Panera Copycat Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe with Tangy Sesame Vinaigrette

Unlock the secret to Panera’s beloved Asian Sesame Chicken Salad right in your own kitchen! This meticulously crafted copycat recipe features a symphony of textures and flavors: crisp, fresh romaine lettuce, delicate sliced almonds, aromatic sesame seeds, succulent grilled chicken, and irresistible crunchy wonton strips. Every component is perfectly harmonized with a sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive Asian sesame vinaigrette. Prepare for a flavor explosion that’s packed into one incredibly satisfying and vibrant salad!

Imagine a salad that delivers on every front: crispy, crunchy, sweet, tangy, and savory all in one delightful bite. This homemade Asian sesame chicken salad truly has it all, making it a contender for your weekly dinner rotation. It’s light and refreshing enough to be a perfect lunch for a warm spring or summer day, yet substantial and satisfying for a wholesome dinner. The “goodness overload” starts with crisp romaine lettuce, finely chopped to form the ideal foundation for the layers of flavor to come.

Piled high on this verdant base, you’ll find a generous scattering of juicy mandarin oranges, vibrant grated carrots, perfectly grilled chicken, and a medley of finely chopped green and red cabbage. A touch of fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness, complementing the rich flavors. But the true magic lies in the homemade Asian sesame vinaigrette – a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes that will leave you craving more long after your plate is clean. This dressing is not just an accompaniment; it’s a star player that elevates every ingredient it touches.

And as if a delicious salad crafted from simple, fresh ingredients wasn’t enough, we’ve elevated it further. Each serving is crowned with a handful of toasted sliced almonds for added nuttiness and protein, alongside a generous helping of extra-crunchy wonton strips. If this vibrant salad sparks a familiar memory, it’s because this recipe is a spot-on copycat of Panera’s beloved Sesame Chicken Salad. We’re confident that this homemade version not only rivals the original but might even surpass it in freshness and flavor. Get ready to experience a salad that truly delivers on every level!

Crafting the Perfect Panera-Style Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: Key Ingredients

The secret to an unforgettable salad lies in the quality and harmony of its ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to assemble this magnificent Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, complete with tips for optimal flavor and potential substitutions.

For the Signature Asian Sesame Vinaigrette:

• Rice Vinegar: This forms the tangy base of our signature Asian vinaigrette. For the best flavor infusion, we simmer the rice vinegar briefly, allowing the sugar and smashed garlic cloves to melt and meld into it. This gentle heat helps to mellow the vinegar’s sharpness while extracting maximum flavor from the garlic. Don’t worry, the garlic cloves will be removed before dressing the salad, ensuring pure, unadulterated flavor without any chunky surprises.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for balancing the tang of the rice vinegar and creating that characteristic sweet-and-sour profile. Whisking it into the simmering vinegar ensures it fully dissolves, resulting in a smooth, evenly sweetened dressing. You can adjust the amount slightly to your preference or consider honey/maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Whole Garlic Cloves (Smashed): Instead of minced garlic, whole smashed cloves are added to the simmering vinegar. This method allows the garlic to infuse its aromatic flavor into the liquid without overpowering the dressing. Once its work is done, the cloves are discarded, leaving behind a subtle, well-rounded garlic essence. This prevents the dressing from becoming too pungent.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A non-negotiable ingredient that provides a deep, nutty, and distinctly Asian flavor. A little goes a long way in adding a rich, toasted depth that is crucial for this vinaigrette. Ensure you’re using toasted sesame oil for that characteristic aroma, not plain sesame oil.
• Canola Oil (or Avocado Oil): This neutral oil provides the necessary body and smooth texture for the dressing. While canola oil was the original choice, many now prefer avocado oil for its healthy fat profile and similar neutral taste. Feel free to use either, or another light, neutral-flavored oil like grapeseed oil.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a vital umami depth and savory notes, rounding out the dressing’s complex flavor. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free tamari is an excellent substitute, ensuring the dressing remains rich and savory. Remember, if making the entire recipe gluten-free, you’ll also need to source gluten-free wonton strips or make your own from gluten-free wrappers.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: These tiny powerhouses add a delightful textural crunch and an intensified nutty flavor directly into the dressing, enhancing the overall sesame profile. They also add visual appeal.

For the Fresh and Crunchy Salad Base:

• Salad Base (Romaine, Spinach, Cabbage, or Kale): While shredded romaine provides that classic crispness akin to Panera’s version, feel free to get creative. Options like baby spinach, a mixed green and red cabbage slaw, or even nutrient-dense kale can serve as fantastic alternatives. For optimal crunch, ensure your chosen greens are thoroughly washed and dried.
• Mandarin Orange Slices: These add a burst of floral sweetness and a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the savory components. Canned mandarin orange slices (drained well) are convenient, but fresh segments from a few peeled Cuties or clementines work beautifully and offer a fresher taste.
• Shredded Carrots: A wonderful addition for both color and a subtle earthy sweetness, plus an extra serving of vegetables! This ingredient has become a staple in recent years for its simple way of enhancing both visual appeal and nutritional value. Whether you include them or not is entirely up to your preference, but we highly recommend them.
• Sliced Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds are paramount for adding a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy protein. Toasting them lightly in a dry skillet or oven before adding them to the salad brings out their full flavor and crispness.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves: This vibrant herb injects a refreshing, herbaceous note that pairs exquisitely with the sweet and savory sesame dressing. Its unique flavor profile is a hallmark of many Asian dishes, but if cilantro isn’t your favorite, a sprinkle of fresh mint or even finely chopped chives could be a delicate alternative.
• Grilled Chicken (or Rotisserie Chicken): Tender, flavorful chicken is the protein cornerstone of this salad. For the best flavor, we recommend a quick chicken marinade using a simple mix of soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, a dash of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, and a little garlic powder. Grill the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until cooked through and then let them rest before dicing. To truly speed things up, a shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. For an extra layer of flavor, toss the cooked chicken in a tablespoon or two of the finished Asian sesame vinaigrette before adding it to the salad.
• Crispy Wonton Strips: These are the ultimate crunchy topping that truly brings the Panera experience home. Whether store-bought or homemade, their crisp texture is essential for contrast against the soft greens and tender chicken.

How to Assemble Your Epic Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this copycat Panera masterpiece is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly. Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced and flavorful salad every time.

1. Prepare the Signature Vinaigrette: Start by pouring the rice vinegar into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, just until you see small bubbles forming. Next, add the granulated sugar and the two smashed garlic cloves to the simmering vinegar. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully discard the garlic cloves. Transfer the warm vinegar mixture to a large jar (a mason jar works perfectly). Now, add the toasted sesame oil, canola oil (or avocado oil), soy sauce, and toasted white sesame seeds to the jar. Let the dressing cool down to room temperature, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, secure the lid tightly on the jar and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing appears emulsified. If the dressing separates later before serving, simply give it another good shake to re-combine.
2. Assemble the Salad Base: Grab a large mixing bowl – one that is spacious enough to comfortably hold all your salad ingredients with room for tossing. Add your chosen shredded lettuce or salad base, followed by the vibrant mandarin orange slices, crunchy sliced almonds, fresh cilantro leaves, tender diced grilled chicken, and colorful shredded carrots. At this stage, do not add the wonton strips yet; these are reserved for the very end to maintain their crispiness.
3. Dress, Toss, and Serve Immediately: Pour roughly half of the prepared Asian sesame vinaigrette over the assembled salad ingredients in the bowl. Using salad tongs, gently toss or stir everything together until all the components are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste a small portion and adjust with more dressing as desired. We highly recommend saving the toasted sliced almonds and especially the crispy wonton strips to add right before serving. This ensures they retain their perfectly crisp texture and don’t become soft from the dressing. Once dressed and topped with the remaining almonds and wontons, serve your epic Asian Sesame Chicken Salad immediately for the best experience!

Customization, Storage, and Common Questions

This Panera copycat recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions and ideas for making this salad your own.

FAQs About This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe:

1. How do you suggest storing leftovers? Due to the acidic nature of the vinaigrette, it’s crucial to store the dressing separately from the salad base if you anticipate having leftovers. The acid will cause the lettuce and other greens to wilt and become soggy over time. To ensure maximum freshness and crispness, keep any undressed salad components (greens, carrots, oranges, chicken, etc.) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Asian sesame vinaigrette should be stored in a separate sealed container or jar in the fridge. When stored properly, both the undressed salad and the dressing can last for up to 1 week. When ready to enjoy, simply combine and toss. Remember to add the wonton strips and almonds just before eating for that fresh crunch!
2. Can I add a different kind of protein to this salad? Absolutely! This salad is wonderfully adaptable. While grilled chicken is a classic, feel free to swap it out for other proteins to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Excellent alternatives include grilled or pan-seared shrimp for a seafood twist, thinly sliced steak (like a flavorful garlic butter skillet steak) for a heartier option, or even seared salmon for a boost of omega-3s. For a vegetarian option, consider crispy baked tofu, tempeh, or edamame. Don’t be afraid to experiment and truly make this recipe your own!
3. Where do you find wonton strips, or can I make them? Prepared wonton strips are typically found in the grocery store aisle alongside croutons, salad toppings, or even near the salad dressings. Most major supermarkets carry them. While store-bought strips are incredibly convenient, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows for customization. You’ll need wonton wrappers, which are usually sold in the refrigerated or freezer section of Asian supermarkets or well-stocked grocery stores. Simply cut the square wrappers into thin strips. To fry them, heat about 1-2 inches of a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) in a skillet or deep fryer to around 350-375°F (175-195°C). Add the strips in batches and cook for only about 30-60 seconds, or until they turn lightly golden and crispy. Remove them promptly with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely before adding them to your salad to ensure maximum crunch. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you can bake them in a single layer on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Why Make This Salad at Home? Beyond the Copycat Craze

While the allure of replicating Panera’s iconic salad is strong, making it at home offers numerous benefits:

• Control Over Ingredients: You choose the freshest greens, high-quality chicken, and preferred oils. This allows for healthier choices, such as low-sodium soy sauce or organic produce.
• Dietary Customization: Easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free (using tamari and GF wontons), vegetarian (swapping chicken for tofu), or lower in sugar/sodium.
• Cost-Effective: Enjoy a generously portioned, gourmet-style salad for a fraction of the restaurant price. Buying ingredients in bulk can yield multiple meals.
• Freshness Guaranteed: Nothing beats the taste of a salad made moments before serving. Your greens will be crisper, your chicken juicier, and your dressing more vibrant.
• Meal Prep Potential: Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients ahead of time, storing them separately. This makes assembly quick and easy for healthy lunches throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), cucumber ribbons, snap peas, or even edamame for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or finely dice a fresh jalapeño and sprinkle it over the salad.
• Nutty Alternatives: If almonds aren’t your favorite, try toasted cashews, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Noodle Salad Twist: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked and cooled thin rice noodles or ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) to the salad base.

If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy these Asian-inspired dishes:

• Simple Asian Grilled Chicken
• Super Saucy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
• Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad with Ginger Dressing
• Crispy Chicken Banh Mi Bowls
• Rainbow Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing

This recipe was originally shared in August 2015 and has been lovingly updated with new images, minor recipe enhancements, and an expanded post in May 2022 to provide even more tips and details for your cooking pleasure.