Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

By Cookie67

Panera Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 wonton wrappers
• Canola oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces, loosely packed
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced thinly on a bias
• 1/4 cup Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing (recipe follows)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing
• Makes 1 1/4 cups
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
• COMBINE all ingredients except canola oil in a medium mixing bowl with a wire whisk. Once ingredients are combined, slowly pour in the oil while whisking to form an emulsion.

Preparation

Step 1

PREHEAT the oven to 350°F. To prepare wonton strips, cut wonton wrappers into 1/4 inch strips. In a deep skillet, pour canola oil to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat oil to 365°F. Carefully drop wonton slices into hot oil and fry for about 30 seconds, or until crisp and golden. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Arrange almonds in a single layer on a sheet pan. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes, toss nuts, then toast for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden. Remove from pan to cool.

To make the salad, toss the lettuce, cilantro, wonton strips, chicken, and dressing in a large mixing bowl until combined. Place the mixture on a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and almonds and serve.