Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

If you love the Asian Sesame Salad from Panera, you’ll fall in love with this copycat version. It’s a salad that delivers a perfect balance of textures—juicy chicken, crunchy wonton strips, toasted almonds, and crisp romaine—tossed in a tangy-sweet Asian sesame dressing. Versatile and customizable, this salad can be made gluten-free, vegetarian, or tailored to your taste preferences, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

• Bursting with textures: Crispy, crunchy, and tender all in one bite.
• Sweet and tangy dressing: Sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar create a bold, flavorful dressing.
• Customizable: Easily made gluten-free or vegetarian.
• High protein: Juicy chicken adds a satisfying protein punch.
• Quick and versatile: Ready in 40 minutes with minimal prep.
• Meal prep-friendly: Keeps well for lunches or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken Marinade (Optional):

• 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Oil for cooking

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• Pinch of salt, to taste

For the Salad:

• ¾ cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1 cup wonton strips (omit for gluten-free)
• 2 romaine hearts, chopped
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Finely chopped cilantro

Servings: 4
Prep + Cook Time: 40 minutes

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl (for marinade and salad assembly)
• Ziplock bag or shallow container (for marinating chicken)
• Glass jar with lid (for shaking dressing)
• Skillet or frying pan (for cooking chicken)
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken to a ziplock bag or shallow container, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger if using. Shake well until fully emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Tip: Preparing the dressing in advance allows flavors to meld and saves time.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Cook the chicken 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces or strips.

Quick Alternative: If skipping the marinade, simply season with salt and pepper before cooking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, toasted almonds, wonton strips, sesame seeds, cilantro, and cooked chicken.

Drizzle with the Asian sesame dressing and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately for maximum crunch, garnished with additional toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro. The salad is perfect on its own or alongside simple sides like steamed rice or spring rolls.

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and omit wonton strips.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh.
• Extra crunch: Toast almonds and sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet.
• Make-ahead: Prepare dressing and chicken separately; toss with salad just before serving.
• Spice it up: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing for a mild kick.
• Meal prep tip: Keep salad components separate to maintain crunch if storing in the fridge.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste: Sweet, tangy, and nutty from honey, sesame oil, and almonds.
Texture: Crunchy romaine and wontons, tender chicken, crisp almonds.
Serving Ideas: Pair with steamed rice, dumplings, or miso soup for a full Asian-inspired meal.

Nutritional Overview

Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):

• Calories: 528 kcal
• Protein: 31 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.02 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg
• Sodium: 1407 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 13 g
• Vitamin A: 4955 IU
• Vitamin C: 4 mg
• Calcium: 88 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Dietary Notes: Can be gluten-free, high protein, vegetarian option available, low carb depending on optional ingredients.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Cook and slice ahead; store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Dressing: Can be made up to a week ahead; store in the refrigerator.
• Salad: Keep romaine, almonds, wonton strips, and chicken separate until serving to maintain crunch.
• Storage: Salad components can be prepped but should be combined fresh to preserve texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works perfectly.

2. Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Omit chicken and use tofu or tempeh. Replace honey with maple syrup.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and skip the wonton strips.

4. How long can the salad be stored?
Assembled, it’s best eaten immediately. Components can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely. Dressing can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in a sealed jar.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time Required
Prep Chicken & Salad Ingredients	20 minutes
Cook Chicken	20 minutes
Assemble & Toss Salad	5 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main salad for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
• Add extra toppings like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber slices for freshness.
• Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Sesame Chicken Salad: Add sriracha to the dressing and sprinkle red pepper flakes.
2. Crunchy Tofu Salad: Replace chicken with crispy baked tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Asian-Inspired Grain Bowl: Serve salad over quinoa, brown rice, or soba noodles.
4. Low-Fat Version: Reduce sesame oil and omit almonds to lower calories.

Ingredient Spotlight

Romaine Hearts:

• Crisp, refreshing base for salads with mild flavor.
• Selection: Choose firm, bright green hearts.
• Storage: Keep in refrigerator crisper drawer; lasts 3–5 days.

Toasted Almonds:

• Add crunch and nutty flavor.
• Selection: Sliced or slivered almonds work best.
• Storage: Keep in airtight container; can be lightly toasted for deeper flavor.

Sesame Oil:

• Rich, nutty flavor essential to Asian dressings.
• Tip: Use toasted sesame oil for finishing; unrefined sesame oil can burn if heated.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; it ensures proper browning.
• Toast almonds and sesame seeds to enhance flavor.
• Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the salad.
• Shake dressing vigorously for a smooth, emulsified consistency.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cooked Chicken: Store separately in airtight container for up to 3 days in fridge.
• Dressing: Can be refrigerated up to a week.
• Assembled Salad: Best served fresh; do not freeze as texture will be compromised.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	528 kcal	High protein, moderate carb
Protein	31 g	From chicken
Carbohydrates	19 g	From vegetables & dressing
Fat	37 g	Includes sesame & olive oil
Fiber	4 g	From romaine & almonds
Sugar	13 g	Includes honey
Sodium	1407 mg	From soy sauce & dressing

Dietary Notes: Can be gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan option available, high protein, moderate carb, moderate fat.

Expanded Conclusion

This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors—crunchy, sweet, tangy, and nutty all in one bite. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a casual lunch with friends, it’s versatile, satisfying, and irresistible.

The combination of juicy chicken, crisp romaine, toasted almonds, crunchy wontons, and sesame dressing makes this salad a go-to recipe for anyone craving a healthy yet indulgent meal. Make it your own with variations, enjoy it fresh, and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

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