Copycat Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Photos of Copycat Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

You won’t miss Panera’s sesame chicken salad because we’re making it with this quick and easy recipe! This healthy salad dish is back on Panera Bread’s menu but you can totally enjoy it whenever by making this recipe at home. We’re serving grilled chicken with sliced toasted almonds, fried wonton strips, and herbs in a bed of crispy fresh romaine. To finish, we’re drizzling it with our homemade Asian Sesame Vinaigrette for a Panera touch of this authentic healthy favorite.

What we love about this sesame chicken salad recipe is it’s so easy to make and it’s extremely flavorful. It’s got that Asian taste that we all crave for. In addition, it’s the total package! You’re getting a salad plate of greens, almonds, meat, and carbs which is deliciously healthy. This sesame chicken salad is the perfect side or main on a Sunday get-together with friends and family.

Besides this sensational Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe, there’s more to love about Panera copycat recipes. Try our Copycat Panera’s French Onion Soup Recipe and Copycat Panera’s Blueberry Muffins Recipe that will surely go straight to your Panera Bread Cookbook! Make this Panera favorite and enjoy a plate of this delicious and refreshing summer salad that you’ll love making.

How To Make Copycat Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Enjoy a healthy and tasty salad dish with this quick and easy Copycat Panera sesame chicken salad recipe. It will let you serve fresh and crisp romaine topped with grilled chicken, toasted almonds, and herbs, with our homemade Asian Sesame Vinaigrette as dressing.

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Total: 15 mins

Serves:

Ingredients

For Salad:

6 oz chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, grilled and sliced
4 cups Nappa cabbage, shredded
½ cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
¼ cup almond slices, roasted, plus more to garnish
¼ cup sesame dressing
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped, fresh
1 tbsp hoisin sauce

For Sesame Dressing:

¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp mixed sesame seeds, roasted
salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

1 tbsp almond slices, per serving

Instructions

Prepare the dressing first. In a small saucepot, heat the vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves, stirring often. Let it cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix the oils and sesame seeds together. Whisking constantly, pour the oils into the vinegar-sugar mixture to make an emulsion.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Adjust accordingly.
Combine all your salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the dressing and toss to combine.
Portion accordingly and garnish with more almond slices.

Recipe Notes

You can save time by using Panera's Asian Sesame Vinaigrette for the salad dressing.

Nutrition

Sugar: 20g
:
Calcium: 143mg
Calories: 679kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Fat: 52g
Fiber: 6g
Iron: 3mg
Monounsaturated Fat: 25g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g
Potassium: 644mg
Protein: 27g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sodium: 523mg
Trans Fat: 1g
Vitamin A: 5515IU
Vitamin C: 3mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

Have you tried making Panera Bread's Asian Sesame Chicken Salad at home? Share your experiences, tips, and results with fellow home cooks in the Recipe Sharing forum!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I quickly grill my chicken for a salad?

First, make sure the chicken breasts are completely defrosted. Pound your chicken breasts stored inside a zip lock bag using a mallet and make sure they are evenly thick. Marinate at least 1 pound of chicken tenderloins in the same sesame vinaigrette that you’ll be using for the dressing, for 30 minutes before grilling. Season them with salt and pepper before grilling them for 10 minutes on a gas grill.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Definitely! The key to making them ahead is storing them properly before serving. Make sure your greens, chicken and herbs are stored in separate containers to let the ingredients keep their freshness. We suggest preparing the dressing and chicken in advance then mixing your salad just before serving. If you’re serving for a bigger crowd, serve your grilled chicken and salad separately and let your guests make their mix.

Conclusion

You'll love the Asian flavors in our healthy Panera favorite with this quick and simple chicken salad recipe. Our own take on Panera Bread’s Asian Sesame Vinaigrette definitely gives our salad a kick with its sweet and savory flavor. Find your next go-to favorite in this chicken salad dish that has the texture and flavor that you will absolute love!