Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: How to Make the Famous Copycat at Home (For Half the Price)

You’ve had it.
That crisp, cool, crunchy Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad—with tender grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, red cabbage, and that addictive sesame-ginger dressing.

But you don’t want to pay $12+ for a salad… or wait in line during lunch rush.

Good news: you can make an even better version at home—for under $6 per serving—with fresher ingredients, more chicken, and zero preservatives.

In 2025, with more Americans cooking restaurant favorites at home (Google Trends shows “Panera copycat recipes” up 180% since 2023), this salad is a top request. And for good reason: it’s packed with flavor, texture, and protein—and ready in 20 minutes.

Let’s break down how to recreate it perfectly—including the secret to that creamy, tangy, umami-rich dressing.

Table of Contents

Why This Salad Is a Weekday Hero

Panera’s version is beloved because it’s not just lettuce. It’s a balanced meal in a bowl:

Grilled chicken for protein
Mandarin oranges for sweetness
Crispy wonton strips for crunch
Red cabbage and greens for fiber
Sesame-ginger dressing for bold flavor

At home, you can make it even better:

Use organic greens
Add extra chicken
Control the sodium and sugar
Skip the plastic container

And the best part? It costs less than half the price of the café version.

Your Foolproof Game Plan (20 Minutes, 2 Bowls)

The secret? Make the dressing first, then layer smart.

For the Dressing (makes ~1 cup):

¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional: ½ tsp sriracha for heat

Instructions: Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt.

For the Salad (serves 2):

4 cups chopped romaine or spring mix
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cooked chicken breast, sliced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
½ cup mandarin oranges (canned in juice, drained)
¼ cup sliced almonds or crispy chow mein noodles
2 green onions, sliced
Extra sesame seeds for garnish

Assembly:

In a large bowl, combine greens and cabbage.
Top with chicken, oranges, almonds, and green onions.
Drizzle with dressing (start with 2–3 tbsp per serving).
Garnish with sesame seeds and extra crunch.
Toss gently just before eating.

Total active time: 15 minutes. Total hands-off: 5.

Real-life win: I made this for lunch while working from home. My husband said, “This tastes like Panera—but fresher.”

Real-Life Scenarios Where This Shines

Office lunch: Pack components separately. Assemble at work to keep greens crisp.
Weeknight dinner: Pair with miso soup or edamame for a full meal.
Meal prep MVP: Store dressing and chopped veggies separately. Assemble in 2 minutes.
Kid-friendly: My nephew calls it “orange chicken salad” and eats every bite—even the cabbage.
Budget brilliance: Total cost: ~$5 for 2 servings. Less than a drive-thru coffee.

Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Tested Every Version

Toast your sesame seeds. It takes 2 minutes in a dry skillet—and adds deep nuttiness.
Use fresh ginger. Ground ginger won’t give the same bright zing.
Don’t overdress. Start with 2 tbsp per serving. You can always add more.
Make chicken ahead. Grill extra on Sunday for salads all week.
Boost crunch: Swap almonds for homemade crispy wonton strips (bake store-bought strips at 375°F for 5 minutes).

How to Make It Healthier (Without Losing Flavor)

Lighter dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo—same creaminess, more protein.
Lower sugar: Reduce honey to ½ tbsp or use monk fruit sweetener.
More greens: Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Extra protein: Top with edamame or avocado slices.
Gluten-free: Use tamari and skip wonton strips (or use GF crispy noodles).

Top 5 FAQs People Actually Search For

1. What’s in Panera’s Asian Sesame dressing?
Panera’s version contains soybean oil, distilled vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and spices. Our copycat uses real ingredients without fillers.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for protein.

3. How long does the dressing last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge. Store in a jar with a tight lid.

4. Can I use bottled dressing?
You can—but most bottled sesame dressings are high in sugar and preservatives. Homemade tastes fresher and costs less.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?
Almost—it just depends on the soy sauce and crunch topping. Use tamari and almonds for a fully GF version.

The Bottom Line

Panera’s Asian Sesame Chicken Salad isn’t magic.
It’s smart layering, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients—all things you can do at home.

With a few pantry staples and 20 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy salad that’s healthier, cheaper, and just as satisfying.

So next time you’re craving that sweet-savory crunch—but don’t want the bill or the line—grab that head of cabbage, whisk up that dressing, and build yourself a bowl worth savoring.

Your future self—fork in hand, crunching into citrusy, gingery goodness—will thank you.

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