Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

When it comes to restaurant salads, nothing beats Applebee’s Oriental chicken salad.

Even salad haters can’t resist the flavors of this dish. With a medley of veggies, nuts, and chicken and a sweet and tangy Asian dressing, it’s hard to resist.

I mean, just look at it! Those vibrant colors alone will make you want to try it. Good job, Applebee’s!

Bust out those salad bowls and let’s take a look at this yummy Applebee’s Oriental chicken salad. 

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad 

Applebee’s Oriental chicken salad takes the flavors of Asia and turns it into a mind-blowing salad.

Made with colorful veggies, crunchy nuts and noodles, and a sweet and creamy dressing, it’s like summer in a bowl!

The individual ingredients may be simple. But when you toss them all together with a bright dressing, it transforms into a hearty and amazing dish.

It’s so good, even the kids will enjoy it. I’ll bet they won’t even realize it’s good for them. 

There are hundreds of copycat recipes out there. But out of the ones I tried, this one replicates the original the best.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to whip up this tasty salad right in your kitchen. And you don’t need to head to the Asian market!

• Honey. For a deep, sweet flavor. It’s what makes the dressing deliciously sweet.

• Vinegar. For a tangy contrast. Any type of vinegar works, but rice wine vinegar is best to achieve that Asian flavor.

• Mayonnaise. For a rich and creamy dressing.

• Mustard. It also adds a tangy flavor.

• Cabbage and lettuce. Using cabbage means this salad keeps well. Add both Red and Napa cabbage for a nice color contrast. Romaine lettuce is in there, too!

• Green onions. For that lovely pungent, earthy flavor.

• Chow mein noodles. One of the trademark ingredients in Applebee’s salad. It’s crisp, crunchy, and transforms the salad from so-so to spectacular. 

• Almonds. For a nutty and crunchy salad.

• Chicken. Don’t make life hard. Just use whatever leftover chicken you have available. You can shred the chicken for easier eating.

Tips for the Best Salad

Want your salad to taste just like Applebees? Follow these quick tips and tricks below for an Instagram-worthy salad. 

• Opt for pre-cooked chicken. I love picking up a rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It makes my life even easier. Or, you can opt for frozen chicken strips and pop them in the air fryer. Easy peasy. 

• Use colorful cabbage. For that wonderful pop of color, use more than one type of cabbage. A combination of red and green cabbage looks so pretty (and tasty). Throw in some shredded carrots, too!

• Make it even easier. For a more effortless salad, get a bag of pre-chopped salad mix. Many pre-chopped salads utilize different types of cabbage, too. 

• Try a healthier dressing. For a lighter dressing, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds a wonderful pop of tartness to the sweet and savory dressing. 

• Want more dressing? Simply double the dressing and a bit more honey. I like to make a big batch to store in the fridge whenever I make a salad. 

• Achieve authentic Asian flavors. For an authentic Asian flavor, use rice wine vinegar for the dressing. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil, too. You’ll thank me later. 

• Make salad wraps. For a more filling dinner, turn the salad into salad wraps. Just wrap them in tortillas, and voila!

Variations

What I love about this recipe is that you can make it your own. Whether you want something spicy, meatless, or healthier, I have you covered. 

Check out some of these fantastic variations. 

• Make it spicy. Give the dressing a nice kick by adding half a teaspoon of sriracha or red chili oil. 

• Try a peanut dressing. Purée garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and red chili flakes.

• Bust out the air fryer. Instead of deep-frying the chicken, use the air fryer. It will be as flavorful minus the extra grease. 

• Skip the meat. For a meatless meal, you can easily swap chicken for vegetarian substitutes. Or, add fried tofu pieces. 

• Make it a rice bowl. For a more filling meal, you can serve this salad over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa. 

Extras and Add-ins

The great thing about salads is that you can add whatever mix-ins you like. The options are limitless. Here are some suggestions.

• Fresh fruit. Mangoes, peaches, pineapple, and mandarin oranges for a bright, refreshing salad. 

• Crunchy additions. Crispy wonton strips, sesame seeds, and toasted coconut for texture. 

• Nuts. Toasted cashews, walnuts, and pecans for crunch. 

• Veggies. Steamed snow peas, diced red bell peppers, broccoli, and cucumbers for nutrition. 

More Applebee’s Copycat Recipes

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken
Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip