Asian Sesame Salad Recipe

Introduction

Timeless and crave-worthy, Asian Sesame Salad combines crunchy greens with protein, almonds, and a bright sesame dressing. This home-friendly version tastes just like the beloved Panera classic and comes together quickly, especially since the dressing is mixed in a jar.

A white bowl holds a two‑layer salad: a bed of bright green lettuce leaves on the bottom and pale sliced chicken on top, plus a generous scattering of light brown almond slivers across the chicken. The chicken pieces are tender and white with some browned crust, while the almonds add a crunchy, nutty texture and a speckled brown color. The overall look is fresh and hearty, with the green leaves providing a crisp base and the sliced chicken and almonds forming a layered, textured top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • Dressing: 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • Dressing: 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Dressing: 2 tablespoons honey
  • Dressing: 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Dressing: 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • Dressing: 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Dressing: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • Salad: 8 cups chopped romaine
  • Salad: 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
  • Salad: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salad: 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • Salad: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Salad: 1 cup crispy wonton strips

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Shake all the dressing ingredients together in a jar until well combined and emulsified.
  2. Step 2: Toss the romaine and chicken with the dressing in a large bowl until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Fold in the cilantro and toasted almonds for bright aroma and texture.
  4. Step 4: Top the salad with sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips just before serving to keep them extra crunch.

Tips & Variations

  • Make the dressing ahead and store in a jar for up to a week; shake well before using.
  • Swap the chicken for cooked tofu, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
  • Use kale or romaine mix if you don’t have enough romaine.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the wonton strips separate and add just before serving to maintain crunch. Dressing can be kept in the jar and refrigerated for up to a week.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a layered salad with a base of crisp pale green lettuce, then scattered small golden croutons, and on top a generous pile of sliced white chicken breast. The top is heaped with thin brown almond slices that cover the chicken in a crunchy, nutty layer, giving a speckled tan and cream pattern across the dish. The whole looks fresh and hearty, with the white bowl and the light, pale greens creating a clean, simple presentation on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead for a meal prep?

Yes. Prepare the dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge. Store the greens and chicken separately, then toss everything together with cilantro, almonds, sesame seeds, and wonton strips when you’re ready to eat.

Can I customize the protein or greens?

Absolutely. Use cooked tofu, shrimp, or beef, and try romaine with napa cabbage or shredded kale for different textures and flavors.

Print

Asian Sesame Salad Recipe

A bright, crunchy Asian-inspired salad featuring crispy wonton strips, chopped romaine and chicken, tossed with a sweet-tangy sesame dressing. This Panera-inspired version comes together in minutes by whisking or shaking the dressing in a jar and then tossing everything together for a satisfying, crisp meal.

  • Author: luca
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Salad

  • 8 cups chopped romaine
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 cup crispy wonton strips

Instructions

  1. Dressing: Shake all the dressing ingredients in a jar until emulsified and well combined.
  2. Dress the greens and chicken: In a large bowl, toss the romaine and chopped chicken with the dressing until evenly coated.
  3. Finish the salad: Add cilantro and toasted almonds, then toss to distribute. Top with sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips just before serving.

Notes

  • Dress the salad just before serving to keep wonton strips crispy.
  • The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week; shake again before using.
  • Leftovers can chill for up to 3 days, but wonton strips may lose crunch over time.

Keywords: Asian sesame salad, chicken salad, romaine, sesame dressing, wonton strips, Panera-inspired

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