Flavorful Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a salad that bursts with flavor and texture? The Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe captures the essence of vibrant ingredients, delivering a delightful combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a rich sesame dressing. Imagine sinking your fork into this masterpiece, each bite offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes that dance on your palate.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for lunch gatherings, summer picnics, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Each element works in harmony to create a refreshing yet satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it solo on a busy day, the Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your salad game!

Key Ingredients For Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Mixed Salad Greens: A blend of romaine, spinach, and arugula adds freshness and crunch to your salad.
• Shredded Carrots: These add color and sweetness; choose fresh carrots for the best texture.
• Cucumber: Sliced or diced cucumber provides a refreshing crunch that complements the other ingredients.
• Red Bell Pepper: This adds both sweetness and a vibrant color; opt for firm peppers for maximum flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while still providing robust flavor.
• Sesame Oil: This oil enhances the nutty flavor profile; choose toasted sesame oil for added depth.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
• Rice Vinegar: This gives your dressing an acidic kick; choose unseasoned for a cleaner taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Prepping the Chicken

Begin by preheating your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Second Step : Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk together until well blended. Adjust seasoning if desired by adding more honey or vinegar.

Third Step : Preparing Vegetables

While the chicken cooks, wash and chop all your vegetables. Slice cucumbers and bell peppers thinly and shred the carrots. Place all these vibrant veggies in a large bowl.

Fourth Step : Slicing the Chicken

Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for about five minutes. Then slice them into thin strips to ensure they’re easy to mix into your salad.

Fifth Step : Combining Ingredients

Add sliced chicken to the bowl with mixed salad greens and vegetables. Drizzle with your prepared dressing before tossing everything gently until well coated.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic before grilling to enhance its taste.
• Use Fresh Produce: Always opt for fresh vegetables as they add crunchiness and vibrant colors to your salad.
• Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add additional toppings such as nuts or seeds for extra texture.

Preparation Instructions

To create a delicious Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, start by gathering all your ingredients. Begin by grilling or roasting chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Next, prepare the salad base. Wash and chop fresh greens such as romaine lettuce and spinach. Add shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and red cabbage for added crunch and color. Toss these ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

For the dressing, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and freshly grated ginger in a separate bowl. Once mixed well, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine thoroughly.

Finally, top the salad with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that authentic Asian flavor. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions

This Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy this salad on its own for a healthy midday meal.
• Picnic Delight: Pack it in a container for a refreshing outdoor dining experience.
• Party Platter: Serve it as one of several dishes at your next gathering or celebration.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. The combination of chicken and fresh vegetables provides ample protein and vitamins. A typical serving contains approximately 350 calories, with balanced macronutrients that promote overall health.

The inclusion of sesame seeds adds healthy fats while enhancing flavor. Additionally, using fresh ingredients ensures you get essential nutrients without unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Storage Tips

To maximize freshness, store any leftover Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two days to ensure optimal taste and texture.

If you plan to keep it longer, store the dressing separately to prevent sogginess in the greens. Simply mix everything again just before serving to enjoy that crisp freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance! To maintain freshness, assemble all components except the dressing. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the sliced chicken on top of the greens and drizzle with dressing right before enjoying your meal.

What kind of chicken should I use?

For this Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe, grilled or roasted chicken breasts work best due to their lean protein content and tender texture. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience; just shred it before adding it to your salad mix. Ensure that whatever chicken you choose is cooked thoroughly at 165°F for safety.

Can I substitute any ingredients?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite adaptable based on your preferences or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider substituting grilled tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. You can also switch out vegetables based on what you have available—bell peppers or snap peas would be excellent additions!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce as tamari is made without wheat. Check other ingredient labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten as well; many brands offer gluten-free options for dressings and sauces now!

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Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

• Author: jenny
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

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Description

Indulge in a vibrant culinary experience with the Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. This delightful dish features juicy grilled chicken, fresh mixed greens, and crunchy vegetables, all drizzled with a savory sesame dressing. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or dinner gatherings, each bite delivers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cucumber (sliced)
• 1 cup red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Allow to rest before slicing.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar until well combined.
3. While the chicken cooks, wash and chop all vegetables; place in a large bowl.
4. Slice grilled chicken into thin strips and add to the vegetable bowl.
5. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (about 350g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for enhanced flavor. Feel free to add toppings like nuts or seeds for extra crunch. For a vegetarian option, substitute grilled tofu or chickpeas.