Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that manages to convert even the most reluctant salad eater. The inviting crunch, fresh vegetables, and that creamy, sweet-tangy dressing make each bite unforgettable. This copycat recipe lets you recreate the beloved restaurant salad at home—no reservations or waiting required.
What Makes Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Stand Out?
This salad blends classic American comfort with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors. Unlike basic green salads, it’s a lively mix of textures and tastes—juicy chicken, crisp cabbage, toasted almonds, and a generous layer of crunchy chow mein noodles. The creamy Oriental vinaigrette brings it all together with subtle sweetness and just enough tang.
The real secret? Balance. Each component enhances the next: the savory notes of chicken and nuts, the fresh crunch of vegetables, and the irresistible dressing. It’s satisfying, colorful, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
Main Ingredients
Success starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Grill, bake, or air-fry them for a golden crust.
- Mixed Greens: Use a blend of romaine lettuce and two types of cabbage—Napa for tenderness, red cabbage for vibrant color.
- Chow Mein Noodles: These crispy noodles provide a signature crunch.
- Almonds: Sliced or slivered, lightly toasted for extra flavor.
- Green Onions: Thin-sliced for subtle sharpness.
- Carrots: Shredded, adding sweetness and extra crunch.
- Oriental Dressing: The magic element (recipes follows below).
Dressing Essentials
This creamy Asian-style dressing sets this salad apart. It’s a blend of:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Base, adds creaminess |
| Honey | Sweetness |
| Rice Vinegar | Tang, classic Asian flavor |
| Dijon Mustard | Depth and a hint of spice |
| Sesame Oil | Nutty aroma |
| Soy Sauce | Savory balance |
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start with two medium chicken breasts. For extra flavor, marinate with a mix of soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a dash of garlic powder. Let it rest for 30 minutes—if you have the time.
You have several options for cooking:
- Grilled: Brush lightly with oil and grill over medium heat, 6-7 minutes per side until juices run clear.
- Baked: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22-25 minutes.
- Air-Fried: Air-fry at 370°F (188°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then slice into thin strips or cubes for easy eating.
2. Mix the Greens
In a large bowl, combine the following:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Toss gently to combine. The mix should feel balanced and colorful. If prepping ahead, keep the greens chilled and undressed to preserve crispness.
3. Prepare the Dressing
Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and glossy:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Taste and adjust: add a pinch of salt, extra honey for sweetness, or a dash more vinegar for tang.
4. Toast the Almonds
Add 1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds to a small skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Set aside to cool.
5. Assemble the Salad
You’re ready to bring it all together. Layer the ingredients in a large serving bowl or on individual plates:
- Base of mixed greens and cabbage
- Chicken slices layered on top
- Handful of crispy chow mein noodles
- Sprinkle toasted almonds
- Drizzle with dressing
- Finish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired
If you’re serving a crowd, keep the noodles and dressing on the side until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Tips for the Best Oriental Chicken Salad
- Pre-cooked Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken or frozen, breaded chicken strips, crisped in the oven or air fryer.
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating brings out savory flavors and keeps the texture tender.
- Double the Dressing: This dressing keeps well—store extras in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.
- Stay Crunchy: Always add the chow mein noodles and nuts just before serving.
- Customize Vegetables: Don’t stop at cabbage and lettuce—thin-sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or cucumber add nutrition and color.
Easy Variations
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is endlessly customizable. Try these ideas to suit your taste:
Meatless
Swap the chicken for crispy tofu, air-fried tempeh, or shredded jackfruit—for a plant-based “chicken” texture.
Spicy Kick
Add a dash of sriracha, chili flakes, or spicy chili crisp oil to your dressing.
Peanut Dressing
Love peanut flavor? Stir a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the dressing for a Thai-inspired twist.
Fruity Additions
Toss in mandarin orange segments, thin-sliced mango, or pineapple chunks for a brighter profile.
Wrap it Up
Spoon the salad into large tortillas or lettuce cups for quick wraps—perfect for lunch boxes or picnics.
Nutritional Snapshot
Here’s a rough breakdown for one generous serving (dressing included):
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Fiber | 6g |
Figures will vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.
Oriental Chicken Salad: Restaurant-Quality at Home
Making this salad at home is remarkably straightforward. It’s also fresher, fully customizable, and budget-friendly compared to dining out. Plus, once you master the basic method, the variations are endless. Use up leftover chicken, explore different veggies, or try new dressings. Every time, the salad feels new.
Entertaining and Meal Prep Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prep greens, chicken, and dressing ahead. Store separately in the fridge and assemble just before eating.
- Leftovers: This salad doesn’t wilt quickly thanks to the hearty cabbage blend. If dressed, it stays crisp for a few hours—long enough for leftovers.
- Potluck Winner: Bring the undressed salad, noodles, and almonds in separate containers. Toss everything together right before serving for top-tier freshness.
Flavor Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Oriental Chicken Salad works well as a main dish but pairs easily with sides. For a light meal, serve with miso soup or steamed edamame. For dinner, add jasmine rice or a crusty baguette. A fruit platter with melon, kiwi, or berries highlights the salad’s subtle sweetness.
Final Notes: Home Comfort, Restaurant Flair
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad isn’t just another salad—it’s a satisfying, texture-rich meal that feels special enough for company yet is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. The bright crunch of cabbage and almonds, warm chicken, and creamy-sweet dressing combine into something crave-worthy. Once you try it, this homemade version might edge out the original.
Rediscover salad in the best possible way, right from your own kitchen.
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
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He climbed aboard and quickly found his seat. He settled in, breathing a sigh of relief.
Ingredients
- 3 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cooked or rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup almond slices
- 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 cup red cabbage
- 1/3 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup napa cabbage
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
- To make the dressing, place honey, vinegar, mayonnaise, and mustard in a blender and puree for 30 seconds.
- For the salad, cut lettuce and cabbage into thin strips with a pair of kitchen scissors. Toss with green onions, almonds, chow mein noodles, and chicken.
- Coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Enjoy!