16 Healthiest Items at Panera Bread in 2024
If you’re on the search for the healthiest items at Panera Bread, you’ll find many options to choose from. However, with an extensive menu, it can be difficult to know which menu items align with your health goals when ordering from this popular eatery.
To help you make the most nutritious choices, we’ve created a helpful list of the 16 healthiest Panera items. Whether you prefer vegetarian dishes, lean meats or low-calorie options, you’ll find something to suit your dietary needs and preferences at this convenient fast-casual chain.
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Is Panera Healthy?
Panera can offer healthy dining options, especially if you make mindful choices. In fact, many say that Panera is one of the healthiest fast food chains on the market. The healthiest items at Panera tend to include lean meats and plant-based proteins, such as beans and whole grains.
Additionally, Panera serves up soups and salad bowls packed full of wholesome ingredients. There are also some healthy and filling breakfast options, including oatmeal and yogurt. While there are healthy choices on the main menu, like those on the list below, customizing your order can help you enjoy an even more nutritious and satisfying meal at Panera. For example, adding extra vegetables to your meal can boost nutritional value while keeping calories in check.
The 16 Healthiest Panera Items
1. Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad
A standout choice and among the healthiest items at Panera, this vibrant salad features a mix of fresh greens topped with grilled chicken, diced applewood smoked bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado and tomatoes, all garnished with a creamy Green Goddess dressing. The combination of lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado and nutrient-dense vegetables makes this salad a well-rounded and energizing option.
To make it even healthier, you can request the dressing on the side, allowing you to control calorie content and fat. Compared to other menu items, the Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad offers a balanced mix of macronutrients and is lower in refined carbohydrates than many other options on the menu.
2. Mediterranean Greens With Grains
The Mediterranean Greens With Grains dish is among the healthiest items at Panera, offering a flavorful and nutritious meal option. This bowl features a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients, including mixed greens, a nutrient-packed wholegrain blend, feta and hummus. Additional veggies include peppers, sliced cucumbers and red onions.
It’s all topped with a delicious shawarma seasoning, which can be requested on the side, and you can also get a grilled chicken version for some additional protein. You can opt for extra toppings as well, such as avocado or more vegetables, to enhance its nutritional value even further. This healthy item at Panera is not only full of nutrients but is also quite low in calories and carbs.
3. Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad
The Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad is another popular salad on the list of the healthiest items at Panera. This dish features tender, grilled chicken, mixed greens, corn salsa, tomatoes and fresh avocado. It’s tossed in chipotle aioli and ranch, but you can ask for these on the side if you don’t want to add too many calories or too much fat. The salad is also topped with corn tortilla strips. Ask for additional chicken or avocado if you want an extra boost of protein or healthy fats.
What sets this salad apart as one of the healthiest Panera menu items is its nutrient-rich ingredients and thoughtful composition. The combination of lean protein from the grilled chicken and healthy fats from the avocado combined with low-calorie vegetables creates a well-rounded meal that keeps you feeling satisfied while providing essential nutrients.
4. Balsamic Chicken Greens With Grains
Another delicious salad bowl to try is the Balsamic Chicken Greens With Grains. Also available without chicken for vegetarians, it's a vibrant and flavorful menu option that stands out as one of the tastiest as well as healthiest items at Panera. This salad features a nutritious blend of ingredients, including mixed greens, feta, grilled chicken and a farro and rice blend.
You also get cucumbers and avocado and it's topped with pumpkin seeds, sliced pepperoncini, Green Goddess dressing and balsamic dressing, both of which can be requested on the side. This nutrient-packed and relatively low-calorie menu item has a good amount of protein, plus healthy oils from the avocado and seeds. You also get fiber and carbohydrates from the farro and rice. If you're after the healthiest item at Panera for lunch, this might just be the best option out there.
5. Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
The Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is among the healthiest items at Panera for a nutritious lunch. This vibrant salad features a mix of field greens and romaine lettuce, topped with juicy grilled chicken, crisp Fuji apple slices, Gorgonzola cheese, pecans and red onions. It's dressed with a white balsamic apple vinaigrette that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
A key feature of this salad is its balance of lean protein, fiber and healthy fats. The grilled chicken provides a substantial protein boost, while the apples and mixed greens contribute vitamins and antioxidants. The nuts also offer a good source of healthy fats, making this salad a well-rounded meal. Additionally, you can customize it further by requesting the dressing on the side or opting for extra vegetables to enhance the nutritional profile.
6. Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad
If you enjoy sweet salads, the Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is a standout option among the healthiest items at Panera. This salad features grilled chicken atop a bed of crisp lettuce, complemented by a delicious poppyseed dressing. You also get a boost of nutrients via the many fruits in the salad, including strawberries, pineapple, oranges and blueberries. The addition of pecans adds crunch and a little extra protein.
What makes the Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad one of the healthiest items at Panera is its emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients. The salad is rich in protein from the grilled chicken, while the greens and fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re looking for the best fast food salad packed full of nutrients, this is definitely a top contender!
7. Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup
This soup is a flavorful and nutritious option on the menu as well as being one of the healthiest items at Panera. It’s also one of the best vegetarian fast food options for those looking for something quick and healthy. Bursting with the rich flavors of butternut squash, pumpkin and other seasonal vegetables, this soup is both hearty and satisfying.
Unlike some other soup options that may be high in sodium or saturated fat, this soup is relatively low in both and is also quite low in calories. Plus, it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing choice for those looking to prioritize their health.
Pair this soup with wholegrain bread to create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs. Offering a delicious and wholesome option for diners, the Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup is truly one of the tastiest and healthiest Panera items. Do note, that this soup is seasonal and is only available in the fall.
8. Turkey Chili
Looking for a hearty and flavorful option that stands out as one of the healthiest items at Panera? Then go for the turkey chili. It’s made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes and a blend of spices, providing both satisfaction and nourishment.
It's a popular choice for those seeking a warm and comforting meal without sacrificing healthiness. Panera's chili has a high protein content from the lean turkey and beans, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, with the beans also adding some fiber. Additionally, it's lower in saturated fat compared to other chili options that use beef or pork.
Overall, Panera's Turkey Chili is a delicious and nutritious option that exemplifies the healthiest items at Panera, offering a balance of flavor and wellness in every spoonful. If you want to try this chili, note that it is a seasonal item. Depending on your location, it’s available during the fall and winter.
9. Grilled Chicken and Avocado BLT Sandwich
This healthy item at Panera is a delightful menu option that balances taste and nutrition and features lean chicken and the healthy fats of avocado. It also features crisp mixed greens, fresh tomatoes and garlic aioli on a healthy sourdough bread. While the sandwich additionally comes with bacon and cheddar cheese, you could leave off one or both of these to make it a little healthier. You can customize this sandwich by opting for extra vegetables or choosing a different type of bread to suit your dietary preferences.
10. Tuna Salad Sandwich
This sandwich is a popular choice among the healthiest items at Panera, offering a satisfying and nutritious lunchtime option. This menu item features the brand’s signature tuna salad, made with a blend of chunk white albacore tuna, mayo and crisp celery, served between slices of freshly baked sourdough bread. You also get tomatoes and salad leaves and can opt for wholegrain bread if you prefer.
The balanced combination of protein from the tuna and carbohydrates from the bread provides sustained energy and satiety. Additionally, tuna is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. You can also get an apple for free with this sandwich, adding some extra vitamins and fiber to this already healthy item at Panera.
11. Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich
The Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich is another tasty lunch option on this list of the healthiest items at Panera. This sandwich features thinly sliced roasted turkey breast, paired with mixed greens, ripe tomatoes, tangy red onions and white cheddar, all nestled between slices of freshly baked sourdough bread.
What makes this sandwich a healthier option is its emphasis on lean protein from the turkey and the inclusion of fresh vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. To make it even healthier, you could request it without cheese or opt for wholegrain bread for added fiber. You can additionally add an apple to your meal for free for dessert or go for a delicious fruit cup for just an extra $2.39.
12. Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
If you’re looking for the healthiest items at Panera that are also vegetarian, the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is one of the best options. This sandwich features a flavorful combination of roasted red peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese and a tangy Mediterranean-inspired hummus spread, crammed between slices of freshly baked tomato basil bread. While this bread is delicious and not overly unhealthy, you could switch it out for wholegrain bread.
What sets this sandwich apart is its abundance of nutrient-rich ingredients and the absence of processed meats, making it a healthier alternative to many other menu options. Its ingredients are also high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, which contribute to overall well-being and can help support a balanced diet. Additionally, if you go for wholegrain bread, this ingredient provides complex carbohydrates that digest more slowly, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
13. Chipotle Chicken, Egg and Avocado Sandwich
The Chipotle Chicken, Egg and Avocado Sandwich, served on ciabatta bread, is among the healthiest items at Panera that you could enjoy for lunch or breakfast. This flavorful sandwich features tender grilled chicken, freshly cooked egg, creamy avocado and chipotle mayo, all tucked in a soft ciabatta roll.
The grilled chicken provides a lean source of protein, with the eggs providing an additional protein source, while the avocado contributes heart-healthy fats. You can enhance its health benefits by opting for wholegrain bread instead of ciabatta or requesting extra vegetables like spinach or tomatoes.
14. Garden Avocado and Egg Whites on a Multigrain Bagel Flat
Combining the creamy richness of avocado and the protein-packed goodness of egg whites atop a wholesome multigrain bagel flat, this order is a standout among the healthiest items at Panera for breakfast. It also comes with ripe tomatoes for a little extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
Opting for a multigrain bagel flat instead of a traditional bagel further increases the fiber content and provides sustained energy throughout the morning. By choosing this menu item, you're not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients, making it one of the healthiest items at Panera for those who want to start their day with the best meal possible.
15. Steel Cut Oatmeal
The oatmeal breakfast option is undoubtedly one of the healthiest items at Panera. Made from steel-cut oats, which are less processed than rolled oats, this breakfast option provides a hearty and nutritious start to your day. Steel-cut oats are high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer, making it an excellent choice for sustained energy.
Additionally, this oatmeal dish is often topped with nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh fruit, nuts and a drizzle of honey, enhancing both its flavor and health benefits. The Steel Cut Oatmeal is a healthy, balanced breakfast choice, taking its rightful place among the healthiest items at Panera.
16. Greek Yogurt With Mixed Berries Parfait
This delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option features creamy Greek yogurt layered with a mix of fresh berries and finished with a sprinkle of granola. This parfait is one of the healthiest items at Panera due to its high protein content from the Greek yogurt, which helps keep you full for longer. The mixed berries add a dose of antioxidants, vitamins and natural sweetness without the need for added sugars.
As one of the healthiest Panera items, this parfait offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber and essential nutrients, making it a smarter choice compared to more indulgent pastries or sugary cereals. You can customize it by requesting extra berries or a lighter portion of granola to suit your dietary preferences.
Learn To Cook Healthy Dishes at Home
While picking up healthy items at Panera is a great option for on-the-go, learning to prepare nutritious dishes is highly recommended if you want to eat a healthier diet. Attending a few cooking classes near you or taking convenient online cooking classes is an excellent way to learn how to prepare healthy meals at home, providing hands-on experience and expert guidance. These classes often focus on using fresh, whole ingredients and proper cooking techniques, helping you understand how to create delicious and healthy dishes at home.
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With a variety of wholesome options available, this convenient fast casual chain offers plenty of choices to suit a health-conscious lifestyle. By selecting items thoughtfully and incorporating more plant-based proteins, lean meats and whole grains, you can enjoy a balanced and satisfying meal at Panera. Whether you’re looking to maintain a healthy diet or simply want to try something new, order a few of the healthiest items at Panera featured on this list next time you want a nutritious meal that's also tasty and convenient — you won't be disappointed!
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