Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
A copycat recipe for Panera’s Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. Crispy, fresh romaine, sliced almonds, sesame seeds, tender sliced grilled chicken, and wonton strips — all topped with a sweet and tangy Asian sesame vinaigrette. So much goodness all packed into ONE salad!
Servings: 5
Calories: 516kcal
Ingredients
Sesame Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 whole cloves garlic smashed
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup canola oil or avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Salad:
- 6-7 cups shredded romaine or baby spinach/mixed shredded cabbage etc.
- 1 large carrot shredded
- 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup prepared wonton strips
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup cilantro leaves
- 12 ounces grilled chicken diced (or shredded rotisserie)
Instructions
- DRESSING: Add rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow it to just come to a gentle boil. Add sugar and garlic cloves and let sugar dissolve; about 1 minute. Remove from stove, discard garlic cloves. Place the rice vinegar in a mason jar, add sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Allow the dressing to come to room temperature; about 10-15 minutes. Place lid on the jar and shake until the dressing mixes together. If dressing separates, shake again to combine.
- ASSEMBLE THE SALAD: In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the salad, except the wonton strips. Ttop with the sesame vinaigrette and toss to combine. Top with wonton strips and serve immediately.
Notes
- WONTON STRIPS: Use store-bought or make your own. Purchase square wonton sheets, defrost according to package directions. Cut into thin strips and fry in hot oil for about a 30-60 seconds or until lightly golden. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Let cool before using in salad.
- GRILLED CHICKEN: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp sesame oil in a bowl. Add the chicken and let marinate for 5-60 minutes. Grill chicken for 5-6 mins per side or until cooked through. Slice or dice and use.
Nutrition
Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g
