is a summer winner.

Rosey Raspberry Salad

Rosey Raspberry SaladThis is a beautiful raspberry salad that is almost too stunning to eat. Emphasis on almost!

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Shrimp & Nectarine SaladThe combo of shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing is delightful and fresh. It's best served chilled.

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Refreshing Tropical Fruit SaladWant a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to get your fruit in for the day.

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Tropical Layered Chicken SaladWith fresh avocado, this chicken salad tastes creamy and delicious in every bite. Say goodbye to boring chicken salads for life.

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Sour Cream CucumbersThis creamy cucumber salad is cooling and perfect for a hot summer day. The sour cream adds a wonderful tangy flavor when combined with the fresh cucumbers.

Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea SaladThis southern classic is popular for a reason. You simply can't go wrong with a vibrant salad like this one.

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Twisted Eggs Benedict SaladSalad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs.

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Southwestern Pasta SaladThis fun and colorful southwest salad is bursting with flavor thanks to salsa, lime juice and a ton of other exciting ingredients.

Salmon Caesar Salad

Salmon Caesar SaladYou can't go wrong with Caesar salad in the summer. When you add a perfectly cooked salmon to the mix, it elevates the salad effortlessly.

White Bean Arugula Salad

White Bean Arugula SaladThis red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan for a delicious finish.

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California Burger BowlsYou won't even miss the buns when you try this dish. If you want to add more spice, add some chili powder to the mayo.

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Homemade Potato SaladClassic dishes work well for a reason. Make a crowd favorite time and time again with this creamy dish.

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Pina Colada Fruit SaladTaste the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum.

Ground Beef Taco Salad

Ground Beef Taco SaladCraving tacos but don't want something super heavy? Then this ground beef taco salad is for you.

Orange Chicken Spinach Salad

Orange Chicken Spinach SaladFor a salad with refreshing color and crunch, the combination of chicken and spinach make this dish a real winner.

Turkey Almond Salad

Turkey Almond SaladThis fun salad is a perfect mix of savory, sweet and crunchy. With each bite, you'll be met with the perfect flavor harmony.

Strawberry-Turkey Spinach Salad

Strawberry-Turkey Spinach SaladThis light, refreshing salad is a true showstopper, with fresh strawberries and yellow pepper strips tossed with fresh baby spinach. Serve with warm whole wheat rolls.

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Fluffed Fruit SaladThis fluffy and fun salad is sweet, but light enough that you won't feel weighed down after getting seconds.

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Mediterranean Cobb SaladThis salad provides you with fresh mediterranean flavors. From tomatoes, to the eggs, to the avocados, every bite packs insane flavor.

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Veggie Nicoise SaladWith the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, this tasty salad delivers a ton of protein to keep you full all afternoon.

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Spinach & Bacon Salad with PeachesPeaches and bacon? Yes, please! This fresh and savory salad with ripe peaches will have your loved ones coming back for seconds.

Sunflower Strawberry Salad

Sunflower Strawberry SaladThis colorful and vibrant salad is just as yummy as it is beautiful. The fresh strawberries add a wonderful juicy sweetness to the dish.

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Arugula & Brown Rice SaladYou can't go wrong with hearty brown rice topped with peppery arugula. It's light and healthy.

Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

Coleslaw with Poppy Seed DressingThis salad is packed with flavor thanks to the creamy poppy seed dressing. Hint: the more you leave it in the fridge, the better the flavor.

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Pina Colada Molded SaladThis fun salad has a tropical twist from the coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's soft, sweet and cooling on a hot summer day.

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Sesame-Ginger Cucumber SaladThis crispy salad offers loved ones wonderful Asian flavors. From the creamy sesame and spicy ginger, your tastebuds will be having a party.

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Swiss Cobb SaladTopped with ham, roast beef, bacon and other fixings, this hearty salad has an excellent blend of flavors. A from-scratch vinaigrette adds the refreshing final touch.

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Creamy Grape SaladThis salad is perfectly refreshing and creamy. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans.

Garden Chickpea Salad

Garden Chickpea SaladCombine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzo beans. If you want more protein, add sliced chicken.

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Khmer Pickled Vegetable SaladThis pickled salad is delightfully crunchy and refreshing. This is a wonderful side to any kind of protein like barbecue chicken or a medium-rare steak.

Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad

Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak SaladIf you love a good tangy blue cheese dressing, then you gotta try this salad. It's savory, it's sweet, and it's full of color.

Steak & New Potato Toss

Steak & New Potato TossThis colorful and vibrant potato salad won't disappoint anyone. It's pretty, too, with the red pepper, green broccoli and white potatoes.

Summer Macaroni Salad

Creamy Macaroni SaladFor a barbecue party or potluck, this creamy salad is sure to be a crowd favorite. It's simple to throw together and bring along with you.

Layered Veggie Tortellini Salad

Layered Veggie Tortellini SaladTortellini and a Parmesan dressing give this layered salad an unexpected twist. It's simply delicious.

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Bow Tie & Spinach SaladWith this pasta salad, it's easy to switch things up from time to time. If you want to add more protein, add grilled chicken or black beans.

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Shrimp Avocado SaladThis salad can be served as a cool and satisfying lunch or dinner. The delicious fresh taste and smooth texture of avocados mixed with the crisp shrimp salad is heavenly.

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Creamy Pineapple Fluff SaladFluff salads are the best! You can't go wrong with this kid-friendly dessert "salad" that's full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits.

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Veggie Steak SaladThis salad just explodes with fresh and fun flavors. It's easy and quick to prepare, tastes delicious, and is a healthy dinner all on one plate.

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini SaladTrust us, you are going to be running back for seconds. The tomatoes in this salad add a juicy and refreshing bite.

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Layered Garden Bean SaladTurn this dish into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna.

Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad

Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus SaladThis light and flavorful dish packs a punch with the bright balsamic dressing. The fresh tarragon and orange zest make it delightfully refreshing.

Originally Published: May 18, 2018

Jacqueline Weiss

Jacqueline is a blogger and writer, passionate about sharing the latest in helpful tips and trends in food and cooking. In her spare time, you’ll find her trying new restaurants and experimenting in the kitchen.