Panera recently announced what it’s calling a “new era” with the chain’sbiggest menu transformationever.
The new menu includes more than 20 updates, all made after carefully considering customer feedback.
Panera called the new salads “flavor-packed” and “hearty.”
Photo: Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!
So, of course, I had to try them out.
Each of the salads was distinct and had its own merits.
Some were new takes on old favorites and some had some interesting flavor combinations.
Photo: Ronnie Koenig/Eat This, Not That!
I judged each salad on looks and taste and tried it exactly as it was described.
Here’s how these newest salads stacked up, ranked from worst to best.
Which ones should you spend your lunch money on, and which ones will wilt on the vine?
Photo: Ronnie Koenig/Eat This, Not That!
Read on to find out!
This salad was priced at $9.99.
This colorful salad had bacon bits on top and the pickled red onions added visual interest.
Photo: Ronnie Koenig/Eat This, Not That!
The taste: This was an OK-tasting salad.
It was pretty basic and not exciting or really delicious.
The bacon was a nice addition, but not enough to make me crave this salad.
Photo: Ronnie Koenig/Eat This, Not That!
I would eat it but it’s pretty forgettable.
The avocado appeared unripe, which was concerning.
The taste: The chipotle aioli gave this salad a nice, spicy kick.
The blue corn tortilla strips added crunch in an unobtrusive way.
While this salad was tasty, it wasn’t anything special.
Maybe some cheese could have put it over the top, but as is, it was just OK.
It was priced at $13.49.
The look: The overall look of this salad was very… green.
All the elements were green and I missed seeing any pops of color.
The pumpkin seeds were black little dots and that did not look appetizing.
Not being a big fan of balsamic, the Green Goddess dressing was what made this salad so delicious.
Word to the wise: the restaurant only gives you a drizzle so ask for more on the side.
I devoured that second salad and would definitely get it again.
It was priced at $13.49.
The taste:This salad was yummy!
While the feta didn’t seem to fit the other Panera salads, here it found its proper home.
The chicken was a little thin and not the best qualitybut the hummus was a really nice addition.
The dressing was also appropriate and enhanced the salad.
Note to Panera: I found a piece of lettuce end in my salad.
Be more mindful of your ingredients.
(And chop those onions!)
If I were near Panera and hungry, I would get this salad again.
