Easy Copycat Panera Asian Sesame Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this salad. If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too. Just shred it, and you’re good to go!

Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but feel free to use mixed greens or iceberg lettuce. They will offer a different texture while being just as tasty!

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely flavor. If you aren’t a fan, you can replace it with parsley or omit it altogether.

Sliced Almonds: While almonds add crunch, you can switch them with sunflower seeds or cashews if you prefer. Both will give it a nice twist.

Crispy Wonton Strips: For a fun crunch, you can use tortilla strips or crushed rice crackers if wonton strips aren’t available.

How Can I Make the Perfect Asian Sesame Dressing?

The dressing is the heart of this salad, and getting it just right is essential! Here’s how to make it flavorful:

• Start with soy sauce for that umami flavor. Choose low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Add rice vinegar for acidity. Apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute.
• Incorporate sesame oil which brings in a nutty aroma. If you’re sensitive to it, use olive oil instead but the flavor will differ.
• Honey gives a slight sweetness, but you can use maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Don’t skip the ginger and garlic! Freshly grated adds depth, but jarred works in a pinch.

Whisk everything well until it combines. Taste and adjust as needed—add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang!

Easy Copycat Panera Asian Sesame Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For the Asian Sesame Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad comes together in about 30 minutes! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients, 10 minutes to cook the chicken, and another 10 minutes for assembling the salad and dressing. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by preheating a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a lovely golden char. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well mixed. Taste it, and adjust the flavors if you want—more honey for sweetness, perhaps!

3. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce and cilantro. Pour in about half of the dressing and mix well to coat the greens evenly.

4. Serve:

Divide the salad into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the sliced grilled chicken, a sprinkle of sliced almonds, crunchy wonton strips, and a few extra toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top or serve it on the side for those who like it extra saucy.

5. Optional:

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, garnish with extra cilantro leaves. Now, dig in and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Copycat Panera Asian Sesame Salad!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Substitute the Chicken for Another Protein?

Absolutely! Feel free to use grilled shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a plant-based option. Just ensure whatever protein you choose is cooked properly and seasoned to your liking! You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots. For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup in the dressing, and keep the rest of the salad as is!

Can I Make the Dressing in Advance?

Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or whisk it well before using, as some ingredients might separate upon sitting.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the salad base (lettuce and cilantro) with the dressing in the fridge for about 3 days. Add chicken, won ton strips, and almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch!