This Copy Cat Panera Asian Sesame Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy vegetables and tender greens. Tossed with a flavorful sesame dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
Enjoying this salad always makes me feel healthy and happy! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up. What could be better than a tasty salad that looks like art on your plate? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine and Green Leaf Lettuce: These two lettuces give your salad a nice mix of crunch and softness. If you can’t find green leaf, feel free to swap it for iceberg or baby spinach for a different texture.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super convenient and delicious! Grilled or poached chicken works well too. Leftover chicken is a great choice and saves time.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add both color and sweetness. If you want a change, try adding sliced bell peppers or cucumbers for a refreshing twist.
Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds add a lovely crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds make for tasty substitutes.
Sesame Dressing: Making it homemade can be easy! If you’re in a rush, grab your favorite store-bought version. For a lighter option, try using a light soy sauce or a low-sugar honey substitute.
How Do I Make a Balanced Dressing for My Salad?
The dressing is key to this salad’s flavor, so getting it right is important. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you whip it up:
- Combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1/4 cup of rice vinegar in a bowl for a tangy base.
- Add 2 tbsp of sesame oil for that nutty flavor and 2 tbsp of honey for sweetness. Adjust the honey to taste if you like it sweeter.
- Mix in 1 tsp of minced garlic and 1 tsp of grated ginger for a powerful flavor boost.
- Don’t forget to sprinkle in 1 tbsp of sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Season with salt and pepper, whisk everything together until smooth, and your dressing is ready!
Give it a quick taste and adjust any ingredients according to your preference—it’s all about what you enjoy!
Copy Cat Panera Asian Sesame Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or slivered
- 1/4 cup wonton strips
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sesame dressing (store-bought or homemade)
For the Homemade Sesame Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’re making the dressing from scratch, you’ll need an extra 5 minutes to whisk it together. In total, you’ll be enjoying this fresh salad in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the chopped romaine and green leaf lettuce. This mix will give your salad a nice crunch and freshness!
2. Add Tasty Ingredients:
Next, toss in the shredded carrots, sliced chicken breast, and chopped cilantro. These ingredients add flavor and protein, making your salad satisfying and healthy.
3. Enhance with Crunch:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the sliced almonds and wonton strips on top of your salad. These will add extra texture and a delightful crunch to every bite.
4. Mix Up the Dressing:
If you’re making the homemade sesame dressing, grab a separate bowl. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame seeds. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will amp up the flavor of your salad!
5. Combine and Serve:
Drizzle the delicious sesame dressing over your salad. Gently toss everything together to make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients nicely. Serve immediately, and feel free to garnish with extra almonds and wonton strips if you want to make it even prettier!
Enjoy your homemade version of Panera’s Asian Sesame Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine and green leaf lettuce are great choices for this salad, you can also use other types of leafy greens such as spinach or arugula. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly, so choose according to your preference!
How Can I Substitute for Cooked Chicken?
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use canned chicken, leftover turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure whatever you use is cooked and seasoned to add flavor to your salad!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. However, keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. The salad should be consumed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The homemade sesame dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate while sitting.
