Oh my goodness, do I have a delicious treat for you today! If you’ve ever wandered into a Panera Bread and been enticed by their Asian Sesame Salad, you’re in for a real treat because I’m about to share my own take on it that you can whip up right in your kitchen. This salad is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl—fresh, crispy, and oh-so-tasty!
I remember the first time I tried this salad; I was having a pretty ordinary day, and then, BAM! One bite of that crunchy goodness and I was hooked. The combination of the crunchy almonds, the sweetness of mandarin oranges, and the umami-rich dressing turned my boring lunch into a fabulous feast. Trust me, once you make this Copy Cat Panera Asian Sesame Salad at home, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!
What’s in Copy Cat Panera Asian Sesame Salad?
Let’s break down this delightful salad and its zesty dressing!
Romaine Lettuce: This crisp lettuce provides a wonderful base for our salad. I usually go for fresh heads rather than pre-packaged for that extra crunch.
Napa Cabbage: It’s slightly sweeter and crunchier than regular cabbage, which adds a lovely texture and flavor.
Cooked Chicken Breast: I like to slice or grill my chicken breast for this salad; it makes it filling and protein-packed!
Sliced Almonds: These add great crunch and a nutty flavor. Feel free to lightly toast them for an extra burst of deliciousness.
Crispy Wonton Strips: You can usually find these in the salad toppings aisle, and they’re just the icing on the cake—so crunchy!
Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, zesty flavor that elevates the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute.
Green Onions: A touch of oniony flavor that adds depth to the salad without being overpowering.
Mandarin Orange Segments: Completely optional, but I love the sweetness they bring. They’re like little bursts of sunshine in every bite!
And let’s not forget the star of our show—the Asian Sesame Dressing!
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This gives our dressing that salty, umami kick without being too overwhelming.
Rice Vinegar: It adds a tangy brightness to balance everything out—such a great ingredient!
Sesame Oil: Just a little bit adds a rich, nutty flavor that ties the dressing together perfectly.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness is a must! Use honey for a classic flavor, or maple syrup if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.
Dijon Mustard: A bit of spice to complement the other flavors.
Sesame Seeds: These not only enhance the taste but also add a bit of visual appeal—so pretty!
Now that we have that savory lineup, are you ready to make this salad?
How to Make Copy Cat Panera Asian Sesame Salad?
Now let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to whip this magical salad up in no time:
1. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Just smell that—yum!
2. **Salad Base:** In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce and thinly sliced napa cabbage. This is where the crunch begins!
3. **Add Chicken:** Pile in your sliced or grilled chicken breast. This is where it starts looking like a meal!
4. **Toppings Galore:** Sprinkle the sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions on top. If you’re feeling fruity, don’t forget to add those mandarin orange segments!
5. **Dress It Up:** Drizzle that delicious Asian sesame dressing over the top and toss gently to combine everything. Can you see those vibrant colors?
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve it up right away and garnish with extra sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in and enjoy every crunchy, tangy bite!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to make this salad your own:
– **Add more veggies:** Consider adding some shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
– **Go Vegetarian:** Skip the chicken and add some chickpeas or edamame for a protein boost.
– **Make it a wrap:** You can wrap all these delicious ingredients in a tortilla for a fantastic salad wrap!
– **Leftovers:** This salad doesn’t keep very well due to the crispy wonton strips, so make sure to eat it all up the same day.
There you go, friends! Whether you’re packing this for lunch or serving it up for dinner, I promise this Copy Cat Panera Asian Sesame Salad will make your taste buds sing. I’d love to hear your thoughts when you try it out, so don’t hold back! Enjoy making and sharing this bright, fresh salad with loved ones or just treat yourself—you deserve it!
