This Spicy chopped Thai chicken salad is inspired by Panera’s Thai chicken salad. Chopped romaine, grilled chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, almonds, cashews, and crispy wonton strips make up this loaded salad. Tossed in a salty, spicy chili sesame dressing. This is perfect for a filling summer salad, substitute the chicken for grilled shrimp or steak for a heartier meal.
Highlights of this Spicy Thai Chopped Salad:
- Loaded with fresh veggies and flavor
- Medium heat, spice can be customized
- Panera Bread copycat recipe
- Can be made ahead of time
- Perfect for fresh summer produce
- Grilled chicken make this salad more filling
This salad can be tossed together and made into Thai chicken lettuce wraps or can be made for an easy meal prep, put into separate containers and leave dressing on the side until ready to eat! Crispy wontons are so easy to whip up at home!
More topping ideas:
- Bean sprouts
- Thai basil
- Hothouse cucumbers
- Fresh coriander
- Spring onions
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh herbs
- Red onion
Tools I used for this Panera spicy Thai salad:
- Serving Platter – a great neutral option for serving salads or pastas
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls – perfect for mixing the salad
- Pint Mason Jars – perfect for shaking up salad dressings, any extra dressing can easily be stored
Grocery List & Substitutions:
Salad ingredients:
- Romain lettuce, or substitute a spring mix
- Green and red cabbage, or substitute Napa cabbage
- Fresh cilantro
- Grilled chicken, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken
- Red bell pepper
- Green onions
- Wonton strips, homemade or store-bought
- Carrots
- Almonds or cashews, could substitute chopped peanuts
Thai peanut dressing ingredients:
- Sesame oil
- Creamy peanut butter
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds
- Sriracha sauce
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
Homemade Thai peanut dressing is super quick to make, or substitute store bought spicy peanut dressing. You can always add more flavor to your dressing by adding black vinegar, chili pepper, sweet chili sauce, or fresh garlic! I like to garnish with plenty of sliced green onions and fresh limes.
If you like this Spicy Chopped Thai Chicken Salad (Panera Inspired), you’ll love these other copycat recipes…
Cracker Barrel Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Panera Bread Chicken Tortilla Soup
What is the best type of lettuce to use for this Thai salad?
A blend of romaine lettuce and cabbage is the best base for this salad. You need a hearty base that will withstand the toppings and dressing. You could also use Napa cabbage or kale for your base.
Can this Thai chicken salad be made ahead?
Yes! Combine everything except the dressing, wonton strips, and chopped nuts. Keep in an airtight container until ready to serve, then toss with the dressing and add your wontons and chopped nuts for garnish. I wouldn’t make the salad more than 2 or3 days in advance.
How do you make homemade wonton strips?
Homemade wonton strips are so easy to make. Take a package of refrigerated wonton wrappers and slice into thin strips. In a shallow pan heat a neutral oil, such as canola oil over medium-high heat. Once warm, add in the sliced and fry until golden brown and crispy, stirring often with tongs. Remove from the oil and let drain on a paper towel lined tray and season with salt.
Chili oil or chili crisps add a nice crunch and extra dose of heat and color!
Instructions for the Panera spicy Thai salad:
For the Thai peanut dressing:
- In a bowl or mason jar combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, chili oil, garlic, sesame seeds, and peanut butter. Stir or shake to combine.
For the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the lettuce, cabbage, peppers, carrots, cilantro, and diced chicken. Top with dressing and toss well to combine, top with chopped almonds, sliced green onions, and wonton strips
Notes:
*See above for other topping ideas!
*This salad is best served immediately, if needed for later, prepare the salad but wait to dress until just before serving. Wonton strips do best at room temperature, if making the salad ahead of time wait to add wontons stirp until service.
Spicy Chopped Thai Chicken Salad (Panera Inspired)
Ingredients
For the Thai Peanut Dressing:
- 3 tbsp Sesame oil
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp Chili oil
- 2 tbsp Creamy peanut butter
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds
For the salad:
- 3 cups Chopped romaine lettuce
- 3 cups Shredded green and purple cabbage
- 1 Red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 2 whole Carrots, peeled and shredded
- Fresh cilantro
- 8 oz. Cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup Chopped almonds or cashews
- 1 cup Wonton strips, store-bought or homemade
- Sliced green onion
Instructions
For the Thai peanut dressing:
- In a bowl or mason jar combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, chili oil, garlic, sesame seeds, and peanut butter. Stir or shake to combine.
For the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the lettuce, cabbage, peppers, carrots, cilantro, and diced chicken. Top with dressing and toss well to combine, top with chopped almonds, sliced green onions, and wonton strips
Notes
Nutrition
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