When you are planning an office lunch, family gathering, or small celebration, choosing food that feels fresh, healthy, and easy can be challenging. That is why many people rely on the Panera Bread salad catering menu. Panera is known for using real ingredients, offering generous portions, and making catering simple from start to finish.
Instead of heavy or overly complicated meals, Panera focuses on salads that taste fresh, look appealing, and satisfy a wide range of dietary needs. Panera has updated its salad catering menu with refreshed pricing, seasonal ingredients, and improved nutritional balance. This makes it a smart option for winter meetings, holiday events, and wellness-focused gatherings.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know, including group salad prices, boxed lunch options, nutrition highlights, add-ons, and helpful ordering tips.
Overview of Panera Bread Salad Catering Options
Panera Bread offers flexible salad catering options that work well for both small and large groups. You can choose from large group salad trays that typically serve up to 10 people or individual boxed lunch salads for grab-and-go convenience.
One of the biggest advantages of Panera catering is customization. You can often:
- Add or remove proteins
- Choose different dressings
- Keep toppings separate
- Order vegetarian or gluten-conscious options
In February 2026, Panera also continues to focus on healthier eating by adding more whole grains, fresh greens, and fiber-rich ingredients to select salads. While prices have increased slightly due to ingredient costs, the portions and quality still provide strong value.
Group Salad Catering Trays and Prices
Group salad trays are ideal for sharing and are commonly ordered for offices, meetings, and parties. Each tray usually serves about 10 people and includes bread on the side.
Popular Group Salad Options (February 2026)
| Salad Name | Description | Total Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad | Mixed greens, chicken, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, eggs, and creamy Green Goddess dressing | 2,650 | $79.09 |
| Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains | Greens, grains, chicken, feta, olives, cucumbers, and lemon tahini dressing | 3,530 | $79.09 |
| Greek Salad | Romaine, tomatoes, red onions, olives, feta, pepperoncini, and Greek dressing | 2,340 | $57.69 |
| Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken | Mixed greens, apples, pecans, gorgonzola, chicken, and white balsamic vinaigrette | 2,320 | $57.69 |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing (chicken optional) | 2,280 | $57.69 |
These prices include standard setup, but extras like additional chicken or premium toppings may cost more. Always review your selections during checkout.
Boxed Lunch Salad Options and Prices
If you are hosting a hybrid meeting or want individual portions, boxed lunch salads are a great choice. Each boxed salad comes with a side such as chips, fruit, or bread, making it a complete and convenient meal.
Popular Boxed Lunch Salads (February 2026)
| Item Name | Calories | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest Medley Salad Boxed Lunch | 660 | $15.09 | Seasonal greens, grains, squash, and vinaigrette |
| Mediterranean Greens with Grains Boxed Lunch | 540 | $15.09 | Grains, feta, olives, and lemon dressing |
| Greek Salad Boxed Lunch | 420 | $11.99 | Classic Greek ingredients in a single serving |
| Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad Boxed Lunch | 670 | $15.09 | Chicken, corn, beans, and ranch dressing |
You can also upgrade boxed lunches with drinks or desserts to create a more filling package.
What’s Included with Each Catering Salad Order
When you order from the Panera Bread salad catering menu, you receive more than just salads. Panera designs its catering service to be clean, organized, and easy to serve.
Each order typically includes:
- Individually packaged dressings
- Toppings packed separately for customization
- Plates, napkins, and utensils (on request)
- Sealed and chilled packaging for freshness
This thoughtful setup helps reduce mess and keeps food fresh during transport.
Add-Ons That Pair Well with Salad Catering
To create a complete meal, Panera offers several catering add-ons that work perfectly with salads.
| Add-On | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Bread & Roll Assortment | $4.49 (per 5 guests) |
| Cookies & Brownies Tray | $18.99 (9 pieces) |
| Iced Tea or Lemonade Jug | $9.99 (serves 10) |
| Fruit Bowl | $19.99 (serves 10) |
These sides are especially useful for longer meetings or social events where guests expect more variety.
Panera Salad Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition is one of the main reasons people choose Panera for catering. Many salads are high in protein, rich in vegetables, and suitable for special diets.
| Salad | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesar with Chicken | 510 | 30g | No |
| Green Goddess Cobb | 550 | 36g | Yes |
| Fuji Apple Chicken | 560 | 28g | No |
| Southwest Chile Lime | 590 | 34g | Yes |
| Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken | 360 | 27g | Yes |
These options work well for corporate wellness programs and health-conscious groups.
Tips for Ordering Panera Bread Salad Catering
To get the best experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Order at least 24 hours in advance, especially in February
- Keep salads cold if transporting them yourself
- Add dressings just before serving for best taste
- Label trays if your group has dietary preferences
- Mix salads and sides for balanced portions
Joining Panera’s rewards program can also help you earn discounts on future catering orders.
My Personal Experience with Panera Salad Catering
I once ordered Panera salad catering for a client meeting with eight people. We chose the Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad, along with cookies and a fruit bowl. The presentation was clean, the food stayed fresh, and even guests who normally skip salads went back for seconds.
Cleanup was fast, and the meeting felt more professional without the stress of heavy meals. Compared to traditional boxed lunches, Panera felt like better value with less effort.
FAQs
Group salads serve about 10 people, while boxed lunches are for individuals.
Yes, many salads can be made vegetarian or are naturally meat-free.
Yes, you can adjust ingredients, dressings, and toppings during ordering.
Yes, prices may differ slightly depending on your area.
Most locations do, but minimum order requirements may apply.
Final Thoughts
The Panera Bread salad catering menu is a reliable choice when you want food that feels fresh, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. With fair prices, generous portions, and thoughtful packaging, Panera makes catering easy for offices, parties, and family gatherings.
If you want a stress-free catering experience where the food actually gets eaten, Panera’s salad trays and boxed lunches are hard to beat especially in February 2026.