The Powerhouse Salad from Potbelly Sandwich Shop features a vibrant mix of grilled chicken, fresh spinach, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crunchy walnuts, tossed in a zesty vinaigrette that delivers a refreshing and protein-packed meal.
Equipments
- Salad bowl
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler (optional)
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk (for vinaigrette)
- Salad serving spoon/fork
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) grilled chicken breast
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing the Powerhouse Salad, ensure the grilled chicken breast is cooked thoroughly and sliced evenly for consistent texture. Use fresh spinach and crisp cucumbers to maintain the salad's vibrant crunch, while thinly sliced red onions add a subtle sharpness. Walnuts should be toasted lightly to enhance their flavor and bring out a satisfying crunch without overpowering the other ingredients. The vinaigrette, made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper, can be whisked together for a balanced tangy-sweet dressing that ties the salad's flavors. Your homemade Powerhouse Salad from Potbelly Sandwich Shop copycat menu will closely match the fresh, protein-packed meal served at the restaurant.
Instructions
- Grill chicken breast until cooked through; slice.
- Wash and dry spinach, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Slice cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions.
- In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and walnuts.
- Place sliced grilled chicken on top of salad mix.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make vinaigrette.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over salad.
- Toss salad gently with tongs to combine.
- Serve using salad serving spoon/fork.
Substitution
The Powerhouse Salad from Potbelly Sandwich Shop copycat menu offers a balanced combination of grilled chicken, fresh spinach, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and walnuts with a tangy vinaigrette. If you don't have walnuts, toasted almonds or pecans can provide a similar crunch and flavor profile. When grilling chicken, using a grill pan indoors is a great alternative if outdoor grilling isn't accessible. Your vinaigrette can be easily adjusted by substituting red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to suit your taste. For a quicker prep, pre-washed baby spinach can save time without compromising freshness.
Tips
Make sure to grill the chicken breast to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat. Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach and vegetables to prevent the salad from becoming soggy and to maintain freshness. When whisking the vinaigrette, slowly add olive oil to the mustard and vinegar mixture to achieve a smooth emulsion. Use tongs to toss the salad gently, preserving the texture of the ingredients without bruising the spinach or crushing the walnuts.
Nutritions
The Powerhouse Salad from Potbelly is rich in lean protein, delivering 8 oz of grilled chicken breast packed with essential amino acids for muscle repair. Your meal includes fresh spinach, which is high in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune health. Walnuts contribute heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, while the olive oil-based vinaigrette adds monounsaturated fats for improved cholesterol levels. This salad balances macronutrients and micronutrients, making it a nutritious choice that promotes energy and satiety.
Storage
Store the Powerhouse Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the fresh spinach, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes crisp while preserving the grilled chicken's flavor. Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Your salad will maintain its optimal freshness for up to 2 days when refrigerated properly.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap grilled chicken with seared tofu or chickpeas to keep the salad protein-rich and vegetarian-friendly. You can replace walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different crunch and flavor profile. Substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider or balsamic vinegar to adjust the vinaigrette's acidity. Your salad can also benefit from adding avocado slices to enhance creaminess and healthy fats.
Allergies
The Powerhouse Salad contains walnuts, which are a common tree nut allergen and can cause severe allergic reactions for those with nut allergies. Grilled chicken and fresh vegetables are generally safe, but cross-contamination with other allergens may occur depending on preparation methods. You should always inform the restaurant about any food allergies to ensure your meal is safe to consume.
Why this recipe?
Potbelly Sandwich Shop's Powerhouse Salad is loved for its fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, including mixed greens, roasted chicken, sliced avocado, and crunchy almonds, offering a balanced and flavorful meal. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables makes it a satisfying choice that supports a healthy lifestyle. Its distinctive mix of textures and bold flavors sets it apart from typical salads, delivering a gourmet experience at an affordable price. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this popular, wholesome dish any time, tailored to your taste and dietary preferences.