Delicious Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe For Meal Prep Enthusiasts
If you’re a meal prep enthusiast who loves flavorful salads, you’ve likely heard of Panera Bread’s delicious Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. This salad is a perfect blend of protein, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing that makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion. The best part? You can easily prepare it at home, saving money while still enjoying that amazing restaurant flavor. In this article, we’ll guide you through making your own version of the Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, romaine, and arugula)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame (shelled)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup Asian sesame dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Start by cooking your chicken breast. You can either boil, grill, or bake it until fully cooked. Once cooked, allow it to cool before shredding.
- While the chicken cools, prepare your vegetables. Wash and dry the salad greens, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red bell pepper and cucumber, and shred the carrots.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salad greens, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, and edamame.
- Add the sliced green onions, almonds, and sesame seeds to the bowl. The almonds add a nice crunch, while the sesame seeds enhance the Asian flavor.
- Drizzle the Asian sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- If meal prepping, divide the salad into four meal prep containers. You can store the dressing separately if you prefer, to keep the salad fresh.
- Seal the containers and store them in the refrigerator. This salad stays fresh for up to four days, making it a perfect option for busy weeks.
Making Your Own Asian Sesame Dressing
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to make your own Asian sesame dressing! Here’s a quick and easy recipe you can follow.
Ingredients for Dressing
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions for Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Add the sesame seeds and stir again.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips for the Best Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
To elevate your homemade salad, consider these tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time and extra flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or shredded cabbage for additional crunch.
- To enhance the salad’s flavor, let it marinate for a bit after adding the dressing before serving.
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of Sriracha to the dressing.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as cashews or walnuts, to find your favorite combination.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This salad is fantastic for meal prep, but there are additional ways to serve it. Consider these storage and serving tips:
- Store the salad in airtight containers in the fridge to keep it fresh.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy greens.
- Serve with crunchy wonton strips or crispy rice crackers for an extra crunch.
- For a heartier meal, serve it over brown rice or quinoa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein in this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
How long can I store the salad?
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to enjoy it.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your dressing is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Use tofu in place of chicken and substitute honey with maple syrup in the dressing for a vegan-friendly option.
Conclusion
Creating your own Delicious Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe For Meal Prep Enthusiasts is not only rewarding but also a great way to ensure you have healthy meals ready to go. The combination of fresh vegetables, protein, and a zesty dressing makes this salad a winner in any meal prep rotation. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, and you’ll find yourself making this salad again and again!
Now that you have this easy and delicious recipe, it’s time to hit the kitchen and whip up your very own Asian sesame chicken salad. Happy cooking!
