Panera Asian Sesame Salad Recipe – Bex’s Kitchen

If you’re anything like me, then you appreciate a good salad and crave variety in your meals. Just the other day, I whisked up some spicy ginger chicken wings to have as a starter before diving into my main dish. 

They provided a perfect, sizzling contrast to a simple Panera Asian Sesame Salad. The crispness of that salad combined with the sweet and tangy notes from its dressing created a delightful experience. Trust me, it’s a combination you ought to try!

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What is Panera Asian Sesame Salad?

The Panera Asian Sesame Salad is a vibrant blend of flavors and textures that can easily elevate your meal. It’s packed full of crunchy veggies, tender greens, and crisp toppings, all tossed together in a delightful dressing. 

The salad features romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, toasted almonds, crispy wonton strips, and an uplifting sesame dressing. It’s fresh, filling, and the perfect dish for those warm summer afternoons.

The Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need for this salad:

For the Chicken Marinade (optional):

• 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders
• A drizzle of cooking oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar with seasoning
• ¼ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce

For the Dressing:

• 3 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• ⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
• Pinch of Himalayan salt

For the Salad:

• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce
• ¾ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup crispy wonton strips
• Toasted black sesame seeds
• Freshly chopped cilantro, to taste

How to Make Panera Asian Sesame Salad?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the steps, I want to share something important: this salad is not just a meal—it’s a joyful culinary experience. Additionally, while the chicken is optional, it can add a satisfying protein punch. Now, let’s get to the fun part!

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Marinade the Chicken (if using)

Start with the chicken. If you’re adding that savory element, take the chicken breasts or tenders and combine them with cooking oil, sea salt, dark brown sugar, rice vinegar, and tamari. 

Let the pieces marinate for 30 minutes. This is key—flavors develop, and every bite becomes delicious.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the chicken is soaking in the goodness, whisk up your dressing. Combine the toasted sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, grated ginger, and Himalayan salt in a bowl. 

Mix it well until you’ve got a smooth, emulsified blend. This dressing is the true star here, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Toast the Almonds

Now, grab those slivered almonds. Preheat a pan over medium heat and toss the almonds in. Stir them constantly for about five minutes or until they’re golden brown and fragrant. The aroma alone will have you salivating!

Step 4: Chop the Greens

Next up, let’s prep the ingredients. Rinse and chop your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Shred those carrots while you’re at it. This is where it starts coming together; you’ll see all those colors and textures!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

If you decided to go for the chicken, now is the time to cook it. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the marinated chicken until it’s fully cooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, slice the chicken into strips. Let it rest for a few minutes before adding to the salad.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large bowl and toss the chopped romaine, shredded carrots, and chicken. Drizzle the dressing on top and mix it well. You don’t want a dry salad, after all! Finally, gently fold in the toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips. The textures will bring the dish alive.

Step 7: Finish with Garnish

To complete the look, you’ll want to sprinkle some toasted black sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the top. 

Not only does this add color, but it also infuses extra flavor! And voilà! You’ve created a fabulous Panera Asian Sesame Salad!

Notes

Here are some tips to enhance your salad-making experience:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies always make a difference. Seek out organic or local produce if you can.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your dressing before mixing it in; you might prefer more or less maple syrup depending on your palate.
• Mix and Match: Feel free to swap out any veggies or toppings. This salad is super versatile!
• Make Ahead: Prepping this salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Store the Dressing Separately: If making in advance, store the dressing separately to avoid sogginess.

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, you can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad should keep well for about three days. Do remember that if you’ve already mixed the dressing in, the textures may change; however, it will still taste delightful.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with various dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Grilled Salmon: The rich, smoky flavor of grilled salmon juxtaposes the crisp textures of the salad beautifully. A match made in heaven!
• Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: These skewers lend a sweet and tangy counterpart to the salad’s freshness, enhancing the Asian theme.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: If you want something filling, try some zesty stuffed bell peppers on the side. They can add spice and substance.
• Shrimp Fried Rice: Opt for a side of shrimp fried rice for some beautiful contrast in textures and a flavor boost.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls: These are light, fresh, and offer an extra crunch to accompany your salad. Dip them in soy sauce, and enjoy!

What Other Substitute Can I Use in Panera Asian Sesame Salad?

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some substitutes to consider:

• Quinoa instead of Chicken: For a vegetarian protein source, cooked quinoa is an excellent alternative. It provides texture and health benefits!
• Cabbage for Romaine: Using cabbage brings about a different crunchy feel and a new taste dimension.
• Sunflower Seeds instead of Almonds: If allergies are a concern, sunflower seeds offer that crunch without the nutty flavor.
• Rice Noodles instead of Wontons: For a gluten-free option, crispy rice noodles can replace wonton strips for a delightful texture.
• Peanut Butter in place of Maple Syrup: For an intense nutty flavor, consider using peanut butter in the dressing. It’ll add creaminess and a complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Creating the Panera Asian Sesame Salad is not just about assembling ingredients; it’s an adventure in flavors and textures. The blend of fresh vegetables, intriguing dressing, and optional marinated chicken ensures each bite is a delight. 

I hope this exploration inspires you to whip up your version. Dive into the world of salads with courage, creativity, and a sprinkle of joy. Happy eating!

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