Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

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Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad strikes a perfect balance between comfort food and freshness. Crisp greens, tender chicken, crunchy noodles, and a sweet tangy dressing—each bite combines to create a salad that’s just as satisfying as any entrée.

If you’ve ever craved this signature salad outside the restaurant, you’re not alone. Here’s how you can make a vibrant, flavorful version at home, with tips, variations, and serving ideas to personalize every bowl.

What Makes Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Stand Out?

At its heart, this salad delivers contrasting textures and a unique flavor profile. The fresh vegetables partner with a layered Asian-inspired dressing. Add golden chicken, roasted almonds, and crunchy chow mein noodles, and you have a salad that appeals to even the most devoted meat-and-potatoes eater.

This hearty dish is versatile enough to serve for lunch, dinner, or at gatherings. The combination of Asian flavors with classic American salad ingredients is what keeps people coming back for more.

Ingredients: Building Flavor and Texture

Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to capture the spirit of Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad:

For the dressing:

Each of these ingredients contributes to the salad’s layered taste—crisp, creamy, salty, sweet, and tangy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

You have two main options: classic breaded chicken or a lighter grilled/rotisserie version.

For breaded chicken:

• Flatten chicken breasts using a mallet for even cooking.
• Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
• Pan-fry in a ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
• Drain on paper towels, then slice into strips.

Shortcut: A store-bought rotisserie chicken or prepared crispy chicken strips work well for busy days.

2. Mix the Oriental Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• Pinch salt and black pepper

The goal is a thick, creamy, pale dressing. Taste as you go—add a dash more honey for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for extra tang.

3. Prep the Vegetables

• Thinly slice the romaine, Napa, and red cabbages.
• Julienne the carrots.
• Thinly slice the green onions.
• If desired, toss with a few ice cubes for 10 minutes, then drain—this makes the vegetables extra crisp.

4. Assemble the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, combine all vegetables.
• Add sliced chicken on top.
• Sprinkle with toasted almonds and crunchy chow mein noodles.

5. Dress and Toss

• Gently toss salad ingredients with half the dressing. Serve the remainder on the side for drizzling.

Tips and Techniques for Success

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Chill your greens before assembling; this keeps the salad lively and refreshing.
• Double the Dressing: This dressing stores well. Make a double batch and save some for leftover salads, wraps, or even as a dip.
• Prepping Ahead: Chop veggies ahead and store separately. Dress just before serving to keep everything crisp.
• Customize Texture: For those who love extra crunch, add more chow mein noodles or sliced almonds right before serving.

Easy Variations

This salad lends itself well to adaptation. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Make it Spicy: Whisk in sriracha or chili oil to the dressing for a kick.
• Go Vegetarian: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh strips. Even edamame works for added protein.
• Swap the Greens: Try shredded kale or a spring mix as the base for a different flavor.
• Fruit Accents: Add mandarin orange segments, fresh pineapple, or mango cubes for a burst of sweetness.
• Peanut Dressing Twist: Replace some mayonnaise with peanut butter, or add a splash of lime for Thai-inspired flavor.

Nutrition and Dietary Swaps

You can adjust each ingredient to suit dietary preferences without sacrificing the characteristic flavors of the dish.

Serving Ideas and Storage

Serving Suggestions:
– Present the salad on a large platter for a statement look.
– Offer extra dressing on the side, so everyone enjoys the ideal amount.
– Salad wraps are a fun alternative—wrap portions in tortillas or lettuce leaves for a portable meal.

Storage:
– Store leftovers (without dressing or noodles) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
– Keep dressing separate to prevent sogginess. Add fresh chow mein noodles before serving to retain crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free panko and chow mein noodles, or substitute with gluten-free tortilla strips for crunch.

Is there a dairy-free option?

The standard dressing uses mayonnaise, which is generally dairy-free. For a fully dairy-free version, double-check the mayonnaise brand or use vegan mayo.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Try tofu, tempeh, air-fried shrimp, or chickpeas for a different twist.

Can I make the salad ahead for meal prep?

Yes—prep all components separately and assemble right before serving. Pack dressing in a separate container for each serving to keep everything fresh.

Bringing It All Together

Recreating Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad at home is rewarding, simple, and endlessly customizable. With crisp greens, golden chicken, a creamy Asian-inspired dressing, and that unmistakable crunch, this salad satisfies when you’re craving something hearty, yet bright. Try the variations or keep it classic—you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe for easy lunches, gatherings, or whenever you need a punch of flavor and freshness on your plate.