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–+ servings
Asian inspired romaine salad topped with sliced chicken and wonton strips.

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

This copy cat Panera Asian Sesame Salad includes juicy chicken, toasty sliced almonds, and crunchy wonton strips all tossed in a tangy sweet Asian sesame dressing. It's a super versatile salad you can make gluten free or vegetarian to suit your needs.
4.5 from 49 votes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 528kcal

Ingredients
 

For the chicken marinade (optional):

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 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 salt (or to taste)

For the salad:

  • ¾ cup toasted sliced almonds
  • 1 cup wonton strips
  • 2 romaine hearts (chopped)
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Add the marinade to the chicken, either in a ziplock bag or in a shallow container. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.
  • In a glass jar with a tight fitting lid, add the oil, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger, if using. Cover tightly then shake until the ingredients are well combined. Season to taste with salt.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Heat a pan over medium heat and coat with oil. Add the chicken and cook, undisturbed, 4-5 minutes a side or until the chicken is well browned and registers at least 165 degrees with a meat thermometer. Remove from heat, and chop into bite sized pieces or strips.
  • In a bowl, toss together the chopped romaine, sliced almonds, wonton strips, sesame seeds, cilantro, and chicken. Toss with the dressing and serve.

Notes

  • If you aren't marinating the chicken, simply season both sides with salt and pepper and cook in an oiled pan.
  • For a gluten free version, sub tamari for soy sauce and omit the wonton strips.
  • See the post above for make ahead instructions and variations.
Course Salads
Cuisine Asian
Keyword asian sesame chicken salad, asian sesame salad, panera asian sesame salad

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1407mg | Potassium: 756mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 4955IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 2mg
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