Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe

This Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing is a real treat for refreshing lunch salads and so easy to make! No need to head to the bakery-cafe, just whisk the sesame oil and rice vinegar together and let the ingredients work their magic to create a sweet, tangy, and perfectly nutty masterpiece. Make it once and you’ll never go back to store-bought bottled dressings again! It’s delicious with a bowl of crisp romaine, a side of grilled chicken, a plate of chilled noodles, a plate of crunchy wonton strips; in fact most things.

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Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best)
• 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced or pressed
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

How To Make Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe

1. Prep the aromatics: Start by grating your fresh ginger and mincing the garlic. Using fresh aromatics is the “secret” to getting that vibrant, restaurant-quality flavor that bottled versions lack.
2. Combine the base: In a medium glass bowl or a large mason jar, combine the sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Whisk vigorously (or shake the jar) until the sugar has completely dissolved into the vinegar.
3. Emulsify the oils: Slowly pour in the canola oil and the toasted sesame oil while whisking constantly. You want the oils to emulsify with the vinegar to create a smooth, consistent texture rather than having the oil sit in a layer on top.
4. Add the finish: Stir in the toasted sesame seeds, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper. Give it one final, thorough whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. The “Flavor Meld”: For the absolute best results, cover the dressing and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ginger and garlic to infuse the liquid and the sesame seeds to soften slightly.
6. Serve: Give the dressing a quick shake or stir right before drizzling over your favorite salad greens or grilled proteins.

Recipe Tips

• Toasted is Key: Make sure you use “toasted” sesame oil, which is dark brown and very fragrant. Regular sesame oil is pale and light, lacking the deep nutty flavor that defines the Panera original.
• Sesame Seeds: If your sesame seeds aren’t already toasted, toss them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes until they smell nutty and turn golden. This small step makes a massive difference in the final taste.
• Sugar Substitute: If you want to cut back on refined sugar, you can replace it with 1/3 cup of honey or agave nectar. The texture will be slightly thicker, but the flavor remains excellent.
• Low Sodium Soy: Because this dressing has a high ratio of soy sauce, using a low-sodium version prevents the dressing from becoming overly salty, allowing the ginger and vinegar to shine.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing?

This Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe is a light, zesty condiment that needs a fresh or crunchy pairing! Grilled Chicken and Mandarin Oranges are the quintessential choice for a classic Asian-inspired salad. For a balanced lunch, a Plate of Chilled Soba Noodles adds a lovely soft texture that pairs perfectly with the nutty sesame oil! A side of Crispy Wonton Strips or a Fresh Cucumber and Edamame Salad pairs wonderfully with the ginger and rice vinegar notes.

How To Store Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing

• Refrigerate: Store the dressing in an airtight container or a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Separation: It is completely normal for the oil to separate from the vinegar while sitting. Simply give the jar a vigorous shake for 10 seconds before each use.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this dressing. The emulsion will break, and the texture of the garlic and ginger will become mushy upon thawing.

Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 90 kcal (per 2-tablespoon serving)
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Protein: 0.5 g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

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