Description
The Panera Thai Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining fresh mixed greens, tender grilled chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty Thai-inspired dressing. This vibrant salad perfectly balances textures and tastes, making it a quick, healthy, and versatile choice for lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, cabbage)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup crunchy peanuts
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Thai-Inspired Dressing
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chili (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts until fully cooked and nicely browned. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
- Assemble the greens and veggies: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and cilantro to create a colorful, crunchy base.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the Thai-inspired dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients without bruising the greens.
- Top with chicken and crunch: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken over the salad, then sprinkle generously with peanuts and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to experience the perfect balance of crispness and tangy dressing.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in soy sauce and lime juice before cooking for extra flavor.
- Add crunchy vegetables like cabbage or snap peas to enhance texture.
- Prepare the Thai dressing a day ahead to let flavors meld.
- Mix salad gently to avoid bruised greens.
- Keep the salad chilled until serving for a refreshing bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling, Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Thai chicken salad, Panera salad copycat, grilled chicken salad, healthy salad, Thai dressing salad, gluten free salad