pin it
This Panera Thai Chicken Salad Copycat brings the perfect balance of crisp vegetables, protein-packed chicken, and zingy peanut dressing right to your kitchen table. After trying numerous versions, this recipe nails that signature Panera flavor profile while being incredibly simple to make at home.
I first recreated this after spending far too much money on weekly Panera runs. Now my family requests it regularly for our Sunday meal prep sessions, and we never feel like we're missing out on the original.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: Forms the crisp base that holds up beautifully to the hearty toppings
- Cooked chicken: Provides lean protein and makes this a satisfying main dish
- Carrots: Add sweetness and a pop of color
- Edamame: Brings plant protein and a wonderful tender texture
- Roasted red peppers: Contribute smoky sweetness without added effort
- Fresh cilantro: Gives bright herbaceous notes that elevate the entire salad
- Cashews: Provide the perfect crunch and nutty flavor
- Peanut butter: Creates the creamy base for our dressing
- Red pepper flakes: Add that signature Thai heat
- Honey: Balances the spice with necessary sweetness
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami depth that makes the dressing craveable
- Rice vinegar: Provides essential acidity
- Sesame oil: Adds authentic Asian flavor notes with just a small amount
pin it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Char the Vegetables:
- Cook the carrots and edamame in a hot pan with a light coating of olive oil until they develop slight charring and caramelization. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes over medium-high heat. The goal is to get some color while maintaining texture. Allow these to cool completely before adding to your salad.
- Create the Dressing:
- Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and emulsified. The peanut butter will initially resist blending, but keep whisking until you achieve a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should be slightly sweet with a pleasant heat undertone.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In your largest bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced chicken, cooled roasted vegetables, roasted red peppers, chopped cilantro, and cashews. This is your moment to create a beautiful composition. Pour the peanut chili vinaigrette around the edges of the bowl, then toss everything together until evenly coated.
Roasted red peppers are truly the unsung hero of this salad. I discovered their importance when I once made this without them, and the salad lost that distinctive Panera flavor. Their sweet smokiness balances the spicy peanut dressing perfectly.
Make Ahead Options
This salad works beautifully for meal prep when properly assembled. Keep the dressing separate from the salad components until ready to serve. Store each element in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing stays fresh for up to 5 days, while the prepped vegetables and chicken remain good for about 3 days. When ready to eat, simply combine and enjoy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to make adjustments, this recipe remains flexible. Swap romaine for kale or mixed greens if preferred. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience. Allergic to peanuts? Use sunflower butter in the dressing and replace cashews with sunflower seeds. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with extra edamame or cubed tofu. The recipe maintains its integrity even with thoughtful substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this from a side to a hearty meal by serving it with warm pita bread or garlic naan. For a complete dinner, pair smaller portions with a cup of coconut curry soup. This salad also works beautifully alongside grilled salmon for an omega-rich feast. For entertaining, present it on a large platter rather than tossing, allowing guests to appreciate the colorful components before serving.
pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Yes, it’s a great shortcut and works perfectly for this salad.
- → Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
- Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- → Is this salad spicy?
- It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the chili flakes to your preference.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
- Yes, omit the chicken or replace it with tofu or chickpeas.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store salad and dressing separately for up to 2 days in the fridge.