Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Toasted sesame seeds and crunchy wonton strips elevate this Panera Bread Asian sesame chicken salad to a vibrant favorite you’ll always want at the heart of your healthy lunch table. It’s delicious with a piece of whole-grain baguette, a cold glass of green iced tea, extra-crispy almonds, a side of fresh fruit; in fact most things.

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Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients

For the Asian Sesame Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Salad:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large heads Romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8–10 cups)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 cup wonton strips (crispy salad toppers)
• Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish

How To Make Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

1. Whisk the signature vinaigrette: Start by preparing your dressing base. In a medium bowl or a mason jar, combine the sugar, white wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Whisk vigorously (or shake the jar) until the sugar has completely dissolved. Gradually drizzle in the canola oil while whisking to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. Set this aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to marry while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Grill and slice the chicken: Season your chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches $165^circ F$ ($74^circ C$). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin, bite-sized strips. Resting the meat is the secret to keeping it juicy within the salad.
3. Toast the aromatics: While the chicken cooks, place the sliced almonds and sesame seeds in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. This quick step is essential for releasing the oils that provide that signature “toasted” Panera flavor.
4. Assemble the greens: In a very large salad bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with the fresh cilantro. Cilantro is a key component of the Panera version, providing a bright, herbaceous note that balances the savory dressing.
5. Layer and toss: Arrange the warm chicken strips over the bed of greens. Sprinkle the toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and wonton strips generously over the top. Just before serving, drizzle the chilled Asian sesame vinaigrette over the salad.
6. Final garnish: Toss the salad gently to ensure every leaf is coated in dressing. Garnish with a handful of extra wonton strips or sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately to maintain the perfect crunch.

Recipe Tips

• Emulsification is Key: If your dressing separates, give it another vigorous shake right before pouring. The sugar and oil need to be perfectly blended to mimic the velvety texture of the original.
• The “Resting” Secret: Adding hot chicken directly to Romaine will cause the lettuce to wilt instantly. Let the chicken cool slightly (warm is okay, but not steaming) before placing it on the greens.
• Wonton Crunch: Always add the wonton strips at the very last second. They act like sponges and will lose their crunch within minutes of hitting the dressing.
• Sesame Seed Trick: Use a mix of black and white toasted sesame seeds for a professional, high-contrast look that matches the bakery-cafe aesthetic.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe?

This Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is a light, crunchy meal that needs a savory or fresh pairing! A Whole Grain Baguette is the quintessential choice for a classic “You Pick Two” experience. For a balanced lunch, a Cup of Thai Garden Soup adds a lovely aromatic warmth that pairs perfectly with the sesame notes! A side of Mandarin Orange Slices or a glass of Honey Green Tea pairs wonderfully with the ginger and cilantro flavors.

How To Store Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

• Refrigerate: You can store the chopped lettuce, cooked chicken, and dressing in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Maintain the Crunch: Do not store the salad already tossed with dressing, almonds, or wonton strips. These will become soggy and soft very quickly.
• Dressing Storage: The vinaigrette will stay fresh in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. The oil may solidify slightly when cold; simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and shake well before using.

Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: $410$ kcal (per serving)
• Total Fat: $26$ g
• Saturated Fat: $3.5$ g
• Cholesterol: $65$ mg
• Sodium: $720$ mg
• Total Carbohydrates: $18$ g
• Sugar: $12$ g
• Protein: $28$ g
• Fiber: $4$ g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on the amount of dressing used.

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